Written on January 8th, 2009 at 12:01 am by Darren Rowse

How to Create Great First Impressions on New Readers and Convert Them Into Loyal Readers

Video Posts 244 comments

This video has been around for over a year now (I made it just after ProBlogger was last redesigned) but I think it’s particularly relevant for this time of year when many bloggers are looking at refreshing the look and feel of their blog.

First impressions matter both in real life face to face interactions with new people that you meet AND the first interactions you have with new readers. In this video I examine 5 ways you can improve the impression that you leave on first time readers and give three questions to ask when thinking about how to leave good impressions on readers.

Of course overarching all of what I mention is that your content needs to be of the highest quality to create a good first impression. Your design, titles, tag lines etc can all be amazing but unless you’ve got something useful and unique to say – the first impression will not be as good as it could be.

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244 Responses to “How to Create Great First Impressions on New Readers and Convert Them Into Loyal Readers” - Add Yours

  • how to make a blog

    January 8th, 2009 12:39 am

    Thanks for the post Darren! very useful indeed.

  • Martin@TF

    January 8th, 2009 12:45 am

    This is one of my many concerns. We’ve only been running our blog for just over a month and whilst we’ve had a reasonable amount of traffic it would be nice to convert one time viewers into regular readers.

    Martin

    http://www.talkingfuture.com

  • Enduring Wanderlust

    January 8th, 2009 12:47 am

    Thanks for the useful video. Finding a way to make a connection with your audience is the difference between a successful and unsuccessful blog. I’ve seen sites with interesting content that were visually attractive, but struggled to get comment or sustain readership.

  • Jamie Harrop

    January 8th, 2009 12:48 am

    Hey Darren,

    The first part of that video where you’re changing the look and feel is fantastic. In that small few seconds my whole image of you changed. Suddenly, there was a lot more personality (not that there wasn’t before. But with that video, there was a lot more).

    I’m off on a tangent, but I guess it goes to show the power of video.

    First impressions really are important in all aspects of life. Over the last 12 months I’ve made an effort to real form an impression of somebody the first time I meet them and try to look for the eye contact and the quality of the hand shake. I can certainly see how this can be the same in blogging.

    Jamie

  • Miranda

    January 8th, 2009 12:52 am

    A great reminder that for blogs, like for people, first impressions matter.

  • Scott Williams

    January 8th, 2009 12:56 am

    First impressions in the blogging and social media world are just as important as first impressions in the real world. It’s easier to overcome bad first impressions in the real world; however in the blog world… another blog wih a great first impression is just a click away!

    Great Reminder!

  • Tracy

    January 8th, 2009 12:56 am

    What about pictures? Most of my blog posts begin with an interesting picture to draw the reader in and then I quote a piece of the article I’m referencing and then a paragraph or two or my impression of said article. Does this work?

  • enzo

    January 8th, 2009 12:57 am

    fantastic entry… so true! i’d like to cite an earlier tweet of mine:

    http://twitter.com/_enzo/status/1101855777

    tom hopkins knows his stuff… keeping your word is the best way to solidify great first impressions and maintain integrity with any and all users who are interested in what you have to offer.

  • Dominique Goh

    January 8th, 2009 12:59 am

    Great tips… I didn’t know that writing and creating a good blog emphasises so much on making a great 1st impression on readers.

  • TechMata

    January 8th, 2009 1:00 am

    Thanks Darren! You really never run out of useful tips!

  • A Maui Blog

    January 8th, 2009 1:00 am

    Perfect timing! on January 22 my ad will come up in a local newspaper so I need to take note of these tips. Mahalo (that’ thank you in Hawaiian :)

  • Writer Dad

    January 8th, 2009 1:01 am

    First impressions are paramount to lasting opinions. What you say doesn’t necessarily need to be unique, but it does need to be well said (at the very least).

    Tired but true – you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

  • Steven-Sanders

    January 8th, 2009 1:03 am

    Great post. Also fall in line with creating landing pages from social media platforms.

    Many times readers may first arrive at your blog through Twitter or Facebook and the first thing they see is your latest post, which has the potential of being one of your worst posts.

    So it’s always good to create these landing pages to help the reader really understand who you are what you’re all about as well as links to some of your best work. The work that will draw the reader further in.

  • Iain Broome

    January 8th, 2009 1:07 am

    First impressions should not be misleading, too. Your design, logo and tagline, for instance, needs to reflect the blog’s tone of voice and personality.

    All good usability advice. Great post. Thanks!

  • Kandice

    January 8th, 2009 1:09 am

    Great information as always and so true! I have recently redesigned my blog and I’m enjoying a huge increase in visits. Before, I got a lot of complaints about difficulty reading the posts, etc. that made people not return.

  • Putra Eka

    January 8th, 2009 1:10 am

    How well you look according to your first impression, so how good are you to provide your best impression to someone?

  • Sajitha

    January 8th, 2009 1:20 am

    I can’t miss any post of problogger.net since your blog impressed me two years before. What you are saying is what you are doing.
    Thanks Darren!

  • Ben Moreno

    January 8th, 2009 1:21 am

    You seem like such a gentle and totally relaxed type of person.

  • Snow Vandemore

    January 8th, 2009 1:53 am

    Awesome tips and insights as usual. We are continually having to prove ourselves through our blog design and content to encourage new, and hopefully, faithful readers.

    Mine is always in some state of flux, whether it’s adding new components, deleting pieces that don’t fit or work very well or improving writing skills. I guess you could say your blog should grow and change as does the blogger. I believe that makes it interesting and fresh for the readers, new and old.

    Thanks for the opportunity to share on this post.

  • JeD Chan

    January 8th, 2009 2:05 am

    Thanks Darren for this.

    “First Impressions Last.” Hmm…where did I hear this slogan? But yes I totally agree with it. So let’s not waste those precious first impressions.

    Though first impressions last, we should not forget to be consistent with the impression we are giving. This way, first impressions “really” lasts. ;)

    God Bless you all!

  • Blog Expert

    January 8th, 2009 2:09 am

    Your first impression is everything so it is always best to have your best content on the front page of your Blog if you know people are going to be coming that day. Or the easiest thing to do is always write great content. Remember, content is king and it is likely people subscribe if you have great content.

  • Jonathan Muller

    January 8th, 2009 2:17 am

    Snazzy suit Darren. Learning how to create a first impression is an essential in blogging. And guess what, with your suit you already created a great first impression on me, way to implement your strategies. Good content combined with an eyegrabber impression maker, can springboard you to success.

  • Neri

    January 8th, 2009 2:42 am

    I like the start of the video, it was entertaining. :)

    Thanks for always coming up with great content. More power!

  • Make Money Online with a 17 year old kid

    January 8th, 2009 3:02 am

    Exactly Darren,
    One of the example is me. I subscribed to your blog the day I first visited your blog.
    Its all about useful posts and niche. For example, I am in the same niche and like to read about this niche only. So I surf around for related content of this niche. And some blogs made me their loyal readers. Though, some couldn’t. The speciality is so clear but still hidden, i.e, quality content.
    If one delivers the content what readers for his/her niche requires then no body can stop that blogger from attracting permanent readers.

    Regards
    Laksh
    http://makemoneyonline-withme.blogspot.com/

  • Smart Boy

    January 8th, 2009 3:36 am

    Thanks for bringing forth this tipvid. It’s was great! Helps me to remember what’s important, and how to develop a good relationship with my readers. The video had a great beginning too! :-)

  • Daniel

    January 8th, 2009 3:44 am

    Very interesting video.
    You brought up some important concepts about blogging, and mostly, what you said is true.
    I think that the first thing in absolute, is to choose a nice theme. That’s what,(at least for me) makes you go ahead and explore the rest of the page.
    Next, of course, you need to write good. Meaning no spelling errors, short and concise phrases.(then again, this depends..). But you definitely don’t want to write all long phrases, it may become boring.

    Cheers.

  • Ajith Edassery

    January 8th, 2009 4:15 am

    One cannot read too much into the behavior of first time visitors by looking at the community (bloglog, blogcatalog) widgets etc. Also, they don’t provide rich information on individual visits – nor does Google Analytics.

    However, first time commenters can be tapped into. What I do is to use my little plugin (http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/contact-commenters) to understand who visited and commented for the first time in the last several days or since inception of the blog, who was active several weeks back but no more etc. Then I contact them via email provided by the same plugin.

    This has resulted in retaining some readership – I should say ‘active’ readership.

