There are a whole damn lot of blogs and book blogs out there and only so many hours in the day to see them all.
You know me: I really love spending time blog hopping, reading blog posts, seeing some people’s incredible talent for writing reviews, unique blog posts, spending time on blogs that are so pretty my eyes are watering and so on.
Yet, with years of book blogging behind me and only so many hours each day, I can’t be spending as much time as I’d like visiting, cheering on and supporting other book bloggers. Therefore…. I become selective with what I read. I become selective with the kind of blogs I stop on and the kind of blogs I just, well… skip.
Today, I thought I’d share my selection process. What makes me stay and what makes me go, what makes me want to keep on reading to discover a blog and their blogger and what makes me close my browser’s window right away.
Small heads-up: this blog post isn’t meant to be mean, at all and it’s based on my unique, personal preferences, just as well, so please take it with a grain of salt!
? My first impressions on a blog
? The blog’s design: do and don’t
Honestly, the first thing we see from a blog is its design and, despite trying our best not to be shallow and, well, judge a book by its covers, there are just some things that I personally can’t deal with.
I am far from being a graphics expert and even farther away from being a branding expert, but there are two things that will make me flee from a blog without even trying.
- Colors, and
- Fonts
If I’m stepping onto a new place online and have to squint to be able to read something, because the font is too bright or the colors are too flashy, I’m sorry but I will go away. My eyesight isn’t the best and I’m not here to make it worse.
Choose your blog’s colors and fonts wisely. If you like pink, that’s fine, but maybe think of making it more of a pastel color than a very bright one. If you like patterns, fine too, but is your text still readable under all the lovely colors and motifs?
Same goes for fonts. I personally love script fonts and, when I rebranded my entire blog, I hesitated for a long, long time with multiple fonts, some that I personally loved, but my sister told me they weren’t that readable. So I skipped them.
Don’t be afraid to ask for others’ opinions when choosing fonts and colors and design overall.
As for the blog’s layout, I also happen to have some pet peeves.
If I can’t find your most recent blog posts in a minute, I’m sorry but I might give up. If I’m visiting a blog, it’s to read blog posts, or at least see what the blog posts are about, before deciding whether or not I’ll read on. If I can’t find the blog posts easily, I might not even get to read your blog, at all.
Some bloggers choose to display their most recent posts on their homepage, which is, honestly, what I love the most. That being said, if you’d like to pick another homepage, that’s good too – but you should make sure that your blog posts are accessible. Either through your menu, with “Blog Posts” clearly stated, through categories in your menu and so on.
Some other tiny things tend to bother me:
- Pop-ups that open right away when you’re just arriving on a new blog. Give me some time to see your blog before jumping on me to make me subscribe to your newsletter.
- Not being able to comment on a blog post. I know, I might be old school since everything’s happening on social media, but.. if I read and love a blog post, I still like to comment on it to show my appreciation. If I can’t, or if I have to jump through loops, connect three times and type my comment six times until it goes through, I will give up.
Some interesting articles about designing and branding I’d recommend:
May @ Forever and Everly wrote a great blog post about : How to get started on making your blog pretty: a design guide.
Kat @ Novels & Waffles asks 4 questions we should ask ourselves while rebranding.
? What makes me read a blog post – and why I won’t read yours
I would LOVE to read more blog posts and leave more comments. I know how hard book bloggers work and I know that free labour is, more often than not, rewarded and made worth it by comments and others’ appreciation. I know that’s how I feel.
That being said…. sometimes, I’m really sorry, but I just won’t even want to read a blog post. Here’s why.
- If your text is just one massive block, with no paragraphs, no images, no GIFs, nothing. Just WORDS.
I know, I know. I’m a bookworm and I read 400 pages novels with no images at all, so what? I don’t want to read a blog post when all I see is text, okay. I want paragraphs so I can take a breath, I want GIFs, or images, photographs, yours or stock, whatever you prefer. It makes it so much easier to read a blog post, it makes it so much easier to make me want to pay attention. I’m like a kid okay, I see just text and I’m reminded of my university assignments and want to run.
- If your blog post is just book covers and images and no words.
I know, I’m kind of saying black and white in these two paragraphs, but hear me out. If I don’t want to read just text, I don’t want to be thrown just images at my face. I’m mainly talking about book blogs here, since it’s the main kind of blog I read…. and I don’t want just to watch some book covers. I want to hear why you’re putting them here, why you’re talking about this book, why you think it’s a great winter read or it made you want to throw it out the window. Give me something to think about, give me something to talk about with you.
- If your blog post isn’t engaging overall…. I won’t read it.
Okay, Marie, you ask, but what the heck do you mean by “engaging“? It means, I want to read it. For me, it’s a compilation of everything, really. The blog post’s title, the blog post’s appearance overall (with images and text, breathable and beautiful, with bold and bigger text and titles in between and so on), the writing (with no mistakes and grammarly correct, though I know we’re not all perfect, I know I am not!).
When I click to read a blog post, I want to keep on reading it. It starts with the first image, the first words, up until the very end of the blog post. It’s about raising points, asking questions, expressing opinions, making me think, wonder, want to add a book to my TBR. I want to see your passion, your blogging voice and your interest in what you write.
One easy tip to remember to achieve that is this: what makes YOU read a blog post on others’ blogs? What makes you want to keep on reading and what do you like about them? WITHOUT COPYING their entire layout and way of writing, think about how you can achieve that, too.
Related blog post: How to find your blogging voice.
Some other tiny things that tend to bother me on book blogs…
- I personally love seeing diversity on a blog.
It’s a very personal opinion here once again, but…. I’m sorry. If I only see almost exclusively book reviews, I might not read on your blog a whole lot, or want to come back. If I only see memes and Top Ten Tuesdays, same. There are some exception to these, I’m sure, but most of the time, I like to see different kind of blog posts on book blogs. I like reading reviews, discussions, memes, unique blog posts, wrap-ups and so on. This is NOT what will prevent me from reading a blog, but this will maybe prevent me from subscribing and coming back, when I don’t see too much diversity.
- If I read a book review…. I want to read your opinion about the book.
Another personal pet peeve: book reviews stating the synopsis in 3 out of 4 paragraphs and only giving out two sentences with your opinion. If you don’t want to say more or don’t have a thousand words to say about a book, it’s FINE. I just feel cheated when I see a long review, think I’ll get a whole lot of thoughts about a book and just end up knowing very well the synopsis, but just that you liked it.
That’s it? I need to know why, how and why another million times, because I want to talk with you about this book and…. well, right now I just can’t.
Related blog post: How to write a great blog post
Caitlin @ Caitlin Althea also wrote an amazing blog post about what makes her keep on reading a post.
? I might not be reading your blog because I just don’t know about it.
Every single day, I discover new book bloggers and I am amazed by just how much and how passionate they are. Bloggers that are just starting out, bloggers that have been there for so many years now they’re dinosaurs just like I am.
