Wanna know how it's done? Then you must check out Janet Sumner Johnson's blog, the subject of today's critique. Yes, go now! We'll discuss below.
Oh, Janet, you do everything right. Let's break it down:
- Your name is in your title. Sweet!
- Your profile is high and visible
- It's easy to navigate
- Your background color is not too busy, but it gives visual interest
- It is mega easy to become a follower
- You tell me when you post (Mondays and Thursdays) and...
- ...it's not too much or too little
- You blog on topic
- I know what your topic is
- You tell me about your writing
- You have an "About Me" page
- You make it easy for me to contact you
- You have an easy to read, non-cluttered format
- You have a search box on your blog
- You have your blog linked up in your profile
- Your blog posts are not too long
- You give your readers a prompt to urge comments
- You respond to comments
- You tell us why you when you don't comment
- You use pictures in your posts
- You have important info in your sidebar (contest end dates, current polls)
And I discovered all of this after only three minutes on your blog. That means I didn't have to search, everything was easy to find. I sincerely have nothing more to say, which is truly a first. Okay, some people may not like the red, but you're never going to please everyone.
Surely a reader out there must have some advice for Janet? Please share your thoughts!
32 comments:
Wow Laura! I'm blushing. Thank you! I do have to confess, I made some changes after reading your other blog critiques. You've been giving great advice!
Awesome job, Janet and Laura. I love it when you analyze the blogs I follow, Laura.
There are a few points I still need to incorporate on my blog (like when I post). Looks like that's today's project.
I like the idea of listing when you post, that's a nice detail.
My only advice to Janet is ... Keep up the good work :)
Yay for my sister!!! I wish I could be as diligent in my blog, but alas something to work on!!!
You didn't mention that she gives away candy, which I would consider a plus unless you are on a diet.
I love Janet's blog! And Janet? I told you Laura would love it too :)
This was very helpful! These are all things I subconsiously look for when I'm trolling blogs, too, although I'm pretty forgiving.
The perfect summary to what a blog's about. Congrats Janet
Great advice. When I started my author's directory, just finding info on the author's websites to add them was a nightmare. Some I had to email to ask questions and some I didn't add because I couldn't find the info on how to even contact them. I don't think authors realize how important it is for their readers to be able to contact them so thanks for sharing this
Oh wow I like Janet's blog makeover. Looks fabulous! Great post and points made.
Ha ha, I'm glad it's been helpful. And you've applied it perfectly! Thanks for being willing to be torn apart, even though you totally weren't :)
Thank you for the comment, Madeline!
Stina, I have a few of those points I need to incorporate myself. Good luck with it!
Thank you, Joanne. I do realize that many readers will only read blog posts in their Google Readers and will never notice when a person posts, but for the readers that actually visit the blog (especially first time readers) that detail is really great.
Thanks for the comment!
I wish I could be more diligent on my blog as well (especially responding to comments!). Sigh.
Oh, my, how did I miss that? Definitely a plus EVEN if you're on a diet :)
You know me so well :)
I'm really pretty forgiving too, but some people are not. Glad to help!
Thanks for the comment!
Gosh, that makes me crazy! I totally agree. Thanks for the comment.
Janet's a superstar. But we knew that. :D <3
I'm new to your blog, but I certainly learned a lot in this analysis of Janet's blog. I'll have to go back, now and analyze my own blog with these points in mind.
hi miss laura! yikes! i didnt ever think bout a blogger blog getting critiqued. janet and me been blogger friends for a pretty long time and i go at her blog lots. now you got me looking at it more close cause of all you said and for sure she got a good one. its got me thinking bout my blog and how i could get it looking lots better. your bolg is way cool! i only got one problem. it makes me wanna get a bowl of peppermint candy ice cream. ha ha :)
...smiles from lenny
hi miss laura! yikes! i didnt ever think bout a blogger blog getting critiqued. janet and me been blogger friends for a pretty long time and i go at her blog lots. now you got me looking at it more close cause of all you said and for sure she got a good one. its got me thinking bout my blog and how i could get it looking lots better. your bolg is way cool! i only got one problem. it makes me wanna get a bowl of peppermint candy ice cream. ha ha :)
...smiles from lenny show more
Dear Laura, I have an award waiting for you on my blog. Pick it up, visit it, or ignore the little devil. Just wanted to say well done. Cheers -Kelly
I love Janet's blog because of the humor. I can always come and find something to laugh or smile at, no matter how bad my day might have been. Thanks, Janet!
Great attribute of Janet's that I didn't mention but also admire. Thanks for adding!
Yay! I'm headed right over!!
I'll join you with a bowl of mint chocolate chip. Thanks for the comment!
She certainly is :)
Glad to meet you! And sorry for the delay in response. Holidays and all. Thanks for the comment :)
YAY Janet!
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