hey all, me asking more questions i have been "advised" that starting a blog to compliment my book store would be a good way of getting more content etc and would be some fun too. the only problem is that i have never blogged before and im a little stuck on what is "blogworthy" and what isnt? what things would people like to see from a book blog? do i mix personal with profesional? ie posts on both? im just looking for any advice really as i know there are a lot of bloggers out there thanks again for your time Mike
I would start with book reviews and book related news. For instance, giving your own opinion on the hoopla surrounding the newest Harry Potter book, etc
Here's a few book blogs that I know of...most of which are from booksellers. Perhaps they'll give you some ideas. http://bookninja.blogspot.com/ http://www.rarebooknews.com/ http://www.edifyingspectacle.org/usedbookdealer/ http://www.livejournal.com/users/thebookbandit/ http://booksellingonline.blogspot.com/ http://journal.bookfinder.com/ http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/shire15/ http://bookninja.com/ http://blog.usingbooks.com/ Good luck.
Here is an independent bookstore that has a blog (they also sponsor my 52 Books 52 Weeks reading project): http://www.atomicbooks.com/43/public_html/blog/ My favorite literary blog is Bookslut.
If the blog would be complimenting your bookstore, I would suggest reviewing books, and giving personal opinons etc. I don't see how your personal life would fit in with your book store, other than the fact that you run it. If you really wanted to you could create another blog for your personal posts. Good luck.
I'd recommend that the best way to find out is to take it straight to the target. Get a domain name and a good hosting provider (PM me and I'll let you know the one I use, which has a one-click blog setup). Then just start making entries, get people visiting, and solicit feedback from them. In my experience, your target audience knows better than a bunch of people on a forum (even if the people on the forum are smarter, funnier, and better-looking than the general population).