How to get Me to Read Your Blog

by

Chances are I’m not reading your blog. That’s not because I don’t like you, most likely I don’t even know you exist, and that’s your fault.

Yes, you heard me. Your fault. It’s something you can remedy though.

There are a gazillion blogs out there, and most of them suck, to be honest. Yours might not, though, so I’m willing to have a look. But how am I to find it? And why should I stay along at all?

Are you commenting on my posts? That works, you know, don’t be shy – tooting your horn is something you need to learn. Sometimes reading other people’s blog is the best way to get lots of traffic in the long run, since it can award itself with links, trackbacks and the like.

Do you submit your posts to social tools, like StumbleUpon, Digg, Reddit, and Splashpress’ own Blogosphere News? That’s a very natural way to reach your niche, and if I’m interested in it I might end up reading something on your blog.

Do you write great headlines? If I see a link with a true eye-catcher I’m more likely to click it, than something boring like “New plugin out now” – now what’s up with that? Writing snappy headlines is an art by itself. I admire people who can do that.

Does your blog look like shit? And have I seen it a thousand times before? I’m really sorry, content may be King and all that (something I agree upon, by the way), but if you present it in a bad way I just won’t read it. Small fonts, lousy contrast, crappy design – they’re all turnoffs and they won’t make me subscribe to your RSS feed, read your posts, or get active in your comments. Looks is important, because first impressions last.

Actually, does your blog even function like it should? There are too many blogs with dead links, plugins that bugs out, and other problems. It doesn’t even have to be a bug in the code, it could be your lousy implantation of functionality I don’t want or need. Don’t clutter it with widgets and thousands of “cool things”, or I’m gone.

Don’t clutter it at all! Seriously. Less is actually more.

Do I get your blog? If I don’t it might be my fault, but if you don’t do what you can to make me understand what your blog is all about, why you’re blogging, and what I can expect from it, then I’ll be bored and leave. I’m not saying you shouldn’t surprise your readers, but if the turns are too sharp you’re sure to lose a bunch in the process.

Are you being consistent with your updates? You know, you should post more or less the same amount of content all the time. If not, I might wonder where you are (if I’m an avid reader), or forget about you (if you haven’t impressed me yet).

Are you getting these things right? Then you’re bound for blogging glory!

At least if you’re a good writer. You know, content is still King, after all…

Author: Thord Daniel Hedengren

Thord Daniel Hedengren is a designer, writer, and blogger, and also the former editor of The Blog Herald. He used to be a hotshot in the gaming industry in Sweden, but sold everything and went International. Most recently he wrote a book called Smashing WordPress: Beyond the Blog, and does loads of kickass design.

Comments

  2. Mark says

    Can’t help but think of that 80s song- “Don’t mess with my toot toot”- who the hell was that by, anyway? (some big Mama). Got to no.1 in UK. Always makes me laugh when I remember it!

    Seriously, thanks for an excellent post, Thord. Great to have you back at BH.

  5. qureyoon says

    hm.. should considered posting to social tools, but sometimes feel to lazy to post it :P

    nice article btw, love the way you write it :D

  8. J.D. says

    Strangely, a lot of top websites have a great deal of “clutter” and seem to do well with it. After all, once you’ve read whatever you’ve come to the site to read, why not look around and see what else is there? People like garage sales, thrift stores and other clutter-prone places – especially people who aren’t as technologically adept and are more likely to click on your ads or not already be an affiliate of a product you’re promoting.

  10. Thord Daniel Hedengren says

    Thanks for the kind words, guys!

    Mark, I remember that song. Not fondly, but I do remember it! ;)

    J.D., I hear what you’re saying, and of course you can be reading a cluttered website, especially since so many sites out there are covered with clutter. Still, it’ll be a lot harder to keep a first-time visitor on your site if you overwhelm him/her with widgets, links, nifty badges, and all that other crap that people put up on their blog. But yeah, depending on your niche and target audience, that might be more or less important. Still, if there’s too much clutter that means that a) the blog owner wants too much at once, and/or b) the blog owner should have a design fitting for all these things. Sometimes b is the solution, but or could be, but more often a is the case, if you ask me. Which you did. :)

  11. David Airey says

    Hi Thord,

    Thanks for the write-up, which makes a lot of sense. One thing I’m not so sure about, however, is submitting your own posts to social networking sites.

    Wouldn’t it be better to submit other people’s blog posts? That way, those other people come to your blog, and you build a reputation for showcasing good content, without people thinking you’re only out for yourself.

