WHAT MAKES ME READ A BLOG POST?

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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!