One of the main challenges of blogging is to attract traffic to your blog. If you are able to do that, don’t be too happy yet. Another bigger challenge awaits you. That is to convert your readers into subscribers. Your readers and visitors may leave anytime to visit other blogs but your subscribers will be behind you all the way.
If one decides to subscribe to your blog, that means they are committed to receive updates of your post in a regular basis. They are your loyal supporters. How do you convert your readers into subscribers? Read on as 9 inspiration bloggers share what attracts them to subscribe a blog. These are awesome advice. You need to listen up and start taking action.
In this series of “Inspirational Bloggers Tips” #3, I pose this question to them:
What elements must a blog have to attract you to subscribe?
DiTesco from IblogZone.com says:
The most important “element” that will attract me to subscribe to any website first and foremost is “valuable content”. The author needs to “capture” me in order to subscribe. I don’t mean those opt-ins where I have a separate account just for that (who doesn’t?). Second would be the websites design and navigational structure. This is very important too as my intention is to read what one has to say and not get slapped on my face with pop-ups and ads all over the place. Ideally I would be able to read an article without the need for a magnifying glass 
. Ultimately, if I like the content, but the sites design does not appeal much, I will see if the feed is “partial” or “full”. If it is full, I’ll just subscribe and read the content on my RSS reader, otherwise, I won’t subscribe.
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Ryan Biddulph from CashWithaTrueConscience.com says:
One of the key elements of blogs I subscribe to is “engagability”. A blog author interacting with their audience shows that they care; anybody who listens and responds to their audience piques my interest. Being thoughtful goes a long way in growing your readership.
Content is a huge factor, especially if the author is clear in stating the subject matter of the blog. The content must be usable; 2 minutes after reading a post I need to be able to use the information in some way to improve my life.
As for design I look for a clean, neat and directed approach. Too many ads turns me off as the blogger probably isn’t looking to offer value; they just want the bucks and I only network with value oriented folks.
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Michele Welch from NewBizBlogger.com says:
All blogs are unique in that they emanate a different vibe based on it’s content and the author of it. However, that being said, there are some commonalities in blogs that I attract to.
They entertain – I am left with a sense of euphoria and well-being after having read it.
They educate/teach – I walk away learning something new or a new twist on an already existing theory or technique.
They inspire – I am touched and moved by the content and often as a result take actions I may not have otherwise taken.
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Thu Nguyen from BloggingFor.info says:
The first thing which I find attracts me to subscribe to a blog is the blogger’s personality. Contrary to what is preached in quality content and awesome insights in the blogosphere, if I cannot hear the voice of the blogger who is honest, passionate and at the same time shows you that they are having a blast sharing what they know, I might have to go elsewhere.
Why?
Several reasons. 1) I need to know if the blogger will or can engage with me. 2) If they are focused on selling or giving value in some way with the topic they have chosen. 3) If they are heading towards the path which I can learn from and/or want to do down the line. This last one encourages me to bookmark their content, tweet or share with my social network as well.
Thus, is the blogger replying to the commentators? Are there at least interactions happening or is it one-sided where the blogger just writes and that’s it, no feedback? Even in sharing what they know, are they progressing, consistently reaching out to find ways to succeed? Loving it? Are they even trying?
Sounds like a lot but on first impression, if reading through a post doesn’t do it for me, I’ll raid the archives to see if there are any great impressions. This will take a few minutes or more. That’s when I make the decision to subscribe.
After all, you want to make the attraction more immense by having relevant posts, keep me on your blog and that brings me to my next point – web usability AKA ease of navigation and if there is an opportunity to learn more about you.
Do you have an About page? Can I contact you if I have a question or just want to share some ideas? Do you have a site map I can browse through? Are you making your best posts visible and/or emphasize other areas I may be interested in whether it’s through the page itself or in the menus? Resource page of the best of the best in your opinion? Do you have a blogroll so I know that you read other blogs too and not only yourself? Are you making your social buttons visible so that I can share your content (very important!)?
When you can keep me around on your blog long enough to browse beyond the 1st page into the archives and so on that I’m raiding your blog to know you more, imagine how it is with others! You’re one awesome cookie then.
Overall, this lets me know that your blog has a lot of content I want to read. I would then subscribe by e-mail, follow you on Twitter, be a fan of your Facebook page and so on. Promote you like crazy as you are now in my priority list which I will come back often to comment, tweet and share your posts.