    A friend of mine reckons that it doesn’t count if you submit your own pages to StumbleUpon, and that they’ve disallowed votes on your own website pages, but I’m not sure about that.

    Anyway, nice post again.

  12. Chip says

    I have already started applying some of your advice. I have also inititiated a social media marketing campaign. As soon as I see the results, I will get back here. I just added your blog to my Netvibes account.

  13. Thord Daniel Hedengren says

    David, sure. You can absolutely build a social reputation by submitting other people’s posts to various social networking sites. And yes, it’s probably better if you have a friend submit your post, but honestly, I’ve yet to see a real different myself. Having friends vote for your post seems a lot more important than having the actually submit it to me. And thanks for the kind words.

    Chip, thanks, and I’m glad to have you as a subscriber over at rethord.com as well!

  16. CompuWorld says

    great collection of tips..

    they are a must know for every blogger specially if they are new in the field..

    I have been working on all of them and now planning to buy a new custom theme..

    lets see what the results will be..

  20. Mohit Ranka says

    A great post!

    Not because its original in content ( Actually originality is not required either, just a dash of common sense would do), but because it very-well clubbed together.

  22. Rob O. says

    Probably one of the biggest challenges for me out of this list is the frequency with which I post. Since blogging is purely a not-for-profit hobby, the amount of time & energy I can devote fluctuates. Some weeks I’m lucky to publish one or two new articles but at other times, I’m adding new content quite often.

    Dunno how much it’s noticed, but I do try very hard not to be an echo chamber. I avoid posting for the sake of simply adding content. And I generally avoid most of the fluff content like memes and “me too” metablogging chatter. I try to be mindful of the question, “Would I read a blog like this?” when writing my blog posts.

  24. marhgil says

    ok. so, this comment might get your attention, right? hehe. Thanks for the tips! I think, I need to clean up some unnecessary widgets on my blog. :)

  25. CA says

    Thanks for the advice, very helpful, will follow , hope it works out for me, I have so much competition in this blogging subject I write on!

  26. Hugo says

    Ok, so I just started mine and am reading all the posts on the ‘how to get people to read your blog’ subject. Great. Commenting on other people’s posts seems like the most used method to get people to know you.

  30. Steve Hammonds says

    When I went to your links on tooting your own horn, I got “internal server error” Please review my simple little blog. How can I make it better? I’m a total newbie just trying to do something good.

    I’m a lay minister with cerebral palsy trying to raise $100,000.00 for charity in 30 days or less.

    Thanks and blessings for any suggestions that will help us reach our goals.

    Steve

  31. Kellen says

    Thanks so much for the advice, I really took it to hear. My old blog had a bunch of clashing colors and weak subject matter so I’ve started a new one that I hope you’ll find more satisfactory :)

  34. Amanda Heironimus says

    Interesting, indeed. Most interesting, because I can’t figure out why all these kiddos below seem to be prostrate at your feet. You’ve asked us who are we, and why should we care, which is a fair question. So, my blogging amigo…. Whoooo are yooouuu?
    Seriously, though, you did get this neophyte blogger an idea of where to start to get her site viewed by the masses, and for that I thank you. Do stop by sometime…..
    ~a
    Curiouser&Curiouser

  37. John Cess says

    that brings up a good point…sometimes i think my blog is too cluttered…i need to go rearrange it.

    thanks :)

  38. monie says

    So I just started a blog this week. I’ve decided I want it to be way more than just a blog. I want it to be the most practical, most useful free online fashion magazine.

    I’m a programmer, but i’ve never done anything with HTML, flash, or any of that stuff (i’m a real developer :)

    I have the ideas, I have the skills, and the ability. Now i just need some freakin readers to keep me motivated.

  41. Divas4truth says

    Thanks for the advice. I started blogging a few months ago and traffic is slow. I have good content, but I think it is just hard to find when there is so much other information out there.

  42. Lady Chuckles says

    Very good post :)
    I’m not even sure who’s likely to read my blog. To be honest: I write shite :)
    But I’m proud of it… At least that’s something.

  43. AJ Da Blogger says

    Wow, I really enjoyed your post. I’m very new to blogging and this page has showed me alot of things I can do to bring traffic to my blog.

  44. Gordan Thibedeau says

    Great tips. Now, how can I find my own page and delete the parts that suck? I guess that would not leave much…If I could find my page I would at least remove the middle of the night I figured out the world parts.

  46. Gordan Thibedeau says

    None taken, you are right. The worst part is that even though it was a middle of the night, shouldn’t have hit post, stupid comment; It was at least partially true. My apologies.

