Hi lovelies! One of my New Years resolutions his year was to read more blogs, comment on more blogs and follow more blogs. So this got me thinking, what actually makes me want to read a blog post? What makes me decide, when I'm scrolling through pages and pages of posts on bloglovin, which ones I'm going to click on? Of course, there are some blogs where I will just read by default, as I read every new post, but when looking through blogs to follow, or looking for posts to read from blogs I don't read all the time, I've noticed there are a few things I look out for when looking for a post to read.
Interesting Pictures
All of us bloggers bang on about the importance of nice, clear pictures and while I must admit, I do kick myself if I put up what I feel are rubbish pictures, I think something that's just as important as picture quality, is picture placement. Of course, a post with bright, clear images (taken with a DSLR or iPhone, just make sure it's in focus, it's all I ask!), is better than dark, blurred photos, but the order in which you place your photos is worth considering too. By this, I mean that if you're posting several images in one post, watch where you put them. The first image in your post is the preview picture on bloglovin, blogger and whatever other platforms you use, so make it count! For example, if you're posting a review, make sure the product in question is in full view in first image, in an outfit of the day, I'm much more likely to click if I can see the full outfit rather than just a shot of your watch (unless it's a particularly nice watch!!). This may not be your style and you may completely disagree, but I feel like if your preview image gives a clear idea of what the post is about, it's easier for people to make a quick decision on if they want to read on or not, without having to even read the title. It's much easier to skim past words than an eye catching image, so it could be something worth considering in your blog posts.
Unique Content
Again, this seems like a ridiculously obvious point, but I can't stress enough how important unique content is, at least to me, when choosing blogs to follow and read. I'm not saying start reviewing cat litter and home security systems just to be unique, but try not to follow the crowd. For example, I'm much more likely to read a review of a lip balm that I've not heard much about before, than a baby lips review, as I've heard it all before. Don't always worry about reviewing brand new products, as a lot of the time, tons of other bloggers will have already done so, but why not review an old favourite, something not too many people have spoken about before? Throw an old outfit together out of things you already have in your wardrobe, do a comparison of a hyped up product vs your favourite alternative. Personally, I find posts like this much more interesting and inspiring. I think new bloggers often feel pressured into buying and reviewing the latest, most hyped products and while I do think reading several reviews of the same product can be good to see different views and opinions, I think reviews of other older, or lesser known products can be much more interesting.
Honesty
This is a big one for me, this ties into my last point, as I sometimes think hyped up products get tons of rave reviews before people have properly tried them, or perhaps they want to love it, because everyone else does. However, I think controversial posts and negative reviews show that bloggers have other opinions that aren't 'this is my new holy grail product, go buy this now!!'. Positive reviews are fab and they can help you decide whether to invest in a product, provided they are honest and genuine, however negative ones can be just as helpful. This doesn't just go for reviews, any controversial, honest post is always interesting to read. Want to rant about how Christmas has become too commercial? Go for it! Disagree with making New Years Resolutions, tell us about it! Love Katie Hopkins? Well, perhaps mentally prepare yourself for that one. Sometimes people agree, sometimes people don't, but that's what makes your blog feel real. You have a voice and opinion and while I'm not recommending turning your blog into an endless stream of rants and negative reviews, I do think being honest, be it negative or positive is hugely important. Of course, this goes for positive posts too, being open, honest and real with your readers is what makes gives your blog a personal feel.
Easy To Read
I mean this in two ways. First of all, your post must literally be easy to read. This means swirly fonts and the lightest blue text on a white background is a no go. Your blog is your blog at the end of the day and how you want it to look is how it should look, but we write to be read and if your blog is difficult to read, people will give up. I prefer dark text on a plain coloured background. The borders and background of your blog can be pretty patterned, but I do think it's better to keep the post background as clean and simple as possible. Secondly, please, please use spellcheck. I cannot tell you how many times I've clicked off of a blog because of countless spelling mistakes or bad/ no punctuation. I'm totally aware that this is sometimes something people can't help and I absolutely don't want to cause offence, but if you can at least check your spellings and use a full stop here and there, it makes your blog so much easier to read. If I'm reading a post and having to guess what words someone was trying to use again and again, I'm pretty likely to click off. I feel like a massive language and grammar snob just typing this, but it's something that puts me off and I know others feel the same too.
