Quality Over Quantity, Really?
With the number of new blogs and social media accounts being setup every single day, it is no wonder why quality is preferred over quantity. After all, visitors prefer quality content over frequency of updates, right? The question is – is that all it is to it?
This has always been a topic amongst bloggers and businesses alike. I know of bloggers that go all out, putting up at least 3 posts a day with the reason of generating more traffic. Nothing wrong with that as long it is working for him. There are also others – businesses, to be exact, that posts only on a weekly basis. Does that make them weaker candidates on social media?
How about status updates on Facebook and on Twitter? Are frequent updates more inclined to be followed or be seen as ‘active’ on the network? Or will an update a day do the trick?
Is Quality ‘IT’?
Sure, quality is very important especially today where everyone can create content. Imagine – with 600 million users on Facebook, 1 update per user produces 600 million updates. That’s some massive content but how many of them are quality content? Quality content allows you to rise above the social media clutter. The usage of words, language proficiency, degree of insight, research and more all contribute to quality content.
One thing from missing from the list of quality content is that you’ll also require to have a quality NETWORK or COMMUNITY. Producing quality content without the right audience renders your hard work useless. With the right network, your content has the potential to gain more eyeballs and spark off even more ideas through discussions.
What About Quantity?
Having that said, let’s come back to the question – is quantity insignificant then? I personally do not think so. Quantity matters, too! Here are 4 simple reasons why:
1. If you’re new to social media, it matters to make yourself visible. Post frequently and consistently to capture attention. Avoid using same sentences in your updates as you do not want to be spammy! Be creative.
2. If you’re a blogger, the total amount of your posts count. This does not mean that you should be posting relentlessly, but your post count should show that you’re consistent and you’re serious. Readers may not find you credible / serious if your last post is 6 months away.
3. If you update Facebook, Twitter or more, your interactions count. You should engage in conversations with your customers and networks – don’t just chat, share ideas and position yourself as both an avid learner AND an expert in your field.
4. If you use Twitter, the number of your followers speak. The number of lists you’re added to also speaks. Most people only follow others that have more followers than how many they are following (i am one of them) because it indirectly suggests that you’re ‘followable material’ and that there is just something about you.
What does this mean?
“Quantity matters in social media. The trick is knowing the right amount to spill.”
Yes, as blogger, I experience that quantity is really important in term or traffic.
Very true, Dana. I think many bloggers can testify to the same experience, too! Thanks for sharing :)
Quantity hardly matter in social media, its all about the quality of your social network, if you have few power users as friends getting eye ball to your content and spreading it is easy, doesn’t have to be superb content either
That’s a good one, Nishadha! I agree that having power users as friends can indeed go a long way but I also find that not everyone has the privilege of getting acquainted with power users so quickly – especially for new bloggers. I would think that having a good ‘quantity’ base (i.e. posts and followers) will lead you to opportunities in getting acquainted with power users.
Thanks for sharing! Appreciate your thoughts and insight :)
Jan
Over and over we hear about the quality of the content and this matters but if the quality is very good but the quantity of those reading and sharing and our level of engagement is low, the quality despite playing a big role is not getting out there.
It is not about the blog traffic, it is about attaining the goals. The traffic and back links matters to the search engines. If no one is reading, then no one is linking. If no one is sharing then the search signals are not be accounted for in the search engines.
The goal cannot be attained per se if there is no quantity. You cannot have customers or businesses to help if they do not know you exist. Quality is a very big factor as once they do find you they want to know that you are a solid company, have built a foundation and they are making the right choice in hiring you. If you are not found, well then how can anyone hire you.
I enjoyed this article as we hear over and over write great content and it will be found. Sure, eventually when you are out there and have a good quantity of people wanting to share and pay attention.
Hey Suzanne, those are amazing points to add! Goals vs. Blog traffic – That is so true. You may have the best content in the universe but if you cannot get the quantity in, the chances of your content being shared / linked are close to zero, followed by the rankings.
I agree that many people are putting a lot of effort into producing quality content with the ‘goal’ of obtaining traffic but have no idea on how to obtain them.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Suzanne. Definitely got me thinking a whole lot more. Glad you enjoyed the article :)