8 Substantive Blogs to Read

behind the eight ball
Image by Ed Schipul

Getting tired of the same old, same old? Here are eight blogs that seem to deliver great marketing, media and communication content day-in, day-out without getting stuck in the echo chamber’s pedantic chatter. While just a few of the many strong blogs out there, they deliver regular delightful reads.

Danny Brown’s Social Media Marketing Blog – A strong read almost every post, Danny always makes you think. He keeps it real, and focuses on real strategy, nor is he one for chasing butterflies… Unless chasing butterflies is your dream. Perhaps that’s why this blog works so well, it’s relentlessly focused but always with personal passion and a can-do dreamer’s attitude.

Katya’s Nonprofit Marketing Blog – An everyday staple, and one of the industry’s long-standing bright minds. Katya’s general focus is nonprofit, but make no bones about it, she is a marketing blogger. Read Katya for insights into branding, simplicity, and tactical execution.

MobileActive – If you are into mobile, this blog shows some of the world’s most incredible case studies of how internet capable phones are being used to change the world. These case studies should inspire ideas and concepts of possible uses.

Copywrite, Ink. – Rich Becker’s always thoughtful blog uses metaphors and case studies to illustrate his points. Another blogger who has low tolerance for a social media pop ethos, Rich takes an educator’s approach to illustrating his points and does so very effectively.

Spin Sucks – Gini Dietrich’s content machine turns out quite a few goodies during the week. Gini isn’t one to tolerate a lot of bubble-esque BS. She also covers the basics pretty well, and features some strong guest bloggers. Spin Sucks is a worthy add to anyone’s reader.

Photofocus - If you enjoy creating visual media with cameras, this blog is for you. A staple of daily posts advises on the latest trends, tips and techniques in the digital era of photography.

Copyblogger -Sometimes formulaic, but always well written, and chock full of good tips on — you guessed it — writing. This top ranked marketing blog stays above the echo chamber fray with its prescient content, new media savoir faire, and focus on business writing.

Problogger – Content marketing was made professional by problogger. OK, maybe not, but this long-running content marketing site offers regular, pragamatic advice on how to make a blog work for your organization. In tandem with Copyblogger, the blogs provide a great one-two punch.

What blogs would you add to the mix?

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  • http://www.facebook.com/katyaandresen Katya Andresen

    Thanks, Geoff. This is very good company!

    • http://thesis911.com/ thesis help

      thanks from me too))) i liked this post a lot)

    • Anonymous

      Thanks for writing a great blog, Katya!

  • Alan Weinkrantz
    • http://dannybrown.me Danny Brown

      Didn’t Rubel stop blogging and begin lifestreaming instead? ;-)

    • Anonymous

      Hmmm, substance, right? ;)

  • http://dannybrown.me Danny Brown

    Thanks, mate – coming from someone of your calibre, I’ll take that as praise indeed.

    Mind you, you also included Gini… ;-)

    • Anonymous

      She almost didn’t make it after the Empire Ave. post last week, but I gave her a mulligan ;)

      • http://spinsucks.com Gini Dietrich

        I take issue with Danny being listed ahead of me. I mean, he does believe in unicorns, after all. And the Empire Avenue post was simply to tell people there is a new shiny penny out there. If you’ll recall I DID say I don’t get the hype. Besides, Armano followed suit and there is nothing sweeter than beating someone like him to the punch. :)

        • http://dannybrown.me Danny Brown

          I only believe in unicorns because I have one trained to ram its horn up the butt of any douchecanoes doing the rounds.

          Besides, you’re ahead of me when it comes to suits. ;-)

          • Anonymous

            Ahem, rent a room? :P

      • http://spinsucks.com Gini Dietrich

        I take issue with Danny being listed ahead of me. I mean, he does believe in unicorns, after all. And the Empire Avenue post was simply to tell people there is a new shiny penny out there. If you’ll recall I DID say I don’t get the hype. Besides, Armano followed suit and there is nothing sweeter than beating someone like him to the punch. :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/markdrapeau Mark Drapeau

    Really great list Geoff. Thank you for always touting substance over style and highlighting in some cases lesser-known gems.

    • Anonymous

      Glad you enjoyed, Mark. I had a simple question in choosing the blogs. Who am I excited to read no matter what! There you have it!

  • http://GlobalPatriot.com/ GlobalPatriot

    Great list Geoff…Danny Brown has always been my go-to blog, but Brass Tack Thinking – http://www.brasstackthinking.com – by Amber Naslund is excellent for marketing strategy and John Haydon’s blog – http://www.johnhaydon.com – has the best tactical advice for employing social media for non-profits.

    • http://dannybrown.me Danny Brown

      Cheers, sir, much appreciated, and JH is great. Though I think he should rename his blog to Facebook for Non-Profits with John Haydon. ;-)

    • Anonymous

      John definitely writes a great blog. Thanks for adding these, GP!

  • http://spinsucks.com Gini Dietrich

    Oh goodie! You introduced me to a few new blogs. Thank you! “Bubble-esque BS” I’m quoting that. Brilliant!

    • Anonymous

      LOL. Glad you liked!

  • http://spinsucks.com Gini Dietrich

    Oh goodie! You introduced me to a few new blogs. Thank you! “Bubble-esque BS” I’m quoting that. Brilliant!