In my blog with something like 180 entries - I have some entries that get 500 views a month and some that get 5 - what is the difference between the entries where do these views come from? ... tips in no particular order for maximising the number of views of your blog.
Tip 1 - follow the tips in the style guide - write for the web
It's much easier to read a blog entry that has plenty of white-space, is well formatted and punctuated. This will encourage visitors to click "Next Entry" or check out your profile.
Writing for the web forum post.
Tip 2 - get involved in the forum and other peoples blogs
We all love comments right? well most of them - if you are reading a great blog - or love a photograph that you just stumbled on - let the blogger know - leave a comment! It will also create a link back to your blog that will be followed by search engines and readers.
If you enjoy the whole blog -
recommend them - doing these things will encourage other bloggers to check out your blog and leave comments or recommend your blog in return.
Tip 3 - your best photos first
If you have great photos - put them to the top of your blog - with the most stunning being the first - on travelblog - many visitors scan through the listings with the photos catching the eye and leading to someone viewing your blog.
More on this in the Photography Forum
Tip 4 - write catchy titles for your blogs and photos
The tabloid journalists have long realised the value of a sensationalist headline - it works on the web too. Which is better
All Cockerels Must Die! or
Day 156 - Palawan - (
LobsterCheeks has some great titles!) - these titles stand out in the crowd - pull in the visitor and will help build up a fan base.
One of the most viewed photos on travelblog for several years was the "nice ass!" photo on the right. Why? Search engines picked it up and returned it for search queries of that text - it's no longer returned - and you know what you're going to get with that search today!
Tip 6 - put your blog address in your profile on other sites or signature in emails
If you write on photography, travel or adventure forums - make sure your blog address is included - it's on your
Control Panel - use either the mytb.org or travelblog.org - address as you see fit.
Set up a signature in your email - and include a link to your blog as part of it. If you use other forums that allow signatures then put the link there as well. If you use facebook -
add the travelblog application.
If you're reading a post on a forum and a blog of yours is relevant - post a link - but include some information - a one liner with a link is likely to be removed.
Tip 7 - make a travel card and write down your blog address with your email address
Like a business card but is for you personally - people will keep it and lookup the details later. It's good for staying in touch with people you meet on the road - and good for a few - "how flash are you!" jokes as well 😊
Make sure that you don't change your nickname when you've made a card! - your address is based on your nickname here.
Tip 8 - shorter more numerous entries
The more entries you have the more visitors you will get. The more places that you blog the more chance that people will stumble onto your blog entry. The further down and more specifc the place that you blog the better. A blog entry for South America -> Brazil will appear only there - an entry for Ipanema will be listed in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro state, Rio de Janeiro city and Ipanema - so there is more chance of it appearing.
Tip 9 - subscribe your friends
Let them know that you have subscribed them and that you expect them to follow your adventure and that you'll be giving a prize to the friend that leaves the most comments when you get back - buy them a ridiculous souvenir!
Tip 10 - the holy grail? the front page?
How do those lucky few get on the front page? It's based on the number of followers, currently 5 followers are needed. Contribute in the forums, follow blogs and leave comments on other people's blogs and you'll get noticed and probably gain a follower or two.
Feed back, discussions and additional tips as ever are welcome - hope this helps!
[edited: 21:09 - Ali - link to Mikes topic on picking the photo order.]
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