As a newcomer to this field of travel blogging and trying to get a handle on it by reading lots, and I mean lots, of ‘successful’ blogs, I have noticed that I do a few things in assessing whether I want to keep an eye on the travel blog and continue to read this site.
1. I go straight to the “About” page. I want to know who this person is, or people are. What are they doing, why are they doing this, what is behind their bravery in doing this hard work. Because I know that it is hard work. I am currently working 12 hours a day and am yet to see any real dent in the field (a slight skid mark if that), though when we decided to enter this field we knew that it would take considerable time. And as an aside I am loving every second of it.
2. I then have a look at the website itself and see if it is easy to find what I am looking for, or actually not looking for but it piques my interest, I read it and then I become more interested in what else you have to say. I am amazed howver at how convoluted some sites are.
3. I think many people write very well, but not all. This is a little irksome when I know that their site is considered a very good one.
4. Yes, visuals are very important. This is something that we are learning. People are time poor and do not want to read large chunks of text and I am so guilty of this being born with some diarrhea issue with writing.
5. Social media is important and again I am looking at how we can improve this by looking at what “you” are doing, so I do go to Twitter and read your tweets, and I look who is following you. I think this is called stalking, but if I am following someone that I admire and they are following you, then there must be something in it. So I probably will follow you as well. Please feel free to stalk us and follow us, like we seriously need it.
6. I read the comments on your posts pretty quickly and like it if you respond back.
7. If I like the site then I will see if you offer guest blogging opportunities and if so, I will contact you. Sometimes, I will contact you and try to see if I can get a post up.
8. I look at where you have been featured and the site or magazine that you have been on, this tells a lot about your success and recognition.
9. And finally, I think, I look at who is sponsoring you or who you are promoting to monetize your site.
So there, you have it. A newcomer’s way of viewing your travel blogs.
I like what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the good works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my personal blogroll.
Great post Paula! And it’s even better because I know it is written in 2013, and I see what you are up to these days. 🙂 It is very beneficial to see your process, sometimes I get myself so deep into the actual work that I forget to see things from new visitor’s perspective.
We are so happy with how far we have come. Lots of work and a total passion for what we do.
Nice to see your views. I neglected my blog for a year, but 2015 is when I will get it back on track.
I also like reading comments. I am sometimes taken aback when I read misinformation or anything else that might indicate that a person hasn’t actually visited the place being described. Everybody is a writer these days, but for some, marketing and sponsored posts are more important than unbiased commentary.
I look for the quality and topics of the writing. I want to learn something about the site being visited, not just what the writer thought about it. I hate lazy writing.
I definitely identify with this as I am also a new blogger. It is frustrating to start so late when the market is now saturated, I wish I had started a couple of years ago! I agree about the content mattering most in the end and that is something that I work hard on. Keep at it!
I also worry that there are solo many travel bloggers, but if that is what you and I are passionate about we need to stick with it 🙂
So true. All of it. Nice post!
Another thing i like to read it others comments. Please follow us @gordyandpaula so we can chat
Hi Paula,
Very interesting post! I’m also new to the whole blogging world and I too have studied a lot of other successful blogs. I understand why some are successful, but at least half leave me shaking my head. I find some incredibly boring, some just fluff pieces, other have sold out to sponsored trips and hotel reviews. Others are truly good and informative but just have too much monetization going on, and that’s a turn off. From talking to others, a lot of success comes with time; building a base of people who read you (which invariably grows) and getting better ranking with google. A lot also got into in maybe 6, 7 years ago when there was less competition and just had a high rate of growth. There’s of course a million bloggers out there now.
In the end, over the long term, I think content, whether written or photos, will win out and you’ll get payback from your efforts. I think there’s something for everyone, there’s a huge audience out there and not all blogs will suit everyone. As long as your content is good you’ll find people who’ll identify with you.
Good job,
Frank (bbqboy)
You are right. I think that content is important and being true to yourself and not being a game player is important. In saying that I hope eventually to get some pocket money from this while being genuine. Good luck to you also, Regards, Paula