? Remember to put yourself out there
If you want people to read what you have to say, you have to put yourself out there. I know how scary it is, believe me. I know how anxiety inducing it can be, but it’s the best way to grow your blog and to meet others, to be part of the community and to really feel what it’s like, to be blogging.
There are many ways to network when you’re a blogger.
- You can join the social media overwhelming frenziness, twitter and instagram (bookstagram, for bookish people) being the two main platforms for book bloggers. You can share your thoughts and your blog posts and both make people read what you have to say and meet incredible people.
- You can blog hop, meaning visiting blogs, reading blog posts and leaving genuine and sweet comments to the blogs and posts you enjoyed, create a link, a conversation that can continue on both your and their blogs and down the road, create a wonderful friendship, too.
Related blog post: how to blog hop and why I do it.
? It’s okay if you’re not reading too many blog posts, too.
Honestly, I’m just one human with 24 hours per day to live and…. despite everything said above, I might not be reading your blog posts at all because I’m not aware that they exist.
I also want to do more, read more, support more bloggers, but I just don’t have the time, either.
I feel like I want to apologize for not reading blog posts more, especially lately, but I also feel like I should read blog posts I genuinely enjoy and when I can dedicate the time for it, too, without burning myself out.
In the end, we’re all doing our very best and I want to hope that every blog post out there finds their readers, sometimes with time, perseverance, sometimes randomly and sometimes extraordinarily.
What makes you want to read a blog post? What makes you want to just run away from a blog post or a blog altogether? Do you sometimes feel like you don’t read enough blog posts, or is it just me?
What are some of your blogging pet peeves? Anything we share? Feel free to ask in comments!
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What a great discussion post! It can definitely be challenging to stand out in this sea of book blogs. I’m constantly switching between how much I care about the numbers. Sometimes I really feel like I am yelling into a void and nobody cares that much, but most times I decide to just focus on the engagement I do get on my blog. More recently I’ve been trying to just post things I would read myself and blog hop as much as possible (like you suggest too). The change was more about getting the most positive experience out of blogging but I’ve noticed it does also bring way more people over to my blog. I’ve always found your blog to be inspirational design and content wise. So props to you 🙂
Ahh thank you so much Nikki, I’m so happy you enjoyed it 😀
I’m so happy you switched things up and are finding yourself a little more in this blogging experience, too. I found out that trying to do things that make me happy and write about topics that interest me somehow, show in my writing and makes people come too and that always amazes me.
Awww this is way, WAY too sweet of you I’m going to cry.??? thank you so,so much, this means SO much <3
Excellent post and I agree with much of it, especially the formatting/colors/fonts issue. Did you mention when pictures are ENORMOUS? I also tend to skip over sites that focus just on one genre. If your site is all YA or all fantasy, I won’t know any of the authors you’re referring to and will probably click past.
Ahh thank you so much! Oh yes, I get that. I know sometimes I won’t focus on a blog if it’s all in a genre I’m not interested in, but it’s just a personal preference 🙂
I like blogs with unique voices, and mainly follow people who have similar tastes in books to me. Or people who are funny. But then I am still new to the book blog community and am still finding people I enjoy 🙂 wonderful post though – love the use of gifs!
I hope you’ll keep on finding blogs you love, there are so many incredible bloggers out there 🙂 thank you so, so much!! 🙂
YES! I really dislike blogs that put the “most popular” or “featured” posts on top. If I’ve visited the blog a few times, I’ve already seen them. JUST GIVE ME YOUR MOST RECENT POST! This is probably my biggest issue with blogs right now. Also, blogs with no comment system or confusing comment systems. LET ME TALK TO YOU!
Featured posts on top don’t bother me too much… if they’re not taking the entire space and I can easily with a little scroll go to the latest blog posts, too. JUST featured or popular posts tend to frustrate me, too, though, so I get that!
AND SAME. No commenting system at all frustrates me, I’m here to talk and I want to talk, give me a chance to! 😀
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
I agree with pretty much all of this. I always say that I read blogs to read content, and interesting, original blog posts will get me to read your blog (or not read it, if there are mostly memes and really short reviews that are basically just summaries). But the formatting stuff really does matter. If the font is hard to read or (as you said) I can’t even FIND your blog posts because your link goes to some landing page I can’t figure out how to navigate, I’m not going to spend much time there. However, whether the blog is “pretty” or whatever isn’t really a factor for me.
I’m so happy you could relate to this too, Briana! 🙂 I agree, it’s so frustrating when we can’t find blog posts, I tend to give up ahah.
Pretty is so subjective, really, but I get what you mean. I’m not judging if a blog has colors or a design that’s not my favorite, the content might still be really interesting, so I don’t stop at first appearances…. I’m just not even trying to go further when there are colors that blind me and fonts that are unreadable, mostly 🙂
Ah wow Marie this post is so great and you have some great tips. All of which I’ve been trying to do and hope I’ve succeeded hehe. Especially the commenting.
I 1000% agree on the text, I can’t read hecka long posts and have ONLY text. It’s okay if they’re not too long but still.
And yes also bright neon colours… just ahhh!! Also EVERYONE uses the same kind of script font for design, I’ve been trying to mix it up.
Ahh thank you so much, I’m so happy you enjoyed this post <3 <3
I agree with you, I just need something, whether it's images or GIFs or photography of some kind, to give some room for the text and me to breathe ahah 🙂
I feel like script designs are very popular lately! It's sometimes hard to find something different though, especially if you can only stick to free fonts. But we are all unique in our own way, I want to believe that 😀
I read enough blog posts I guess.
I don’t care about gifs mostly. I like them but not many.
I don’t like long synopsis in reviews as well.
Yup, thumbs up to pretty colors and graphics. But not overly done. All I see is graphics and the no text, nope, I’ll just pass it. I’m fine if there isn’t one and bloggers is using coloured block. It looks good too.
Great post! I would love your opinion on mine.
Sorry for my (very!) late answer! <3 I'm so happy you enjoyed this post, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic! <3 <3 <3
I agree with everything you said! But mainly with the fact that a post with just book covers and a review that’s just the synopsis of a book are two of my biggest pet peeves when I check out blog posts, because I can look up the cover and synopsis on Goodreads, what I really want is the blogger’s opinion about a book, that’s the whole reason I read blog posts.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one! I’m okay ith the cover and synopsis, because it gives context to the review and illustrate it, but I need the review to be an actual review with thoughts on the story. That’s the whole reason I’m here, to read reviews, not synopsis ahah 🙂
Thank you!!< 3
Yes! I think it’s great if they add the cover and synopsis, but if there’s no opinion from the blogger I’m not interested in reading the post
Same here! 🙂
Yes yes yes! *claps* Font, colors, and finding blog posts are my #1 things. Also, I can’t bring myself to read reviews that are just paragraph after paragraph… Someone give me some variation here or break something up, pretty please! XD
Ahh I’m so glad you can relate to this 😀 YES we need room to breathe haha 😀
Haha right?? ? I’ve been meaning to ask you… Other than comment-hopping, how do you put yourself out in the blogging community? I’ve struggled with connecting with other book bloggers for some reason? And I’m just not sure how get connected more and make myself more known. I feel like you’re a pro at this, haha!
