Having a new blog is quite an exciting experience. You put in a lot of time and effort with the objective to build a successful blog. You want to attract more readers, subscribers, leads and customers.
You want your visitors to hang around for a long time when they visit your blog and keep coming back for more. When that happens, you would know that you are on the right track.
Now, there are things that you need to pay attention to in order to make first impressions last. A fact is, you could be attracting visitors to your blog but losing them instantly as soon as they land on your blog.
Here is the question that you need to ask yourself to determine whether you’re repelling or attracting visitors to your blog:
“Do my visitors know what my blog is all about?”
If your visitors have no clue what your blog is all about, they will find it hard to stay and read your content. Why should they spend their time trying to figure out what your blog is focusing on?
Hitting your visitors with ads and pop-ups the second they arrive on your blog, is not going to make them stay and see what else you have to offer. You are repelling them!
Here’s how you can give your readers an idea of what your blog is all about:
1. Domain Name
Choosing a domain name for your blog may seem insignificant but it plays a vital role in giving people an idea of what’s behind it. So, it’s vital that your domain name is congruent with what your blog is about.
This paints a picture in your visitors’ minds and they would expect to find what the name promises to offer – whether it’s a promise of a benefit or a solution to a problem.
Examples that spring to mind are CleverMarketer.com, TrafficGenerationCafe.com, BasicBlogTips.com.
So, what happens if your visitors find that you are not sharing clever marketing tips or traffic generation strategies or blogging tips? When their expectations are not met, they would simply hit the back button and leave your blog.
I know of bloggers who have changed their domain names so they could be more in line with what their blogs were focusing on. And they have all said it was a wise move.
2. Blog Header
Whether you have a perfect benefit-driven domain name or you are using your personal name for branding, let your blog header do all the talking for you!
Once I realised how powerful a blog header was, I decided to get mine changed altogether. Yes, I had my blog name, tag line and a “cute” picture (not leader-like) there, but it wasn’t impressive. So, I’m very happy with my new, professional-looking header

When you land on my blog, you can clearly see that the domain name you clicked on redirected you to the right place. You can immediately see who the blog owner is and what she writes about. I even have a dedicated page for Attraction Marketing for those who are specifically looking for Attraction Marketing tips.
If you’re not proud about your header, I would strongly advise you to consider getting it professionally done. It would be worth it! Don’t make it too busy though… you only need a professional design reflecting your blog name, picture and a tagline.
A tagline is very important especially if you use your personal name for your blog. Why? Because your name means nothing to your visitors, unless you’re already an established and well-known blogger/marketer.
3. Meta Title and Description
This is the information about your blog that shows up in the search engines. So, when people do a search for your blog, they will get an idea of what to expect, provided you have the right information there.
Let’s take a look at what these terms mean:
a) Meta title refers to the title of your home page. It should have your main keyword right at the beginning as we know that search engine bots read from left to right.
Don’t go for a long title like mine used to be. You’ll be fine with about 65 characters. I have heard that searchers are unlikely to click on long titles, ending with “…” They want to see the full title without clicking on the link.
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b) Meta description simply refers to the description of your home page. It should also have your main keyword at the beginning.
Again, don’t go crazy with a lot of characters. Less is more! Your goal is to give the searchers an idea of what they will find on your blog.
So, where do you add this information so it can show up on the search engine results pages?
You’d need to install the All in One SEO Pack plugin if you haven’t done so already and then add your meta title, description and keywords:

You can also watch this video to help you with configuring the settings in your admin panel.
4. Keyword Research
Keyword research is a very important process that you need to learn and master in order to attract the right people to your blog. Your goal should be to target the people who are looking for the information that you’re sharing, otherwise you will have a crazy bounce rate as your content would be irrelevant.
5. Featured Posts
You can influence your visitors’ decision to stay or leave by displaying your featured posts. They show up on your home page in a slide form and they can entice your visitors to read more. It’s a good idea to choose your best and popular posts to attract your visitors.

To set this up, you will need to install the Smooth Slider WordPress plugin.
6. Post Titles
Using eye-catching post titles will give your visitors an idea of what you write about and if they like what they see, they will stick around. See How To Entice Your Readers With Catchy Headlines.
7. Post Excerpts
New visitors can have a quick glance of your posts by scrolling down the home page. Using excerpts makes the process easier and can encourage visitors to read some of the posts. If you don’t use excerpts, your visitors will definitely get tired of going through long posts.
8. Menu
Sadly many bloggers are getting this wrong. They are either using too many pages or too little pages or their menu labels/tabs are just not attractive enough. You need to show your readers what you have to offer. People like clicking around, so give them what they are looking for. Always update your pages to keep them fresh and current. Get rid of the irrelevant ones.