A Reason To Comment
This one is something I'll probably go into further detail on in another post, but I love when a blog post gives a reason to comment and to get involved in conversation with other bloggers. Be it a simple question at the end of the post, e.g. 'Have you tried a MAC lipstick, what's your favourite shade?', or a debate type post, where the blogger wants their readers opinions, for example, your views on bloggers and vloggers bringing out novels (I'm just not gonna go there). Getting into discussions with other bloggers is interesting and reading other people's views can sometimes make you look at things differently yourself.
Let me know what you thought of this post, I'd love to know if it was helpful in any way, as I'm thinking of doing a 'What makes me follow a blog?' And 'What makes me comment on a blog post?', so let me know if you'd like to see those!
Hope this helped!
Found this really interesting and it really made me think - display pictures really do inspire me to read a blog post. Looking forward to read your other posts! <3 xx
ReplyDeletenessiehere.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks so much! I'll get to work on those asap! Xx
DeleteLove this post and agree with all your points! It takes me a while to figure out what order to put my pictures and what the main pictures going to be. I also like a question at the end of a post. It gives me something to answer!
ReplyDeleteExcited for your other posts :D xxx
-Sarah Speaks
That's so great to hear, so glad you want to see further posts, as I love writing ones like this and getting feedback on them! Xx
DeleteThis was really interesting. I find photography really important in blog posts, even though I need to improve on mine x
ReplyDeletepintsizedbeauty.blogspot.co.uk
Great comments - I agree with them all! I like to end my blog posts with a question too xx
ReplyDeletehttp://cocoamay.blogspot.co.uk
Great Post! The honesty thing is a huge thing for me too- I do like to see the pros and cons to everything! I think a professional looking blog is a big thing too. I enjoyed reading your post! L xx
ReplyDeleteLoved this post! I am so funny sbout honesty and I love good clear pictures!
ReplyDeleteRachael x | N o v e m b e r S t o r m s |
Pictures always catch my eye before anything else. Thats why I'm trying too up my game when it comes to blog photography
ReplyDeletehttp://dofusanney08.blogspot.co.uk/
Agreed. I tend to comment when they ask a question at the end of the post x
ReplyDeleteLizzie Rose Blogger
found this so interesting and will keep this in mind in every blog post i write, i just started up my blog again and it can be hard when starting to keep everything interesting but i am trying my best! x
ReplyDeleteI get dragged oin by nice hq pictures!
ReplyDeleteBeauty Soup || UK Beauty Blog
You definitely hit the nail on the head with all of your points, and i was most certainly drawn here due to your preview photo!
ReplyDeleteFrankie Boo Blog
I like a reason to comment as well! I always try to tack on a question at the end of my posts, not just because I like to engage readers, but also because the answers are always amazing and full of good recommendations.
ReplyDeletenueyork.blogspot.com
I just find your blog and i must say, I really love it!
ReplyDeleteIt will be an honor for me if you can visit mine too, and if you want to follow, it will be a pleasure to follow you back <3
http://www.vonsnef.com/
This makes a really interesting read :) I love the section on honesty because that is so important I feel when it comes to your blog, because if you can't be honest I feel you can't be yourself.
ReplyDeleteCharlee XO | CharmedCharlee
This is a really interesting read! I definitely agree with what you said, you should totally continue this series:)
ReplyDeleteEmma xo |MIssemmalouise12.blogspot.ie
I definitely agree with the points you've made, if I see a blog I haven't read before and the pictures don't grab my attention I tend to keep scrolling. I also like swatches when people do reviews of products or what the product is like on x
ReplyDeleteThrough New Eyes | Beauty Blog
Interesting read, I think really engaging, well written content is a huge factor as well as good photographs. The photos grab your attention but the text plays a huge roll in keeping you there and engaged. x
ReplyDeleteReverie de Paris
Loved This. I always leave a question at the end of a post.