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Adam Paudyal from Endeavor-Online.com says:
1. Content: Original and captivating blog entries are without a doubt the most important element to consider. I would never subscribe to a blog if the content is just a bunch of bologna. Contents that are valuable and solves a problem is a definite plus.
2. Post frequency: Readers are most likely going to subscribe if the contents is updated regularly. If the blog is not updated on a regular basis, it is a definite turn off.
3. Site Layout: This one is overlooked by many but plays a significant role. Some blogs have horrible site layout which gives negative impression. I am more likely to subscribe to a site that is simple yet visually pleasing rather than some fancy site with a bad ass logo, considering that the content of both the site are of equal value.
The placement of the subscription also plays an important role. I mean I would hate to search for a subscription form or a button. Who wouldn’t?
4. A Freebie: A freebie is a definite enticer for people to subscribe. Everybody like free stuffs; especially if it is going to solve the readers problems. I would subscribe to the blog just to get that freebie; honestly.
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Tristan Higbee from BloggingBookshelf.com says:
For me to subscribe to a blog, it really only has to have one thing: valuable content that I can’t get anywhere else.
And it’s that simple. Note that there are two parts to that, though: 1) valuable content, and 2) that I can’t get anywhere else. A lot of blogs have valuable content, but it’s the same content that you can find on a million other blogs! Why would someone choose your new blog over one that’s been around for ages and has already covered that information?
There are a couple other minor factors, too. I also like to see the blogger’s personality come through in his/her blog posts, but I’ll overlook that as long as the content is valuable and unique. And it’s always nice to see that a blog gets updated regularly.
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Samuel Ayodele from MegaBizFlakes.com says:
Informative Content:
One of the main things that do make me subscribe to a blog is the informative content. Informative content will make a reader say WOW!! Without taking a second thought whether he or she should subscribe or not.
It’s part of the things that will pull readers leg to take action before hitting the close tab bar. Also content is what make people spread the word about your blog, it’s part of what that will make readers remember your blog wherever they are. Informative content is an asset and not a liability.
Concept Of The Blog:
Another thing that do make me hit the subscribe button is the concept of the blog, what I mean by the concept of the blog is how it’s being designed, after loading the blog, how I feel about the blog will determine if I will hit the subscribe button. if the blog make me hit the close bar immediately, that’s bye bye. But if the blog make me feel at home I will definitely visit your blog often and often. One of the blog I visit always is YoungPrePro. Not because Oni is my friend but the concept of the blog and the informative content is what make me visit his blog on and on. I guess I subscribed twice to his blog 
. So always make your blog make people feel at home so that they can toy around your blog. Am not saying that you should not monetize your blog but do it in a cool and mind-blowing way.
The Author:
I will check if the author of the blog is sociable, if he or she is not I will forget hitting the subscribe button. I love reading replies of blogs I do visit and comment on, if I should visit your blog today and comment, when next I come by I will make sure I check if you’ve reply to my comment. And if you’ve haven’t, I might still comment but I can never subscribe to your blog because my believe is that if I should have any problem and I need you to help me out, am sure you would not because whenever I comment on your blog you never take a min to reply to my comment. So what’s the use of asking someone who is not ready to give an answer to your question? This type of situation is very common among bloggers. Yeah, that’s the fact.
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Devesh Sharma from TechnShare.com says:
First comes blog content, If you have awesome content on your blog, people will love to subscribe your blog. Second comes blog design. And guess what if you have these two things then there is no need of adding opt-in forms all around your blog and giving freebie products.
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Onibalusi Bamidele from YoungPrePro.com says:
In order for a blog to attract more subscribers what matters most is the content and design. Your design should make your content presentable and it should also make it easy to subscribe to your blog.
Your content is what makes users come back to your blog and it is also what gives them a reason to subscribe.
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To summarize the points above, there are four main areas you need to take note on:
Content – I know, i know. You are sick and tired of hearing this but please bear with it. As long as blogging exists, this will just follow through. No harm for another reminder
Design – This is quite up to individual as “Beauty is in the eyes of beholder”. Not only the colors used must be visual appealing but most important is ease of navigation. The fonts are big enough and your blog must consist of certain basic elements. About page, subscription buttons, contact page etc.
Blogger personality – When you blog, you are writing to us in your own voice. So your personality definitely plays a part. Are you arrogant in your voice or are you always full of anger? Do you interact with your readers? Be as friendly as possible, you are here to make friends not enemies.