  • D. A. Shaver

    January 8th, 2009 4:48 am

    A user-friendly page is the absolute best way to create good first impressions. If someone has arrived at your page though a search engine you only have a few seconds to provide what they are looking for. It can be hard to know what things people will not find. Usually the menu should easy to use, simple, and quick to find. A search should be near the top of the page. I wrote a an article on user friendly pages at
    http://www.dashaver.com/website-usability

  • Shaan

    January 8th, 2009 5:26 am

    First impression is last impression and so a blog needs lots of quality content to give a first good impression.
    Regards,

    Shaan Haider

  • Di Eats the Elephant

    January 8th, 2009 5:27 am

    Thanks for the pointers, Darren.

    I am moving my blog to a web page soon and we have already renamed it because it is not about Zumba, which I love, but about each person finding what works for them in overcoming the struggles to eat right and stay in shape.

    I love to Zumba, so it is one of the ways I exercise to stay in shape. These last few months, I got engaged and had a long distance relationship until I moved, now putting two lives in one household and changing schedules, adjusting to each other, and some of the pounds returned. I’m now going thru each day with whoever cares to follow and watch, learn, apply what they can to their own life. I know I will succeed, but most people trying to lose weight and get into shape do not know that.

    My goal is to organize the website into areas that can be easily found, but still have a rolling daily update.

    Yes, I’ve got your book!

  • Kathy @ Virtual Impax

    January 8th, 2009 5:43 am

    I clicked the video just because you were sporting the suit! GREAT VIDEO!!! Great message – and all because of the great impression you made with the suit. ;)

  • Christian

    January 8th, 2009 6:00 am

    Nice points here. You can always steer your business in any direction you want, but I totally agree with you that the BEST time is up front…think about these things as early on as possible and set yourself up for making the right impression from the start.

  • Elite Blogger

    January 8th, 2009 6:33 am

    It’s so easy to create a good first impression too. You don’t need to spend lots of money or go over board. Just a clean simple to the point site can do wonders.

  • Razib Ahmed

    January 8th, 2009 7:04 am

    When I visit a blog directly, I gave some importance to images and nice design. On the other hand, if I visit a blog via search engine (searching something) then I give importance to the matter that whether I got the information that I searched about.

  • Thomas Vincent

    January 8th, 2009 7:14 am

    Darren, Thanks for the informative piece. I am just contemplating creating my own blog – I’ve been posting on other blogs for a couple of years – so the information is quite useful.

    I have some experience in live perfomance and I think It’s very telling that your live presentation skills in this piece back up what you are saying about the written word. Your skill at speaking without blinking is remarkable.
    Tom Vincent

  • htnmmo

    January 8th, 2009 8:18 am

    “what I mention is that your content needs to be of the highest quality to create a good first impression”

    In my opinion, this is where most bloggers fail.

    Even if you have everything else wrong with your site, the content will help bring in readers. The rest will help increase that, because as you say, people make quick judgments and will leave based on their initial reaction. It can also help differentiate you if you’re blogging in a competitive niche.

    Most people don’t realize what they write, or how they write it, just aren’t worth reading. Some people just can’t clearly put their thoughts into words or just don’t think about anything interesting.

    That’s why you see so many people copying content from other sites such as blogs that just copy and paste news articles without adding anything of value.

    The sad thing is that many people don’t realize this. I remember some study a few years ago that basically said incompetent people don’t realize their incompetent.

    You’ve probably run into people like that at work. You know, the people you wish you could grab and shake during a meaning yelling something like “what the hell are you saying?!?!?!?”

    People getting into blogging now have a lot of competition. Before blogging started to gain momentum, you could be mediocre and still gain an audience, but now you’re hard pressed to find a niche that hasn’t been tapped so you need to be outstanding to get even a little bit of traction.

    Good advice in your video though for those people that have something worth reading.

  • Terra Andersen

    January 8th, 2009 9:07 am

    This was definitely a hard-hitting video for most bloggers! Very useful, and super informative. I do agree with the above commentor that the competition is definitely fierce, and no longer can mediocre blogging gain quick momentum like it used to before the onset of the mass bloggers of present day.

    Anyhow, thanks for sharing! (even if it’s been a year or so!) – Nice suit as well!

  • Simona Rich

    January 8th, 2009 9:56 am

    Great advice, I will certaintly use it. The last question is especially important. “How can you make it better?” Value creation is definitely the most important aspect of blogging.

  • Wayne Tully

    January 8th, 2009 10:38 am

    I always worry about the first impressions that I present, because I know that a lot of work has to go into the impressions that you create and sometimes this doesn,t happen overnight with good first impressions.

    But I am certainly trying hard with the great content.

  • www.dpinterworld.com/blog

    January 8th, 2009 11:34 am

    Well, readers retention should be the first thing in mind when creating a blog. I can’t agree more about providing value and useful information. This advice is evergreen.

  • Spin Ready Articles

    January 8th, 2009 1:10 pm

    Thanks for the video. Very enlightening. Yes, it’s always very important to leave great first impressions on readers. With the gazillion pages on the Internet, it’s most unlikely that your readers will return if you turn them off the first time. Thanks for sharing.

  • zeeshan

    January 8th, 2009 3:06 pm

    nice advices and suggestions, however, i always do think before writing a blog post, that what impression is it going to put on the readers, but it happens that apparently i dont succeed in getting the right kinda traffic perhaps. that is also one major issue you might wanna discuss about Darren????

  • Arun | BE Folks

    January 8th, 2009 4:38 pm

    Darren it was quite useful and impressive!!

  • Hemanth Kumar

    January 8th, 2009 7:41 pm

    Thanks for the valuable information Darren. Its very important for a baby bloggers to turn first time readers in to subscribers. your always inspired me.

    thank You,

  • German Romance

    January 8th, 2009 7:55 pm

    Exellent post. Evertytime I read your post I learn something usefull, something that can add valut to my website etc. You definetly make a great first impression! Thanks.

  • MikeWords

    January 8th, 2009 9:17 pm

    Thanks Darren. You produce quality videos. Let’s see some more.

  • Michael

    January 8th, 2009 11:43 pm

    Great video!

    I have been incorporating video into my blogs for quite some time and I always see great results.

    I think that video is one of the big blogging trends that we will continue to see in 2009.

    Michael
    Power Blogging Tips

  • Matias Paterlini

    January 8th, 2009 11:56 pm

    Awesome video and post Darren, thanks a lot!

  • Adrian

    January 9th, 2009 1:40 am

    Very interesting and useful video. You are so right about the first impression. Thank you!

  • J.D. Meier

    January 9th, 2009 3:11 am

    Really good stuff.

    I like the fact you keep it relevant and solve real issues with proven practices. Then again, I’m a patterns and practices kind of guy.

  • Pierre trudel

    January 9th, 2009 3:18 am

    Hi Darren,good first impression,good content,being true to yourself,being consistent,all of this stuff is important.
    As you explain,first impression reflects “you” and what do you want the real “you” to look like.
    I look at sites a lot to get ideas and I am often amazed at the great content, if I take the time to get in and look at it.
    I set a period of the day aside to do just that,I get to see great stuff but as you say so well,most first impressions I get from the blog is unclear and not representative of the content.
    That is a shame because their are a lot of great “potential” bloggers out there.
    Darren,a lot of people out their need your help.I am just one of those.Thanks for all you help.Pierre

  • Market Secrets Blogger

    January 9th, 2009 7:05 am

    Content will always be King and part of having great content has to do with your unique writing style/the attitude you write with ;)

  • Laurence Flynn

    January 9th, 2009 11:12 am

    Video blogging is the future. You articulate extremely well, Darren – you should post more videos.

  • Mrs. Accountability

    January 9th, 2009 1:24 pm

    Darren, loved this video, love your accent! Great tips, I’m going to put some to use right away!

  • Shannon Bishop

    January 9th, 2009 1:24 pm

    Wow…I love that video. First impressions do count.

  • panduan bisnis online

    January 9th, 2009 1:46 pm

    yes you right,first impression is very important to grow our business

  • Ryan Riley

    January 9th, 2009 2:01 pm

    Great video.

    On my fitness blog I have a free survey collector installed. It’s very useful and it’s free.

    I think to create a good impression you need to overwhelm the reader with value. I immediately offer quality videos, reports, and articles and keep the blatant advertising to a minimum

  • JohnH

    January 9th, 2009 3:59 pm

    I have avoided getting into the world of blogs for years. Most of my IT education came from ‘net new groups. But.. I think this post has finally dragged me into the current age! Thanks :)

  • robert

    January 10th, 2009 3:02 am

    omg you people help so much with bloging :|

  • borninblighty

    January 10th, 2009 4:36 am

    As you note at the beginning of your video, first impressions applies to in person presentation as well – as this tongue-in-cheek post may (or may not) underscore: http://tinyurl.com/a3m6dq

  • rss

    January 10th, 2009 6:44 am

    I like reading blogs, especially those, you understand the blog is for reader, not blogger :)

  • sultan

    January 10th, 2009 8:27 am

    Great video. First impressions do count. thanks

  • Andrew G.R.

