Why I Didn't Read Your Blog (& How to Fix it)
Having a blog is (believe it or not) hard work, regardless of how much you enjoy it. So given how much time and effort goes into it, you'll want to get your content out to as many people as possible. It can be disappointing to see rates drop off, but there will be some quick, easy fixes to help get your stats back up again. This blog post isn't designed to be mean, so keep an open mind and see if anything on this list works for you.
You aren't being very helpful
People will generally browse the internet for answers to questions or how to do things. If you publish a post with 'how to' in the title but don't actually explain 'how to' do anything, then your bounce rate will be relatively high. Instead, go with a topic which can be easily expanded upon and go from there. Or you could write a post which requires a simple step-by-step guide - something which is easy to follow.
The aim is to leave little room for further questions to arise. When writing a post, ask yourself two questions:
1. What is the single takeaway here?
2. Who is the post aimed at?
Are you wanting to inspire others or are you trying to teach them something? Be clear in your own mind about what you're writing and who it's for.
The aim is to leave little room for further questions to arise. When writing a post, ask yourself two questions:
1. What is the single takeaway here?
2. Who is the post aimed at?
Are you wanting to inspire others or are you trying to teach them something? Be clear in your own mind about what you're writing and who it's for.
You're inconsistent
If you spend a week publishing a blog post every single day, then don't post anything for a month, it's not surprising that your viewing rates will drop. It doesn't give any of your readers a chance to build a rapport with your blog or with you as a writer whose content they enjoy reading - eventually, you'll be forgotten about.
To avoid this, be consistent. Ensure your readers know when to check back for new content. If you say you'll upload every Wednesday at 10am, then do that. If you struggle to find the time to write and publish blog posts, then take a Saturday afternoon out and bulk-write some, then schedule them to go live. This way, you won't have to worry about pressing 'publish' every week.
Using an editorial calendar can help massively with this. I'll be publishing a post about how to do that very soon, mainly because I've been using them for years (7 to be precise - for as long as this blog has been running). Planning ahead is also crucial at this time of year, as everyone will be busy on the lead-up to Christmas.
To avoid this, be consistent. Ensure your readers know when to check back for new content. If you say you'll upload every Wednesday at 10am, then do that. If you struggle to find the time to write and publish blog posts, then take a Saturday afternoon out and bulk-write some, then schedule them to go live. This way, you won't have to worry about pressing 'publish' every week.
Using an editorial calendar can help massively with this. I'll be publishing a post about how to do that very soon, mainly because I've been using them for years (7 to be precise - for as long as this blog has been running). Planning ahead is also crucial at this time of year, as everyone will be busy on the lead-up to Christmas.
Your site is unfocused
We all get great ideas, but it's important that you know when they should be utilised. Don't write a post about Halloween, for example, in July. You wouldn't publish a Christmas post in the spring, either. Although these are extreme examples, the point is that relevancy is key to getting the maximum views possible on one of your posts.
Keep up with the seasons, and try to keep an eye on topics that are popular at the moment. Once you've understood your demographic, write for them. It can be much harder to grow a following if your readers can't relate to you or the content you're publishing.
You aren't using social media
Blogging is social, and so it's important that you're utilising social media to promote your blog and specific articles. If one is getting less views than normal, tweet a link to it and add some useful hashtags. I'll be publishing a post about this too in the very near future, so keep your eyes peeled.
It's also important that you're engaging with all of your social media platforms, and interact with those who follow you and 'like' your content. Show them some appreciation for their support and you'll soon build a worthwhile rapport with them.
It's also important that you're engaging with all of your social media platforms, and interact with those who follow you and 'like' your content. Show them some appreciation for their support and you'll soon build a worthwhile rapport with them.
Your site is poorly branded
It's difficult to build a following if your site looks cluttered. Try installing widgets or a side bar which can hide your archive list. Ads can also be a deterrent to potential readers. I know I'm less likely to flick through someone's blog if I get distracted by way too many adverts. Ditch as many as possible if your blog is clogged with annoying advertisements and be consistent with your design.
Don't change it up too much, but don't let it fall behind the times either. In this day and age, simplicity is good. Go for neutral backgrounds, but use colourful, creative header images to add some personality to your blog. Sooner or later, people will see how professional you are, instead of having a site which is cluttered and difficult to navigate around - it's all about convenience nowadays.
Don't change it up too much, but don't let it fall behind the times either. In this day and age, simplicity is good. Go for neutral backgrounds, but use colourful, creative header images to add some personality to your blog. Sooner or later, people will see how professional you are, instead of having a site which is cluttered and difficult to navigate around - it's all about convenience nowadays.
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I hope you enjoyed this post and that it was of some use to you! If you have any more tips for those struggling with blog engagement, share them in the comments or via my social media links below. I will see you again really soon with another blog post for you!
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