10 Ways to Keep Your Website and Blog Fresh and Appealing

Here are 10 easy ways for you to attract more readers and visitors (a.k.a. prospects and clients) to your website and blog.

 1. Keep it current. Update your content with new posts, articles, links, videos and resources. The Internet is fluid. Information can be changed in the snap of a finger. Fresh and interesting posts can easily be created, new Tweets sent in seconds. Stagnant means old, which means boring, which means out of date which means out of touch, which means goodbye…off to someone else’s site.

2.  Share links and information from people you trust. Don’t feel pressured to be a creative force of nature all the time. It’s ok to provide a link, post or article (with permission of course) from someone you respect. It’s a good way of expanding people’s networks. It also shows your followers you care enough about them to share something you feel is important and valuable. 

3. Write a resource list. Encourage those who visit your site to read some of the books, articles, websites and posts that you have benefitted from. Include links to videos that can help them. It’s similar to a Blogroll. Be sure to change it often so visitors will start coming back. Your list will also give  people a glimpse into your interests. One of my favorite quotes is: “If you want to know what people value, look at their bookshelf and checkbook stubs.” 

4. Create a buzz. When you have new information on your site, spread the word. Put a line and link in your Facebook status, Tweet about, and use it in groups on LinkedIn. Mention it in videos. Include it in your daily or weekly e-mail’s and e-zine. It’s ok to toot your own horn. Don’t allow humility and “thinking small” to get in your own way. 

5. Give it away. Don’t worry that you are sharing information (tipsheets, white papers, articles, etc.) that you think people should be paying for. That’s not what Social Media is about. It’s about sharing valuable information that can help others to be successful. They will appreciate it, build a relationship with you and business will come. It takes time. For now, develop the mindset of giving.

6. Be professional. Blog posts with offensive language, off-color jokes, political criticisms, and more can quickly drive a lot of people away- for good. Jokes, politics, religion and sex are danger zones that I avoid. Also, look at the pictures that are on your site. If you are in a professional career, dress the part. 

7. Use audio and video testimonials. Written text from a satisfied client is important, but take it one or two steps further and engage your visitors. Post a few lines of their text and a headshot. You can also add an audio testimonial or a short video commending your work.   

8. Create an archive.  Keep an growing archive of your newsletters, articles, post and videos on your site. While staying current is important, visitors are often looking for information or back issues for their own newsletters and publications. Encourage them to reprint your materials with proper credits and copyrights provided. 

9.  Promote yourself. Include your website links and Social Media contact information in your signature lines of e-mails, e-zines, business cards and profile pages. If you are a speaker, include this in your bio. Make it easy for people to find you.  

10.  Have fun! Set a positive tone on your site, blog and in all your messages. Be aware of your color scheme, visuals and online image. Maybe it’s time for an update.  Convey a positive message for success that will have people coming back for more…and bringing their friends. 

(Photo Credit: Valentinian)

Tagged as: articles, blog, blog posts, clients, Facebook, networks, newsletters, Social Media, Success, video, website