    January 10th, 2009 11:38 am

    Great blog dude, but you’re a little too in love with this video.

  • Ari Lestariono

    January 10th, 2009 1:00 pm

    It’s true first impressions will do the impressing if you are marketer or try to build first time relationship with person you just met, to be honest if you hold on to that thing for extent of time you will be disappointed, what really matter to me is character….impressions can be made up by good acting…it’s the inside that really counts

  • uwak

    January 10th, 2009 4:20 pm

    thanks, good learning for me…..nice video

  • Sue Atkins

    January 11th, 2009 1:18 am

    As a newbie to blogging I find these articles absolutely fascinating and really practically helpful! It’s a whole new world out there for a humble parent coach who just wants to help millions…… one parent at a time !!

    Do you think it’s worth getting the video professionally made as it can be quite expensive – what do you do?

    Thank you for these excellent tips – love receiving your info!

    Sue Atkins
    Author of “Raising Happy Children for Dummies”

    http://www.positive-parents.com

  • Black Google

    January 11th, 2009 3:17 am

    It is true that first impression is really needed.I mean first impression is last impression.This saying is too good.
    If someone want to attract his/her users,readers OR clients he/she should be very loyal with uniqueness. Otherwise who want to go to there and why?
    Loyalty is master key of the writer.

  • Glenn Andrew

    January 11th, 2009 5:29 am

    Loved your video on first impressions of your blog. You shared some really great tips. This is a topic I’m revisiting every so often as I continue to tweak my own blog.

    One of the things that you didn’t mention was to provide valuable content. People want content and are willing to stick around if you give them what they want. And if they are getting great content, they’ll grab your RSS feed and consume your content in a form of their choosing, be it via your blog, their homepage, podcasts, etc.

    Delivering great content will make your blog stand out and you’ll build a loyal following or as Seth Godin refers to as “your Tribe.”

    Looking forward to more great posts, Darrin!

    Glenn
    http://glennandrew.com

  • Shannon Bishop

    January 11th, 2009 10:50 am

    Great post. this blog rocks.

  • digitalfrog

    January 11th, 2009 7:05 pm

    great information. As the saying goes, you don’t get a second chance at making a first inpression so make it count. Good content is also what keeps a reader coming back.

  • Paul

    January 11th, 2009 11:57 pm

    Getting a first good impression is all around us. This is why most retail stores, restaurants, and others do there best to give us a “First Good Impression” in hopes of getting that sale or coming back again and again.

  • Alison

    January 12th, 2009 1:48 am

    One of the most helpful things to me has been to e-mail with other bloggers and trade first impressions – like no. 2 of the 3 questions segment at the end of your video. I ask them if they will tell me what they thought and offer to do the same for them. I find it really hard to form an opinion on my own blog, but of course I can easily have a first impression of someone else’s blog! Usually I can think of some easy, quick change to suggest that I think would have helped me as a first visitor. Of course that’s just my personal opinion, but I’m willing to give it for free and anything for free is nice :-)

  • Novelty Gifts

    January 12th, 2009 1:52 am

    First Impressions are every thing, In person and online. Great Video!

  • ashwin

    January 12th, 2009 3:36 am

    I am new comer in blogging. I saw to your video. Its really good guidance about blogging. You have set a standard for all the people like me. Thanks.

  • Russell

    January 13th, 2009 10:29 am

    Thanks for the video. I’m going to reappraise my site on the basis of what you said. Nice one – thanks!

  • ROBERT ROCHE

    January 13th, 2009 10:35 am

    Thanks for some great ideas.

  • Kostandinos

    January 13th, 2009 11:38 am

    I really enjoy when you post short videos like this one. Your tone allows me to key on things I may have glanced over by reading alone. I’m in the process of starting my first blog, so I’m glad I watched your video before making unknown impressions.

    Would love to see more short video posts like this in 2009.

    Thanks for all that you do. :)

    Kostandinos
    http://www.twitter.com/suedecrush

  • Ash

    January 13th, 2009 10:36 pm

    Someone already said that First impression is your last impression so its better to leave a very good impression on your visitors and if they turn loyal you have won the first battle.

  • saunan

    January 14th, 2009 1:11 am

    wow, nice blog and $$$mile 4 u, and don’t forget dropping my chitika yach friend, thanks

  • Paul Warren

    January 14th, 2009 9:34 am

    After following you for a month or so on Twitter Darren and reading problogger it is becoming bleedingly obviously why your blog is so successful!

    ** You’re approachable & you’re a nice guy

    People watch your video blogs, read your articles and come to the conclusion – “This guy, is a nice guy and he is genuinely interested in helping us make a dollar!”

    You; unlike a lot of bloggers out there – your main goal is NOT to try and sell us anything, you’re goal is to share your success stories, with fellow entrepreneur’s who have the same drive to succeed, that you quite clearly do.

    … Now getting back to your article title…

    If each and everyone of us, ‘as bloggers’ can build the respect that Darren has, our blogs will be a hit, just like Darren’s.

    Best of luck to each and everyone of Darren’s readers, follow his lead, and you’ll do well!

    Sincerely,
    Paul Warren.

    nb: If you’re ever up Roxburgh Park way Darren, swing in for a coffee!

  • Trevor

    January 14th, 2009 12:58 pm

    Towards the very top of the comment log, Martin@TF made a comment about how it’s vitally important to get your first time visitors into regular readers. I am still trying to do this.

    The only way you can do this is by implementing a number of those strategies that Darren suggested.

  • balaji

    January 14th, 2009 6:13 pm

    I decided to take the full advantage of your advice in my new blog.
    Darren i have one more question, when i submit my articles to the editor of a blog they usually advice me to use a usual keywords of course i use usual keywords that people used to search but what i am actuallly doing is that i insert some new word at the very first of the title thinking that it would be like a unique content from the eyes of search engine. what do you say will i have to use normal title words or rare ones?

  • Suzi Dafnis

    January 15th, 2009 8:19 am

    Hi Darren,

    Nice to ‘meet’ you via the video. I’ve been following your posts for just a few weeks. Thanks for the tips.

    I find myself in two roles:
    a) as a new blogger (http://www.herbusinessblog.com) and
    b) as an educator, sharing information and resources with a community of 20,000 business women across Australia through my role with the Australian Businesswomen’s Network (http://www/abn.org.au).

    Your tips work add value to me in fulfilling both these roles.
    Cheers and thanks again.
    Suzi

  • google trends

    January 15th, 2009 8:10 pm

    Hey Darren,

    dont like it mate! you look like that church paster that you listened to as a kid :) – keep the casual look as your not selling anything. You words sell. And yes first impressions count always. People make their own impression on a people within the first few seconds of meeting and then spent the next few minutes underpinning their impression of you

  • manuniteddevils

    January 15th, 2009 9:49 pm

    I have been reading your blog for ages and I thought it was about time that I comment.

    Your blog has helped me out alot and given me ideas, I have been blogging for around 2 years, I have gone through a patch where I couldn’t be bothered anymore but I stuck with it and I have my enthusiasm back.

    Thanks for all the tips and keep up the good work because it really does help smaller blogs like mine.

  • Kitchen Bar Stools

    January 16th, 2009 12:17 am

    Mate thanks so much for this. I’ve been trying to get a good bank of readers going for a while, and have had a bit of success…but now i’ll hopefully get loads more thanks to your post. Keep up the great work!

  • Shane Hudson

    January 20th, 2009 4:27 am

    Very good ideas!

    I have, in my opinion, a blog with so much potential that it should be very well known. But it is not.

    Hopefully this will help!

  • Abdessamad

    January 21st, 2009 12:42 am

    that’s true Darren,
    what are you writing is completely true because when I visited your blog I directly subscribe to your blog feeds,
    it’s about the content in that blog….

    Abdessamad
    http://www.laptop-tracker.co.cc

  • Security Cameras

    January 22nd, 2009 6:43 am

    Great Ideas and Information. This post pulled me in, and after all the great information, I started checking out some of the other posts. What a great find!

    Michael
    http://ez-toyz.com

  • Doug Bauknight

    January 22nd, 2009 12:43 pm

    I just did a MAJOR overhaul of my blog back in November of last year. I spent an entire month looking at all these aspects and it’s still a work in progress some three months later.

    My former blog had not changed in almost three years and I agonized over every little detail to make sure it was just the way I wanted it to be.