9. Opt-in Form
One of the ways to give your visitors an idea of what your blog is about is by using an enticing and well-designed opt-in form. Your offer will show your visitors what you’re focusing on and how you can help them. If your offer is something that they may be interested in, they will likely stay and sign up.
10. Valuable Content
I’m sure you have heard this statement 1001 times: “Content is king” and it means just that. The above strategies will mean nothing if you don’t post good content regularly. Your visitors will also check if you update your blog regularly – what’s the point of returning if you don’t?
You need to pick and master a specific niche. You’d lose your visitors if you write about everything under the sun. Your goal should be to become a “go-to” person in a specific niche, then you’d have loyal readers, subscribers and customers.
Do your readers know what you specialise in? Is your blog a place where people can find sound advice and tips? Focus on your niche, over-deliver every time you write content, build a sticky blog and rise above the noise!
Check out these posts which will help you with attracting more visitors to your blog:
- Are You Still Annoying Your Blog Visitors?
- Is Your Website Attracting Endless Prospects and Customers?
Key Takeaway
Don’t make your visitors think! Give them a sense of what your blog is about right away. If you make your blog name and what it focuses on clear, you will stand out, stop repelling visitors and start attracting more readers, subscribers and customers.
Well, I won’t keep you since you have some work to do
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Mavis Nong is the creator and author of this blog.
She is passionate about helping others create success online.
{ 66 comments… read them below or add one }
I love number 7 and the first line is so true,New visitors will have a quick glance of your posts by scrolling down the home page. So using Using excerpts makes the process easier and can encourage visitors to read some of the posts. This was a awesome read thanks a million girl.
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Thanks, Kareem. It’s really tiring and frustrating to scroll down a home page with long posts.
I appreciate your visit and comment.
All the best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
Thanks for the mention. I love your blog header and I’ve been considering updating mine so that it includes my blog title, although I really have received good feedback from several people on the “lifestyle photos”, I’m not sure.
I agree with all of your points! I disabled the slider in my theme’s functions because it pushed my opt in form down below the fold, but I didn’t realize there was a plugin I could use to add one back. Thank you for the suggestion on that!
I love that no matter what, I ALWAYS pick up a tip on your blog I can implement.
Thanks for the value!
Heather
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You’re welcome, Heather. I love your blog and the lifestyle pictures are cool. You can play around with your signature and a blog title, I think.
Yes, the plugin is good – you just need to set it up then you’re good to go. Wow, glad to hear that you always find my tips helpful!
Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words, Heather.
All the best,
Mavis
wow that’s a great read.
One suggesstion though, do not use All-in-one-SEO plugin as this plugin contains a lot of junk code and affiliate links better to use wp-seo plugin its good or use thesis, headway, catalyst, genesis themes these will help you to cut down seo plugins from your blog
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Thanks, Vivek. I know Thesis is highly recommended by the SEO experts. I haven’t picked up any problems with All-in-One SEO plugin but thanks for the tip.
All the best,
Mavis
This was really, really good. I am going to check out the wordpress smooth slider plug in. I have no idea what that does. Thanks for all your great help. Oh, I don’t understand about the keywordLuv either. blessings, Amy
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Thank you, Amy. I cover KeywordLuv here: http://www.attractionmarketingonline.com/reward-readers-encourage-comments/
All the best,
Mavis
I want to say this post all in one. You have explained each and every tip related to blog in one post. I think a newbie can be expert one by reading this post.
Thanks for the compliment
You need to add an image to your by adding gravatar, dont waste your comment, a picture is worth a thousand word…just my 2 cents!
Use gravatar!
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Hi Iroko! Welcome to blog!
You’re right. If anyone doesn’t know how to add a gravatar, this will help: http://www.attractionmarketingonline.com/how-to-add-your-picture-to-your-blog-comments/
Thanks for the visit and comment. Hope to see more of you here, Iroko.
All the best,
Mavis
Mavis… you did it again! (not like Britney)… but you produced another great post. Clearly I do have a lot of work to do!
I love all your points but I have been very intrigued by the ‘slider’ as well as the excerpts. I saw the slider on another blog last week and I noticed Ana and Susanna have the excerpts.
I love your blog header. It is very professional.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Jayne
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LOL! Glad you found this helpful. Now you know how to create a slider
The excerpts are fantastic, all bloggers should use them.
Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words, Jayne.
All the best,
Mavis
Great Job Again, Mavis!
I love how almost every step on here has a link to another article on how to achieve that step. Also, how would I get to show only post excerpts on my blog? I would love to have only excerpts show rather then whole posts.
Adrian Padua
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Thank you, Adrian. You can use the default read more option in WordPress or install the Evermore plugin.
I appreciate your visit and comment.
