|
- I want the blogs I frequent to have videos, audios, podcasts, interviews, reviews and how-to guides. I don't want to have to read everything and this is the time of Web 2.0.
- The layout must be easy to read and visually appealing. I like the standard blog look the most since I have a better understanding of where to find what I am looking for and to get there quickly.
- Daily new content being added or at least 3 times per week. This is real content not just cryptic/incomplete posts but says something that I can learn from.
- I want to get the impression that time and effort were taken before posting, showing that the owner cares for their blog readers.
- You can find the latest industry news there.
- Tangible step by step instructions/advice can be found on how to do many tasks and such.
- Discussions on a wide range of topics but within a specific niche area. Not trying to be everything to everyone.
- Easy to navigate the blog.
- Blog sections are clearly identified and well described. There are specific sections for specific topic areas to make it quicker to find the information you are looking for. This applies especially when you need to look through archives or older posts for answers.
- RSS Feed option provided.
- Quality of the information/advice provided must be above average and accurate.
- The blog has a great web presence/ranking.
- Contests run to encourage quality contributions.
- They conduct polls/surveys so all members can get a better idea of the other members. Since they are in the same niche, that can come in very handy.
- Helpful resource links provided when they don't have the answers themselves or the blog isn't the best place to post the information and/or tools.
- Comments are allowed.
- You must register first before you can make any comments.
- The admin/moderators/owner/author replies to/addresses comments made with a quick turnaround time.
- The blog posts encourage comments.
- Ability to have enough space for a great signature file with hyperlink capability.
- The moderators do not skew content through their approvals/declines of posts.
- Uses great filters and is Well moderated so that you don't see much spam or off topic posts.
- Special offers/pricing for members.
- I like to see links to other people's sites who comment there so I can research more into what my niche is looking for, not finding and willing to pay for the solution.
- Speaks the jargon/language that the blog's target audience speaks.
- Ads are not just plastered but addressed in actual blog entries which talk about what the product is and what's in it for me.
- Every so often I find a blog with great content but no design flair whatsoever, and I wonder what they were thinking.
Monique Briand
|
Linear Mode