    Almost 4 months later, I can’t tell you how pleased I am with the outcome. Far more traffic, much higher page views, longer times remaining and reading, and far fewer bounces.

    First impressions DO count and it makes all the difference in the world!

  • Richard Butler

    January 22nd, 2009 8:49 pm

    I would agree, designs truly attracts but loyalty depends on content and uniqueness… I believe every website owner should focus more on content rather than design.

  • Rika Susan's Flooring DIY News

    January 23rd, 2009 4:38 pm

    Thanks for the reminder that we need to take eye candy into account as well and not just concentrate on content. This really is crucial.

  • Chaka

    January 25th, 2009 5:04 pm

    Good points. Thanks for the tips.

  • contentpig

    January 27th, 2009 7:33 am

    Great Video and great points. I am going to go back and review my blog now and maybe start my own focus group on my blog and try to get some good feedback. Thank you sir.

  • Ari Lestariono

    January 27th, 2009 1:09 pm

    It would be interesting to know that converting to sales there is no firm formula, only the quality content and how you propose your blog, one way to find out whether your visitors is serious or not is check the status of time length visit, if around 4 – 5 minutes that means visitors are serious, if 2 minutes and less, I believe it’s only viewers and just lookers.You must be firm and specific with your keywords and niche as to sharpen the pencil.

  • Jim

    January 27th, 2009 3:58 pm

    Hi Darren,

    Just discovered your blog and am glad I did. You video is right on point. Watching it I looked at my blog and immediately saw changes I will make,

    Thanks for your insights.
    Jim Sniechowski

    http://www.bridgingheartandmarketing.com/blog

  • Phillip Gibb

    January 28th, 2009 12:56 am

    I suppose it really comes down to who your intended audience is. No sense moaning about readers if you are blogging about the Lessor Know Red Backed Onion Toad.

    But it seems that blogs about personal lives get more hits and more comments because people can identify from all walks of life.

    I’ll have to see if the video make a difference, ummm, over time.

  • Hypnosis Los Angeles

    January 30th, 2009 8:16 am

    Great stuff! And I love the idea to trade feedback with your peers.

  • Mark Riessen

    January 30th, 2009 11:14 am

    Thanks a lot for this Darren, very helpful. I reckon I’m already part way along the journey you speak of toward successful blogging. It’s interesting to see what titles work and don’t work and the readers that do or do not come back. Very helpful, thanks

  • John Salamon

    January 31st, 2009 2:12 pm

    Excellent video, makes you think a bit harder and realize what you need to do to make your blog that much more effective.

    Thanks for the great post!

  • Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA

    February 1st, 2009 12:40 am

    Excellent information Sir. Thank you for taking the time to share the information. Could I ask you a favor — in line with what you shared in the mpg? Would you please visit my web site — Second Chance to Live — and give me your first impressions?

    Your time and kindness would be greatly appreciated Sir.

    Thank you and have a great day!

    Craig

  • Dave

    February 1st, 2009 6:14 am

    Great Information. Im just starting my webpage and blog for class. Very useful tips.

    Check out my new webpage and blog all on the Chicago Cubs and give me feedback! Thanks!

    http://chitowncubs09.webs.com

  • catnapping

    February 1st, 2009 10:54 am

    i’m not really certain what impression i’m hoping to make.

    i can no longer work, and much of my day is spent seated…indoors. so pretty much…sketching, inking, writing…is all i have to keep me occupied…to give me purpose.

    my blog is definitely a personal one…one i started to give anecdotes about the little critters in my yard, and my relationship with them (me being the ‘odd’ neighbor). and with each anecdote, i hoped to include an illustration.

    but then i discovered how much fun it was to read other folks’ reactions to these entries…and to read what they’d put on their blogs.

    so i’m not sure…i want people to like my blog…but i also want them to think of me as someone who is good at what i’m doing there…writing and illustrating.

  • make money internet

    February 1st, 2009 5:03 pm

    good points, i am a newbie..hope to learn more from here. I thinks this is a good place where people share their informations

  • David Atkinson

    February 1st, 2009 11:52 pm

    Thumps up to this post Darren. You have given me a lot more golden nuggets to work with. You truly are a pro.

    Your friend for life

    David Atkinson

  • SEO Consultant

    February 2nd, 2009 1:59 am

    Daily updates aid in steady indexing of the blog website. The blog had better be clean and fresh data had better be added on a regular basis. The quality of the articles had better be good and well-kept consistently. Remember that a originative, amicable subject matter is always favored over worthless jumble by any internet searcher. Provide value to the reader if you desire your blog to be accepted as being serious material.

  • Karrie

    February 2nd, 2009 9:03 am

    Great video intro. Worth noting that web browsers will spend a couple of minutes watching a video but often browse for mere seconds when reading!

    Good points though. Reminded me that our home page really doesn’t get across our USP at all … back to the drawing board!

  • lvs

    February 2nd, 2009 8:35 pm

    here is a question for an experienced blogger like yourself:

    Why do blog posts appear in reverse chronological order (latest post on top) but the comments to the posts appear oldest first?

  • talha

    February 5th, 2009 5:31 am

    if you know how to work on internet then you can easily make money online from your home you just need a pc and an internet connection you can earn online for free visit this site this will helps you in making money online for free. =)

    http://makemoney900.blogspot.com

  • Mel Menzies

    February 7th, 2009 3:05 am

    The daughter of a friend designed my website for me. I knew, from the start, that the aim was to sell my latest novel, A Painful Post Mortem, and to convey to visitors that as part of my passion to bring hope to the hurting, ALL PROCEEDS FROM SALES OF THE BOOK ARE FOR CHARITY TO HELP THE WORLD’S DEPRIVED CHILDREN.

    The designer found the title of my book morbid (ha ha!) so initially used quite melancholy tones of colour in the design. But, as I pointed out, there will be other books, and I prefer that my sunny personality be reflected, rather than one book. I think this has been achieved.

    My problem, I think, has been my reluctance to be open about my brand. Though in real life I’m a very open sort of person, online I’m afraid of sounding too much like a ‘do-gooder’; too sentimental; too Christian; too authorial.

    You once blogged, Darren, about the need to focus, to be on topic, to be true to your brand. What I find difficult, is that I want to be known as an author, covering all subjects; not solely as a teacher of Creative Writing. Hmmmm! P’raps I’ll come up with an answer eventually.

    In the meantime, traffic IS growing, returning visitors *are* there, though not as prolifically as I’d like them to be, and book sales, ARE occuring, though they’re not taking off as I’d like. But I’m travelling hopefully, and hoping that that is a better thing than to arrive! (Robert Louis Stevenson)

  • George

    February 9th, 2009 5:49 am

    The vedio has help me get some useful tips and information, it just great and thanks for your valuable information at no cost

  • PraShawn

    February 9th, 2009 11:21 pm

    I think first impression have every thing to do the loyal readership. It is tough building a loyal readerhip. It is challenging to build it. I think content is what count the most. I think content got to tight from the beginning. There is no such things as halfway beginners thing. If the content is unique and with a respectable amount of words with lots of info and useful tips. No doubt readers will return. Thank for sharing.

  • seth

    February 10th, 2009 4:21 am

    Thanks Darren, You have definitely done a fine job at Problogger. I am always impressed with your work and interesting articles. Great stuff!

  • Scott Mahler

    February 10th, 2009 6:47 am

    Thanks for the expert advice. It is getting harder and harder everyday to make your blog, website or company stand out above the crowd, but it’s nice to see there are still ways to make it happen.

    http://www.datexmedia.wordpress.com

  • June Parrish Cookson

    February 12th, 2009 5:24 am

    Thank you Darren for this video! Just what I needed to start my day considering I’m perpetually trying to figure out what it is I’m most likely doing wrong with my blog. Perhaps nothing is particularly wrong except I should be updating more frequently. Otherwise, I do ask myself why so few comments? Is it the content? As far as images go, there’s plentiful. So perhaps it’s the subject matter and how I write. Seems visitors prefer to contact me via email rather then blog comments.

    Anyway, your video has me thinking it’s time for some serious reconfiguring. New banner, conjure up more exciting content. Perhaps more simplicity. Lots to do. No excuses.

    Good luck to all whom have left such great comments here. Very informative. And thanks again Darren for your continual generosity.

    Cheers,
    June

  • Maria C.

    February 12th, 2009 8:40 am

    These are wonderful tips. This is all new to me, so your advice is helpful as I add to my new site. I’m glad I found you! Thanks much.

  • Mike J

    February 12th, 2009 3:11 pm

    Thanks Darren, you are always delivering outstanding content to the blogging community. You inspire me to be a better blogger every day, I hope to one day be half as good as you are. The articles from you are always sure to provoke better thinking in the quality and ethics of your work. Thanks for all that you do.

