After reading Platform by Michael Hyatt, I found myself wondering if I’m doing some of the things he lists as ways to lose blog readers.
Top 10 Ways to Lose Blog Readers
#1: Post Too Often // #2: Post Too Seldom
These really go together. Find out how often your readers want to hear from you (ask them!) and be consistent in posting that often. If you don’t get many responses when you ask them, just begin experimenting and see where the sweet spot lies for you.
I’ve done some extensive experimenting with this on my blog, LifeofaHomeschoolMom.com, and I have done everything from publishing new posts 5+ times/day to publishing a new post once every two weeks and I have found that 3 new posts per week is my sweet spot.
#3: Your Posts Are Too Long // #4: Your Posts Are Too Short
Readers have a short attention span, but they want to read something with substance.
Most homeschool blogs should aim for 300-700 word posts, unless you’re sharing a more detailed “how to” type post. Personally, I like to aim for 500-700 words.
#5: You Don’t Invite Engagement // #6: You Don’t Engage With Readers
Blogging is a conversation. Be present and invite others to join you. At the same time, BE REAL. I’ve found this to be one of the biggest factors in the success of blogs about homeschooling. Readers don’t want to read posts from someone who is “Pinterest perfect” and has it all figured out. They want to read posts from homeschooling moms who “get it”. Those who are in the trenches with them and can encourage them along the way.
Think of a blog as a party at your house – invite guests to the party and mingle with them! You wouldn’t invite guests over and then go in the bathroom and totally ignore them.
#7: Your Headline Lacks Attractiveness // #8: Your Introductory Paragraph is Weak
Getting people to your blog is only half the battle. Once they’re at your blog, your title and introductory paragraph must entice them to actually read your blog.
Titles that begin with “How to…” or start with a number (i.e. “10 Ways to…”) are often compelling reads. After you’ve hooked a reader with your title, the first paragraph is crucial! You MUST deliver in this first paragraph. It has to be engaging enough to compel the reader to keep reading.
#9: Your Post is Off-Topic // #10: Your Post is All About You
Know what your blog is about and try to stay on topic. Too many “off-topic” posts will send readers packing. Also, in general, a reader doesn’t really care about the details of your life, but rather wants to know how you can help them. Make sure each post has a take-away for your reader.
As a homeschool blogger, you may have a little more flexibility with these two items, but try to always keep your reader in mind when you post, giving them value from having read your blog. This is something that I preach in my Blogging Basics Bootcamp. A hobby blog can be all about you, your life, and your family. A professional blogger knows that to be successful their posts MUST be reader-centered. Don’t get me wrong, readers want to hear about you and your life experiences, but they want to hear about it in a manner that tells them how they can apply it to their lives and their situations.
When it comes to reading blogs, what are your major turn offs?
This Post Has One Comment
Oh my gosh, major turn-offs are posts with no photos, poor grammar and spelling, out of focus photos, and broken links!