Brevity Is Part Of A Blogger’s Brief
In my newspaper column (it’s called Blog Cabin) in the News Limited publication `mX’, published in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, I recently answered a question from David Swift, but the Q&A could be of interest to the wider blogging community.
Could you please give me some feedback on the basics of my blog - design, content and writing style? I would like to get more traffic, as well as reader comments.
You just got yourself the job of PR manager for (retired independent Senator from Tasmania) Brian Harradine - he's probably rapt with the reference to him as ``Brain'' Harradine.
Your template is neat, easy to navigate and lends itself to quick reading. The content could do with a little proof-reading, because writing is obviously your strong point. Not every blogger is a Spelling Bee champion, but a little polish will bring rewards.
You deal with a great variety of subjects, but try including some pictures, graphics or design elements with each post. This will make a great difference to your overall look.
The best blogs are not just well-written, they are well presented. Yours just needs a little attention to pictorial detail. You've done well with the sidebars on breaking news, recent comments, Chuck Norris facts and your choice of quips. If brevity is a blogger's friend, humour is a blogger's trump card.
You've made an impressive start, and the more readers you get, the more comments you will receive. Reply to each comment, as this builds a rapport with your readers. And send Brian Harradine Christmas cards every year.