  • www.freefor15.com

    February 13th, 2009 2:21 pm

    First impressions for blogs and website are even more important because they most likely will never return if it isn’t a good first impression.

    Erik
    http://www.freefor15.com

  • 2Duce2 Videography

    February 13th, 2009 3:20 pm

    Thanks Darren,

    You’re always so helpful to us newbies!!

  • Ari Lestariono

    February 14th, 2009 1:51 pm

    First impression takes all to continue reading your blog or quit and browse…the duration is 4 -5 secs…..that’s it

  • Shawn

    February 17th, 2009 12:05 pm

    Darren,

    Look at you all bossed up! That’s what I’m talkin bout baby boy :-P

  • SW

    February 17th, 2009 2:48 pm

    First impression also has a lot to do with ‘having something in common’ People tend to like others who look and act like they do. Like attracts like. Same goes for blogging. If you blog about UFOs and alien abductions, it’s unlikely that MOST people are going to be avid readers but UFO fanatics will think you’re great.

  • Will

    February 19th, 2009 3:04 am

    I’m new to blogging and I found this post and video very helpful. Last night i saw your book at Barnes & Noble and that is what has brought me here. This is going to be a great resource for me as I develop my blog. Thanks!

  • AllWorld Biz

    February 20th, 2009 1:49 pm

    Good post and video, congrats!

    Best wishes!

  • Excalibur Apartments

    February 21st, 2009 9:53 am

    Great post, useful information about not only maintaining loyal readers but also scaling out.

  • Christopher

    February 21st, 2009 1:26 pm

    Thankyou for the information. Considering my Blog is still in it’s infant stages, as well as my experience with blogging, i must say that i have found your comments and suggestions to be very helpfull.
    Cheers

  • Ishan

    February 21st, 2009 8:04 pm

    This is a very interesting post, and all the tips are very practical. Thanks for sharing all this info.

  • Jan

    February 22nd, 2009 6:16 am

    Hi Darren:
    I am just in the process of setting up my own hosted Wordpress.org blog. I have been on a search for an appropriate theme(design) for the Blog and your video has given me plenty to ponder before I make a final decision. One of the most important questions for me is “What type of an impression do I want to make”.
    Thanks again.
    Jan

  • Learn Stock Market

    February 23rd, 2009 12:59 am

    Great post! I like this video and learn how to create first impressions on readers.

  • Yvette

    February 23rd, 2009 12:13 pm

    Hello,
    I came across your video while looking for a few blogging tips. I am going to be a foreign exchange student in France for a year. One of the guidelines of the partial scholarship I was awarded, states that I have to set up a blog. I was hoping you could help give me some tips or ideas for a blog title. I want something that will draw people in and encourage them to contribute money as sort of a fundraiser. I am going to set up PayPal so people can make donations for my trip. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated.
    Thank you.

    ~Yvette

  • Jason Finch

    February 24th, 2009 9:11 pm

    Great to see this on video – I’d say video ‘about’ pages are also the way forward for bloggers, though perhaps more scary a concept for a blogger to create one of those than a well-honed text-based about page with photo.

    I found it interesting that your tips work equally well with advice for getting press releases noticed by journalists… it’s almost the same kind of principles: you need it to look professional, first impressions count there too, the title has to be awesome, it has to make the person want to read to the first sentence. That needs to sum everything up and make the person want to read further.

    Really it’s all about how to market information and how to present written word in an engaging way, particularly with our now bird-brain attention spans – do you think that’s something that can be learned/taught, or is it a talent? Some people work better on video, some write better, some can do neither – or both.

  • Smart investing tips for retirement

    February 25th, 2009 7:55 am

    Good point! I always strive to have good content on my site, something that when someone comes there, they feel like they have gained something when they leave.

  • Mikko

    February 27th, 2009 6:58 pm

    Interesting points, but I tend to think that uniqueness of content is too highly valued by most professional bloggers. After all, even a slightly unique article might be full of completely new ideas for most readers.

  • Mohammad Afaq

    February 28th, 2009 8:32 pm

    Great video and I never knew Darren was funny. I just thought he is just a serious blogger but after watching this video I found out that he is leading a good life. Another great video anyway. I will use the tips.
    ——————————————————————
    Mohammad Afaq
    Free Website Traffic

  • gazzali

    March 1st, 2009 2:24 pm

    Well It is interesting enought to get an oscar :)

  • James Holmes

    March 3rd, 2009 2:28 am

    Darren – Great tips in this post! I always teach that your blog is the hub for your online presence and I fully agree that first impressions here are critical. Unlike a live interaction the opportunity to build repore by adapting to the visitor doesn’t exist. Therefore what you accomplish in a fairly static environment in the first few seconds is key. There must be a hook based on attraction to keep the visitors attention.

    I think the five elements categories selected by you provide the perfect formula to win engaged repeat readers. I use these elements on my blog and I would also add making sure that your the value of your content exceeds that perceived ratio of advertising that exist on your blogs. The average reader will see value in your advertisements as recommendations if they are in fair proportion and relevant to the topic of your blog.

    Thank you for the great advice.

    James Holmes
    http://www.Twitter.com/AskJamesHolmes

  • Christopher Drinkut

    March 3rd, 2009 5:10 am

    Great video post. I enjoyed how you captured the feeling and emotion of fun, delivering it in the first segment, but then were able to follow with quality content and genuine teaching. I will continue to take note of the sound advice found in this blog. Cheers!

  • Josh Janssen

    March 7th, 2009 12:36 am

    Love how you have used video in the post. Would love to see more video!

  • Vishal

    March 8th, 2009 9:59 pm

    Hi Darren,

    The best USP about your blog is that the content is very well formatted, no lengthy paragraphs, simple and precise text.

    That makes it easy for the readers to filter the contents and grasp the major points.

    Thanks!

    http://talk-english.blogspot.com

  • Dave Arison

    March 9th, 2009 5:53 am

    Very interesting post, the are very practical.

    Thanks for sharing all this.

    How long does it took you to film the intro ? :-)

  • 999

    March 9th, 2009 7:00 pm

    Darren – Great tips in this post! I always teach that your blog is the hub for your online presence and I fully agree that first impressions here are critical. Unlike a live interaction the opportunity to build repore by adapting to the visitor doesn’t exist. Therefore what you accomplish in a fairly static environment in the first few seconds is key. There must be a hook based on attraction to keep the visitors attention.

    I think the five elements categories selected by you provide the perfect formula to win engaged repeat readers. I use these elements on my blog and I would also add making sure that your the value of your content exceeds that perceived ratio of advertising that exist on your blogs. The average reader will see value in your advertisements as recommendations if they are in fair proportion and relevant to the topic of your blog.

    Thank you for the great advice.
    http://www.4uaf.com

  • Blog Stats and Updates – IV

    March 10th, 2009 6:32 am

    I have been doing this slowly better. Need to think further and learn more on making first impressions.

  • Easy Personal Loans

    March 10th, 2009 4:07 pm

    I think it is really impressive post which is really reflecting the aim of converting first time readers to loyal readers… Thanks for sharing

  • Amol

    March 11th, 2009 1:54 am

    I don’t know if Darren will read this comment in this sea of comments, But I just wanted to say a big THANKS for the video.
    I have changed many things in my blog after seeing this video.
    1>I tried to give my blog a personal touch so that readers will feel more connected to me.
    2> I removed some unnecessary widgets and javascripts, and now my blog is looking cleaner.
    3>It now has a better navigation.

    I hope that now the readers will have a better impression of my blog. I am waiting for the results and have my fingers crossed.. :)

  • David Tapper

    March 11th, 2009 2:24 am

    Hey Darren,

    Great video. I am a newer blogger struggling to get past “launch phases”. I ordered both your book (ProBlogger) and the SEO Bible off Amazon and one of them is back ordered so I don’t get my books till APRIL! Videos like this are a great quick way for me to start effectively designing/writing the impression I want myself and my blog to give off.

    Thank You!

    -David Tapper

  • Mano Rame

    March 11th, 2009 10:41 pm

    Case in point – Gary Halbert’s website. When someone reaches the home page at thegaryhalbertletter.com the first few lines leave an everlasting impression on the reader.

  • Free Site Traffic by SEO

    March 12th, 2009 2:40 am

    Thanks for the post Darren. You just inspiring me.

  • Lynn Henriksen

    March 12th, 2009 4:36 am

    First impressions is where it at, I know that, but I needed this reminder from Pro-Blogger! Thank you.

