well having a urban gossip site probably is why its so hard for me to get hits since my site just got started. however im not really getting comments, i dont get very many views, and my ads dont get a lot of clicks. i know that i want to change my layout and the voice of the site, but what else??? im hoping that one of you ladies could take a look at my site and tell me whats wrong with it and why i might be having such a hard time driving traffic to my site.
From a designer's standpoint, I would recommend a brand new look and design that has a cleaner aesthetics. Take in all the points you've gotten from others here and apply those to a new layout/look. u have analytics on your site? If your goal is to have people read your articles and you're averaging 5.2 page views per visitor then you're accomplishing your goal. If your goal is to engage readers into discussions then perhaps integrating Facebook with your site so your Facebook fan page works harmoniously with your site might be the way to go. If engagement is your goal then don't underestimate the little things like asking people to comment or posing a question for them to answer.
Design suggestions: The header is too long and takes up most of the screen (on my computer). You don't really get to see the content unless you scroll down. Try to get some content above the fold so there's a reason for people to want to scroll down.
The navigation is hard to read. The background watermark distracts from the text.
The keywords you have "celeb gossip, reality checks, new music and urban news" look like they're image-based so the search engines are not reading those keywords. Also I wouldn't get that your site is about celeb gossip, reality checks, etc because the image on top doesn't go with the content.
Also the banner ad on top doesn't add to the look of the site. Pulling off a black background is tough b/c is not too appealing unless there's a contrasting color like white. Check out - http://www.blackweb20.com/ to see how they pull it off.
If you're looking for themes check out premiumwp.com, blogperfume.com and themeforest.net.
Some design changes to the site might help with user engagement, however traffic will build over time.
I really like your site, it looks great. Nice layout and everything. I know how you feel I just started my own online shoe business and nothing. People look but do not buy. I don't have a huge selection but the small inventory i have i busted my ass to gather up. I'll follow you maybe we could cross promote one another? Email me @ shoeforiashoes@yahoo.com . My site is http://www.shoeforiashoes.com
I took a look at your blog and it looks good. I have a traditional business website; although I must say I am an avid reader of blogs especially beauty and fashion. I have noticed some consistent things on site with high traffic count.
1. Fresh, new content, daily/hourly posts -- remember one story can put a site on the map i.e. huffingtonpost.com
2. look for networking/organizational sites to join - they allow you to promote your site
3. Facebook groups - join and post comments, stories, etc. (include link to your site)
4. Invite people to all site and groups you are a member of -- the more members -- the more people see you/site
5. Finally - promote other people sites -- I receive over 40% of my hits from referring links
that makes a lot of since because now that i think about it TMZ if good for updating its site all day everyday like they dont just update it once and then stop there im going to have to try that on my days off from work
thats makes a lot of since i do post on twitter and facebook but i think im going to start putting captions and not just the titles when i post. Plus i want to do more topics like "shes cute for a dark skinned girl"
NayBesa, I think your site is awesome. Everyone has given you some great advice. You just have to be diligent in getting your links out to people so you capture your target audience. Also, keep in mind, with all the blogs and networking out there a lot of people aren't going to become followers, or log into your site without being prompted. I personally do not follow blogs because it just feels like one more thing for me to do when on-line. Now if you posted on FB or Twitter, "hey check-out this blog on why Shaunie Oneal left Shaq, I would click on it and read the story.
Don't get caught-up in "followers" or changing your site. Just let people know what you are blogging about, and like someone said, make sure they know it's out there, over and over and over again.
you all are so helpful :) i going to start talking to the people on facebook a little bit more and see if i can get some comments and im thinking about starting something on myspace also
I read your blog and I see nothing wrong it reminds me of most of the others. I notice that you have 31 Facebook friends but no comments from them. Start there with your immediate audience. I am experiencing that same issue at myhaloonline.com and I have a public service site. We have to be patient but plug, plug, plug and mingle, mingle, mingle.
Replies
Design suggestions: The header is too long and takes up most of the screen (on my computer). You don't really get to see the content unless you scroll down. Try to get some content above the fold so there's a reason for people to want to scroll down.
The navigation is hard to read. The background watermark distracts from the text.
The keywords you have "celeb gossip, reality checks, new music and urban news" look like they're image-based so the search engines are not reading those keywords. Also I wouldn't get that your site is about celeb gossip, reality checks, etc because the image on top doesn't go with the content.
Also the banner ad on top doesn't add to the look of the site. Pulling off a black background is tough b/c is not too appealing unless there's a contrasting color like white. Check out - http://www.blackweb20.com/ to see how they pull it off.
If you're looking for themes check out premiumwp.com, blogperfume.com and themeforest.net.
Some design changes to the site might help with user engagement, however traffic will build over time.
1. Fresh, new content, daily/hourly posts -- remember one story can put a site on the map i.e. huffingtonpost.com
2. look for networking/organizational sites to join - they allow you to promote your site
3. Facebook groups - join and post comments, stories, etc. (include link to your site)
4. Invite people to all site and groups you are a member of -- the more members -- the more people see you/site
5. Finally - promote other people sites -- I receive over 40% of my hits from referring links
Good Luck and much success
Diane Fudge
www.ahbcustomhomebuilders.com
Don't get caught-up in "followers" or changing your site. Just let people know what you are blogging about, and like someone said, make sure they know it's out there, over and over and over again.
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