This list may seem like common sense to many of you, but I can’t even begin to tell you how many blogs I’ve stumbled upon lately that are missing some of the most crucial, in my opinion, pieces any reader would be looking for when they visit your blog. Giving your readers this information without making them go on a blog scavenger hunt will make them happy and hopefully keep them around a bit longer!
1. About page – This is the first thing I click on any blog I am visiting for the first time. I want to know who you are and what interests you to see if we have anything in common. This is also a good place to briefly mention what your blog is about, if you have a specific niche, and will help draw in more readers before they even begin to browse your archives.
2. Your name – Giving your name enables readers to feel more of a personal connection with you. You don’t have to put your whole name out there for the entire interwebs to see, but at least something would be nice. It also helps people address you in a non-awkward way, like when readers want to send you an email because they really love your blog or post, or when a company is trying to contact you to do a collaboration- they want to know who they’re talking to! Speaking of which, go ahead and put an email for contacting also.
3. Your location – For privacy reasons, you don’t have to get very specific, but at least a general idea of what region you’re in will allow others to connect with you. Back when I was just a blog reader, I was specifically looking for bloggers in the New England area that I could connect with prior to my move. I was interested in finding weekend recaps/travel posts to get a feel of what the area was like and get some ideas of where I would like to visit upon arriving. I was able to connect with bloggers in specific cities and reading their posts made my to-do/visit list much more exciting.
4. Cast of characters – If you frequently mention your best friend, boyfriend, hubby, dog, whoever, give them a name! If they’re a significant part of your life, go ahead and introduce them on your about page. Your readers will understand who you’re talking about rather than reading a post with random name drops!
5. Follow options – Believe it or not, I’ve found some awesome blogs, but I couldn’t find an option to follow. I had to manually search for them via Bloglovin to add to my reading list, but some people may not take that extra step. Add your Bloglovin, social media links, etc because it’s the best way to make blog friends and you don’t want to lose potential readers by not giving them an easy option to keep up with you!
Katherine Annika Cutar says
I like this post! And I love your blog! Followed you on Bloglovin. I hope you'd check my blog too and follow-back. 🙂
xx
http://www.thesenestedthoughts.blogspot.com
Crumbs and Curls says
I love this!
Kristin
Crumbs & Curls
Morgan Rae says
Yes!! These things drive me crazy too – especially when I find a new blog that I love but can't find a way to follow them.
Rebekah says
Great tips and ideas! Funny enough it is hard to find people's names sometime… weird!
– Rebekah @ Blue Giraffes and Concrete Jungles
Jess says
I've been contemplating the best way to do a cast of characters on my page. I'm glad someone else thinks this is helpful!
Kate at Green Fashionista says
Yes yes yes to the follow option… I still use GFC for the most part and I get so sad when there is no GFC follow option because I rarely check my Bloglovin. Sometimes I can't find anything at all 🙁
Helene in Between says
oh i agree with all of this! I don't really have a cast of characters but I do mention everyone in my about page kinda. I could do a better job of that!
Kristyn @ Carolina Fireflies says
It drives me nuts when I can't find a way to follow a blog! You'd think that would be the first thing you'd add to your blog!
Meg Doherty says
So basic, but so right! Seriously, I hate trying to comment and having NO IDEA what the chick's name is! Haha
Megan says
Whew, I passed the test! What a great post to share with new bloggy friends. 🙂
Lauren @ Another mom another blog. says
Totally agree with your list! Especially about Bloglovin buttons. I love being able to follow new bloggers quickly and easily!
Alissa says
definitely agree to this! btw you may not know me but I read your blog 🙂
http://thewallflowersecrets.com
Ashley R says
Great ideas. I definitely need to up my game in this department!
Katie @ The Macarthurs Lately says
Great tips! I'm newish to the blog world, so I'm definitely still learning!
Melissa says
I don't have a boyfriend 🙁 I want a character for the being single one haha! I don't like mentioning people way to much, because it seems people leave your life way to fast 🙁
Tiffany Khyla says
Agree with all of these! I've gotten frustrated when I've visited a blog and there was no way to follow them. It's especially frustrating when it's WordPress because I can't follow WordPress users if I'm using Blogger. I definitely agree with the about page. I've seen some anonymous bloggers, and I'm less apt to want to follow them if I can't put a face to the words I'm reading.
Simply D Constructed says
What a great idea to have a Cast of Characters! I never thought about that. And I've done the same thing, manually searching for blogs so I could add them on Bloglovin. It's just a little frustrating when bloggers don't make it easy to follow.
justine ariel says
Great post – I do love the cast of characters idea. My cat is a frequent star on my instagram feed, that's for sure. Otherwise I have all of these!
xx
Justine
justineariel.co