8 Tips To Make Your Blog More Readable

 

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ow quickly and how easily information can be obtained from a blog post depends on the readability of the post. Content is important, but content that that cannot be easily extracted can lead your reader moving on to the next source – another blog. Your post has to be well structured, with points clearly laid out and discernable.

Time is a precious resource, not to be wasted, therefore no one wants to spend valuable time scouring through tons of material, looking for that vital piece of information.

The Tips

1.   Utilize Appropriate Headings

An appropriate heading gives a clear definition and meaning to the content that follows. The reader has an idea of what to expect from the content underneath your heading and you must make sure that they match.

 

2.   Maintain Short Paragraphs

Short paragraphs help to break up an otherwise long and boring reading. It helps to take the stain off the eyes and allow for breathers in a world where distractions abound, the internet not excluded. Ideally, your paragraph length should not be more than 5 lines.

 

3.   Choose The Right Type Of Font

So what font is right for your blog? - The font that is easy to read, with no complicated characters. It makes it easy for the eye to flow over the words, saves time reading through and allows faster assimilation. Personally, i use Arial font, and I notice, so do several other sites. Other popular fonts include Sans- Sesif and Georgia.

 

4.  Choose The Right Font Size

Though there is no official standard for font size use, you should put into consideration that some people can read small font size, some cannot. You have to strike a balance- not too small and not too big. Choose a font that will enable your post to be easily read, without strain to the eyes. Font size 14 is increasingly being used by blog owners and managers.

 

5.  Use Highlights

The use of highlights helps to put focus, attention, if you will, on the more important point in your write- up. The attention of readers that skim through your write up are caught be the highlights and they often go back and read more of the post, more carefully. Methods of highlighting include but are not limited to, underlines, italics, bold and colouration.  

 

6.  Use Text Breakers

Text breaks are used to pause a long continuous stretch of text. It helps to make the blog content more readable and reduces fatigue associated with long stretches of text.

Text Breakers include

·  Images - free, as well as stock photos abound on the internet. Use them to punctuate your articles and lift the spirits of your readers.

·  Quote boxes – use these to break up your text. I particularly like amusing or crafty quotes. You should try them.

·   Related Links – Readers are able to view other relevant post, either within or outside your website.

·   Social Media boxes – Apart from breaking up your text, it also helps to expose your post to a wider audience.

·        Lists – use lists to give your post a different look, with information that is quick to grab.

 

7.  Create a Drop Cap

A drop cap has a kind of appeal that makes a reader want to engage with your post. It helps to create an authority like kind of feel to your article that draws in the user, just like the way this article was started.

 

8.  Select a cool, relaxing  background

Don’t paint your background red, or a dark colour. It will take the focus off your text and make it hard to scroll through. Always choose lighter colours because they are soothing, easy on the eyes and mood lifting.

 

 

Take Away

Blogging either for passion or for business requires proper attention. Afew careful inputs can go a long way in improving the overall health of your blog, creating a wider reach, better readability and  user response.    

Best Tips To Writing More Engaging And Effective Headlines

       

If a reader decides to click on your article and read through it, or not, but instead scrolls on to other articles on other sites, it is more often than not determined in a few seconds by what they see - the headline hanging over your article. Your headline should be actionable- that is, clicked on, and shared. The traffic you get is dependent on the headline of your article, be it from search engines or social media.

 

What is an article headline?

Simply put, it’s the distinct text at the top or head of an article, giving an insight into, or reflecting the nature and category of the article. It’s like a summary of the contents of the article.

 

7 Types of headlines

Ø Direct Headline

Here the reader has a clear idea of what your article is about and that is what they expect to see. The headline is a summary of your content

    Example- “5 gases that cause global warming”

 

Ø Indirect Headline

 

The reader only has a vague idea of what the article is about

    Example- “Global warming-causes”

 

Ø Question Headline

This asks a question to be answered in the body of the article

    Example- “Are electric cars really eco-friendly?”

 

Ø How to Headline

To let readers know the steps or processes involved in solving a problem or accomplishing a task. It increases reader engagement.

    Example- “How to make money blogging”

 

Ø Command Headline

These headlines instruct readers on what to do. It is often used when dealing with products and services and compels them (readers to take action).

    Example- “Do this, and make your tires last longer”

Ø The Reason Why Headline

Usually used when the article is made up of information in list form.

    Example-14 Practical Steps To Gain Massive Traffic

 

Ø Controversial Headlines

 

Controversial headlines can go viral fast, as it can easily polarize the audience pitching them against each other from opposite sides of the divide, - right up to pitch fork levels. But seriously, things can get really heated up because people’s feelings and emotions are involved.

   Example–“Kyle Rittenhouse acquitted, what happens next?”

 

How long should an article headline be?

Article headline length is an aspect that is often overlooked, more often than not, because of ignorance of the way it can affect your click through rate. But even when you become aware of its importance, how long would you want to keep it? It’s all centered on grabbing the attention of the readers.