Oh wow I’m far, FAR from being a pro at connecting with other bloggers, I especially suck at social media and all and could do way better ahah, thank you, that’s too sweet of you to say! ? I’ve been blogging for over 5 years so I feel like I have my “regular” people, bloggers I love and whose blogs I regularly visit and comment on and this has transformed into regular relationships and friendships, too, for some of them 🙂 really I just feel like it’s a matter of consistency, when it comes to commenting and checking out others. As for connecting more… I’d recommend maybe social media, if this is something that might suit you? It’s not for everyone, but I know twitter or instagram has done wonders for some bloggers to connect more 🙂
Aww of course! Your blog is already such an inspiration and I’ve only recently found it! ? Thanks so much for those great tips. I have a bookstagram, but I need to work on making my content/captions more engaging. Thanks again!
OH Charis I’m ? thank you, your sweet words mean so, so, so much ? you’re so welcome, I’m really happy if I can help with anything, always, you know where to find me! <3
Wow! Great thoughts and I LOVE your layout of this post. Cute and draws the reader in! 🙂
Thank you so much!! 🙂
This blog post scared me because are we the same person??? You NAILED precisely what makes me read a post or not. Especially the use of book covers with no text explaining why you want to read/are reading that book.
Another pet peeve of mine is the exact opposite of that. When there’s a post with book recommendations with only the title and author and no cover picture. It looks so boring ?
AHHH maybe we are, Cat, maybe we are 😀
OH YES. I so agree with that, too! I’m always so frustrated when there are no cover pictures when it’s a list of books…. I feel like it’s missing something, too! ?
I’m so happy you could relate to this post! <3 <3
Well your post is pretty frank. I think it is good to understand your view point as it creates an awareness of what the reader wants. I guess I have a subconscious list of why I don’t read all blog post. I think number one is that there are a lot out there. , and I don’t have that much time. But, I do try to read bloggers posts and a part of the wordpress.com community cause I like engaging and making blogging friends.
Thanks for your fun , but insightful post.
Thank you so much! Agree, there are just so many blogs, we can’t read them all no matter how hard we try 🙂
Thank you!
One thing that always turns me away from a blog (other than crazy colors & fonts) is when it’s too informative. While I love learning, I don’t want it to feel like I’m reading a textbook.
Ohh I can understand that, that style of blog and writing definitely isn’t for everyone! 🙂
Haha for me one of the things that turn me away from reading blog posts is when I feel like I need to add a comment. The pressure OH DEAR. I’m trying to be better at not feeling the need to comment…
I agree that an engaging post with lots of nice graphics and gifs (my fave!) keeps m reading…I also feel you about gigantic walls of text. I’m worse because if there’s so much text and no spaces I might feel disinclined to keep reading – even if it’s an actual book 😉
Oh I can understand that, sometimes I feel like I need to find something to say even if no one forces me too and… it’s stressful!! Out of curiosity, are there any kind of blog posts where you feel that pressure more, or is it just a general feeling? 🙂
Ahahah I get that, I also need space to breathe to WANT to read the text ahah 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your comment!
This is a great post, Marie! I totally agree about fonts- I think I can ignore colors but fonts… I’m there to read and if the font is not legible then it’s going to be hard for us readers, isn’t it? Same with commenting. I love writing comments and it really saddens me when I want to comment but I couldn’t and I’m only able to press the like button 🙁
Right? It’s always hard when the fonts are very specific or too small and it’s such a struggle. It makes me feel sad, too, when I can’t comment, especially when I find out after reading a great blog post and I want to talk and I’m just disappointed 🙁
Thank you so, so much!! <3 <3
Thank you so much for the great tips, Marie! I agree with everything you mentioned, especially about the part about putting ourselves there and not feeling guilty about being unable to dedicate a lot of time to blog-hopping (I know I’m definitely lacking in both aspects, but I’m trying to get better at it, and this post really helped a lot ?)
Ahh you’re so welcome, thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3 I know how hard it is to put yourself out there and I had such a hard time with it at first and I still do every now and then. I try to remind myself that I'm doing my best and I'm kind of trying to be prouder of what I do and therefore trying to promote it at best. You can do this too I believe in you and I just can't wait to read more from you, too! <3 <3
I go through my e-mail notifications each day and choose the posts that sound interesting or the reviews for books I want to read or have read. I’m always trying to choose different blogs, but I tend to visit a lot of the same ones. I think it’s mostly because those bloggers interact with me a lot. I’m not super picky about how people blog, but I agree on the two sentence review. I need more. And I need paragraphs.
I wish I could comment more on blogs, but my hands only let me type so much a day. I do like using the like button or share on twitter button. I get bummed when I don’t see those options.
This is a great post!
Oh yes, I get that. I notice that I tend to go to the same blogs, too, but it’s only because we tend to interact more and somehow find each other again because we like each others’ posts, so that’s great! 🙂
I so get that, I also wish I could do more but there’s only so many hours each day. And liking and sharing are already such good options <3
Thank you so, so much, so happy you enjoyed it 😀
You’re so welcome! I always enjoy reading your posts.
Aw thank you!! <3
You’re welcome. 🙂
Great post filled with practical tips and words of wisdom! It’s very helpful to discuss the experience of the consumer! I click away quick when I see extremely long blocks of text or a post with all cover pictures and no text! It also annoys me when when a book review post is comprised only of a synopsis……and in the “my thoughts” section the summary is continued or rehashed! It’s also frustrating to me when it’s difficult to leave a comment! I think what keeps me on a post longer than anything is The blogger’s “voice” ? I love a friendly chatty style!
Aw thank you Carol, so happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
Yes exactly! I feel like I need a little bit more in reviews than a synopsis…. otherwise, well, it’s not really a review ahah 🙂
I agree, what makes me want to keep on reading a blog post, and sometimes even keep on reading OTHER blog posts in that same blog, is the writing style for sure 😀
Thank you so much! <3
I totally agree with you about reading a review that is basically just the synopsis with a line or two of what the reader actually thought of the book. That’s kind of annoying. The only time I don’t read a blog post is when it’s a review of a book I haven’t read yet because I don’t want to be spoiled. There are only a couple of people I trust not to spoil the book. Other than that if I’ve followed you I will read your post. Oh wait I also don’t like when posts are extremely long either. It’s ok with some pictures thrown in as well but when there’s a lot of writing I get bored fast.
Oh I can completely understand that! I’m a little scared going into reviews for books I haven’t read because of spoilers. I got spoiled once for a sequel that way and… I’m still mad about it haha 🙂 That’s why I LOVE it when people actually let us know whether or not to expect spoilers 🙂
Oh yes I can understand that. I guess for me, it depends on the topic, there are some topics I’d read 10 000 words about and others… not, ahah 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment <3
Great post, Marie! I loved reading this. I too with leave a blog if I can’t comment or it becomes a chore to try to get the comment to post. I also like posts that include images and with paragraph breaks. Sometimes I see those long posts with no break and I dread it.
