Are You Making It Hard For Your Readers?
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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?
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6 Responses to “Are You Making It Hard For Your Readers?”
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.. nice post.. great idea..
so what do you think of my heading? i got one rss and one technorati button there….
anyway thanks for the visit…
I think mine is easy to read….:S lol
Cool post. Yeah I hate going to sites that are one of the two extremes… either too boring and dull or wayyy too flashy. Make stuff simple, but interesting. Oh, and most importantly, have a contact area with an email address or something where you can be reached. I have seen countless blogs that lack this and it is nearly impossible to get in touch with the author.
Hi there medotblog! Nice to have you here!
You heading is ok, for sure people can find your technorati and rss buttons easily, but i personaly think your blog could benefit ffrom having a graphical header or an image, just to make it more “branded” (my 2 cents) :)
Sean! yep it is! and by the way your new design looks killer man! there’s a bunch of really nice looking themes at wpdesigner!
Hi Shawn! I think you’re right, gotta have some balance, not too flashy but not boring either! And yeah, a contact link, button, page or whatever else, is a must have on any website!
Good post mate. Got me thinking, I think my site is kinda appealing and probably you think the same too…lol.
I need to change the header but as I mentioned earlier I am pretty clueless in techy matters and till I get to do that “dear visitors please bear with me”.
Cheers.
Robin, yeah i think the same, i visit your blog everyday!
Why not have a header art contest over at your blog, and have people design one for you? I could design one myself for smartwealthyrich, but it’s always interesting to have contests, and see what people can come up with :)