This post is a follow-up on another post i wrote titled: Make Your Site Appealing, But Don’t Over-Emphasize On The Flashy Stuff!

When you visit a blog (or any other website, not necessarily blogs), what is the first thing you look at? What is the first thing that gets your attention? If you can’t find the answer, check out other blogs and try to take note of what gets your attention first and then come back to your own blog and try to find the similarities.

Ok, it’s probably the header, a nice RSS button, or a banner or something…

The first thing that gets our attention is usually an image, or some kind of graphics. Now, with that said, do you think that it can take the readers’ focus away from your content (the stuff you spend so much time writing)? You want ‘em to read your posts, don’t you? You sure want them to find your site good looking. But that is not all! You want them to READ!

Now, do you read your posts at least 2-3 times before hitting the publish button? If not, maybe you’re missing on something. Take some time to read this post Liz wrote about Reluctant Readers! It’s definatly a must read, and i linked to it before because i feel it can be of help to many of us! (By the way i have to say Liz is one of my favorite blogger, i check out her blog every single day since i started blogging! She defines herself as a relationship geek, and her blog is definatly successful!!)

It happens to me too often, i find a site that looks extremely good, that is so well-designed, that is overall really good looking.. but i can’t read… i keep skipping lines and can never get around to read a full post (good thing RSS exists, it makes reading much easier, but still!) my eyes just don’t want to!

Some can write posts that are a mile long (i do this sometimes) but did you know you can help your readers enjoy your great content/posts, by using blockquotes, bold text, italic text, sub-titles, or just breaking down your posts into manageable pieces! If a post is too long, just write 3 or 4 posts on the same topic (that’s what i’m doing right now!)

Liz once told me something like this : “you’re still writing for print or articles directories, you have to think like a reader“, and that’s what i try to do when i write a new post, and that’s why i’m working on a redesign!

What do you think? Take a look at your blog.. do you find it appealing? Do you think someone would spend his/her time reading your posts if you’re making their eyes bleed?

People don’t read, but scan until they find something they like, and then read it.. scanning usually takes less than 20 seconds!!

You may notice that right now there are some things missing and not exactly “perfect” (i know, there’s always room for improvement! Always!) on smartwealthyrich, and i definatly think i can design a better-looking and easier to navigate blog/site (that’s what i’m working on).

When designing or redesigning your blog, always keep in mind that you’re writing for real people, and not for yourself or search engines only. You have to analyze your posts, and take note of what can be improved! You can also ask other bloggers to give you some input on your blog!

Your thoughts?