Blog is a Verb**5 Things That Will Frustrate Your Readers!

You’ve written a great article on the Web.
And either you were blessed by the Creative Gods that I happened to stumble upon it navigating the Net, or a friend of a friend Tweeted or linked to your work.

Excitedly, I rush to your referenced blog for more of your words of wisdom, your vibe, or perhaps your entertainment value.
Sipping on a cup of hot herbal tea in one hand, and my laptop in the other, I can’t wait to discover more about you. For me, it’s like getting lost between the pages of a good read.
So I’m thinking…wow me, won’t you?

Unfortunately, five minutes in, and I’m out.
As much as I love to read and share blogs of interest, (and I wish you the best), chances are, I won’t be back soon.

Here are five of the most common reasons some fail to click with this chick:

1. Your blog was difficult to navigate.
Finding out more about you was as taxing as trying to get secrets from the C.I.A.
And my time (and patience) is very limited.

Solution? Minimally have a nice photo so I know whom I’m connecting with, along with designated categories or pages that include an “About Me” page.
Tell me a little about what brings you to the blogosphere. What are your hobbies? Why should I read you? Make it clear. Quickly. Please don’t send me on a scavenger hunt where there’s no real prize.

2. You held me “hostage”.
The only thing missing was the gun. Blog post lengths are of course, a judgment call, usually based upon the blog owner’s blogging style, available time, and subject matter. And there are different schools of thought here. No doubt.
Still, a quality post doesn’t have to be of epic proportion. Blogging, by its very nature is intended to be a quicker, briefer read. Wouldn‘t you agree?

Solution? Give me the “Cliff Notes” version. Complete with bullet points and lists, and short paragraphs. Or break long posts into several parts for different days. It gives us both something to look forward to.

3. Your blog was a bit bland.
Okay, I like Vanilla ice cream. “Vanilla” blogs? Unfortunately, not so much.:-)
I’m sure you’re an absolutely lovely person in person. Really. And don't take this harshly... I prefer blogs with a little humor, the occasional rant, controversy handled with class, colorful images that enhance your message, and a host who has a conversational tone. Other readers will too.

Solution? Know your strengths. Capitalize on them. Be yourself. And remember that variety is the spice of life.

4. I fear you’re fickle.
Some months you post. Other months you don’t. It’s a classic case of “she loves me, she loves me not.” Readers don’t know what to expect. Or when.
The last thing I need is to “follow“ someone who has no clear direction or sense of commitment.
I‘m confused enough on my own.

5. You don’t value my readership.
How can I tell? Here are a few red flags. You didn’t proofread your post (evident in the amount of errors detected). You don’t respond to readers’ comments. Your titles aren’t captivating, or they fail to deliver on what‘s been promised.
Hello?

Solution? Learn the art of wooing your readers. Cultivate chemistry. Care about their experience. Discern their needs. Then deliver.
And last but not least, don't be afraid to learn from experts, if the situation dictates.

Remember “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
Here’s hoping yours will be favorable and fierce!
You too can "have the moves like Jagger". :-)

Confession time. What bugs you with blogs?

Image: Stock photo