I love the topic of blog growing because I think it's important to understand why you aren't getting the hits you think your wonderful blog deserves. So, here are my top tips on fixing that right up!
~ Making your blog more visitor friendly~
Thorough version on my blog is HERE
Blogger sets many defaults in place that I KNOW you aren't even aware of. And some of your own personal choices are indeed hurting your blog.
Blog hurts:
- word verification
- no email activated through your profile
- no easy way to contact you
- music
- not talking with your readers
- IDing your emails
- busy busy blog backgrounds... ouch! Allow your info to enhance your blog template, not the other way around.
Would you like to read why I think these things hurt you and how to tweak them? To date, 156 comments agreed with the info. Check it out
HERE
~ How to build a blog growing post ~
Thorough post on my blog HERE ;
Now that' you've tweaked your blog (heehee), let's work on growing your numbers! I think this one is all about how you're delivering your content. This is my advice.
Are you writing for the reader or the writer?
While some may find it fascinating what you had for breakfast, I can assure you most won't, unless you're doing a post on a day in the life of you. Try to 'teach' something with each post so they're click over is worth their while.
Show only your BEST photos
I know this is just blogging, however showing great photos is my personal #1 reason to follow a blog. If I can see what they're trying to say, or feel the photos are awesome enough to link back up to, I'm in! I only use a point and shoot myself so it can be done. Read my post and it offers you tips.
Offer unique content
We've all played with burlap and painted things white. It's high time you added your own twist in the mix! Make me WANT to see what you're up to next by creating something no one has tried yet.
Balancing photos with text
You know the kind. Too much story to read or not enough info to grasp. As a busy weekend party host, I read very little. I scan pics first, then I scan text, in that order. Keep it short and simple!
A post simply titled, "Look at this!" is not going to lure me in unless I'm a regular reader already in the know about your kind of content. You can be witty plus add more info. "My crazy junkin' day!" is still clever but offers what I'm about to read.
Write about what you LOVE.
Ultimately the goal here should be that you're attracting readers based on your passion. If you start writing for the sole purpose of others, you'll end up growing an audience based on that info. And then you'll end up finding blogging a chore and you won't be giving it your all. Write what you LOVE and you'll attract the perfect audience for you!
My crazy little blog offers lots of blog tips, photography helps, and loads of easy to follow junk style tutorials. Feel free to join the fray and have some fun!
Thank you Donna, this was great!
HEY gals in the meantime, you do not want to miss out on the PET PARTAY! WOW what a huge success, everyone has been so happy getting to see all our furry friends...oh and a few reptiles too.
And if you are new to the blogging community I will be hosting a
Newbie linky party over here on Monday...
Labels: Blogging tips and tricks, coffee talk with Donna from Funky junk interiors, Funky junk interiors
35 Comments:
Blog hurts:
-(1)word verification
-(2)no email activated through your profile
-(3)no easy way to contact you
music
-(4)not talking with your readers
-(5)IDing your emails
-(6)busy busy blog backgrounds... ouch! Allow your info to enhance your blog template, not the other way around.......
Debbie, Please check my blog and make sure I'm not murdering my blog with the (6) deadly killers!
Thanks for everything yall are doing, and thanks so much for these incredible tips!!!!
~JO
LazyonLoblolly
What is IDing your emails? I have to confess, I'm very guilty of the busy background. I just can't help it! My home has lots of knicks knacks and so does my blog. I have to sit on my hands not to add more stuff or a busier background.
I totally agree on the word verification! On so many blogs after you leave your comment it pops back to the top of the blog and I don't even know it's asking for word ver. unless I scroll back down again. When I first started blogging I was just thinking it posted and then closing their blog page. Good advice AND I'm drinking coffee!
Well, that's the second time I have read to dump the music...and I just finally figured out how to get it on.
I know I suffer some of the 6 deadly "diseases" of blogging...like poor picture taking and hmmmm...rambling..maybe I ramble a bit...but..that is just me- I'm a Rambler (as opposed to an Edsel)-sorry-old car joke.OLD..get it? never mind...
Thanks for the tips though..Hugs- Diana
I sure hope a lot more people read this. I told Brenda that I need to spread the word about turning word verification off, too. Look at you getting Donna to guest post.
Good Morning Sweetie...
A beautiful share. I am guilty of at least one of these, but I can't help myself I love music. It just makes me happy. I have some of my readers who actually turn on my blog just to listen, so I am told.
Your write is wonderful. You are a great blogger book of knowledge sweetie. Thanks for the share this morning.
Have a gorgeous day. Country hugs, Sherry
I didn't even know I had the word verification on. I just wish someone that comments on my posts would have told me that a long time ago. I have to say I like the music and I have had lots of people tell me they like my music so I think I will keep that! My background got all goofed up so now it is basic and I'm getting use to it.
Great tips!
This is the most informative blog post I've read regarding blog content. Thank you.
I am a huge fan of Donna's so it was great to see her here! Debbie, you were the first one that I listened to when you said to get rid of word verification! So I took your advice and eliminated it months ago, and I am happy that I did! I now see what a pain it is!
BTW, what is "IDing" your emails mean?