  • online-klip

    March 12th, 2009 7:24 am

    Most people don’t realize what they write, or how they write it, just aren’t worth reading. Some people just can’t clearly put their thoughts into words or just don’t think about anything interesting.

  • Barbara

    March 12th, 2009 11:23 pm

    Darren, your information is incredibly helpful! Reminds me to go back to my communications and pr roots – haven’t created my blog yet – but you’ve given me hope – thanks for that – I can now start planning with great ammunition – you’re tops in my book – Barbara E.B.S.

  • Herve Didier

    March 13th, 2009 12:42 am

    Great introduction on this video!

    Great first 3 seconds actually !!!

  • Charles Crawford

    March 13th, 2009 6:26 am

    Hi, Darren — Thank you for making me think about what “first impressions” my new blog is giving. I hope that my blog will grow into a trusted resource for those who want to improve their business writing. If I can convey a trustworthy / professional impression, I’ll be on the right track. I like your use of video — very effective.

  • horse race betting

    March 13th, 2009 7:38 pm

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  • Chris

    March 15th, 2009 12:59 am

    Great opening to the video. Can be a bit daunting for newbies when they see all the videos out there, but straight away the video made you look “normal” with all the cuts from outfit to outfit. Think I’m going to give that a try!

  • Michael Corrao

    March 16th, 2009 1:29 am

    Very well done video, Darren. Should be very helpful for those starting out.

  • kojj.com

    March 17th, 2009 4:53 am

    Thanks for the great Video Darren, Very interesting and useful video thanks once again

  • Shannon Bishop

    March 17th, 2009 4:34 pm

    First Impressions count…alot…

  • Webrecsol Optimizer

    March 17th, 2009 11:04 pm

    Hey Darren,

    i am very thank full is this video and great information of website promotion..and can u help me that how to increase website in USA, Canada, UK, London etc…..country.

  • Atlanta Private Investigator

    March 21st, 2009 10:17 pm

    Great article. Your subconscious makes so many invisible decisions and reviews when you meet someone for the first time. If you can put a smile on your visitor’s face, you go along way to keeping them. Great article, thank you for sharing.

  • Prime Time ACN

    March 22nd, 2009 10:41 am

    Great post. Loyal readers are key to long term growth and success.

  • Anamika

    March 22nd, 2009 8:02 pm

    That’s something I am lacking at the moment and look forward to improving. Thanks for the post.

  • Oleg Aksenov

    March 24th, 2009 11:38 am

    Hey Darren,
    This post is in “Weekly Video Post” on front page, but it looks like there were no new videos since this one. Have you been busy with something else?
    Well just thought I’d let you know since it makes visual impression that front page and the blog was not updating.
    But it is still a great resource, probably the best for bloggers and it is in my Google reader. Thank you.

  • Toronto Wedding Photographer

    March 26th, 2009 4:54 am

    Great article. You’ve given me a lot to think about.

  • Peter Rubel

    March 26th, 2009 5:30 am

    Hi Darren!

    As a first time reader of your blog, you seem to give a great first impression to me. As a blogger in the third month of blogging life, I wonder how to improve the first impression of my site. I can certainly think of a few things: If I were a reader, what would I think of my site? Is the appearance appropriate to the content? Are the posts too text-dense? Am I writing from a position of authority? Are the titles catchy, keyword rich, and relevant to the post content?

    But … hm ,,, can one split test blogs the way one split tests websites on Google? Test and measure for higher performance? For those with enough traffic and courage, one could test the same site over time (three weeks this way, three that way) after making no-brainer changes.

    Peter Rubel

  • Shahab Khan

    March 27th, 2009 2:33 am

    Getting loyal readers for your blog is really a tough job, but i will surely follow your advice to increase my blog readers. Thanks Darren!

  • Mike s

    March 27th, 2009 4:45 am

    First Impressions ARE EVERYTHING! You only have 1 chance to make a good first impression! That is FOR SURE..

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  • Richie

    March 27th, 2009 1:25 pm

    you look smart and i amaze! hehehe.. its proven now

  • Gerard Briggs

    March 27th, 2009 6:26 pm

    Darren,
    Just bought yours and Chris’s book PROBLOGGER.After seeing your video I’m confident that your book was written with your goal of helping others get started and not just a money making proposition.I haven’t created my website yet but I have a few ideas and I’m sure this book will be valuable in my decision on which direction to go with my site.
    Have a good one,

    Jerry

  • Trenia

    March 29th, 2009 12:26 pm

    Darren,
    Thanks for this video. When I was searching for information concerning starting my own blog, there were many sites that I visited from the google search engine. I must say that the sites I stayed the longest and subscribed to were the sites that were clean and neat. To have a good chance of keeping a reader is firstly great content, BUT you have to have great site design to keep them. From the information I’ve learned here and a few other blogs, I am now in the process of getting my own blog started.

  • Maria C.

    March 30th, 2009 12:47 am

    I agree with Trenia. I’m still working on my site design/blogs…it’s a work in progress. I’m pleased thus far. But more than that, I’m enjoying writing quality, useful and purposeful content, keeping my audience in mind–parents and educators. I’m starting to get regular readers, and for that I am thankful. Hard work pays off eventually

  • Isobel Joaquin

    March 30th, 2009 2:05 am

    Wonderful video!

    I agree that first impression is very important.

    In fact, this is my first time to visit your blog and I’m pretty sure I’ll be checking in regularly. :)

    I think that applying your own personality on your post is equally important too.

    Isobel

  • marl

    March 31st, 2009 5:41 pm

    First impression will determine if a person will like you or not, and it is applicable not only in blogs but in everything you do as well.

    nice video by the way.

  • Veiko

    April 1st, 2009 6:03 am

    Actually i’m envious, you made this site, probably youre getting lots of money from it. And not only from this site.

    But im very thankful to you that you make videos and share your knowledge. Will bookmark your site and will read it every day, there is so much information to read on here.

    Thanks again.

  • Guitarguy

    April 1st, 2009 7:21 am

    Thank you for this! You’ve given me a lot to think about.

  • Ryan McLean

    April 1st, 2009 11:57 am

    This video is almost two years old
    Can’t you create another video?
    It is not that difficult
    I am so bored of this video

  • Mary Beth Grasso

    April 2nd, 2009 6:06 am

    As a REALTOR, seems we never run out of things to say. Thank you for giving me some guidance as to the direction…or coming up with one that I would like to pursue with my blog writing. This will be more productive than if I just write to share…thanks again.

  • J. Smith Adams

    April 2nd, 2009 7:09 am

    Good post Darren,

    When you respect the readers time, you are forced to delete excess. It’s a constant process.

    J. Smith Adams
    http://freelancemoney.wordpress.com/

  • Ari Lestariono

    April 3rd, 2009 1:22 pm

    First impressions rest forever for two persons feeling connected

  • Rodger Banister

    April 4th, 2009 12:20 am

    In terms of first impressions, I have a helpful tip: Next time you post a video make sure you use a lapel microphone. Ambient sound on video gives the viewer an amateurish perception of the content rather than the professional one you want to exude.

    Otherwise, the post is great. Very helpful advice.

  • Ari Lestariono

    April 4th, 2009 1:03 am

    If you have read Seth blog about return on investment in design, it must be freak out that design the value to high return, somehow difficulties appear to choose the right design for your blog, better ask a consultant on that one.Cheers

  • Nicole Feliciano

    April 4th, 2009 3:52 am

    really liked you advice about the tag line…I am going to add one.

  • Home Business Income Opportunity

    April 4th, 2009 11:35 pm

    Hi Darren,

    It’s amazing nobody commented on the first three seconds of your video! It’s certainly different and captivating.

    Your video here touches an IMPORTANT point.

    Lian

  • Elaine at Lipstickdaily

    April 6th, 2009 3:56 am

    Thanks for this video. It’s great to get the reinforcement about first impressions. Now . . . HOW to be sure your first impression is a good one. I like the idea of soliciting advice from your readers. Thanks.

  • Russian Bride

    April 9th, 2009 4:32 am

    Thanks Darren! Great video! I really liked the begining!

  • TDC

    April 9th, 2009 5:15 am

    Thanks again Darren, as usual there are some good nuggets to be mined from problogger.

    TDC
    TheDailyChange

  • Sofia

    April 9th, 2009 3:20 pm

    I guess that old saying remains forever true that “First impression last” so it really matters.

  • Ambrose

    April 10th, 2009 3:51 am

    I’m glad I saw this video. It gives me a target to fix my blog’s issues. I’ve been trying to move traffic to my site(see above) for ages, and I’ve not been able to. I seem to be retaining visitors, but I’m just too hard to find.