Freebies – A freebie coming along with opt-in. This applies subscribing to the mail list. No doubt people like freebies especially it is full of quality.
There you go, 9 inspirational blogger sharing their awesome tips. I hope you have a great read. Please leave a comment behind to share your thoughts if you have anything to add. The next “Inspirational Bloggers Series” will be in two weeks time. See you then.
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Wow! This is a very sweet read Lye! I really like how it has all come together. Definitely loving the way how each one of our voices are constantly aligning together as one. In fact, we are all from different parts of the world doing the same thing – blog.
When it comes time to unite, it’s all about making it work and time and time again, your inspirational series is showing that without getting with the program, we’re looping out of the blogosphere.
Thanks so much once more for another great series and awesome day! Make yours one too!
Talk soon,
Thu
Thu Nguyen recently posted..Using Alexa As A Tool To Research Your Blog Idea
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Thu,
We are in a wonderful community and that only signals well in our blogging journey. Without the support of you and the rest of the other guys, this post wouldn’t have been published.
Thanks for the great comments. Have a nice weekend ahead.
Lye
Hi Lye
Interesting what each of these bloggers look for when deciding to subscibe to a blog. Good to see unique content on the list and I agree that is an important one. There are a few blogs that I look forward to seeing the publish button pressed and I am straight over to comment.
Unless I happen to be sleeping at the time! Being in Oz, sometimes wake up to new posts, but then I will go over and hope I’m not met with too many comments to trawl through before I comment. I usually read other people’s comments too as they often add to the conversation. All time-consuming but well worth it
Also, like Thu alludes to, personality does come into play. It’s easier to interact with those who you get on with. In other words one-way conversations are rather tiresome, so if I connect through conversation on a blog; I will probably go back to that blog often.
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia recently posted..Are You a Tweetheart-Commenter…or both!
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Pat.
Even if it’s the same old thing but people still see content as the number 1 factor to stay or leave. You are very active in networking and it’s something we can learn from you. Sometimes i just wonder how you are able to visit so many blog and leaving outstanding comments. I think you can write a post about it
Personality definitely plays an important part, there are so many bloggers and it’s impossible to resonate with everyone.
Thanks for dropping by and the comments.
Lye
Twitter: ditesco
The summary you have given pretty much says it all. All these awesome bloggers have certain commonalities and what strikes me most is that we all are “saying” virtually the same thing, but using different words and forms of expression. This is what in essence is being unique, and you can see, each has its own voice and its own opinion, but at the end of the day, same message, which is proof enough that are things that can not be underestimated. Create unique and valuable content, provide a “waterfront” view for your readers and see those numbers moving. These series is looking good Lye and once you have e nough you should compile them all and give it as a “freebie”, lol
DiTesco recently posted..Ways To Make Money Online With Google
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi DiTesco,
The concept and idea is the same but listening to different voice and words just make each and everyone of you stand out. It’s a brilliant experience for others to see how the same message can be interpreted differently.
I will surely compiled them into freebies when i have enough of this series. Thanks for the suggestion.
Lye
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Onibalusi Bamidele, Patricia Millman. Patricia Millman said: New Post: 9 Inspirational Bloggers Sharing What Attracts Them to Become a Subscriber http://t.co/2UlH7xZ via @Findmyblogway [...]
This is awesome Lye,
There are a lot of great tips above and what matters most is your content…followed by the others.
I’m so happy to have contributed and all of the above bloggers are awesome and are really doing a great job on their respective blogs.
Thanks so much for the awesome post,
-Onibalusi
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Oni,
Thanks a lot for the kind word. You have been very supportive since “Inspirational Bloggers Tips” series started. Thank you so much for your contribution.
Lye
Gosh, I never really thought about why I subscribe – I just like reading what my community writes.
I really love blogs that make me think and show me ways I have never considered before as well – I wish I had more time to dedicate to them.
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach recently posted..QUICK!! Max Your Holiday Profits…NOW AVAILABLE!!
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Barbara,
I think the reason alone is enough for you to click on the subscribe button. You need to like what you are reading.
I believe your efforts will be much appreciated, just like me. Thanks a lot for the support.
Lye
It really is interesting how we all pretty much said very similar things!
This was a great post with solid information. You also reminded me to go check out some bloggers that I’m not super familiar with already, so thanks!
