Once upon a time there were two best friends Mark and Charlie, both decided to join the blogging bandwagon. Mark, was a hot-shot from a big corporate firm and decided to write about his marketing skills, Charlie on the other hand owns a farm and decided to write about animals.
A year went by, and Mark realized that even-though he has been writing truly informative posts about marketing he has still not been able to earn loyal readers, whereas Charlie has been doing wonders with his blog and has not only managed to earn some extra bucks but also created a brand image for his wonderful farm.
Mark had anticipated that with his marketing skills and corporate background, blogging would be a piece of cake. Well, of course he was highly mistaken and eventually decided to ask his best friend for some blogging tips.
Charlie, saw his blog and said: "Mark, if you continue these basic mistakes, you will soon have to witness the demise of your blog". He wrote an e-mail to his friend explaining him the crimes that he has been committing:
1. You Have Too Many Ads
Why are you trying to annoy your readers? Of course you should sell AdSpace, but Mark don't get too carried away. Try to incorporate ads that are related to your blog and limit the size and number please, wouldn't you want people to read your content rather than clicking on random advertisements?
2. Do You Even Proofread Your Posts Before Publishing?
I am sure that you simply write a post and straight away hit the publish button. Try to read and re-read your article, you can also try reading it aloud (works out pretty well for me). Alternatively, you can look for an editor as well, who doesn't necessarily have to be a professional, you can always ask your friends or family to help you out.
3. Your Titles Are Boring
No matter how wonderfully you write your posts, if your titles fail to develop curiosity among your readers then your post is bound to receive less traffic. The best way is to write the topic first and then the post, firstly it will help in keeping one track mind while writing and secondly you will be able to come up with a nice title with a fresh mind.
4. You Are Ignoring The Comments
I noticed that initially you received considerable amount comments on your blog but why haven't you acknowledged them? Don't ignore your readers, make it a point to browse through comments everyday; you don't have to reply to all of them, but do respond to their questions or interesting points. This will not only help you in engaging with your readers but also make them realize that there is an actual person behind the article on their computer screen.
5. Where are Bullet Points or Numbering Lists?
Mark, you should realize that most readers first scan through a post before reading it completely, and if you have lengthy paragraphs with out highlighting essential points, then your reader will get put-off and go somewhere else. Try to make your content structured and easily readable instead of filling it up words and making it look like a novel.
6. You Are Missing Out On Images
You should know, that at time images speak much more than words every could. Your readers should be able to get the message or the concept behind your post through images ( Why do you think comics sell so well among all age groups). Whenever I am unable to find appropriate images for my post, I simply pick up my camera and let my imagination do the rest. :)
7. You Seem To Be Writing 'Only' for SEO
When I first started blogging, some people had suggested that I should focus on SEO so that I can get better results in Google. Thankfully I learnt that SEO is quiet essential for my blog, but my readers are far more important. Therefore, while writing a post I make sure that I use keywords, but also make it a point that I write for people rather than for "Search Engine Optimization".
8. The Design Hurts My Eyes
The design of your blog must co-relate with the concept of the blog. Why are you trying too hard to have a 'out of the box' design? It can backfire at times, a simple blog with great content can solve your purpose as well. It is important to have an interesting and beautiful design, but including to many features, applications, flashes, pop-ups and random stuff flying around on the screen can get pretty annoying. Choose a design that reflects the your's and your blog's personality.
9. You Are Trying to Market Yourself Too Hard
If you want people to consider you for your marketing skills, then talk about 'marketing' and not yourself. Let them know that you have knowledge and expertise through informative and useful articles, instead of self-appreciation. The essence of blogging is to share your opinions, experience, likes and dislikes; if you forthright start selling yourself then your blog will become just another marketing tool; why don't you use a website for selling your expertise and blog for sharing them.
10. Start Socializing
In real life you socialize with so many people, try interact with more people in the virtual world as well. Visit new blogs, websites or links; leave comments if you have something to say, vote or rate if you like or dislike something, share interesting links; basically leverage social media to the fullest. You must remember, that one way communication will do no good for your blog, get out there and let the world know that you also exist.
P.S.: Follow these rules Mark and I am sure that in no time you will be considered as an online marketing guru :)
With this Mark followed these 10 commandments and earned lot of appreciation from many visitors; thanks to Charlie's harsh, forthright but very useful feedback. If you have some more points that can help Mark, then please feel free to share them.
You can also download a free pdf version of this article .
Thanks so much for these tips! I have struggled with the idea of ads on my blog for a while. First I had none, then I littered my blog with them, now I'm back to none because I didn't want to do that to my readers and didn't know how acceptable ads were to readers of blogs. I think I will take some time to go in and carefully set up and place a couple ads as you advised. For most of these tips I try to do my best in each area, but feel I have much room to improve.
Thanks again!
You are most welcome Aaron, and as you said having too many ads not only annoys readers but also hampers the relevance of content on your blog. Having said that, one must not close advertising completely, all you have to do is advertise those products/services that are similar to theme or purpose of your blog. And you are right, there is always scope for improvement. :)
Good luck!
Thanks so much for these tips! I have struggled with the idea of ads on my blog for a while. First I had none, then I littered my blog with them, now I'm back to none because I didn't want to do that to my readers and didn't know how acceptable ads were to readers of blogs. I think I will take some time to go in and carefully set up and place a couple ads as you advised. For most of these tips I try to do my best in each area, but feel I have much room to improve.
Thanks again!