Livemint Launches Blogs
Mint, the financial daily from HT Media, has launched blogs with a couple of issue based series - one on careers called Mint’s Water Cooler, and another around the budget, called “If I Were FM”. There is an advert for If I Were FM in today’s Mint, asking readers to ‘blog now on livemint.com’, but I couldn’t figure out how to sign up to post - a mismatch between promise and delivery. That said, the site does feature posts from citizens, which have been picked up from comments to other posts; so there is an incentive to comment. The other posts are mostly interviews moonlighting as blog posts. However, I didn’t notice any of the posts in the print edition of Mint today, and will If I Were FM warrant attention after the budget? Mint’s Water Cooler might last, though. On the design side, Mint blogs currently lacks archives and categories, both of which will be useful as more and more content gets added to segment. The site could also do with better design integration with livemint.com.
It’s important for Mint to do a few things to drive usage: firstly, the updates need to be frequent, giving users something to return to. Secondly they need to drive discussions on the blogs; as I’ve noticed at ContentSutra, often the value for readers comes from the discussion in the comments, from the community; topical series like If I Were FM are a great idea. Thirdly, some of the content - depending on the quality of the content - should also be covered in the print version. This will encourage more page-views, comments and discussions, and give a sense of belonging to the readers. Among other business publications, BusinessWorld used to have blogs - barely any content. Blogs at BW are now conspicuous by their absence. Business Today has blogs, but not all are updated frequently.
Related StoriesPosted In: Media & Publishing, Newspapers, Companies, Hindustan Times Media, Mint
Newsletter
Comments (19)
Jun 12, 2008 4:48 AM
Yes its more interactive ability which creates consciousness among the users plus interactive ability among peer groups with same interest. Which of course builds up on trust on the website and thus engage in the best marketing strategy word of mouth.
Aug 4, 2008 9:36 AM
It does not seem like they took your advice as the blog is no longer there. We are thinking of creating a blog on our site and I will keep your ideas in mind.
Sep 9, 2008 6:13 PM
Archives and categories are pretty much standard features on blogs. It is surprising that they are not there. I like your ideas on usuage.
Sep 13, 2008 12:26 PM
Hmm.. the blog links do not work, guess they’re no longer up. I don’t think we have a choice as for having archives and categories with the standard blog install - I’ll keep your thoughts in mind for my next blog.
Oct 7, 2008 2:05 PM
Yea that ain’t working.. Well i hope they figure it out soon..
Oct 7, 2008 2:07 PM
That’s strange it doesn’t work..
Oct 13, 2008 2:37 AM
One of the most powerful ways to market your company is through search engine optimization (SEO). This refers to what happens when users enter certain queries into online search engines. The idea is to ensure that your website gets high placement in the results, ideally being on the first page of results.
Oct 14, 2008 1:50 PM
SEO is one of the best ways to market on the internet
Oct 27, 2008 5:47 AM
SEM is really a perfect way.
Oct 30, 2008 10:05 AM
I think this helps a lot, but improvements they made to their system seems to be the biggest incentive for any one to use it. I think it definitely makes life a bit easier.
Oct 30, 2008 4:38 PM
many blogs these days are just used for self blunt advertisement and are rarely used for the purpose of providing important realistic information for the clients.
Jan 13, 2009 9:19 PM
It’s always the case…If there is not enough updates it means no “fresh” content! That’s one thing that gripes me most!
Feb 11, 2009 8:41 PM
It’s more interactive ability which creates consciousness among the users plus interactive ability among peer groups with same interest. The idea is to ensure that your website gets high placement in the results, ideally being on the first page of results.
Feb 13, 2009 10:57 PM
Having updates and changes is important. Things get boring when they stay the same while others are adapting.
Mar 25, 2009 2:50 AM
blogs = fresh content , thanks http://www.airlineticketsindia.com
Apr 3, 2009 7:27 AM
Blogs are the way forward. They have many updates which keeps the reader intetrested which is good.
Apr 7, 2009 8:07 PM
Interactive ability is what creates consciousness among the users plus interactive ability among peer groups with same interest. Which of course builds up on trust on the website and thus engage in the best marketing strategy word of mouth.
Apr 9, 2009 6:23 PM
Some blogs dont give fresh content however, so they also can be a bad thing
May 2, 2009 10:13 PM
I don’t think we have a choice as for having archives and categories with the standard blog install. ....