  47. Brandon says

    These are all great tips. I just started blogging and I am trying to figure out what I need to do to be a successful blogger and these are some great tips!

  48. TwaddleFactory says

    Excellent article on getting your blog read.

    I have just started my own blog of my own ramblings and what comedy inspires me. I have taken the less is more approach already because the cluttered sites really annoy me. Is there any further advice on how often to post or is it just a matter of being consistent?

    PS. TOOT TOOOOOOT

  52. Ngiammy says

    “It’s mum vs girlfriend – who would you choose?”

    How is that for a headline? Does it catch your eye? :P. It’s the most recent post on my blog. :d.

  53. April Pellom says

    Good ideas!!! I am brand new to this and just wanted to see how well it worked for me. Hopefully I will find direction soon! If you visit let me know of any tips! Thanks!

  56. Jack says

    Hey great post. I edited my blog a little to meet your standards so you might want to have a look. Its at top50soccerteams.blogspot.com

  58. Jennifer Evans says

    I recently started a blog, http://www.fatassmarathon.blogspot.com, after encouragement from friends that were reading my notes about my struggles with weight and coming to terms with my body, my self esteem and fitness. My blog is really geared towards women in many ways, but I think some of the issues I have faced as an overweight adult anyone can relate to. Check it out and let me know what you think. I would really like to develop a readership.

  59. Oddlysane says

    Good tips! I just reorganized my blog because I realized it seemed disfunctional. Hopefully it’s better now. Although the content is a bit unorthodox I feel like it’s interesting…

  61. adam smith says

    Okay, so I read your page, now it’s your turn to read mine. I just started today, but it’s a topic I have plenty of experience with and am trying to write a book on the subject at the same time. I would love to get as many readers as possible, so if reading as many of their blogs will help, I’ll take that advice and do that. Thanks :)

    adam

  62. Ian says

    I like your tips for getting people, specifically YOU, to read my Blog. I’m following through with one of your tips….check out my blog……

    whatisgoodblog.blogspot.com

    Let me know what you think!

  65. Kiran says

    thanks for the tips i really needed them cause i just started a new blog

    crudeinsanityy.blogspot.com

  66. Anam says

    Top post!! You’ve given me lots to think about especially about not cluttering!! Great point… thanks :-)

  73. Alejandro says

    Wow I wrote the URL to my old blog!

    Here’s the new URL:

    iphoneapplicationsupport.weebly.com

  77. TheIllustrator says

    Great stuff…time to try it. I will follow your advice and toot the horn of
    a blog I just read: JAKE’S DAD at: chocolatediapers.blogspot.com
    It made me laugh and think and want to read more………………..
    take a gander.

  79. Sophie Waters says

    My blog is brand, spanking new. It promises to be gritty and embarrassing. You don’t need to turn on the tv. Don’t download any porn. Just tune in every day to read what I have to say.

    And thanks for the advice.

  81. Bill Conway says

    Thanks for the advice! I’ve discovered it takes time and patience to build a readership, even using the social network tools. But I’m starting to get referrals from them as well as the search engines, so it’s paying off over time. It’s always a delight to see someone new but even better to see them become a return reader. I don’t monetize — I realize some see this as a means to getting traffic — but I don’t like the idea of ads cluttering my page and distracting from content. Anyhow, thanks for the pointers, I appreciate them!

  82. Lauren says

    Thanks for the tips. I just started blogging and LOVE it but wasn’t too sure how to go about getting traffic for my blog. You’re article is very helpful!!!

  85. Unicorn Spice says

    I created this blog…kind of a unicorn advocacy page, because I was bored (I live in the woods with squirrels and ducks.) Then….after a few days later…I just realized I was typing in a gigantic vacuum. Which is fine if you are just totally cool with going on an isolated schizophrenic rampage….not unlike the way homeless people talk to walls. Then to my horror I relaized I would have to put more effort into this wasting my time, or the whole thing would be a waste of my time.

    But have always thought blogs were a bit odd because they are mostly just about peoples lives…which isn’t that sort of narcissistic?

  90. Marty says

    I enjoyed your article and hopefully, you will visit mines and give me some positive feedback. I’m willing to take constructive criticism and make it work for me.
    peace.
    mm

  92. Simbelmynë says

    I’ll start here. Thank you for the simple advice post. The blogging world is so large and can be so specialized, most of these lists are self-contradictory.

  93. Mike says

    I just started my blog today and can’t wait to connect with others and share similar ideas. Im gonna test the waters with this one before delving into more serious things. Thank you for the tips. Ill be looking at this page the next couple of days.

