Integrating non-book-related content

[Constance Reader]

Hi guys!

I'm curious about whether you post non-book-related content on your book blog, and if so, how this has worked out for you. I had a baby last year, and don't really have enough hours in the day to manage two blogs, so I'm in the process of merging my personal blog with my book review blog. Previously, I only posted book-related content (reviews, giveaways, interesting articles about publishing/authors/etc) on my book blog, and that's still the bulk of what I post, but now I'm trying to diversify (and save myself some time!) by pulling in content on parenting, crafting, and design, too.

How do you, a reader, feel about this? Do you mind it, or think it narrows the focus? Do you prefer content of all one type? Are there any tips you can think of to keep the content flowing well from one topic to the other? Do you, as a blogger, change up content? Or do you tend to stick with the book theme?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Thanks for responding.

[Meredith Ann Rutter]

I stick to books. And as a reader of blogs, I'd be less interested in one that doesn't stick with just one, maybe two themes (if the second theme also interested me). Good luck finding time for everything - wow!

[Claire Carey]

Hi,

I also have 2 blogs, this one and blogspot. On this one i mainly stick to books but throw a little of myself into it too. I personally find it very hard not to. My reading fits in around my daily life and some of the books i read need a little explanation as to why. Don't necessarily think its a bad thing to merge the 2. Your title can always indicate whether it is purely book related or something else.

My blog today for instance was related to half term and less reading. My questions for the day for any readers was whether they experienced the same problem as me and how they worked round it. Check it out it you like. C x

[Allison]

For two years, I built my blog solely on book content. It's done pretty well with hits but not so well with comments. This year I started adding memes some of which are as simple as posting a snapshot or summarizing my day in six words. These have allowed me to post quick and regular content, in conjunction with my reviews. Not only have my hits increased, but I've received tons more comments. In my blogging experience, integrating personal content has helped.

As a reader, I also prefer focused blogs. However, it depends on the content. Despite the fact that they're book-related, I don't care for one-line teasers from books, the lists of books a blogger has just received, and other posts like these which offer little substantial content. Having posts on other topics works fine for me, if they serve as insight into the blogger or on a second topic, as long as they're worth my reading time.