10 Things Readers Really Don't Like About Your Blog

Is Your Blog Haemorrhaging Readers?

For many people the list below is obvious, but for those that really don't know, it's good to be reminded about what the public hates about blogs and websites.

Sorry if this is a little too close to home, it's nothing personal, and you're not the only one guilty of these things.

So let's get started.

Here are 10 things that readers really don't like about your blog:

1. Pop Ups

Not surprising that this one is at the top of the list, loved by many bloggers for bringing in subs, but hated by millions of readers everywhere.  Just make sure you keep these under control, or at a minimum on your blog.

2. Bad Web Design

All blogs should be accessible places where the information required is easy to find.  This can be done by adding tags, or pages with your most popular blog posts, for your readers to get easy access.

3. Videos that Play Automatically

Yes the kind that pop-up when you least expect it, and really annoy you while you're trying to read an article.

If you have these videos on your website make sure they're set to mute, and can be turned off really quickly.

4. Be Clear About Who You Are

Any new reader landing on your site needs to know the face behind the blog.  This is even more important if you're trying to sell something.  Have you ever bought something from a website that doesn't tell you who they are?  Would you hand your credit card details over to a website you know nothing about?

5. Social Media Required

It's pretty easy to add social media buttons to your site, and unusual for bloggers and website owners not to have any.  Without them you can't get any likes or shares.  So always give your readers the opportunity to share with some simple buttons.

6. Don't Hold Back on Big Promises

Don't promise something then renege on it later, you lose people and your reputation in one fell swoop.

Only say it if you mean it!

7. Slow Page Speed

In this day and age your blog should be loading up pretty quickly.  You can check your page speed with Page Speed Insights.  It will give you a full report and tell you where you can improve on page speed.

8. Intrusive Ads

Most bloggers have ads of one kind or another to bring in revenue for their blog.

Unfortunately many of these ads are designed to redress "ad blindness". 

Advertising can be usually be found at the top, side bar or bottom of the page.  These are all places that don't seem to be too interfering with the reader's experience.

Be kind to your readers, and use your advertising sparingly.

9. Slide Shows

A lot of commercial blogs use this to force you the reader to click through each page.

This can be really annoying, especially when it takes up so much time to go through each page.

10. Where's the Search Box

I thought all blogger's included a search box on their blog, clearly this isn't the case.

If you're looking for something specific on a blog, and you can't find it even with blog archives or labels, then a search box is vital.

Managing Pop Ups on Your Blog

Of the most hated things on any blog pop ups are right at the top, so how you manage the thing that every reader hates?

Here are three points to ponder when you start adding pop ups to your website:

1. Advertising

If you want advertising on your blog stick with banner ads, instead of pop up ads. 

2. "Like Me" Facebook Pop Up

Do you really need that popping up every time someone visits your blog, think less is more, when it comes to pop ups.

3. Email Subscription

I've save the best til last, an important strategy for bloggers is to grow your blog.  With many marketing platforms you can choose when you want your pop up to appear.  Try something less obtrusive like at the bottom of the page, or on exit, instead of within the first 15 seconds of landing on your blog.

I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

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Read more: 

The Definitive Guide to Writing a Blog Post

How to Generate Blog Post Ideas

How to Make Your Blogger Blog Look and Feel Like a Website 

The Email Marketing Guide

The Essential Guide to SEO for Writers