Dear Bloggers,
Let’s talk. We love you, really, we do. But there are some things that we think we need to discuss. Actually, we discuss and you implement. That’s where “Dear Bloggers” comes in. “Dear Bloggers” is a tongue-in-cheek, snarky, Blogging 101 series helping you become a better blogger via blogging tips and suggestions.
Dear Bloggers, Be Reciprocal
We understand you want readers and we understand you want comments, but you must comment unto others as you would have them comment unto you. It’s the Golden Rule of Blogging. Your regular visitors will stop coming by if you don’t reciprocate. It’s just common courtesy.
Dear Bloggers, Tell Us About You
You fascinate us. We want to know everything about you. Well not everything, but we’d like to know something. So, consider giving us all a little back story on you. Tell us how you fell into blogging, who the cast of characters are that you blog about, and tell us a little bit about what makes you tick. Give it to us in a post or do one of those “100 Things About Me” memes, or – and here’s a crazy idea – create an “About Us” page and write it all up. Pick the one you like best, but please give us something. Your fans (that’s us!) await.
Dear Bloggers, About that Pop-Up
Listen, we just hit your website. Give us a chance to get comfy and settle in before you shove a pushy “sign up” pop-up in our faces. If we like what we’re reading, we’ll sign up. Don’t worry, we’ll find it. If you really want to make it convenient, add your subscription options and sign up to the sidebar of your blog or the top of your website. And if you just can’t live without a pop-up, wait til we’re done reading or ready to leave your site before it pops up. K? Thx.
But in all seriousness, helping you become a better blogger is our goal. What tip would you add? What really drives you crazy? Let us know in the comments below.
Beth Ann Chiles says
So with you on the pop ups. Hate them. Also hate Captcha sign ins and remember when some blogs had music that played when you visited? That was horrible and hopefully has gone by the wayside! Comment love is definitely reciprocal!
Trish Forant says
Beth, thanks for kicking off the conversation here! I’m with you – pop-ups and captchas are annoying and I think the first “Dear Bloggers” talked about captchas, too! Music! Thanks goodness that’s become the exception and not the norm anymore. There are still those out there who do it, but thankfully, they are few and far between. ;)
Beverly says
It seems like more and more blogs I visit have pop ups which totally turn me off. I also am turned off by blogs where the ads tend to overpower the design and layout, taking the focus away from what the blogger is sharing.
Trish Forant says
I totally agree, Beverly! A blog should be more about content then promoting the content or trying to get people to sign up. That’s why I feel it should be more of an afterthought than the first thing you see when you visit a site. Sure, it’s great to remind readers they can sign up, but let’s not shove it down their throats.
Mindy says
The pop-ups are obnoxious and a complete turnoff on any blog. Personally, I’m trying the “tell us more about you” part but it’s something I struggle with. I’d love to have some more insight on how to go about doing that so it’s not boring or too me oriented.
Trish Forant says
Mindy,
A great way to get some insight into this would be to crowdsource in our member’s only Facebook group. Another great resource would be to check out some of your favorite bloggers’ “About Me’ pages. I’ve got some fun ideas for you!
Mindy says
Hi Trish! I welcome any help! I’ve looked at several other blogs but when I start with my own it feels weird. Maybe because I don’t like talking about myself! :)
Paul Swansen says
Swansen Report
http://winksite.com/pswansen/paulswansen
Kiyana says
I Love the website, it’s awesome and very informative.
@Dayngr says
Thanks so much, Kiyana! Glad you’re enjoying the look and feel of the site as well as the content. Always great to hear from you!