Thank you so, so much, Ashley! <3 <3 Right here with you, long texts with no breaks or anything at all just make me want to leave ahah 🙂
I actually completely agree with everything you mentioned! It’s all about the balance of everything! I love following and reading new blogs, but I’m super picky with who I read, because as you said, there’s only a limited amount of time in a day. Great post xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
Agree, I get more picky too, but there ‘s only so many time in a day 🙂
Thank you so much, Melina <3
I love this and Amen to this in particular “If I read a book review…. I want to read your opinion about the book.”
I’d also like to add that I almost never will read cover reveals, excerpt reveals, or blog tours. *hides* I almost wish I could filter those out of my blog feed.
I’m so glad you agree! I’m always frustrated when I leave a review NOT knowing any of the blogger’s opinion about it ahah 🙂
Oh no need to hide, these kind of posts are not everyone’s favorites 🙂 I don’t usually read excerpt reveals either, I do read blog tour posts, but only when they’re reviews. I’m not that much of a fan of blog posts just showing off the book and no additionnal content whatsoever 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3
Reblogged this on THE BLOGGING STATION.
Hoohoo!
that’s such a great post, thank you ♥ I always love reading your posts, so good job there 😀 ♥ I try to follow those & similar rules, but often I just lack the motivation and time to actually work on something which is kind of frustrating, but I like going back through the years and seeing how my blog evolved 🙂 I love seeing this on other blogs as well, it’s jsut amazing to see your friends grow 🙂
love,
Kat
Ahh thank you SO much Kat, I’m so, so happy you liked it, thank you ahh <3 <3 <3
I also love going back on my blog and see how my blog posts, writing style and everything has changed and how I've grown, too. It's wonderful to see everyone grow more comfortable and having fun 😀
Thank you so much! <3
This is such a fabulous and helpful post for fellow bloggers out there! There’s always something we could improve on or make more engaging and you have some wonderful tips there.
Ahh thank you so much Jeann, I’m so happy you find this helpful <3 Agree, we can always improve and grow and that's what I love the most about it all 🙂
This is a really great post! I gravitate towards blogs with good design when I’m blog hopping, and I agree that design makes a big difference. I do admit that I personally tend to write long, blocky paragraphs ? I do try to break it up with images sometimes but I always forget GIFs exist, haha!
Ahhh thank you so much Jess, so happy you enjoyed it <3
I get that, I also tend to write long paragraphs at first. When I re-read my post right after writing it for the first time, I skip a bunch of lines everywhere and restructure it a bit, otherwise I would have massive paragraphs everywhere ??
There are so many other things you can use if you're not a fan of GIFs though, like stock photography, little icons or dividers or lines or things like that 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3
Basically I love everything about this post and aspire to write such amazing discussion posts as you, Marie ?
I especially agree with what you had to say about not being able to find a blog’s most recent blog posts….it’s like, “I WANT TO READ YOUR STUFF BUT WHERE IS IT????” Also, thank you so much for linking to one of my posts here!! ? I feel so honored!
Oh Kat you’re going to make me cry ?
thank you, really, this comment made my entire really stupid day really way better. thank you, this means so much ??
EXACTLY! I’m just so sad because I want to read blog posts and I just can’t find them and ahhh. I’m sad.
OF COURSE. Everything you wrote about branding is amazing and on point and so, so helpful. ❤️❤️
Bold post! I love it! I find I have to be honest and tell people that too. I don’t tend to read reviews that are overly lengthy. Meghan @ Meghan’s Whimsical Reviews and Explorations does a fantastic job with detailed but brief reviews. I also love Down the TBR hole and tags, but I don’t really read WWW posts … Feel bad but I’d rather read a review. I really dislike pop up ‘newsletter’ or ‘follow me’ things … I tend to just leave the page haha! I really took the time to revamp my reviews and post this year. Hopefully people are enjoying them more. From what I’ve seen, the change is better haha! Great post! As you can see, I love reading your blog ?
Ahh thank you Jenna, so happy you enjoyed it 🙂
There’s nothing to feel bad about! We can’t love reading ALL of the blog posts out there, I know I don’t either ahah 🙂 and I really adore your posts and reviews always, Jenna, I always can’t wait to come back and read more <3 <3
Thank you so, so much ahh, you're too sweet <3 <3
Awe!!!!! You’re so flippin’ sweet! Makin’ my heart melt ha-ha!
Aww, I’m here for that ahah 😛 <3 <3
Totally agree on this ?? its such a pet peeve of mine when reviews are mostly just summaries of the blurb ~ I’m personally guilty of using less gifs and photos throughout a post, purely cause I’m so picky about picking gifs but as if some people don’t write in paragraphs!? I dont read many other blogs either but I’ve been trying to blog hop more. Great post ?
Ahh thank you, I’m so happy you enjoyed this post, thank you! <3 <3
I get that. I'm picky with my GIFs and images too, I take hours picking them out hahaha.
Thank you!! 🙂
I love how honest this post is!! I relate to this so much–I try so hard to blog hop when possible, but sometimes life just takes over and there isn’t enough time in the day. It’s so important to remember that we’re all just doing our best <3
Thank you so, so much, Holly! <3 Yes, that's what I try to remember, too, we're doing our very best 🙂
Amazing post as always, Marie ! ?
Omg SAME! If I come for hopping and all I see is a bunch of categories but no RECENT POSTS I get so pissed off… like, I don’t wanna comment on something from 2015, just give me what you wrote this month!! (Looking at the dates, yep it happened)
And im the same for comments xd Im using my ipad or iphone to hop quite often, and something that just irks me is the « you need to sign on to comment »… I understand this is for spamming purpose and what not but erh. Take times, effort, and if Im trying to hop on my mere 30mins lunch break at work this will be problematic ? happened that I wanted to comment before finishing, but then loading the log in thing, and password wasnt working and aaaah! Sometimes I just.. go on without commenting because I just dont feel like it.
Okay im a guilty one to write long things ahaha but im also pretty good at just deviding it in like 50paragraphs xD so that’s less bad? I hope so.. looks a but less intimidating.
Last thing, blogs only with reviews wont have my comment often xd Ineed some diversity aswell, and tbh although Id comment on books ive read or planning to read once in a while, it isn’t my fave posts. So I mostly just browse and pass my way on thoses.. and the title has to interest me, just like with books!
Oh thank you Kristina, so happy you enjoyed this post! <3
Right here with you on the dates, it has happened that I had to look for the posts by date and it becomes a littel frustrating ahah.
