Vandelay Design offers “Common Reasons a Website is Unsuccessful”, ten basic bits of advice for websites and blogs to determine their success or failure. The list includes:
- Lack of a Purpose
- Lack of Focus on the User
- Little or No Significant Content
- Poor Marketing Strategy
- Bad Choice of Niche or Industry
- Infrequent Updates
- Lack of Commitment
- No Call to Action
- Ineffective Monetization Choices
- Poor Design
One point in particular rang some bells with me:
In order to achieve success, however it may be measured, a website and its creators must maintain focus on the users of the website. Without satisfied users, no website will be successful. Sometimes it is easy to lose focus on those who will be visiting a website. It may be easier or more fun to build the site how you like it or how you want it to be, but the users’ opinions are much more important.
Any website that does a great job of meeting the needs of users will be well on its way to success. At every stage of the website development process, user needs and wants should be of primary concern.
I wrote recently on the Blog Herald about how some bloggers are selfish, making their blog about their needs and not the needs of their readers. Some got it, but many took me to task for making such a claim.
Honestly, if you go public by publishing, your blog is about your readers and servicing them, not solely about you and your needs. Yes, it’s part of it, and the root of it, but the public nature of public blogs means you have to have “satisfied users” in order to build blog traffic, return readers, and meet your goals for blogging success.
Another important point made in the article was on choosing the wrong niche. There are too many blogs blogging about the same tired subjects without bringing anything new to the conversation. Unless you bring a new energetic perspective that contributes, and not the same old same old, you are hurting yourself and other bloggers by diluting the the mix.
If the subject is your passion, there will be no stopping you or your blogging. But if you are entering an overflowing industry just because some are making money in it – stop. Blog your passion, not your wallet, and you will have a much more satisfying blogging experience.
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Copyright Lorelle VanFossen, the author of Blogging Tips, What Bloggers Won't Tell You About Blogging.
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6 Comments
Lorelle,
Thanks for the mention!
Blog your passion, not your wallet. Wise words. Thanks for this article!
Some of the most prominent blogs appear to be extremely plain and simple. What makes them stand out is their content and the fact they are extremely interactive with the readers.
Hi Lorelle,
I just read your post on The Blog Herald. You created quite the heated discussion in the comment section. I have to wonder, are “blogs” misunderstood?
When I started blogging I learned from you (my Queen of WordPress), Steve Pavlina and Darren Rowse. I liked how you all presented your data, and said, “I can do that”. The three of you taught me how I can help others with my words, and from there I went forward. Although I do blog in a crowded field (blogging), I have tried to put a different spin on it by sharing what I learned (in the process of blogging) via a “lesson” and I end my posts with an “assignment”. It works for my loyal readers, and I find they have experienced many of the same things I have.
I agree, we do need to blog our passion. For me, knowing I’m helping others, keeps the fire burning.
@ Barbara Swafford:
Thanks for the kind words and I’m glad I set an example. I’m in good company on your list, but now it is up to you to set the example. And I know you have. There is amazing joy in helping others, isn’t there? Good for you!!!!
Just an FYI: every once in awhile, I check back to read this post again just to make sure I’m staying on track. Thanks for reminding me (again and again) that my focus needs to be on my readers and keeping my promises to them!
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