  • Miracle 2

    April 10th, 2009 10:29 pm

    I liked the video and it is true we go by our first impression. I also though like a home-made site that has a genuineness about it and personal stories and doesn’t look too professional. For different health issues for instance, I’d rather read an account of all the methods someone used to get rid of warts and his ratings of them instead of a polished looking site with good copywriting.

    Deb

  • Kristine Maitland

    April 11th, 2009 5:40 am

    Very well done.

    It is my intention to have a blog that explores my movement away from the high speed nature of urban living without leaving the city that I love. As I work on the development of my own blog Make a Change of Pace I will keep your advice in mind.

    Kristine Maitland
    http://makeachangeofpace.blogspot.com/

  • lawrence

    April 11th, 2009 11:25 am

    Darren nice article.It is very useful for bloggers like me . I want my blog to look like a professional website because I need to represent some of the world’s most respectable and elite watch brands . Thanks to the experts like you,I have succeeded to make my blog to look like a hi tech online journal.The only thing you need is little bit mastery over HTML codes and lots of creativeness.

  • Fannie

    April 12th, 2009 4:51 am

    hi, darren. thanks for helping us become better bloggers. your daily posts are inspiring . . . thank you.

  • Tom Colvin

    April 12th, 2009 10:38 pm

    Darren, thanks for reposting this video as I missed it the first time around. Of course, I found your tips “right on,” but I also LOVED the introduction sequence [and the music too, as I'm a blues player in my spare time!]

    I just went through a major redesign and reconceptualization of my own blog, now that I’ve been at it for more than two years. After listening to your suggestions, I’m really glad that I undertook the task. I think, with my 2 years experience, that my blog now makes a much clearer impression.

    Thanks.

  • Beth L. Gainer

    April 13th, 2009 2:29 pm

    I loved this video, so I’m going to take you up on one of your challenges: asking those of you in the blogosphere to check out my blog and let me know what your first impressions are, what you think I’m trying to convey and how I can improve my blog.

    I would really appreciate it.

    And I’m double-dipping, as I’m also promoting it as I write this; I’m a breast cancer survivor writing about medical advocacy.

    http://www.bethlgainer.blogspot.com

  • Kevin Martin

    April 13th, 2009 5:58 pm

    Nice article. People need to be real and transparent building a relationship first and the sales will come.

  • Best Love Gifts

    April 14th, 2009 7:35 pm

    First impressions should not be misleading, too.
    I guess that old saying remains forever true that “First impression last” so it really matters.

  • Honey Singh

    April 15th, 2009 5:18 pm

    Thanks for presenting the nice facts and information.
    As always i like your post.

  • Online Income Made Easy

    April 16th, 2009 9:17 am

    Thanks for the info. Blogging is a great way to turnover visitors and has been very poductive with regards to my affiliate marketing.

  • rscot138

    April 17th, 2009 10:10 pm

    Thanks for the post, very useful information!
    One thing I would add is to stick with your niche. You don’t want your readers getting a confused first impression due to the fact that all your posts are about different topics.

  • Colon Cleanse Review

    April 21st, 2009 2:16 am

    Darren:

    Thanks for the video, it has helped my brainstorm for a few ideas of my own to implement. Keep it up!

  • bisnis internet

    April 21st, 2009 6:01 pm

    I think using video and the owner of blog talking in video give the audiance know that the blog is real, not just for ads and income only from adversting.

  • Inchirieri Masini

    April 22nd, 2009 12:10 am

    I like this idea. I will recommend this article to my friends. Thank you

  • Jim @ CoolStuffForDads.com

    April 23rd, 2009 11:14 pm

    Cool video! I agree, first impressions are key. One of my first thoughts was Phil Collins … who I happen to like, so that would be my association. Great information, thanks!

  • Christine Groth

    April 24th, 2009 12:50 am

    Hmmm… never really thought about having someone else critique my blog regarding their first impressions on what they thought of me.
    Thanks for putting the time into doing this video.
    http://www.conquerms.com
    Christine G.

  • minibizweb

    April 24th, 2009 11:52 am

    I would like to say “duh”, but my manners kick in, so let’s just say: a lot of people need to be reminded about basic behaviour, therefore your post is justified :(
    Can’t not to think though that it’s just plain foam beating.

  • Utter Thought

    April 25th, 2009 6:22 am

    I’m very new to blogging, and this kind of gives me an advantage because I have a sort of beginner’s eye when I’m browsing around blogs.

    What I noticed right away is that disorganized blogs really turn me off, especially when the blog doesn’t seem to have a specific subject, or the font is hard to read.

    So I’ve tried to keep my blog as simplistic as possible. I’m not trying to impress anyone–I just want people to at least have an easy time learning what my blog is about and etc. :]

  • ezFreeSamples.com

    April 25th, 2009 6:28 am

    Awesome Idea! I love getting all these new ideas from this blog… I try about 75% of them out myself lol.

  • Mel Menzies

    April 26th, 2009 12:34 am

    Because I knew I wouldn’t have time to do it myself, I had someone who knew me design my website for me. I’d just written a new book, a novel, and because it was unlike my previous books and was inspired by the true story of my daughter, who died, I wanted to advertise it online because the proceeds of all sales go to charities benefiting children.

    However, the designer intially designed my site to be quite downbeat – to tie in, she said, with the ethos of the book. I didn’t like it at all. It’s a book of triumph, I said to her. Besides, there will be other books. And it doesn’t give the right impression of me because I’m an upbeat sort of person.

    I love what she then did with the design: bright jewel colours, warm and inviting. Because I want to concentrate on book sales for my charities, I don’t make money out of my site with ads. But I love to help others with my blogs.

    When I received the following message on Twitter I was thrilled because it means I’m achieving what I set out to do. “I think you’re smashing and kind hearted something you don’t get alot of these days”. I hope you don’t think that’s blowing my own trumpet. But that’s not only the first impression I want to convey – it’s the lasting impression I want to have on my readers.

  • angelica ars

    April 27th, 2009 4:08 pm

    Hello Darren,

    You do look great with the suit, I was surprised when I saw the video at first. The suit is the best outfit on the post.

    I’ve got a question: can we look forward to another video post soon?

    Regards,
    Angelica

  • miami web design company

    April 28th, 2009 1:57 am

    Thanks for the video Darren. Looking sharp with the suit :-)

  • Fried Pal Blogger

    April 28th, 2009 5:24 pm

    Thanks for this useful tip. It’s better to keep old visitors cause it’s hard to find and attract new ones.

  • Maç izle

    April 28th, 2009 8:28 pm

    Thanks Darren! You really never run out of useful tips!

  • Ari Lestariono

    April 28th, 2009 8:32 pm

    It’s not just first impressions, it is the character in your soul that reflects your personality, people will gaze around less than 3 seconds to know your insight.

  • Melayu Boleh

    April 29th, 2009 2:26 am

    A great reminder that for blogs, like for people, first impressions matter.

  • Dofus Kamas

    April 29th, 2009 2:37 pm

    Nice to ‘meet’ you via the video. I’ve been following your posts for just a few days. Thanks for the tips.

  • spocrep

    April 30th, 2009 12:50 am

    in my blog I made a welcome page for people to see when they visit my blog … and I added a lettel of my style to it… and I thinks it gives an impression that I would want to give… and I think it’s working really good…

    thanks problogger… and I like video post better!!
    good job

  • miamiwebdesign

    April 30th, 2009 4:16 am

    Thanks Darren. We had to share your video on our blog, and linked back here.

  • Bill

    April 30th, 2009 4:39 am

    I saw this video when it was first launched and watched it again and realized that there was a lot i actually missed out on.

  • Developerholic

    April 30th, 2009 9:12 pm

    I am definitely not sticking to my design right now. Maybe if my blog had “mature” enough, then I will make some necessary changes

    Cheers,
    Meg

  • Dan

    May 2nd, 2009 12:48 am

    Keep the suit, adds to the credibility. Some of us have outgrown the whiskers and scraggly hair. Professional presentation, contained a lot of info. The advice on tag lines and about making the post titles interesting are solid advice. Job well done, because I’ll be back to check on your next offerings.

  • Albert

    May 4th, 2009 5:10 am

    The first impression always count the most and the best motive for readers is to get associated. If you got a blog that looks user friendly, you are bound to have a few curious clicks on what your blog is about and such.

  • Eddie

    May 4th, 2009 4:45 pm

    Hi Darren! Thanks for the very helpful video. Getting the right impression on your reader is all that counts for future attention. I am honestly thankful to blogs like yours and a few websites like BusinessHQR.com who are really helping me get a better understanding of succeeding in working from home. :) Thank you again Darren.

    Eddie.