This is the best post to date for newbbies( that would by me) And I thank you Debbie," Funky Junk Interiors " is one of my fav's out there. Once again thank you and all the blogger that help make "Coffee talk Tuesday" A helpful tool.
I'm with ya on the music. I like to listen to podcasts while 1 surf other blogs and blog music interfers with what I'm listening. I leave the blog immediately even tho I may find it interesting.
I don't have the music on my blog, others because it interfers with my reading the blog but I just turn the volume off and continue on:)
Great post, so far I've got rid of four things.
1. busy blog background
2. verification (i think)
3. added my email on my sidebar
4. bought a new camera
Great post guys!
Hi everyone!
IDing your mail is simply including your blog info under your name. I receive countless requests asking to check out one's blog posts. Imagine the hoop jumping I'm made to do without that direct link. You can be assured I'll visit if the link is included.
ie: in my email, I've activated the signiture to include my blog button, blog link, twitter link, AND facebook link. It's all there. I'm easily found. I'd love for you to be too! You WILL get more visits if you are.
See? I even include my direct blog url under my name under comments. I have a few blogs and I want to lead you to the right one. :)
Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
What helpful suggestions ... Going to check things out in my 'settings' now! :)
Thanks!
- Lauren
Great ideas! Since I'm new to blogging as of this week, these are very helpful hints! Thanks Donna!
http://OurAdventuresinHomeImprovement.blogspot.com
Lots of great hints! As far as music it's very individual...if you don't like it, turn your speakers down while you're browsing, you'd hate to miss a great blog because of the music!
A very informative post! Thanks for having Donna over for a visit Debbie!
Oh no! Another "no music" request. What's the world coming too! LOL! I'm not getting rid of that. Now the busy blog background, I can kinda understand. May consider that one. Hmmm!
Great advice, thanks Donna and Debbie for reminding everyone.
As a new blogger this is great information to have, thank you ladies so much for all the helpful tips.
Theresa
www.theresascomfortsofhome.com
This is all so informative...I think it will help everyone. Thanks so much!
XO,
Jane
Thanks for sharing, Debbie ... great tips !! And, what fun to see FJ here, too !! Stay dry today ... not so nice here in Myrtle. *Becca*
I agree with each and every one of these and have preached them myself time and time again!
Thanks for the great tips, Donna! I have been annoyed by all of your "blog hurts" as a reader...now I just have to make sure I'm doing the best job I can as a blogger!
Thanks Debbie and Donna:)
I don't know that I have word verification on but I certainly hope not! If anyone reading this can swing by and let me know I'll turn that off ASAP...after I figure out how to get to the section to do that.
Thanks for the info on IDing emails. I used to leave my link but stopped.
Lots of good information you have! Thank you so much again!
Blessings,
Shanna
www.revampedfrenchmaison.com :)))
I really loved this post, Deb! Very entertaining read. :)
All excellent tips!!! I'm in agreement on every single one of them, but I have to admit there are a couple of blogs that use music that I actually enjoy listening to (one being 1 Funky Woman).
To the newbies out there...it takes time getting your blog just right...so don't despair if it doesn't happen overnight! I've been at it for almost 3 years now, and I'm still changing my header out. Then again...I LOVE change!!!
OK, I agree 99.9 percent. But, don't take my music away from me. That's part of the stick and fun to pick a new song for each posting. I know, I should give it up, but it make the words flow for me... he-he.....
My biggest peeve is those dang word verifications. I must say worse that a tune in the background.
Hope you don't mind an extra chime in here from me. :)
Music is more of an issue than just sound unfortunately. Many with slower services and dial up have a hard time reading blogs with fancy additions added.
Think in terms of strings attached to each feature on your blog. And each string is pulling, slowing down loading time. Music is a bad one for that, as it's big on pull.
If you love the music, I suggest to push the widget up as far as you can in eyesight so viewers at least have the option to deactivate it. Or better yet, tweak it so it's off when they visit, leaving them with the option to turn it on if desired.
I'm simply going by what the masses have told me. They told me some things that I do too and it's hard to hear, but there's chance for growth when we open ourselves up to abit of change to accommodate the bothers. :)
Thanks for the kudos all!
Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
Yes, what is IDing emails? But all the other's I truly agree with, I guess I need to go with a more simple border. You did, oh remember your flower thingy pattern. That took forever to pull up on my computer.
Always great advise from Donna! Thanks Debbie for inviting her over :D
NICE! How about, Informative, thanks!(Sorry, had to make myself chuckle!)
This is fabulous!!!!
I'll be linking this one up next time! I love that everyone is so willing to help, it can be so intimidating (sp?)
I love your model post today, you are beautiful!!!
XO
Kristin
Thank you so much for all the tips!!! Thank you!
Love all of these ideas. I use www.picnik.com to edit my pics - free and easy! My biggest problem w/blogging is consistency...will someone PLEASE tell my laundry pile to go away - it's hindering my blog progress! Glad I found you via Funky Junk's! -diane
http://www.sweeteuropeandreams.com
Thank you for this! This is my 2nd month blogging and I'm definitely in the research stage of how to grow my blog :) Thanks for the insight!
-Kellie
http://sixtieshome.blogspot.com/
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