Blogs - how to get readers

[Half-Saint]

Hi,

I've been writing a personal blog for more than 3 years now and I've got plenty of readers there. The problem is my 'computer' blog which I started last year because most of the personal blog visitors weren't interested in reading about computer stuff. Anyway, the question is: how to attract readers? Would anyone care to visit the blog and tell me what they thought about the contents (the link is in the signature)? Maybe I should stay away from certain topics and make it a one-topic blog? You'd imagine that 9 months would make a difference but they didn't.

Thanks
SainT

[andyt31]

I am in the same boat as you. I too have a my own blog, but dont get many visitors. Most visitors are search engine spiders.

My stats tell me i have had 62 different visitors(including spiders) this month so far. 3 'human' visitors so far today and 8 yesterday.

[Jorg]

I didn't click...

[Half-Saint]

I didn't click...

I don't get it...

[Erik]

Anyway, the question is: how to attract readers? Would anyone care to visit the blog and tell me what they thought about the contents (the link is in the signature)?

Blogs are like most other non-commercial websites in that there are only three things that matter: content, content and content. ;)

From my experience a blog (or website or message board) needs to be updated frequently with interesting, useful content in order to get recognition from search engines and the people that follow them.

Inbound and outbound links help for people to find the site, but in the end only good content will keep them coming back - and telling their friends.

BTW: A personal request for plugs - you're welcome (encouraged, even) to put links to your blogs and websites into your signatures. It's a good way to drum up visitors and to get some inbound links from a good source. I would like to ask (not require, of course) for return links to the boards, the marketplace or whatever part of the vintage-computer site you think is appropriate. Every little bit helps! :D

[Trixter]

I've been writing a personal blog for more than 3 years now and I've got plenty of readers there. The problem is my 'computer' blog which I started last year because most of the personal blog visitors weren't interested in reading about computer stuff. Anyway, the question is: how to attract readers? Would anyone care to visit the blog and tell me what they thought about the contents (the link is in the signature)? Maybe I should stay away from certain topics and make it a one-topic blog? You'd imagine that 9 months would make a difference but they didn't.


I think the problem is that you post on average twice a month, with one or two paragraphs. Content is king, and you need more of it. Either daily posts, or more lengthy posts.

Mine isn't a powerhouse, but I make sure when I post that it's at least long, interesting, or both. Here's a long techie post: http://trixter.wordpress.com/2008/03/15/internal-conflicts/

And here's a long non-techie post: http://trixter.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/would-you-like-fries-with-that/

And here's a post to make most members of this forum weep with sadness: http://trixter.wordpress.com/2006/10/25/government-workers-are-so-very-helpful/

...and one to weep with joy: http://trixter.wordpress.com/2006/02/08/karma/

Get the picture?

Caveat: I don't get a lot of hits either, only about 1000 a month. My blog is mostly for my friends and the curious.

[Jorg]

There used to be some kind of thumb rule that, if a reader drops in three times and there is nothing new- he will not return. As I feel blog readers would drop in everyday/every time they surf, or once per year- nothing in between.

[Half-Saint]

Thanks Trixter.. I know that my blog currently resembles a news site more than a blog. In the beginning I intended to write once or twice per week. It ended up like this.. oh well..

I guess more articles like this one would help :)
http://onlyageek.blogspot.com/2007/03/power-saving-in-pc-world.html

Thanks for the tips everyone!

Cheers
SainT