  • Daniel

    May 5th, 2009 7:23 am

    Hey darren. THis video is brilliant. It gives some really awesome tips on improving the first impressions of your site. First impressions certainly do count and help you keep long term visitors. This post and countless others of yours are helping me on the right track.

    Thanks
    Daniel!

  • video izle

    May 5th, 2009 8:14 am

    Thanks Darren! Great video! I really liked the begining!

  • Craig Wilson

    May 5th, 2009 10:12 am

    Agree Darren. Just as relevant today as when originally published. First impressions are so important and not enough though goes into it at designer level.

  • Richland Mortgage

    May 5th, 2009 3:01 pm

    Great video. First impressions can make a huge difference in your readership. Thanks for the pointers.

  • Andy

    May 5th, 2009 6:00 pm

    Thank you for this very good video, and greets from Stuttgart Germany. You have a new Fan

  • 123 power system

    May 7th, 2009 12:30 pm

    It’s not just first impressions, it is the character in your soul that reflects your personality, people will gaze around less than 3 seconds to know your insight.

  • vinnyg

    May 10th, 2009 11:23 pm

    Just wanted to say thanks Darren! I came across some digitial photography tips of yours having to deal with new borns, they were insightful and pretty much spot on with everything I had been revealing myself through my now seemingly endless photoshoot that is my life :)

    I see you have your fingers in just about everything on the net, and the sage advice seems to follow…

  • baboush

    May 11th, 2009 1:42 pm

    hello Darren, Thank you so much, this video is very helpful.

    Three months ago I did a search on the internet trying to find something to make money online. I fell upon 7FiguresWithBrian.com . It was a great success for me. That is my wonderful experience with 7FiguresWithBrian.com

  • Tobias Stapleton

    May 11th, 2009 5:31 pm

    Thanks for this useful video, I always watch and get as much benefits as I can from technical based information through these videos.

  • Ernie Fidanza

    May 12th, 2009 12:05 am

    Awesome video. The thought of starting a successful blog can be intimidating or even overwhelming. I know, as I am currently trying to start my own blog/website for my mortgage company.

    I find the best way to get some loyal readers fast is to have a bevy of good content available as soon as you start advertising the blog (so have 5-10 posts ready) and to be involved in communities.

    For example, I have a hockey blog. I am a respected member of a hockey message board, and I slip my blog’s link in and keep it in my forum. I find this to be the best way to get some dedicated readers

    ~Ernie Fidanza
    http://www.erniefidanza.com

  • Jamie

    May 12th, 2009 1:55 am

    Another helpful post, in fact very helpful. Thanks for the tips. I think I should try all of these things… ahehehehe

  • Ares

    May 13th, 2009 2:30 am

    I have been saying this same thing to my partners for YEARS. I will make them read this to see that a professional agrees with me. Thank you for posting this article, it will be useful.

  • balaji

    May 14th, 2009 11:13 pm

    I have the blog created 2 weeks before, i want your tips to how to improve that blogs content and page rank, here is the blog.

    http://www.3gwifi.blogspot.com/

  • Catherine Franz

    May 17th, 2009 11:56 pm

    Darren,

    After reading your book several times I decided to finally visit your blog. I saw your picture (video) and was thrown off. I could never had envision you with a stiff look and suit. I see you more relaxed in jeans.

    Everytime I return to your site/main page, the picture is still bothering me. Never had this feeling again. It makes me feel disconnected to you, the writer.

    Okay, not complaining, just letting you know how it disjoins me.

  • lacie lane

    May 20th, 2009 6:20 am

    Greetings Darren:

    Most of the things you say make sence! & you have put some most needed information for bloggers to think about. I would have to differ from you on certain order of how to repesent your blog to a first times reader.

    #1 you have to offer something that would be helpfull or help seomeone in a more monetary financial way. Just don’t start a blog and write about something that the other peson cannot gain any money from it.

    #2 the second most inportant thing is ” The Template ” of your blog! if you have the most beautifull words & english & grammer perfect. Then you might be lucky to get 5 visitors per day. The template say a lot about you. If! you have a (garbage) template then people will see your blog & run for the hills. Having a very nice blog template say a lot about you. Suppose that you have a template that looks like a ( yugo), then they will all go away just at the sight of an (garbage) blog. Now on the other hand if! you have a template that looks like a ( Bentley), then they will think & say ” what a really nice blog ; may be i will stay a while see what it’s really about”. That’s that three second you were talikng about.

    #3 this one should be listed as #1, ” traffic”. Lets just say that you have just opened a brand new sub sandwhich shop. It’s very clean nice tables & seats, great hot or cold sandwhich, super great contertop & the outside if fabulous. Maybe you will get a few customers & then there will be days when the place is completely empty. However if you hire some young kids to put flyers in house & pass them around & also tell people how wonderfull the sub shop is . Then you will flourish with customers. Getting lots of traffic on a blog is a very crucial component. You cannot make get anybody to click on your links unless the know that your blog exist!. Traffic In a must to have if! your a blogger.

    4: publish ads on your blog. I should rate this one last because you will never ever guarantee that people will click on your ads. It’s way better through, than lets say putiing a paypal button on your blog. which is like russian roulette, like praying ‘ please let someone donate $1.00 to me” on my paypal button. i think of it as begging. the only way someone will donate paypal to you is if! they like you a lot or, they just want to be nice & only make a one time donation. putting ads on your blog is ok if you genrate quite a few click on your blog otherwize it’s just a novelty & very so often you will get a few clicks. better if you manage your ads to the greatest revenue perhaps like $0.75 per ads space. mine are set to standard so i get maybe $0.08 – $0.36 cents per click. always better than paypal button. plus having a blog with no ads in it ” does not make nay sence”. when i first started a blog; from day one i put ads on it right away. if! you have too many ads it will make your blog look really scary & intimidating. i know a few people who do quite well from ads on their blog.

    5: joining many social media networking sites. this is very beneficial, simply because you gat get back-end traffic when your friends or someone sees your pics on a social network & the become curious about you & want to see what your about & what are you into & offering them. half 1/2 of my traffic come from visitors from social netwoks like mybloglog, technorati, zimbio, blogcatalog, stumbleupon, live journal, ;excetra “““`. I think that i am with 8 or 9 sites like this. joining social newtworks plays a very important part on getting hits & meeting new people from all parts of the world.

    The fact of the matter is the all these subjects above play a very importatnt role on how much traffic you can get? to how many new fully vested readers will join in on your blog. i am learning as a go. if i would have started this when i was 13, i would have had a real nice internet company like yahoo or paypal.
    Darren: please vsist my blog as i have just spent 35 minutes writing this out.

    Earn Money From Surveys
    http://elpaso95.blogspot.com

  • Dan Share

    May 21st, 2009 3:51 pm

    Whats with the suit! I can understand if your a stock broker, but usually the first impression a suit is to me is “ahhh, run! boring man ahead!”. hehe :-)

  • Nick 1 week marketing

    May 21st, 2009 11:12 pm

    I agree the view of you in a Suit doesn’t connect with the picture on the bottom of the page. More video posts, I am getting too lazy to read.
    Nick

  • AWord

    May 23rd, 2009 7:38 am

    Mr. Rowse: Great video tips for first impression, personal interaction or blogging. Thank you.

  • SEO India

    May 25th, 2009 4:42 pm

    Great Post! Thanks for sharing such a useful information. It will help me a lot.

  • Film izle

    May 26th, 2009 7:13 am

    I have been saying this same thing to my partners for YEARS. I will make them read this to see that a professional agrees with me. Thank you for posting this article, it will be useful.

  • Billie Walter

    May 26th, 2009 7:31 am

    I’n new to blogging this month. Wish I had found your site earlier but happy to have found it now. I will be following closely. Can personal blogs about oneself, like mine, make money?

  • tiffany jewelery

    May 26th, 2009 11:23 am

    You seem like such a gentle and totally relaxed type of person.
    but your article is really nice. thanks..

  • Sean Davis

    June 22nd, 2009 8:36 pm

    You know, this has really become my focus over the last 48 hours. My blog is fairly new so I don’t have a lot of stats yet. However, in the week that I have been using Google Analytics, I’ve noticed that my bounce rate is a little too high for my comfort. Most of my readers are coming in on the homepage and also exiting on the homepage. That part that bothers me the most is that my excerpts are not that long on the home page… so they can’t be view much.

    Should I…

    a) Make my excerpts longer giving my site more of a chance by holding viewers a little longer?

    OR

    b) Concentrate on ways to get them on to other pages. In the 31DBBB book I have already read a little bit about making things like sneeze pages that are linked from the homepage and stuff like that to help people surf around. I was just wondering which of the aforementioned methods would be best.

    Thanks!


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