  99. Ian says

    Thanks for the tips. If anyone here wants to check out, link or follow my blog I will do the same for you. Maybe we can all help each other out??? My blog is nothing fancy…just what I have learned in life so far. Check it out and let me know what you think……..

    http://mysuccessideas.blogspot.com

    Ian

  100. PUMPKIN15mm says

    Thanks so much for all of the advice! I have already begun putting it into practice. I really appreciate it!

    read my blog!
    http://100moviesinoneyear.blogspot.com/

    A terrific blog, a must read! A college student attempts self-education by watching the supposed 100 greatest films of all time and then debates whether or not each film is worthy. Oh, yea, and its all in one year.

  107. Fred says

    Thanks for the info! Even being completely new to blogging a lot of this makes sense. After all, why would anyone want to stay on a site that looks like crap. That reminds me, though, I need to go make sure mine looks alright. I just started it a couple days ago so everything is still sinking in. :)

  108. Jill says

    I just started blogging YESTERDAY and this post was really helpful. When you get the chance please do drop by my page. Thanks a lot!

  109. Alison says

    I know I’m a little late on commenting on this article, but…
    Thanks for the tips. They give me to that I, too, might one day have a blog that gets read by more people than just me. I just started a new blog today, and I really want it to work out.
    I had never thought of submitting it to StumbleUpon, so thanks for that idea!
    I already know that I definitely need to work on tooting my own horn…so here goes!

    http://literarycrap.blogspot.com/

    -Alison

  110. Paul says

    Hi Thord

    I know Im soo late with this post, but great article, in fact I just finished reading your tips on the use of anchor text, which makes a good deal of SEO sense.

    I personally have tried using a ‘keyword’ and text like ‘click here’ although I really have no idea how Google scores this usage..

    Thanks

    Paul

  112. KOlei says

    through this post, i was able to determine why i am not getting enough traffic…

    for the pure sense that i am senseless.. but it’s so hard to make sense. :/

  115. Josh G says

    wow. I probably should have focused a little bit more right there.
    excuse me.
    allschoolstories.weebly.com.
    I promise thats the one.

  119. Thomas Wood says

    I’ve referred back to this page a few times and the one piece which I always find daunting is “Do I get your blog?”

    I write lots of little essays and observations about the world around me, from what it’s like to be a man and try not to ogle breasts to responses to the State of the Union.

    I’ve rewritten my “About” section at least six times.

    Essentially, my blog is about my writing style and my perspective. I think it’s interesting enough to warrant a blog, but it’s difficult to get people to know what to expect, especially considering I don’t always know myself.

    Anyways, thank’s for the clear advice.
    ModernSophist.com

  120. Not Eric says

    Oh, you’ll like my blog, alright. It’s the world’s only blog written exclusively by me. Plus, it’s not like any other blog out there, in that it’s my blog. But don’t just take my word for it, take my words for it. All of them. But they are at my blog, so you’ll have to go there to take them.

  121. Swearbox says

    At last – helpful tips !!

    My blog is brand new, not even a week old, so I haven’t had the time to develop any bad habits (a bit like the first week learning to drive on your own property). My content is niche enough to have a target audience but I also plan to throw in a few off topic true stories just to keep things interesting. The two issues I have are getting people to read it and removing stuff I don’t want to appear on the front page (as stated in your post, less is more).

    Thanks for an informative post – I’m off to find out what StumbleUpon and Digg can do for me.

  122. Kallah Denson says

    I have a very unique story, an unconventional lifestyle, and an amazing amount of happiness, peace, and success in relationships, marriage, and parenting. Not because I’m so amazing, but because I have found a really great way to live. I want the whole world to know… Thanks for your advice. I will be reading your page regularly.
    godwhoisnear.blogspot.com

  123. Alex says

    I just started a brand new blog and I’m going to apply these tips. Hopefully they help.
    alexrendition.blogspot.com

  125. lala says

    Wow, that is really is good advice for a first time blogger who wants people to read her blog, to appericate it and to comment on it too. I find it very difficult enough to make people want to read my blog more or less comment…

    thanks for the tips….

  126. Listy says

    Just like everyone else, Thord, us noobs are eternally grateful for the experienced guys like you who take the time to give us a leg up.

  127. John says

    Hey.
    I really enjoyed the article. Some of the pointers that you listed were things I had not even thought of. However, I’m still finding it difficult to promote my blog. Do you suggest getting rid of the .blogspot. from my URL? Are there other, better, blogging platforms than blogger with the same ease of use?