YES. This, too. sometimes I have to jump through loops and loops to leave a comment and, well… when this happens I might just give up 🙁
I think that, personally, as long as you divide it all in paragraphs, its all good! I personally don't mind reading long posts, I love them, as long as I can breathe while reading them ahah 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment! <3
Good! I’m alright then, ahaha ? I just don’t wanna put any picture (specially thoses I didn’t took because.. well paranoia with all that happened with others getting sued) and sometimes none really fit ahaha but LOTS OF PARAGRAPHS!!
Oh I get that! I guess it’s just important to really check the stock images you use and whether or not they’re free and usable for your website. unsplash for instance is amazing! 🙂
I think this is such an amazing post!! I definitely think as a blogger there are a lot of different things you can do to make readers want to stay around on your blog. I always thought that wouldn’t be something I could do when I first started as I had no idea about design and I wasn’t an IT genius but I learnt that there are so many different things that I can do to make a difference!!
This post is wonderful and so helpful!!
I definitely think design is important and is something I would love to work on my blog in the coming months but we’ll see.
I completely agree about having blog posts that are easy to access on the home page, it is SO helpful!! Also I saw someone mention on twitter about making sure your just show clippets of your blog post on the home page instead of the whole article which I thought was great advice and made me change my home page. I thought it made the design so much better.
I think the text being in a massive block is something I had been learning to get better at because at the start I always had big paragraphs of text and probably occasionally still do but I can definitely see an improvement and think I will continue to improve. Breaking up text makes such a difference!!
I definitely agree about engaging voices and blogs because it can really make your blog stand out. I have to admit I got a bit lazy with editing over blogmas and after so I probably let a mistakes slip out all the time so I’m trying to do better and make less mistakes in my posts. I read somewhere that if you change the font, size, layout of the writing you will spot mistakes more easily so I always try to edit on the ‘preview’ on my post and hopefully spot more mistakes!!
I am with you in wanting to hear opinions in book reviews too!! And I think putting yourself out there is scary, I used to be so nervous but now I am much better at it and it is very rewarding so I would encourage people to try it!
Lovely post!! I really enjoyed reading it and I think you had so many great points!! And basically everyone should read it!! <3
Ahh thank you Sophie! <3 I agree, I felt like at first, I had to be some kind of designing genius to do it all, but even simple things already help 🙂
Ah this is such a good tip! I actually do that with my WIPs ahah, I change the font to spot things easier 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, Sophie, I'm so happy you enjoyed this <3 <3
I agree on the whole layout thing- it really does make such a difference!! I think it’s like lighting or video quality if you were doing a YouTube video: people aren’t watching the video to admire your beautiful HD camera quality, but if the quality isn’t there it’s going to distract from what you’re saying!
Yes, exactly, we might give up before getting to the real content if the layout isn’t appealing at all 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!! 🙂
I definitely like diversity in blogs, and being able to easily read posts. Besides that, I don’t really have too many pet-peeves or complaints. I wish I had more time to read/comment on blogs and find new ones, etc. but it’s tough! Plus, I read non-book blogs too so it’s a lot.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
So happy you agree, Lauren! 🙂 I agree, I wish I had more time, but I’m already overwhelmed as it is hahaha 🙂 <3
This is a wonderful post. One thing I tend to do as well is sometimes with the blogs I follow, I may just skip over one that’s a review for a book I’ve never heard of. I don’t always do this but sometimes I just don’t want to know about another new book when I have so many already that I need to read or it may depend on the blog itself because of the genre of most of the books they read. If someone is mostly an indie smut romance reader for example, I’m only going to look at the review if I’m currently interested in that topic but if it’s fantasy then I’ll look no matter what.
Thank you so much! I can understand that, reading other reviews can just make you add more books to your TBR and sometimes we dont need that ahah 🙂 and same here. There are blogs whose posts I enjoy, but whose genre I am not personally a fan of, so I tend to skip the reviews, too 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment!
We share pretty much all the same pet peeves, large walls of text are just… hard to get through, even if the content is interesting. I always try to put at least a gif every couple of paragraphs so readers can take a break or just skim over the text and get a feeling of what’s about through the images (like I’d do)
Yay! So glad you agree. I’m trying to do that, too, to allow readers to breathe, because I know I would be annoyed by big blocks of texts, too, haha 🙂
I feel this on so many levels! I know it can be challenging to put together a good blog design and to create engage posts, that stand out of the crowd, but I really do think that quality goes way before quantity. I’d rather someone took their time and put thought into their design, before hitting the publish button. And I know it sounds harsh, but you’re right – flashy colours, difficult fonts and boring posts will definitely have me steer clear from a blog.
On the other note, I really like your design and think you did a great job!
Agree! I’d rather read one blog post a week than one blog post every day that feels like it has been quickly put together, just for the sake of it 🙂 quality does do more than quantity and we can see it in blog posts, for sure 🙂
Aww, thank you so much, you’re so sweet, I’m so, so happy you like it, though I can’t take all the praise for i all, my design was mostly made by kat (novelsandwaffles.com) and featured images with the help of my sister 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, it means a lot! <3
Great post, Marie!
I think I skip posts for the same reasons mostly but it’s also super helpful to have that list and reflect on my own blog content 😀 I’m still working out some details design-wise and promotion-wise but paragraphs are a ground-level necessity!! I love my eyes too much to make them suffer huge bulks of text even if it would be Noble prize-worthy TT_TT
Thank you so much!! 🙂 I’m always trying to reflect on my own content as well and to wonder what I could do to make it better, more attractive and readable and everything ahah it’s a never ending quest 🙂
Agree! I just need paragraphs, otherwise I will give up a little bit hahah.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
This was a great and insightful post for me! I agree with a lot of the points you made, especially the ones about why you won’t. I have a hard time finding interest in blogs that only do book review, like yes, I want to read about your opinion on a book. But I also want to read your opinion on other things! A big thing for me are blogs with post that are too short or post that are too long. I’m still trying to get into the rhythm of posting and playing with my blog so finding post like this really help me out ?.
Oh thank you so much Luna! 🙂 I agree, it’s hard to find the right balance, too, between keeping it interesting and feeling like you’re rambling on and on (I often feel like that, ahah!).
Thank you so, so much, I’m just so happy this can be helpful! <3
“Why I love Reading Marie’s Blog Posts”
I definitely agree with so much of what you’ve said in this post, and I really enjoyed reading it ?I think aesthetics are really important when formatting a blog because it directly affects its readability, and like you said, color and font DO make a difference!! i’m also a fan of cursive writing but not all of them are easy to read, and although bright colors can be very fun, they can also be a little offputting if too bright. i also feel guilty when i’m not able to blog hop as much because there’s so many great posts out there to read so i definitely understand your feelings there too ?
Tiffany I love you ahh ?
I’m so glad you agree! Aesthetics make such a difference and sure, some people are more naturally talented at it (like, you?), but there are always some very easy things you can do to make it better. Like, just with paragraphs and images and little separators, it’s already better! 🙂
Ugh a mood. I have so many blog hopping to do and I’m so overwhelmed, but well I unfortunately can’t just blog all day ?
