One of the first challenges faced by any blogger is attracting new readers. There are numerous ways to do this, including search engine optimization, word of mouth advertising, and a social media marketing strategy. However, once you’ve landed that all-important first click onto your website, is it strong enough to keep the reader there? To convert first-time visitors into regular readers, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind.
Create a Knockout Landing Page
You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure it’s a good one. Your landing page is essentially your business card, so think carefully about what it says about your blog as a brand. A clean, attractive layout and organized categories to browse through will keep readers looking for more, as opposed to gaudy flash animation and a flurry of pop-up ads.
Post Regular Content
Once a new visitor has read through your landing page and archives, they will have no reason to return unless you post new content for them to read and share. Updating your website consistently not only will entice readers to return, but it is also one of the most important SEO marketing strategies. Search engines rank regularly updated websites more highly, which will attract an even greater number of new readers to convert into regulars.
Proofread your Work
It’s great to post regularly, but be sure that the content you are posting is clean, informative, and error-free. You might have great ideas, but if they are clouded by typos and run-on sentences you’ll quickly lose readers. Take the time to read through your post out loud before you publish it.
Give Readers Something Unique
You can find out more about what readers are looking for by using keyword research. This technique shows you the specific words or phrases that internet users are searching for. By incorporating these keywords into your unique content, you’ll then theoretically attract those readers searching for them. This keyword research tutorial with example is a good way to get started if you don’t have any experience with this process. Although keyword-rich content may attract new visitors to the blog, they won’t come back unless your blog offers something different from the competition. Show off your unique personality and experiences in your writing, and strive to share information that will be new.
Optimize Blog for Multiple Devices
Responsive design is a key trend in website development at the moment, creating websites that can essentially adapt to any device. Remember that many of your readers will be accessing your website on a smartphone or tablet, which all have their own formats or screen sizes. You’ll want to make sure that your website is clean and easy to navigate no matter what gadget a reader is viewing it from.
Sweeten the Deal
Although this may sound suspiciously like bribery, creating the impression that your readers are part of a privileged group is a great way to inspire loyalty and keep them coming back. You could team up with related online businesses who want to attract the attention of your readers to offer free giveaways or promotional contests. Another option is to offer more content as a free download or e-book. Encourage readers to share these promotional offers and you could find your audience expanding rapidly.
By taking the time to create a clean, compelling website with consistently fresh content, you’ll find your audience grow in strength and numbers over time.