All the best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
I’m new to blogging, I found your post very eductional, how do you come up with content, also do you do keyword research to find high searches while also having low competition, what criteri do you use for your keyword research.
I will come back for more information
Thanks
Francis
Hi Francis! Welcome to my blog!
Glad to hear you have found my post educational. Here’s how to come up with content: http://www.attractionmarketingonline.com/blog-post-ideas/
This is my keyword research weapon.
Thanks for stopping by and for leaving a comment. Look forward to seeing you again, Francis.
All the best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
I use Micro Niche Finder or googles free external tool, I found Market Samuri very confusing to follow, how do I get my picture in the small box?
Regards Francis
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Here’s how to add your picture, Francis: http://www.attractionmarketingonline.com/how-to-add-your-picture-to-your-blog-comments/
Best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
thanks for sharing your insights.
I agree that content is king. There’s no point in showcasing mediocre content with nice headers and headlines.
On the other hand, we can even uplift great content by showcasing it adequately for the human eye and that of the search engines.
Take care
Oliver
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Hi Oliver,
That’s true. Leading with great content is key. You can instantly become an authority in your niche.
I appreciate your visit and comment.
All the best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
Helpful tips here. The best piece of advice might be: don’t make your readers think. Make it easy for your readers to find out what you have to offer them.
Less is more. Say what you want to say in a short and concise manner. Include enough information to generate interest but don’t overdo it. The biggest mistake bloggers make is to include filler material, thinking that what they offer is not enough.
Another key pointer: what you offer is as important as how it looks. My site is plain Jane in many’s eyes but since I am starting to position myself as an authority people come to my blog and read what I have to say no matter what, and the people are increasing. This is why people like Steve Pavlina run wildly popular blogs despite having a bland theme design; I think he uses the old skool WP Kubrick them. The man has authority, and when you offer sensational stuff on a consistent basis you will become successful no matter what.
Clarity rules. Having a clear title, tagline and ensuring your URL fits your blog theme are important. After reading your post I made a little change regarding my URL. Still the same, but I incorporated it into one of my gifting pages. Thanks for the inspiration
Thanks for sharing your keen insight Mavis. Enjoy your weekend!
RB
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Hi Ryan,
Glad you found this helpful. You’re also making valid points here…
“Less is more. Say what you want to say in a short and concise manner. Include enough information to generate interest but don’t overdo it. The biggest mistake bloggers make is to include filler material, thinking that what they offer is not enough.” – It sums it all.
You don’t need a cluttered and a busy blog to make a lasting impression.
Thanks for stopping by and for adding value to this discussion, Ryan.
All the best,
Mavis
Mavis fantastic blog post! I was missing # 3 and was able to fix it right a way. You are always bring great content in a simple effective format.
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Hi Yvar,
Great to see you here. Glad you got something out of this
Thanks for the comment and kind words.
All the best,
Mavis
Thanks Mavis.
I’m making so many changes thanks to your blog! I’ll look at the ‘Smooth Slider’ WP Plug in, I like the look of it. Thanks also for explaining about Meta Desciption and keywords. I’ll look at installing the SEO plug in also.
Your help is so simple to follow, you don’t make it complicated!
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You’re welcome, Linda. Glad to hear you find my posts helpful
Let me know of your progress.
All the best,
Mavis
thanks for telling us so informative things ..i can,t read any article like this on blog…good work mavis
It’s my pleasure, Bilal.
Thanks for giving me the kick in my pants that I needed. If you want your blog traffic to increase, then you need to change the message in your blog.
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Hi BJ! Welcome to my blog!
I’m glad I was able to help you to make significant changes on your blog
All the best,
Mavis
Hey Mavis,
Thanks for the amazing article!
Your a fantastic writer! I think you really helped me out a lot with this article, and I totally agree with all your points. I hate when bloggers have the long drawn out post that take and hour to scroll down getting to the next one. Come on, it’s 2011 now! There are many templates you can get for free that use excepts and pictures to shorten the post on the front page. That way you give your audience more to choose from.
Thanks again!
God bless,
William Veasley
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Hey William,
That’s a huge compliment considering that writing was never my strong skill
Glad you found this helpful. I agree, it would be great if all bloggers can use excerpts.
Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words, William.
All the best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
Excellent post, thank you for the tips and for the plugin suggestions. I will be putting them to use on my blog.
Also, I am a graphic designer and I design blog headers, I have been working on one for my blog and I will have it up very soon. Anyone interested in getting one for their blog can contact me. I am willing to trade work for some good links and recommendations.
Thanks, Ian
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You’re welcome, Ian. Glad you found this helpful
Great to know that you design blog headers. Anyone interested will contact you
Thanks for the visit and comment, Ian.
