Here's my question:
What keeps you returning to a blog?
This is something that I've been wondering quite a bit, since, like any blogger, I'm trying to think of ways to attract and keep new visitors. What kinds of things do you like to see on a blog? Writing articles, contests, book reviews, information about the author? Thanks in advance for answering.
Also, please come visit me at NA Alley, where I'm posting all week.
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Ooh, and speaking of contests, it turns out Frost Lord wanted a custom banner after all (which he won from the Oh, My Hero! Blog Hop,) and this is what I designed for him:
You can see his page by clicking on the banner. :D
You like?
Good question -- mostly connection. I like when the blogger responds to comments, mine and others, and creates a conversation with the reading audience. I really enjoy when posts spark discussion or reflect upon earlier discussions or relate to other things going on online. I like the community of blogging, I guess, so I tend to migrate towards blogs that have a good sense of community around them. Sometimes breaking into that community can be a little intimidating, but doing just that was something I wanted to work on with my blog reading this year. I wanted to make more of an effort to read, to comment, and to get involved, so I really like when blogs are inviting of that.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Bailey!
DeleteWhat a yummy banner and you pumped that out quick you rockstar! I love seeing funny posts with a great voice as well as author interviews! I love those :D
ReplyDeleteThanks! Author interviews are fun. I'm trying to do some more. :D
DeleteThat banner is amazing!
ReplyDeleteOkay, what keeps me coming back? Well, you first drew me in with the mesmerising banners at the top of the page (lol)but what keeps me here is YOU! I love the way you write, I love the whole feel of your blog, and as Bailey said, it's a very inviting, warm place to be. :D
Aww, thanks! That put a huge smile on my face. I heart you, Kyra!
DeleteDang gurlfriend... you got some awesome designing skills... that banner is awesome :)
ReplyDeletePS...I keep coming back when people make me smile (via their comments or their posts.)
Why, thank you! LOL.
DeleteAnd thanks for responding! :D
Great banner!
ReplyDeleteMostly, content and connection ...
Thanks! :D
DeleteAwesome banner!! I saw it on his blog this morning.
ReplyDeleteI come back to blogs I enjoy reading, when time permits. I enjoy other authors who share thier journey.
It is always awesome to read about an author's journey to publication, I agree.
DeleteAnd thanks! Glad you like the banner.
That is a fantastic banner.
ReplyDeleteAs for what keeps me coming back to a blog, well...it depends on on the content. I keep all the blogs I follow in categorized folders in my Reader. I suppose it's content. Things I find interesting, I suppose. A bunch of writers. Some photo blogs that I rarely have to comment on. A writing advice section that I can read at leisure. People I have to read every day no matter what they write about because I find them interesting or curious or like what they do or how they say it. A whole folder of blogs that don't update anymore. And a purgatory-like folder where I'm still deciding if I'm going to actually keep following.
I suppose I could have said "it's complicated" and leave it at that.
I'm glad you explained your breakdown of how you choose what readers to visit, and that you didn't just leave it at "it's complicated."
DeleteAnd thanks! Glad you like the banner. :D
I love getting to know the person behind the blog - whether they give writing advice, or reviews, I want to know what's going on with them too. If someone's funny I always come back!
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteI just feel a connection. The person is either informative or witty. They invoke a discussion. And they are friendly. I like a variety of topics so I visit a variety of bloggers.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that so many bloggers put out information that appeals to you! Thanks for sharing! And thanks for advertising NA Alley on your blog, today. :D
DeleteI agree with the others--I feel a connection. I especially enjoy bloggers who communicate with their readers--respond to comments, etc.
ReplyDeleteI love that, too. Thanks for responding!
DeleteI'm always asking this myself, but it's hard because every potential reader is unique. I've actually been listening to a lot of radio "banter" to get an idea of what sort of stuff is of interest to a larger majority.
ReplyDeleteBut personally, what keeps me coming back to a blog is if I feel there's a face on the otherside of it. I crave interaction. They don't necessarily have to visit my blog back, but a response to my comment means a lot!
What a great idea!
DeleteI love the interaction, too. :D
Also, wanted to say congrats for finishing the A-Z challenge (I'm only just now recovering and getting around to visiting again. You were one of my most regular visitors, thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks and that's awesome! I very much enjoyed reading your A-Z - congrats to you, too!
DeleteThe interaction with writers/readers is what I like about reading blogs. Since I'm at work all day, when I have a chance to check on blogs I follow, it's like going into several rooms full of people and discussing writerly things. Very cool. I also like posting on my blog because I can discuss things pertaining to my books or random thoughts about writing that cross my mind, and other writers "get it," while family and friends may get that deer-in-the-headlights look.
ReplyDeleteI so know what you mean about the deer-in-headlights look! My hubby tries to understand and is very supportive but sometimes he doesn't get it!
DeleteThanks for posting!
I return to blogs because of the blogger. If I like the person and care about them, I'll keep coming back because I want to hear what they have to say.
ReplyDeleteI feel exactly the same way! Thanks for responding and coming by so often... :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMostly interaction and humour, I think. Also if they've reviewed a few books I have enjoyed and rated them high, I'll keep popping back to get recommendations; since we have the same taste.
ReplyDelete*New follower* Really enjoyed your 'May I tell you something funny (and terribly embarrassing)...' post on NA Alley. So funny, bless you.
Vix @ http://ttoria.blogspot.com