I made an interesting discovery this morning as I was muddling through At Home with Heather. I was looking through my stats over the past year since this blog started last September. My monthly visitors have been steadily increasing over the past several months, August being the highest yet! The cool part is - I have not (until two days ago) posted any new content or done anything with this site since November of last year.
I'm sure there are many reasons for this steady increase, but one of the most important reasons (IMHO) is that I try to provide value to my readers through the blog content on this site. Although I do have affiliate links and advertising on At Home with Heather, the main bulk of information and the reason you are returning is because it is providing value.
Are You Providing Value?
Think about your favorite blogs, the ones you as a reader continually go back to. Why do you keep going back?
- The blog is on a topic that interests you.
- It is updated regularly.
- You enjoy the writing style of the blog.
- The blog delivers great free information.
- The blogger is responsive and knowledgeable about the topic they blog.
- The blogger will answer questions, encourage comments, and let who they are shine through on the blog.
- Overall the blog content is providing value to you as a reader.
What are some of the biggest reasons you DON'T go back to a blog, or sign up to it's feed, or newsletter? I have a few definite ones:
- The blog is one big advertisement.
- Every post is trying to sell me something.
- Although there is much content... it lacks content value. (Kind of like when my son keeps talking just to hear his own voice)
- The blog is updated so often, I can't keep up.
I get frustrated and unsubscribe. - Although the blog has some valuable information it's kinda like reading my business law book back in college... ( ...zzzzz) and I lose interest rather quickly.
Do you ever go through your blog and look at is as a reader, instead as the blogger? Is it a site you would subscribe to in your reader? Like and Share it with you friends on the social networks? Is it an easy read? Does it provide content value you while at the same time keeping you interested?
It was an interesting observation for me this morning, and one that made me feel like I want to improve on what At Home with Heather is about. I will definitely be spending more time on my blogs as a "reader" so that I can continue providing value through blog content.