    I am hoping to find a small reader base and I hope that I can get there at some point. Personally I think that I have a decent writing style and I enjoy coming up with ideas to share with people. If you could spare the time to take a look at my blog and let me know your thoughts on how to improve it would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,
    John

  128. Eric says

    Thanks a lot for sharing! Lots of useful stuff in this article. One thing you might addis SEO. Proper optimization can always lead to more readers. Other than that you make some great points! – Eric

  131. Collegeorbust says

    Thank you so much for the advice! I am brand new to blogging and the minute I added twitter, people started reading my tweets and adding. So hopefully they will follow my blog!
    Im only 17 years old, graduated from high school in 3 years instead of 4 and now Im having a hard time getting a job and making it the 3,121 miles across the U.S. to where I’ve been accepted to college! I will work, write, dance, anything for a buck!
    I need to earn money to move from Tampa to Seattle! Yes! I know! But that’s it! I just have to “get it done!”
    No one in Tampa will hire me! Ive applied to over 40+ places before summer starting and up until today. Time is running out! Ive gotten a couple odd jobs, paid for food, thats it! Anybody have a job in Tampa for me? Give donations to my site? Anything! Please! Help a girl out!
    Collegeorbust
    Shorty

  137. The fallen hero says

    hi Thord,

    That’s a good list of things to ensure appropriate traffic to blogs.
    more often , I tend to know all but forget / miss to implement it…
    i really liked the tips because all of them make absolute sense.
    my blog is http://www.afallenhero.blogspot.com
    When you get some time, if you can kindly visit the blog and let me know if its allright i would be very grateful to you.
    Awaiting in anticipation…

    Warm Regards,
    The fallen hero

  140. Anne says

    I have to say this is perhaps the best “how to get people to read your blog” posts I’ve seen yet! Simple, honest, to the point. In return, here I am tooting my own horn (hey, I don’t have to be asked twice!)

    http://www.quenarth.blogspot.com

    I’m a newbie with a dozen loyal readers, looking forward to all the possibilities out there!

    -Anne

  146. Will Quin says

    One way to get noticed is to to be all over the net, specially social part of net. Great content and a little provocative headlines and you are set to go.

  147. John Dill says

    Thanks for the great tips Thord! I am still new to a lot of the optimizations that can be done to increase traffic and a reader base, so it is genuine straightforward posts like this that make the adventure much easier. I feel I have a long way to go with mine, so I’ll be back here for ideas quite a bit!

  149. Ian says

    Hey great article. It seems we all want the same thing so if you come to my blog and leave a comment (or become a follower) and leave me a link to your blog I will check out your blog. If I like it I will also follow……Cheers

    mysuccessideas.blogspot.com

  150. FASHION PAPARAZZI says

    I’m writing a new teen fashion blog called FASHION PAPARAZZI! thanks for the advice !

  151. Shay says

    Great ideas on how to grow a following. It made me really think about what I use for my headliners. I haven’t been putting much effort into it, but will from now on. Thanks!

  153. Chris Moore says

    Sounds pretty good. Marketing is huge. One question, if you feel you are doing a fair amount of marketing, how do you really see the roi? Do you hound people, or follow up? I use social networking sites and haven’t seen much activity on my daily active blog. Granted it is only a few weeks old I do post updates with links on these sites for easy navigation to the newest post. I write fantasy and I’m using my blog for getting my name out, free write disciplines, and furthering my thoughts into plot and action. Let me know if you have any pointers on good blog sites to become active in for my niche.

    moorewriting.wordpress.com/

  154. Sally says

    Those tips are really helpful, thank you. Could anyone tell me if my blog is any good, though? I’ve activated the adwords thing, and intend to do the above, but what do you think? http://anonisquidge.blogspot.com – should I carry on with it? Think a bit like Bridget Jones, but in the real world!!!

  159. Ellie says

    EVERYONE VISIT MY BLOG! Nah, only joking, but thanks for the post :)
    ellieapplesauce.blogspot.com

    tehe ..

  160. sarah says

    Another one tooting my own horn =)
    tooot tooot
    i love your post your tips are great!!
    i know my blog isn’t the prettiest it’s a bit like britney spears (the shaved head, cheese chips eating britney)
    If anyone has any ideas how to make it britney spears (the hot, hit me baby one more time) Id love to hear from you.

  161. anna celotto says

    Thanks. I needed to hear this. I just set up a new blog and I don’t know what I’m doing. I want to be a better writer. I love your real down to earth writing style. Makes for interesting reading.