Over the last year I have noticed a trend in the blogs I read and those I open and close immediately and I wanted to share what turns me off reading a blog and may be turning your readers away.
Adverts
I know that they are an income for many bloggers and help with running costs, but please keep it to a minimum and if possible not flashing or moving. Maybe it's because I suffer motion sickness but I find them so distracting.
I have come across some blogs where the adverts are down the side, at the top and bottom of blog posts and the worst, in the middle of a post! I want to focus on what you are sharing, not on what someone is selling. Keep it simple.
Text
I like my writing clear, well laid out and easy to read. I want to open it and just read, I don't want to be increasing my screen size to be able to read small text or trying to decipher curly writing. This seems like an obvious point but I am amazed by the amount of articles I open up that I can barely read or are so squished together it makes reading hard work. Be bold and don't be afraid of white space. You have taken time and thought to write and I want to read it.
Information overload
It is tempting to try and cover as many topics, ideas and trends as possible to increase your traffic but know what you're about. A focused blog makes an impact, I love to see your passion right there on the front page. A sub heading is a great way to sum up your passion and what I can expect as I read. Keep the links clear, I want to find my way around easily and read all you've got to offer.
Exclamation marks
I love that you're excited and want to make a point but use words not exclamation marks. One or two here and there of course, but I am surprised when I find articles with handfuls at the end of every sentence. An exclamation mark highlights your strong feelings about something, explain your feelings, tell me about it - don't leave me assuming with exclamation marks.
Be bold not busy
I know you want to grab my interest and so you put lots of things on your front page which you think may grab me - but it's too busy. Keep your front page simple, here's what I want to know:
- What you're about - put it somewhere near the top,
- Who you are - a clear link to your 'About me' page
- How I can connect with you - Make your social buttons pop
- Your content - You latest post with a great picture is good, as is a list of of your popular posts down the side
These are just a couple my bug bears when I'm hopping around the blogs - maybe there's something I've missed that makes you click straight out? Why not share in the comments below.
If you want to see some great blogs which have the WOW factor then here's my top 5 of the most attractive blogs for women I read:
Coffee for your heart by Holly Gerth
Woman to Woman Ministries Various authors
Missional Women Various authors
Faithful Feat by Kaylene Yoder
I so appreciated this list, thank you. I am resisting using some exclamation points here.:) Stopping by from Coffee for Your Heart.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie - well done for resisting! ;) Do link up your blog above
DeleteMy pet hate is very dark backgrounds and a white typeface. I find it very hard to read and therefore give up even if the content looks good.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good one Fran it seems to make the words move around the page
DeleteToo many exclamation marks exhaust me.
ReplyDelete!!
This is a great list. I've had that white space issue on my mind and been procrastinating on how to change the font size/spacing in my theme. Thanks for the good reminder to take care of that detail. So happy to visit today from Tell His Story and to make a new bloggy friend.
ReplyDeleteHey Ginger - I've come across your blog a few time - I love it great layout, good spacing, clear and easy to read. Don't forget to link up :)
DeleteI've added my very favourite, Postcards from Heaven. The idea is so original, and the posts so well-written and concise! I did try to add my own, but for some reason all the photos are gone from it. I'm writing for Families First blog at the moment anyway, so not updating so often.
ReplyDeleteThank you I really enjoyed the Postcards from Heaven site :)
DeleteWhat a great list of things to look out for! I find it disconcerting when every blog post includes a ginormous list of buttons to which a blogger links up with that I have to scroll through to find the comment section ;). I know that with WordPress and the Jetpack plug in, it's possible to control which button shows up according to which link up a person is linking up to. It took me about an hour, but I figured it out and I'm so glad that I did!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean - perhaps you could write a blog explaining how others could do that - you can link it up here :) Thanks for sharing
DeleteTania,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I understand many wonderful bloggers are able to stay home and be wives and moms because of their blogging income, but it is distracting when there is too much. Thanks for a great post and for linking up on Mondays @ Soul Survival.
Donna
Thanks Donna - I love your blog and often read it :)
Deletelots to agree with on these points -
ReplyDeletehappy to add a fav blog onto the list - and lovely idea - Thankyou.
Sharon
Hey Sharon - Thanks for linking up - My word for 2015 is 'Release' look out for my post about that coming soon - I liked your post and have signed up with Abbey Arts :)
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