    Factors that matter-

Ø Context words- These are words that trigger attention and evoke emotions, leading to better user engagement. A headline that can be taken in or read at a single glance appeals more to readers. Usually the first and lasts few words are focused on. Trying to put the context words within the first seven or eight words is a good idea, if possible.

 

What Makes A Headline Catchy?

A catchy headline is extremely important in order to get your readers to engage with your article- how they do this? By reading through the article and acting on it e.g. commenting and sharing.

Below are 4 helpful guides towards writing good headlines

Be specific

Your headline should be straight to the point. Studies have shown that most readers read only the headlines and move on, - that is if they think they are not going to get what they need from your article, going by your title or headline. Your headline should reflect what your article is about and how it can help them solve their problems or provide solution to their needs.

 

What is in it for them?

Headlines that hint on specific benefits and attributes tend to catch and hold attention. Offer them value for their time and money (after all, it costs money to be online). Are they learning something new, helpful? Of course, they should.

What makes you click?

In your research and searches online, what kind of headlines catch your attention? Observe these carefully and analyze how they were crafted. Break them down into elements and use that to formulate your own headlines.

Simplicity

Keep your headlines as simple as possible. Use plain regular words, easy to understand and digest.

Tools available

There are a number of headline tools available to assist you in your quest for that ideal headline. They can help analyze and rate your headline .These include tools like   

-      Coshedule

-      Portent Content Idea Generator

-      Sharethrough Headline Analyzer

-      Sumo Kickass Headline Generator

-      Impact Blog Title Generator

 

Take Away

Article headlines deserve all the attention you can give them. It draws readers to your articles or repels them away, and make sure your headlines correlate with what the body of your articles talks about.

8 Ways To Build A Viable Website

 

Believe It Or Not

 

A lot of people, in fact most people that create a website strive to make money online either directly or indirectly with their online presence. Surely, they would not mind earning some form of income from the effort they put into their site. While this is possible, a lot of site owners find it tough earning a decent income or any income at all.

 

Don’t Be Deceived

Making money online is not as easy as taking a stroll in the park where everyone admires your joggers and your toned physique. You see, online, no one knows you – at least not yet, until you build your presence. There will be obstacles, there will be challenges, some self-festered and some beyond your control.

The tendency to fall into the “it’s impossible to make money online” trap is very real. After trying a few times without success you give up. Online businesses take time to grow. You’ve got to keep tending it. It may be crawling at first, but with some persistence and hard work it will be up and running – and yielding income, good income

What this post is about

This post will reveal to you steps to take to towards building a viable website.

 

1 1. Take The Step

                           

 

The fear of failing puts many people off starting their online business. It stops them from moving from the thinking stage, to the doing stage and executing their ideas. You don’t need to read all the web pages before taking that first step, you’ll learn along the way. You’ll make mistakes, re-evaluate and bounce back better. There is no one book or online post that can give you a fool-proof assurance of success. It’s a step at a time.

 

 

    2.      Niche Vs Passion

 

If you search online for the most profitable niches on the internet, you will be slapped with a list of the so called ‘lucrative’ niches. Pick one of these and build your internet business around it without a passion for the topic and it will most likely end in disaster.

 

This is so because soon enough you will run low on motivation to continue due to your lack the passion for the subject. It is your passion that keeps you going. When things are not going smoothly or according to plan, your passion gives you the will power to trudge ahead. If it’s gardening that you have passion for, wrap yourself around it and stay away from pet grooming. Trust me you’d be better fulfilled, in all ramifications.

 

3. Good Website name.

 

You are in a discussion with someone and it leads to him asking what the name of your site is, you tell him and his reaction puzzles you? Well, perhaps the name sounds weird or overly complicated. As for names go, keep is as simple as possible. Also the name or title should not be misleading or confusing. You should not have a title that goes, Pet Care, and then you begin to talk about Bonsai gardening. I, certainly will not visit the site again because that is not what I am looking for.

 

4. Hosting

What is web hosting? Simply put, it’s the piece of online estate you purchase or rent to display your web site on the internet. What is the use of well researched, well written content if no one is able to see it? Any meaningful and serious aspiration for online presence must have a good hosting plan.

There are numerous hosting companies with different hosting plans, ranging from free to paid. This can be further broken down into

·      Shared Hosting – most affordable asides free hosting and

·  Virtual private server (VPS) - often used by large businesses. The playou choose depends on factors such as, nature of your web site and your budget.

·  Dedicated Hosting – has dedicated server used only by the web site You have control over the server and its properties.

· Cloud Hosting- has an almost limitless volume of storage and bandwidth and is becoming increasingly popular.

·    Reseller Hosting- I like to refer to this as subletting. An account owner can host a website or websites on behalf of a third party, with the resources allotted to him by the hosting company, which he is presently not in need of, making some income on the side.