All the best,
Mavis
Now I am beginning to think, what does my readers have to gain, how do I make sure they come visiting again and how do I make them reader other stuff on my blog, so as to reduce my bounce rate…that means I have work to do…thanks!
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It looks like you have some work to do, Iroko
All the best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis, thanks for these tips. Seriously, these are indeed attraction marketing designed for the blogger! Only thing is that I never considered an optin form as part of attraction marketing. I’m just working on sticking up a subscription form on my blog. I think I’ll have to look into this more critically.
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Hi Chadrack! Welcome to my blog!
Glad you found this helpful. You definitely need an opt-in form to build a list. Check out my recent post on this: http://www.attractionmarketingonline.com/maxblogpress-subscribers-magnet/
Thanks for the visit and comment, Chadrak. Hope to see more of you here.
All the best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
A lot of very helpful tips here. My blog remains a work in progress but I believe my header is very clear about what my blog is about.
Just heard from Kim Casteberry that no blog should be running on more than 20-30 plugins tops so I have more purging to do. Pity or else I would have been tempted to try the Featured Posts Slider. There is a lot to be said for being able to do some coding as then one can cut out a lot of plugins.
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
When I land on your blog, I know in seconds what your blog is about – great job.
I ditched a lot of plugins so I’m ok
Yes, I got some help with coding for some of the features.
Thanks for the visit and comment, Marcus.
All the best,
Mavis
Indeed, there are dozens of ways to let your readers know what your blog is about. I also love using pictures on my blog! In any case, our blogs are always a work in progress, and mine is no different!
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Hi Susan,
Great to see you here. Cool, a picture is worth a thousand words!
Thanks for the visit and comment, Susan.
All the best,
Mavis
Thanks for the great tips, Mavis, and I would also like to add that I love your blog header and the relaxing colors
I will definitely come back!
Take care,
George
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Hi George! Welcome to my blog!
Glad you found this helpful. Thanks for the compliment
Look forward to your next visit, George.
All the best,
Mavis
Finding time to create content can be a hassle. Planning out your posts, and allowing yourself to do a quick-and-dirty roundup post from time to time can make the task less daunting.
Planning ahead is the best policy, Joseph.
All the best,
Mavis
Brilliant post Mavis.
This gives such a thorough overview of how to structure your blog right to give your readers the best experience possible. Just fill in the gaps with consistent, high quality content and you’re good to go!
Love the point about having a good header – I changed mine a while back and the response was significant. Your header is very much the ‘face’ of your page – it’s got to send the right, clear message!
Thanks for this awesome and very bookmark-able list!
Jym
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Thank you very much, Jym.
Thanks for sharing your experience with changing your header. It can make all the difference!
All the best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
I found many of the comments on your blog very interesting too. Unique content is necessary (essential) so it really does help if you love your subject. It makes the writing so much easier and fun. That old hairy-chestnut of “find something you are passionate about and write about it” does have merit

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Hi Jan! Welcome to my blog!
Glad to hear you found this interesting
You’re so right – writing about something that you’re passionate about makes things a lot easier.
Thanks for the visit and comment. Hope to see more of you here, Jan.
All the best,
Mavis
Great Post Mavis..
Its all about being solar focused…
Thanks for the post and it really made me think..
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Thanks, Jack. Glad to hear it made you think
All the best,
Mavis
Hello Mavis.
The SEO practice should be done on every post. Question: How do you make the Tweet box below?
Thanks.
Ivin
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Hi Ivin! Welcome to my blog!
That’s true… I use Twitter @anywhere.
All the best,
Mavis
I find the plugin Twitter @ everywhere very usefull thanks!!!
You’re welcome.
In terms of seo, it’s good to always have domain that has your targeted keywords in it. thanks for writing this blog,mavis.
Yes, Cyn.
It’s also about pleasing both the human traffic and Google so perhaps one should spend adequate time and effort in both areas. Having good content is probably now a standard to follow and like your post advocates, doing some of the aesthetic appeal is so important to distinct your blog from thousand others. But being in Google’s good books and gaining it’s trust is vital to your continued success.
Agreed, Peter. It’s about finding and maintaining a good balance.
Thanks for the visit and input.
Mavis
Its really important to grab peoples attentions as quickly as possible when designing your blog, not just in terms of visual appearance but your URL structures, page titles and meta descriptons are really important in getting people to your site and holding their attention once they are there. Thanks for the article, some really good advice there!
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You’re welcome, Dan.
All the best,
Mavis
Thanks for the broad overview! This sums up perfectly the main aspects to attracting and retaining visitors. So many blog writers forget one or two of these aspects when they all need to be employed to work. I am just starting to grasp the importance of every piece in the puzzle. Great post Mavis.
You’re welcome, Ryan.
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