I relate to so many of these! I get surprised that I STILL stumble on blogs that are like…dark black background and white font. I mean, hi, mY EYES HURT. And others where you can barely read the cursive font. *headdesk* It’s really important to have a crisp and easy-to-read layout. And also I really want to be able to connect with the content. Like I don’t mind not sharing the same views on all books, but I want to recognise the books! So it’s nothing personal when I only read YA blogs, but I only end up leaving insipid comments on other category blogs like “oh that sounds interesting I’ve never heard of it…” ahhh so embarrassing. ?
Another one for me is community. Some bloggers I’ve just felt always ignored by. No comment replies, no blog visits back. I want to support people and I KNOW we all get busy!! So I’m not like expecting 100% attention. But if it feels like talking to a brick wall, I end up giving up. ?
Right? I’m sometimes still surprised by it, too… I think what surprises me the most is that some people still feel like it’s a good idea. My eyes and heart hurt a little bit.
YES! I’m right here with you on that. I read mostly YA books, so I’m definitely seeking the content I can interact with and the kind of books that interest me. It’s nothing personal, it’s just, .. well, preferences ahah 🙂
Oh yes that’s a good one, I agree. I really want to support people too as much as I can, but sometimes, no matter what, it feels like talking to a wall YES. I’m not here for this, it makes me so sad. 🙁
Thank you so, so, so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
Ahh, Marie this is such a great discussion post, and thank you so much for featuring my post in it ??? And yesss, if a blog’s layout is.. not appealing from the get-go, I probably won’t take the time to read its content, because first impressions matter! I also agree so much that there has to be a balance between posts with only text and post with only images. I don’t really like it when book bloggers don’t include book covers in posts wherein they talk about books, because they had the perfect opportunity to add colors and breaks from endless text into their posts, but they didn’t take advantage of it! I also would like a little text whenever I see a list post. Sometimes i see TBRs or recommendation posts and all they have are the synopses and titles of the books, but like you, I want to know the reasons those bloggers put it there! And, ugh, it’s so annoying when a blog bombards me with newsletter invites, privacy policies, etc. ?
Ahh of course Caitlin, I loved your post SO much it’s such an excellent resource, I’m so glad you wrote it <3 <3
YES! This is exactly it. When talking about books, there's a perfect and simple opportunity to add images to the post, just by putting the book covers in. It makes me sad when people don't. I also love seeing the book covers, haha 🙂
Agree! I'm always frustrated when I get a pop up right away when I'm on a blog, I feel a little, overwhelmed and stressed out already hahaha.
Thank you so, so much, I'm so happy you enjoyed the post! <3 <3
I love this post so much. Personally, I hate when the blog has a black background and white text. I cannot stand it. Or way too much on your sidebar. I relate to this post so much. Thanks for posting it.
emilythebooknerdxo.blogspot.com
Oh I agree, my eyes can’t stand that either haha 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3
I agree with a lot of what’s on your post. I think what usually deters me most is when all I see is meme posts and blog tours. I do WWW Wednesday occasionally on my blog because I like to talk about what I’m reading, but I try not to do it all the time because I know when I see too many meme posts on someone else’s blog I’m less likely to read it.
I’m right here with you on that! I don’t mind some memes here and there and even enjoy reading them every now and them, but… blogs with JUST memes tend to bother me. I love original content and other kinds of posts, too 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Mel <3
I always feel bad when I go too long without reading other blogs. It feels like I’m demanding attention without giving anything in return? I know it’s much more than that. It works both ways. When I’m active in the community, I even have more ideas for my own content. Surrounding yourself with great people is bound to make you better too.
One of main pet peeves is when among the posts showcased first I can’t find more than just tags or blog tours. My first reaction is to want to click away. Sometimes I stick around and do dig more and actually end up liking the content. But other times I don’t give them a chance, which is sad, but it’s just the first impression I get when I see that is that I probably won’t have anything to react to. So I go searching for content I can connect with, like mentions of books I have read too, or that I want to read. Obviously interesting discussions and resources too!
Oh I so get that feeling, I have that same guilt chocking me when I’m not reading too many blogs, but sometimes we just can’t do it all. I feel the same way though!! When I’m more active and reading lots of blogs, I feel inspired and happy, too 🙂 Sometimes we just can’t, because, well, life, unfortunately.
Yes! I get that a whole lot too. Sometimes when the blog still inspires me, I will dig around but other times, I will opt out. I know I might miss out, but I also like to have content I can connect with and discussions I can interact with, too 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, Pam <3 I hope you've been well <3
My biggest pet peeve is blogs where I can’t easily find the latest post—that really drives me crazy. The ONLY way I will visit those blogs is if I’m commenting back (and even then, I end up grumbling about it.) 🙂
Ahh I’m glad you agree ahah, I get SO frustrated by that. I shouldn’t have to search for an hour to find that ahah 🙂
Massive blocks of text kill my want to read, too. I really prefer shorter reviews or ones with bullet points. Plus, I don’t want anything spoiled.
Agree, I prefer paragraphs and, I sometimes don’t mind long reviews when they’re interesting 🙂 AND SAME. I don’t want anything spoiled EVER ahah, I got spoiled once and I’m still mad about it ahah.
I think we’ve all had one of those spoiler moments. 🙂
Unfortunately! 🙁
Oh gosh, this entire post is just spot on? I allow a little wiggle room on aesthetic design if I’m stuck in the reader (plus I’ll click through to the site to make sure it gets the view properly), but giant text walls? A review that’s mostly summary and no opinion? Big nope from me. I want to read blogs that can be picked up in little five minute breaks, and to read ones that clearly have lots of love and personality poured into them! It’s just more fun all around that way.
Ahhh thank you, I’m just so happy you enjoyed this post, thank you so much! <3 I agree, I want to read the posts that have been written with lots of love and personality, too <3
The way a blog looks is a huge part of what makes me enjoy reading a particular blog. Font that’s too light, or small, or fancy script that’s hard to read, or if the layout is messy and hard to navigate – that can all contribute. I’d love to read what the blogger has to say, but I don’t want to ruin my eyesight even more!
Agree! I’m a little sad when a blog looks promising, but the font is too small or the blog posts are just unreadable. It makes me so sad, but… our eyes matter ahah.
Thank you, Angela! <3
I’m big fan of F.R.I.E.N.D.S and it makes me to read your entire blog 😀 I agree wih you. It would be dry if there is no image or gif in the blog. I used to make my blog little funny but I would make sure I deliver what I wanted to. It’s really honest what you posted.