 Your web host must provide the following-

 

· Security - Every online business desires a safe working  environment and they want a web host that will provide this.

· Support- A good hosting service must provide adequate technical support to its clients, ensuring that user experience is flawless.

·  Uptime- The website must be available and accessible on line as much as possible. Persistent down time can affect user experience and lead to loss of viewers.

 

5. Content 

Content, made up of all that is contained therein, on your website must be carefully created and placed. Things to watch out for include -

 

·  Quality - if you want readers hanging around your web site, you had better be dishing out good quality content. This ensures you get both unique and returning visitors. Your content must be well researched and written.

·  Simplicity - Content must be simple and easy to read and digest. It must not be over burdened with complex grammar that interrupts the comprehension process. Don’t try to impress anyone, I assure you, they won’t be. 

·       Fresh Content – intermittently dilute your old content with fresh ones. This does not mean the old content has lost value, especially well researched content that can continue to attract readers for years as your articles are continually discovered, but adding fresh content attracts return viewers, and aids in search engine discoverability.

·  Clear and relevant images – good clear images attract viewers and compliments your articles in a positive way. Just ensure it is related to your topic. You can check out the article Six ways good images benefit your Web Page

 

6. Social Media 

It makes sense to have a number of social media handles. Advantages include

·       It encourages interaction with readers and viewers

·       Improves feedback from users

·       Makes your content easy to share

·       Gives an opportunity for marketing

7. Engage in Search engine optimization (SEO)

And for good reason. If you want your website showing up within the first page of search engines and thereby open to large traffic, you have to take SEO seriously. Actions that aid Search Engine Optimization include-

·       Keyword Research - Keywords are the words or phrases that searchers enter in to search engines to get information about a topic. They must be properly researched and put to good use.

·       Website loading speed – The faster your website loads, the easier and faster it shows up in search engine results, leading to higher ranking. A load time of three seconds or less is ideal as even as low as two seconds above that can lead to site abandonment.

·       High quality back links – These are links from another website to your own site. It helps create traffic to your web site.

·     Mobile friendly – Websites that are optimized for mobile viewing often rank higher and get more views as the world tends towards mobile devices. Websites that are not mobile friendly miss out on mobile viewers.

8. Utilize webmaster tools 

Webmaster tools enable you to keep an eye on the overall health and performance of you web site. They help you keep track of the following-

·       Page views – Views, all time, monthly, weekly and daily can all be tracked with a view to taking necessary steps to improve on site performance.

·       Time that visitors spend on the website.

·       Check for broken links to correct them.

·       Page download time.

·       Bounce rate, to improve the user experience and engagement time.

Take Away

There are several factors involved in building a viable website, and each one deserves careful consideration and execution. If you want a website that attracts viewers and ultimately yields income, you must pay adequate attention to it and continually analyze, evaluate and make necessary changes as required.

6 Ways Good Images Benefit your Website And How To Use Them

Images are visual depictions. It could be of anything from people, animals, objects, animate or inanimate. People are drawn and attracted to images. It captures their attention and keeps it.

Ways in which images benefit your site-

1. Grabs attention

  

Well placed good quality images on your webpage quickly grabs the attention of visitors to your site, asides giving it a good look. Visitors can easily visualize the information you are trying to pass across, and even help them to remember the information. A picture they say is worth a thousand words.

2. More Page Views 

Page views are a standard measure of how often an individual loads your web page. Because your site draws attention, visitors tend to stay longer on your site as it gives them a better user experience and this makes them click through more. This can give you a higher conversion rate.      

3. Improved Search Engine Ranking

Good, clear descriptive and related images boost your site rankings. If you observe, search engine results to queries are displayed under about eight different headings- All, Images, Videos, etc. Your images give you the opportunity to present more content for the search engine to index, thereby showing up for both general and image search.

 

4.  Encourages Spread By Social Media  

                                          

A lot of the social media platforms we have now seem to tend towards the visuals. Not surprising, people want to see what is happening or what your content is all about, not just read it. Content with images tend to get shared more on social media platforms, because more visitors engage and interact with your content. It touches on their emotional side and the content could be spread more, far and wide, leading to more traffic. 

 

5. Easily Digested

A long continuous pile of words on a page can be boring to read, especially with a bad layout. Text, interjected with images are easier to “take in”. The image compliments your points and readers find it easier to get a complete idea of what you are writing about. The images help to break up the monotony of your write up.

 

6. It Beautifies Your Web Site

Images add colour and beauty to web pages. It makes it look attractive and appealing, which can in turn lift spirits and improve moods. 

Take Away

Any online publisher striving to make a visible presence and have a meaningful impact in the cyber space, should not under estimate the importance of images in their content. They are like the spice in the mix that keeps your readers lapping up and digesting your content, long enough to assimilate the nutrients contained therein.