Let’s Improve our Blogs
Posted on 21 March 2007
I’m a pretty serious blogger, meaning I update my site consistently and experiment/try new things to improve user (reader) experience. I think it’s safe to say that most serious bloggers do the same. One thing I think about a lot is how to intrigue first time visitors. A lot of traffic on geekwhat comes from search engine results. But do these people end up coming back?
Here’s an interesting question for you:
What’s the first thing you do when you visit a new blog?
- A. Read an entry.
B. Click the ‘About’ page.
C. Look for photos.
D. Check number of comments on posts.
I think responses to this question can help bloggers improve content AND for readers, stronger blogs to visit.
Your answer =?
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March 21st, 2007 at 7:12 pm
I can tell you that B is last; however, I can’t tell you whether or not A, C, or D are first. Many times I’m attracted to photos - they provide that extra piece of color and style that attracts my attention to the post. I try to have at least one image in every single one of my posts. It also differentiates your RSS feed.
Comment count is a great indicator of a popular topic… but I think the title of the post edges it out.
March 22nd, 2007 at 1:32 am
Doug, I totally agree that the titles of posts are what engages the reader. Interesting that you point out B is last, that’s usually one of the first things I check out when visiting a new blog.
March 22nd, 2007 at 5:44 am
Tony
1. Read the article that I got to the new blog site
2. Read the about section and see who the author is and what connections I might have to her/him
3. See who else has visited the site (Mybloglog)
4. Scan through a few topics to see if there are any other thought provoking ideas
5. See if there any ideas that will prompt a new blog post for my own blog.
Thanks for visiting my blog
Mukund
March 22nd, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Thanks for the comment Mukund! Great list, what are a few things that turn you off right away? i.e. i’m never coming back here again.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:14 am
No one ever reads the “About” page, haha.
I got my Muse ticket, we should figure out rides :)
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:04 am
actually, i go to the “about” page too. or at least some sort of profile page about the blogger. especially if it’s a stranger’s blog, i am pretty curious to know who the posts are coming from.
besides that, i scan for interesting posts to read… if it’s a blog about people i know or my friends, i look at the pictures and comments moreso. if not, i look to the entry titles to clue me in.
March 28th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
I read the most recent post, then always reach the “about” section.
Cheers
Christie