AHH YES HI ME TOO! Friends is just my favorite show ever ahah <3 <3
I honestly think you should write how you feel it! There are so many blogs writing with funny lines and witty sarcasm at times and they're so much fun to read. Be yourself 😀
I'm so happy you enjoyed it, thank you so much!! <3
you make so many good points in this! I think my process in following a blog is quite similar to yours! it can get really overwhelming keeping up with all the amazing blog posts there are but blog hopping is something where you have to find a middle ground that’s good for you! I loved reading this! ?
aww thank you, so happy you liked my post! It is overwhelming at times, there are just so many incredible blogs to read.We’re all doing our very best though <3 thank you!! <3
I love this discussion post. I just stay away from flashy looking blogs because MY EYES! And also yes if the reviews are just synopses and a few words I’m #annoyed. I came to hear that person’s opinion. Also I don’t like it when the blog is filled with just book blitzes and promo posts eeep
Aww thank you so much, Uma! I agree, I want to read more than just promotional blog posts, I want to read the blogger’s thoughts and opinions too! 🙂
What a great post! I agree with so much of what you are saying. I hate it when I have a hard time reading a post because of colors or decorative fonts. My eyes just can’t do it some days. I can also have trouble with “snow” or anything else moving across the screen. My eyes are old and while it may be cute it make the words harder to read. I hate having to jump through hoops to leave a comment. It makes me not want to come back and have that kind of experience again. I probably don’t have as much variety in blog as I should have which gives me something to think about.
Ahh thank you so much, Carole! <3 Oh I get that, I feel like I rarely stumble upon blogs with snow or little moving things anymore, thankfully, I hate these too!
I love commenting and I'm always so frustrated when I can't!
Thank you so, so much for sharing your thoughts!! <3
Popups, fonts/colours, and not being able to comment are total turnoffs for me too :/ I also have a really hard time connecting with posts that are written poorly & don’t make sense. The theme, organisation of a post, and overall accessibility are what either draws me in or pushes me away :’) I absolutely love when I come across a blogger who knows their writing voice & can get their point across beautifully!
I agree with you so much, Macey. I feel like blog posts need a proper start and end, without being like college essays, they still have to be written in an understandable way, so I know where the blogger is going with this haha 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!! 😀
Marie!! This post was amazing! Great discussion and definitely not something that’s usually talked about. Everyone has their own criteria for what kind of blog posts entertain and interest them. I’m definitely a visual person so blogs that are aesthetically pleasing to my tastes tend to be the ones that get my follow. (Side note: I’ve been gone quite a while but I love your redesign! It looks amazing!! ❤️)
SARA! Oh it’s so lovely to hear from you and I hope you’ve been doing okay <3 <3
I so agree with you, aesthetics matter a whole damn lot to me too ahha 🙂 THANK you so much ahh? I'm so happy you like it, thank you! <3 <3
I’m doing great!! Just been having a hard time with managing school and blogging but I’m trying! Hah
Ohh I get that, managing everything is always complicated. I hope you can come back to blogging a little bit and that your classes are going well!! <3 <3
Thank you, lovely! I’m going to do my best! Haha ?
I agree with everything you mentioned! Whenever I discover a new blog the first thing I do is scroll through the homepage. I want to see how it’s set up. One of my biggest pet peeve is when you need to scroll through an entire post to find the next one. That’s an immediate no for me. I want to easily find older posts, because I’m not always interested in the most recent post. And I appreciate variety as well! If I don’t see any discussions, I usually won’t spend that much time on the blog, since those are my favorite posts no matter the blog. I also find that purely review blogs are not my thing since, on top of not loving reviews that much, it means that I have to read the same books as the blogger, which is pretty rare.
And I feel like one of my biggest fears are blocks of text. If there is no gif or cover in a post, it can take me a year to finish, no matter how interesting the content. It’s difficult for me to read things on screens, but pictures and big fonts save lives. I could go on and on about how I agree with every statement you made, but there’s no need because you said it all so well, and this comment is turning into a novel already. In summary, I loved this post and it definitely has everything that makes me want to revisit your blog! ?
Oh yes this is something I could have mentioned as well! I much prefer it when there’s the “read more” option and when I don’t have to scroll through entire blog posts to get to the next ones. It’s a little frustrating!
I’m so, so happy you could relate to this post! I’m right here with you on that, I can take ages to read a blog post with no images and… I just might give up halfway, oops haha.
THANK You so, so much ah, you’re too sweet Malka, thank you <3 <3 <3
2019 was not my best book blog hopping year… but I am trying to do better this year. I have my favourites which I will try to visit first on a hop session, and then I try and comment back as much as possible. But I also have a few pet peeves and one of them is whether the design is accessible or not, and if the review is just synopsis or really shows opinion! I also find it so much easier to keep up with blogs if they have bloglovin but lately it seems like new blogs don’t use it?? DD:
It’s so, so hard to keep up with all the blogs, there are just so many and with so little time on our hands, we’re all doing our very best! <3
I feel like bloglovin' isn't used anymore, either, though I'm not sure why. Maybe people keep up with their blogs on social media? I'm curious about that!
I’ve started to use feedly alongside blogger and it helps so much seeing as they don’t have to be on there… you just need their link and you can sort blogs into categories.
Ahh that’s great! I heard a lot about Feedly, I’ll have to try it out 🙂
Yes yes yes! I agree with everything you say. I also don’t like it it if there is too much stuff going on in the side bar. I get distracted easily so no moving things or lots of colors next to the main post. Luckily, lots of people don’t have that. 🙂
Pop-up subscription boxes are THE WORST. Instead of closing them, I’ll just close the whole website because it ruins it.
I also love gifs, but I don’t use them (yet). It is so difficult to find the right one! It truly is an art haha.
Lovely post Marie! <3 And also, thanks for the low-key tips for making my blog better 😉
Ahh thank you so much, so happy you enjoyed it 🙂
I agree, pop-up subscriptions make me want to quit the website right away, it makes me so sad. AND YES finding GIFs is so complicated sometimes, takes me hours hahaha 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! <3 <3
This is such a great post Marie! I tend to only read reviews of books I’ve read/heard of, but I’m mostly drawn to a post by its title as it comes up in my email feed. Then once I’ve decided to click if it looks really long and not broken up I’ll probably just like it and not read it, but usually it mostly depends on how I’m feeling that particular day. Variety is definitely important too; I also don’t really read memes.
Thank you so much!! <3 I agree with you, my reading depends on my day, too! Sometimes I'll feel like reading long posts while other days I just can't be bothered haha 🙂
This was so interesting to read, especially from someone so experienced in the blogging community! I agree with everything you said about why you DON’T read a blog post, and all your tips about networking and getting your posts out there are so helpful. I’ve been doing this for a while, but there’s ALWAYS more to learn!!
