Many blog experts graciously and frequently share their secrets on how to create and maintain an amazing blog. Unfortunately, I’m neither a blog expert or willing to pretend like one. Instead, I’ll share with you seven features of my own blog that presently keep it from being superb. As you read the public airing of my own “suckiness” below, ask yourself whether or not you are making any of these same mistakes.
1. Inconsistency
The top blogs pump out consistently great content literally every day. Me? Not so much. I post an average of 1 article per week here at Personal Branding 101. I can imagine that if my favorite blog only posted once a week…it wouldn’t be my favorite blog any longer. Consistency is key when attempting to establish and continue an ongoing relationship with blog readers/subscribers.
For a great example of a consistently awesome blog, check out Altitude Branding by Amber Naslund.
2. Boring design
You know the popular joke about blogs that have clearly been designed by someone’s 14 year nephew? Well, I don’t even have a 14 year old nephew. Loyal readers might see the inner beauty of a site, but new visitors are fairly likely to “judge a blog by its cover”.
Check out Jorgen Sundberg’s site Undercover Recruiter for an example of a simple, yet cool design.
3. Lots of words, no video
Last I checked it was 2010, not 1998. Adding video to a site is so incredibly easy today that there is no justifiable excuse for omitting the element. Simply including a quick video now and again allows you to connect with your site visitors in a way that just isn’t possible with text articles alone.
For a great example of a wordsmith who also uses video extremely well, check out Chris Brogan and his video archives here.
4. Few links to external resources
No blog is ever going to be a one-stop shop on a subject, no matter how small the niche. Since my goal is to help educate my readers on the subjects of interest to them, I need to do a way better job of linking to external resources. By not including a blogroll or resources page, I am doing a disservice to my readers who want to learn more elsewhere.
Check out Mohammed Al-Taee’s “Resources” section of AltaeeBlog.com for the best example I’ve seen yet.
5. Lame “About” pages
About pages are the digital equivalent of the Wal-Mart greeter for your blog. Unfortunately, my About pages are a bit like a bored, out-of-date greeter who is barely interested in making eye contact. I haven’t done a good job of addressing the likely question on the mind of every About page reader: “How can you help me?”
For a superb example of how a page can answer the question above, check out Miriam Salpeter’s About page on Keppie Careers.
6. No guest articles
I think I’m a pretty bright guy (and humble too…), but in no way do I consider myself to be the final authority on personal branding, social media, etc. By not including any guest posts by peers in my field, I’m inadvertently taking a somewhat pompous stance that my opinions are all that need to be shared.
(Consider this an open invitation – would you like to guest post on Personal Branding 101? Send an e-mail to ryan@personalbranding101.com)
For guest blogging inspiration, check out Matt Chevy’s page detailing his incredible Guest Blog Grand Tour.
7. Lack of comments
On the surface, a lack of reader comments might not appear to be the blogger’s fault. But, there is certainly a reason that some bloggers always generate a ton of comments (besides having more readers). Comments come as a byproduct of an intriguing call to action. Personally, I need to do a better job of engaging readers, and highlighting the importance of your opinions – not just mine.
Let’s start now – leave a comment below with a link to your site, and be honest – what could you change to improve your blog?
“Sad cookies” by jima. “Comment” by premasagar.
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