ReplyDelete-xx
The photo you have used is absolutely gorgeous- I love the hints of gold on your desk! I definitely agree with your first point- I have started putting the most interesting/ best display of the product photo first. I don't think I've ever come across a blog post that I couldn't make out because of spelling or grammar but I have in the past been put off by teeny tiny text (which may look nice but may end in a headache). One thing which has put me off a post (some might not agree) is writing that sounds like the blogger is trying too hard, like they've used a thesaurus on every second word and it doesn't feel natural because I love the way blogs feel like a friend is speaking directly to you. As for your questions (I love questions at the end of a post- I do it all the time in my own):
ReplyDeleteIts difficult to say why I follow a blog because often its for different reasons: picture quality, layout, content but I'd say generally because I notice some sort of specific shared interest- like they've raved about a product I like, they've written a humorous post I can relate to etc.
I actually find it pretty difficult to make an effort to comment on blogs- mostly due to laziness and time constraints. I have to be making a special effort at that time to comment on every post I read (like now) or have something really responsive to say. Also the fact that I can't keep comments short and sweet and they often turn into bibles as long as the post themselves stops me.
Speaking of which.. lol
I'll finish up with the fact that I really loved this idea for a post :)
PS. Had a good chuckle at this: "Love Katie Hopkins? Well, perhaps mentally prepare yourself for that one."
Ahh thanks for the lovely comment hun! Unfortunately the image is from pinterest and this isn't my desk (sob!), I agree completely with the point about bloggers trying too hard, I want to read a blog, not a Dickens Novel! xx
DeleteI totally agree with this blog, it's exactly right and every blogger should read it. So helpful too for my own blog, so thank you! :) xx
ReplyDeleteYes, this was all very helpful! Since I'm a new blogger I love reading these sorts of posts. I need all of the tips I can get!
ReplyDeleteMilan
hellomilan.blogspot.com
This is a great post, a different take to blog tips.
ReplyDeleteZeynab xx
The Beautifully Disastrous
Ahh great, I'm so glad you liked it! I'll definitely be doing more! xx
ReplyDeleteThat's so great to hear, so glad you want to see further posts, as I love writing ones like this and getting feedback on them! Xx
ReplyDeleteThat's so great to hear, thank you! xx
ReplyDeleteAhh thanks so much! The desk isn't actually mine (sob!), the image is from Pinterest! I totally agree about bloggers trying to sound too clever, I want to read a blog, not a Dickens novel!! Thanks so much for the feedback, comments like this really make my day! xx
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, will be including that point in my 'What Makes me Follow a Blog' post! xx
ReplyDeleteDefinitely agree, I can't stand it when there's no swatches on a review post, if you're loving your new lippie, then show me!! x
ReplyDeleteSo true, I can never 'connect' with a blogger if I don't feel they're being honest xx
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! I particularly love asking what you're favourite ... at the moment, so many great suggestions! x
ReplyDeleteAh thank you so much! That's great to hear! xx
ReplyDeleteMe too, it's great to get involved in a discussion in the comments of a blog post! x
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, it can be overwhelming but once you find your feet, it's fab! x
ReplyDeleteThis is a fab post - I know I really need to work on using pictures more in my blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm relatively new, so any advice is really helpful.
Thanks for this!
www.eatlivebreathe.blogspot.com
I agree with you in a lot of the things you said! As a blogger I really like reading this type of posts, so I know what things to keep in mind when blogging myself. Good job :)
ReplyDeleteLovely post. :) some really good ideas to ponder over.
ReplyDeletehttp://dipsydays.blogspot.co.uk/
xx