Photo cred: "capn madd matt"

Some blogs like to keep everything consistent and unvaried.  They create the same type of post over and over again with different topics.  If that works for you (and it does for many) then great.  This tends to work better for entertainment type blogs where people come to your blog for one reason, and you give it to them.  Many other blogs incorporate a mix of “post types” though.  On my personal blog, I try to use a variety of post types that serve different purposes.  Here’s my blogging mix:

• Informational: If I’m especially comfortable with a tool or concept, I’ll share my expertise.  I like to post tips on how to use tools like twitter or just provide information on marketing/pr processes if I feel comfortable enough with them.  These posts are usually organized into numbered or bulleted lists…kind of like this one!
  • Stats: High traffic, High comment #, Low conversation. Low community building.
    
• Thought-provoking: I consider these to be the most valuable. There are a couple different ways to provoke thoughtful insights from your readers.  These can be their own types of posts, or can be combined into one thought-provoking post (example from my blog)
  1. Open Ended Questions: Ask a question about something that hasn’t been discussed very often.  If you ask the right one (not easy) you’ll can spark a great deal of conversation in your community.  These posts tend to be very short, as you’re not providing your insight, you’re just asking for your reader’s insight.  If you give them all the answers, they’ll have nothing to add.
  2. Opinion: Feel strongly about a topic? Share your thoughts. Take a stance.  These posts can be powerful.  You may draw in some criticism, but that’s what blogging is all about.  Stir up the pot and you’ll catch people’s attention
  • Stats: High traffic. High comment #. High conversation. High community building.
    
• Guest Posts: This is something I need to have more of on my blog, but it’s still part of my mix.  Guest posts are amazing for a number of reasons.  One reason is that it allows you to tap into an entirely new community.  When someone guest posts on your blog, they’ll share the post with their community, and bring in a load of new eyes to your blog.  Another reason is it changes things up a bit. Gives your readers a chance to hear from a new voice.  Lastly, the blogosphere is a community, we’re here to share, contribute and collaborate.  Every blogger should be engaging and cooperating with other bloggers.
  • Stats: High traffic. Comments and conversation depend on the blogger/post. High community building.
    
• Feature Others: Again, blogging is about the community.  I share the people who inspire me whether it be through a recommendation type post where I share why you should connect with these people, or it’s in the form of interviews.  Sharing the people that contribute to you and your community is a great way to return the favor.
  • Stats: Medium traffic. Low comments. Low conversation. High community building.
• Interviews: There are many ideas I have for blog posts that I think would be valuable to my community, but I’m just not knowledgeable in the topic.  You can bring in a guest blogger who is knowledgeable on that topic, or you can just reach out to that person to interview them.  There’s no shame in bringing in someone who can provide a greater insight into a topic.  Interviews are a great way not only to bring more value to your readers, but to create relationships with other high profile bloggers.
  • Stats: Medium traffic. Medium comments. Low conversation. High community building.

So that’s my blogging mix.  There’s probably some stuff I’m forgetting but that’s the bulk of it.  There are a lot of other types of posts/media you can include in your blog.  What’s your blogging mix?