In the 4 ½ years I’ve been blogging, I’ve developed
some strong opinions about what makes an effective blog. Although I don’t visit as many blogs as I used to, these
are the reasons I come back to your blog, and ways you can build your blog
readership:
1. Your
posts interest me. Whether you share ways to improve my writing,
what’s going on in your family, or a quirky hobby of yours, I read blogs that
keep my interest. If you talk about sports, the latest TV show, or pop culture,
I yawn and go to the next blog.
2. You
keep your posts short. Because I read as many blogs as I
can squeeze into an hour a day, I tend to skim posts that are longer than five
paragraphs. If you want to keep me coming back, share your wisdom in 500 words
or less.
3. You’ve
proven you care about me as a person, not simply a number
on your stats. You’ve responded to my comments on your blog, whether posting on
the blog itself or through email. You’ve friended me on Facebook and Twitter, purchased
my book, rejoiced at my victories and cried with me over my sorrows. Because of
your genuine concern, I am committed to you.
4. You
share my values. I love God and His son, Jesus Christ.
He is the center of my heart. When I see Him reflected in your posts, even if
they aren’t overtly Christian, I know I’ve found a kindred spirit.
5. I
learn from you. When I read a post that helps me grow-
as a writer, a wife, a friend, a mom, or a Believer, I will be back. I love it
when I’m challenged to change my thinking and my ways. If you manage to do
that, you’ve won my support.
What keeps you
coming back to the same blogs? Do you blog less than you used to?
Hi Jeanette! Thank you for your post. I have just come back from a long blog subatical, and this post gave me a view of what it takes to keep readers coming back. Thank you for sharing your perspective.
ReplyDeleteSo gald you're back, Stina!
DeleteI think you are a very special person with great advice. Lots of followers doesn't mean they 'follow', you follow? So I think we pick those we feel have something in common with us or who care.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Parsley. And we have those fur babies in common, don't we?
DeleteYour 5 secrets are what keep me coming back to your blog.
ReplyDeleteBarb: You are sweeter than a pile of puppies! Thanks for your loyalty.
DeleteI'm a blogging debutante. I've been blogging since June 2012 @ Write Moments with God. It's much more fun than I anticipated, and also, much more work. But I love it! I keep going back to other blogs for just the reasons you listed--they offer something unique, charming, beautiful, or inspirational. I plan to blog even more in the weeks and months ahead. Come on over and see me sometimes...
ReplyDeleteIt IS a lot of work, Rose, but worth it when you find lovely friends like I have!
DeleteI agree. This covers my criteria too. I love blogging, and the friends I've made through it, but like everything else, there needs to be a good balance. I am blogging less and concentrating on more writing. Good post, Jen!
ReplyDeleteYes, Karen, I've had to make some tough choices lately, too. I'm so glad you haven't given up on me!
DeleteYou've pretty much "hit the nail on the head" here, I think. Especially I find myself drawn to "kindred spirits"; people who sharpen me like iron sharpens iron.
ReplyDeleteSince blogging isn't a business for me (or supporting a business) I'd have to admit a little bit of the "recreational element" for me, too...
I like to be sharpened, too, Rebecca. I mean, I need to--it's not always fun, but in the end, I'd rather be sharp than dull.
DeleteWonderful points! I am not blogging right now but try to read some every day or so. I like blogs I learn from and that I see the real person behind the words.
ReplyDeleteSo great to see you here, Terri! I've missed you!
DeleteThese are terrific tips and just what draws me to you blog~
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shelly. You are sweeter than a blueberry pie!
DeleteJeanette:
ReplyDeleteI choose to return to certain blogs for the same reasons you do. I have added some to my list that I don't visit as often as I do my regular reads. But there are some I try not to miss.
Quiet: You are one of my most faithful followers. I appreciate you so much!
DeleteWonderful tips.
ReplyDeleteExcellent tips, Jeanette. A client of mine is thinking about starting a blog, and I alerted her to this post. She can't go wrong if she heeds your advice.
ReplyDeleteSuch great advice! Building a blog following has been very frustrating for me. I'll give these a try. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi, Jen:
ReplyDeleteI return to blogs that: (1) entertain and educate me; (2) are devoid of irreverent or condescending remarks; and (3) are run by bloggers who respond to my comments either on their blog or mine.
Wonderful tips. Be well, my friend...
I think you did a good job covering the topic.
ReplyDeleteA blogger who understand that relationship is two way gets my attention.
Your list covers most of my criteria, too, Jen. I keep all my blog subscriptions in one place (Google Reader right now, although that has to change shortly, since GR will be discontinued at the end of June). I'm interested in my cyber friends and what's on their minds and in their hearts. I don't comment as often as I'd like because I have to leave GR and go to the specific blog to do that, but I try to connect frequently in other places like Facebook and Twitter. If I'm in touch there, they know I've been visiting their blogs, too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Susan, that successful blogging is all about the relationships... two-way sharing. If blogs are mostly infomercials, and bloggers use their posts to bombard me with sales pitches, I quickly lose interest.