And Lye, I just wanted to say thanks for including me on this list. I really appreciate it, and am always more than happy and willing to participate in these.
Tristan recently posted..7 Major Lessons in Blog Advertising from Technorati’s Top 20 Blogs
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Tristan,
They are all awesome bloggers. I believe you will make some new friends.
You are welcome, Tristan. I am glad you are able to contribute and sharing your views. It has been nice to have you here with us. Thanks a lot for the participation.
Lye
Hi Lye,
Some great stuff here! We all seem to have one thing in common; we all agree that content is the biggest element that attracts us all to a blog. You can have personality, be sociable and have the most beautiful site, but if you don’t have great content to back it up, it won’t make a bit of difference.
Thanks including me in this….really enjoying the process!
Talk soon. Ciao!
Michele Welch recently posted..That’s A Wrap- December 10- 2010
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Michele,
So true. That’s the reason why all of you put it as the top reason to subscribe. It needs extra effort to craft a good content rather than a good design or something else.
It’s my pleasure Michele. Great to have your participation. I am fully enjoying this as well and thanks for your support.
Lye
Awesome list Lye! Cool tips on how you can make a reader subscribe. Woo…these bloggers are awesome
Thanks so much for featuring me. keep up the good work bro. Have fun.
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Samuel,
You are welcome brother. Thanks for the participation and support.
Lye
Awesome post. Sure this will help’s the newbies to develop their blog to attract the readers to subscribe.
Goutham recently posted..Joomlashack 100 Discount Voucher
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Goutham
Sure it will as these are awesome advice by awesome bloggers.
Thanks for the comments.
Lye
Great going Lye!
I have subscribed to your blog, and it is because you keep going outside of the box and producing these awesome posts with such inspirational and awesome bloggers!
Nice one mate
Alex recently posted..Niche Site Challenge- Update and Traffic Report
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Alex,
Glad to see you here. Great to know you have subscribe. Thanks for subscribing and the support.
Lye
Hi Lye,
Thanks for sharing my insight
Content pops up repeatedly and for good reason; we seek value. Give value, receive value is how blogging works. If you want a large following give value on a consistent basis.
Wonderful takes from a series of A List bloggers here. I like the advice to share your personality. Inject yourself into your blog. Never try to sound like someone else. Imitation won’t get you too far in life. Speak your voice and do with with passion.
Thanks for sharing Lye. Have a powerful day!
RB
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..3 Reasons Why You&8217re a Work at Home Sucker
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Ryan,
You are welcome, it’s my pleasure to have you involved in this series.
Content is just the tonic we need for our blog and just won’t get tired of keep on reminding. Personality is the element that others resonate with us and it is important as well.
Thanks for adding on the points.
Lye
great, i will definitely use some of the ideas and implement in my blog, such articles are very informative to new blogger like me!
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi PR,
Hope this will help to enjoy your blogging journey.
Thanks for visiting.
Lye
Interesting list Lye. You’re really doing great work man.
There so many awesome tips by some great bloggers!
Thanks for including me. Much Appreciated.
Devesh recently posted..Find Your Sub Niche
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Dev,
It’s great to have you involved. Thanks for the participation and support.
Lye
Being personal always helped me a lot to gain more subscribers, but there is a lot more here, have to check it one by one..Nice articulation Lye..
Beth
Beth Owens recently posted..Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Beth,
Nice to meet you. Have a good time knowing these awesome bloggers.
Thanks for visiting.
Lye
Doing an analysis on my blog with the requirements these guys have given, I think I’m doing decent. Honestly, I think the reason I don’t have more subscribers is because the places I hang out (ie the blogs I visit) online are often not in my niche. I hang out with communities talking about blogging and making money, but my site is focused on photography.
TJ McDowell recently posted..10 Ways To Score Customers With A Photo Blog
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi TJ,
You have a nice blog. It’s great to have you here but i think you are right. In order to attract more subscribers to your niche, you need engage more with other bloggers in your niche. They have the same audience as your blog.
The most important thing is to enjoy what you do. If you are happy with your blog, i don’t see any problem in having less subscribers.
Thanks for the comments, TJ. Talk soon.
Lye
Just saw this post and it’s so true. These is indeed a great help for those who is getting started to attracts readers and soon subscribe one. I’ll will surely and use some of the notions to implement in my blogs. All the best for you.