It's Your Home On The Internet - What Do Folks See When They Visit Your Blog?

The other day, I was talking with my good friend, Ray Higdon,
about blogs and blogging on a private webinar for a handful of
people who had previewed his upcoming course.
(more about THAT another time)

Anyway...a question Ray asked me during the webinar has led to
more thoughts since then (you know how that can happen), so
I'm putting them here for your consideration.

The Question...

I'm paraphrasing, of course, but what Ray asked me was,
"Cathie, what would you say to a new person about why they
should have a blog?"

My answer was simple...and I must add, was rooted in MY
reasons for having a blog.

In a nutshell, I believe your blog is your "home" on the
Internet.

It's where folks can come to learn more about the REAL you.

I think of it as one central location where everything comes
together. A base of operations, so to speak.

Social media like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and all the others
are akin to public places, parties and gatherings where we meet
new people.

Well, just as in the offline world, when we "click" with someone
it's pretty likely they'll stop by for a visit, and when that
meeting took place online, they come to our blogs.

Your blog can be a platform to express your thoughts, ideas, likes,
dislikes...as well as a place to move forward in service to others
by sharing your experience, strength and hope with them.

Marketing activities can be tied to your blog, if you like, making
it a 24/7 money making presence for you on the Internet.

(And when you link social media, your blog, your ads and your
autoresponder together...KA-CHING!)

Whatever the overall purpose of YOUR blog, every post, widget, and
banner represents YOU. And whether you realize it or not, people
who are "checking you out" are going to end up there to poke around.

So if your blog is your home, what DO people see when they come for a visit?

About Curb Appeal

Everyone has their own sense of style, and while I just love the
Craftsman design, you may prefer a two story Tudor. That's fine.

It's not the design or layout of your blog "home" I'm talking about
here.  It's how you take care of it.

Have you ever passed a house with a lawn that's so over grown a
two year old would get lost in it? I'm sure you have.

Just as people driving by can tell when a property is well cared for
(or not), so people "driving by" your blog can tell if it's maintained
or neglected.

When was the last time you put up a post, replied to a comment, etc?

Have you updated information, links and banners recently?

Attending to these simple tasks can keep your blog fresh...and relevant.

The Sanford and Son Syndrome

I'm gonna be straight with you here. Many blogs that I come across
(especially in my niche) have banners and badges and widgets and
flashing stuff EVERYWHERE!

There's just too much going on.

The human eye (and brain) is constantly scanning, looking for a
place to focus.

When an area (like your blog page) is too cluttered...even when it's
GOOD stuff...the eye has no place to "rest".

So don't let your blog look like the front yard at Sanford and Sons.
Arrange your thoughtfully chosen and tasteful badges and widgets in a
way that INVITES visitors to click on them.

Note: You may also want to ask a trusted friend or colleague to take
a look and give you their honest opinion. We all see things differently,
and they aren't emotionally invested like you are.

A Reflection of You

Above all, keep in mind that your blog is where people come to learn
more about the REAL you.

Despite the many temptations, DO NOT try to be something you aren't.

If you're not technical, don't try to imitate the techy blogs you see
and if you don't have a lot of stuff going on (yet) avoid creating a
bunch of pages with essentially nothing on them. (that can actually hurt you)

Bottom line...be authentic!

People want to learn from...and do business with...REAL people they can
trust.

When your blog is a true reflection of you and your personality, your
visitors are more likely to come back to your "home" for another visit
and stay longer when they do.  And "that's a good thing." (thanks, Martha)

I'd love to hear your thoughts, so leave a comment below, and
be sure to vote for and share this post if you found it helpful.

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