Aww thank you, Margaret, so happy you enjoyed this post! <3 <3 I agree there's always more to learn, I'm learning every single day 😀
I love this post! I really agree with a lot of your points. Also, omg I love cursive and curly writing scripts but ugh, 90% of the time they’re inelligible 🙁
Ahh thank you so much Charvi! I’m so glad I’m not alone! I adore these kind of cursive, script writing but they’re not that readable unfortunately 🙁
I agree completely with all of your statements! I especially agree with the point you made about blog posts that ONLY contain images (or sometimes just book titles but no descriptions, no reasoning for why they chose that book, etc.). I click on the post because I want more than just a generic Goodreads list! I want to know WHY you put the book on that list and what you liked about it! Great post 🙂
ahh thank you Jessica, I’m so happy you agree 🙂 I just need to know MORE about the books and why you picked them, I agree! 🙂
Wonderful post, Marie!!! You really pinpointed many of the things that can either make or break my desire to read a blog post! Having a nice and readable design is definitely something that contributes to my initial desire to read a post, and having breaks in the text and an overall coherent layout and thought provoking content is sure to keep me there! 🙂
Ahh thank you Kelly, so happy you enjoyed this!! <3
This is a great post, and really helpful. I like how you call out bits of text by using different font sizes and emphasis (like putting sections of sentences in bold) because it helps me sort of skim your posts for the bits that catch my attention. On the one hand, I tend to not read your posts super thoroughly because the next bolded or differently colored bit of text has caught my eye and pulled me forward, but on the other when that bit of text seems really interesting to me I slow down to take in the rest of the “normal” text as well. I feel like I don’t see that technique used much, and I like it!
Oh thank you so much, I’m so, so happy you enjoyed it <3 <3 and I'm so glad that my formatting makes you read the blog post, too, this makes me even happier. <3
I feel like it's so important to catch the reader's attention, with bigger or bold text, because I do exactly like you: I let my eyes get captured by this kind of text and then it makes me want to read the blog post further 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! <3 <3
Loved this post, Marie 🙂 I too stay away from flashy blogs and weird fonts. I hope I don’t fall under any of these categories 😀 However, my engagement has been quite low these days. And I keep missing your blog posts 🙁
Thank you so much, Sim!! <3 You don't, AT ALL, I adore your blog and always love reading your posts (and I'm so so very late on blog hopping I apologize!??)
No need to apologise Marie. You are the best blog hopper I know ? And you haven’t missed much on my blog.. I haven’t posted much so ?
Aww you’re too sweet Sim, trying my best, we all are!<3
Love this Marie and I agree with your points completely. If I go onto a post and someone’s doing a top ten tuesday and just shows me 10 pictures of books and nothing else…. i’m out. I want opinions, I want reasoning. That being said I also don’t want essays. Like you mention, we get limited time so I don’t want to spend forever reading one post, I want to explore as much as I can whilst I can!
x
I’m so happy you agree! I’m here to hear thoughts and not just watch book covers haha 🙂
Thank you so much!! <3
I agree with practically all of the points on here, you nailed exactly what draws me into a blog and what gets me to stay and continue reading. Wonderful discussion post, as always! <3
Ahh Nicole thank you so much, you’re so sweet!! So happy you enjoyed it <3 <3
I totally agree with so many of the points here! For me, a big one is diversity in content, I enjoy the odd book review or meme but they’re not my favourite at all. This is a really well thought out and well written post, I really enjoyed it. 🙂
I’m so, so happy you enjoyed this post, thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 I agree with you, I like reading reviews and memes every now and then, but I love seeing different kind of blog posts on a blog 😀
I feel you on needing paragraphs! But I differ in that if there are too many gifs, I tend to tune out – I would prefer the reading to flow and sometimes, images break that up for me (and depending on the blog reader they may not show up correctly).
Ohh that’s an interesting point, thank you for bringing that out! I’m always trying to think of where exactly to put my GIFs to make a break, while hopefully not breaking entirely my trail of thoughts, but it’s definitely complicated sometimes haha 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment!! <3
This is an excellent post! It really made me think of the way I blog, and how I could do better! ? And honestly, all of the points you have about the way blog posts look (not just chunks of text, some pictures but not ALL pictures, engaging) I love those things in a post too. I wish I had more time in a day to read others’ blogs and spread more love. ?
Oh thank you so much! I’m so, so happy you enjoyed this post and agree with it, too <3 and I get that, I wish I had all the time in the day to read more blogs and spread more love, too, but there's only so much we can do 🙁 we're doing our best and that's what matters! <3
Marie, this is a great post and I agree with pretty much all of it. I struggle so much with bright colours and patterns. It hurts my eyes and I can’t concentrate, it’s too overwhelming when there’s just SO MUCH COLOUR!!! I also struggle to read long paragraphs, as soon as I see a giant paragraph my body slumps and then I exit stage left. I probably have too short paragraphs on my own blog but I like text to be broken up as much as possible!
Oh thank you so much, I’m so happy you enjoyed this post <3
I get that so much, I know if there are paragraphs that are a bit too long, I can… get tired kind of easier and my attention goes elsewhere, especially if there's no bold or anything to make the paragraph stand out!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!! 🙂
Yeah definitely needs stuff to stand out, it makes for a more interesting reading experience. TBH sometimes I wish books could be formatted that way sometimes too ahah
Ahahahah I get that, sometimes we need a bit of a break from all the text for sure 😛
The 1-2 sentences about whether the blogger liked the book also gets me. It really feels like that person should be on Goodreads instead. If you’re going to make the leap from Goodreads to blog, there needs to be a reason for it. I almost think of it as a mission statement, much like businesses have. The only thing worse is this one blog I stumbled upon in which the blogger spoils every book they read. I did not know this, and protested a bit in the comments of one book “review.” The blogger then replied that their About page clearly states they intend to spoil every book. Ugh, noted.
Another one that maybe you agree with: if I can comment on the blog, but the only way to be notified of follow-up comments is to subscribe to that posts comments. So then you get an email about EVERY comment every person leaves.
I feel like everyone can review books the way they want it to. I personally prefer having 3/4rd of a review about a bloggers’ thoughts on the story and, if needed or if they like to, 1/4rd of the review can be a summary of the book, too. I’m not a fan of just reading re-summarized books for reviews, but to each their own 🙂
As for spoilers, I don’t mind them as long as there’s a warning beforehand, too, so I know what I’m heading into 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!! 🙂
This is a really interesting post Marie and I realise that I really enjoy reading people’s opinions on what they do/ don’t look for in other bloggers and what appeals. A lot of it is personal taste but the same trends do crop up.
I think I’m probably guilty of a ‘sin’ or two in that I’m the *worst* for long blocks of text with little to no gifs or pictures. My goal of trying to get posts down to 500 words is not one I’m achieving with ease!
For me I agree with the having to log in to comment and quite often it’s what puts me off commenting completely. I also feel like if someone has covers only and no thoughts about books (it tends to happen in a lot of the Top X memes) that the post is one that I can’t give back to. I like to know the reasons why a book has been chosen because that’s a launching point to discussion and if I’m not getting anything from the post then I can’t give anything to it either!
Oh thank you so much, so happy you enjoyed this post! <3
I have to say that… I rarely EVER write a blog post under 1000 words ahah, the writer in me can't stop, but the blog reader in me always divide it all more into paragraphs and paragraphs, in order to make it more readable in the end.
I'm so glad you agree on that! I'm always so sad when this happens, especially when I see SO many good book covers and no explanations for them. I'd love to chat, but… I just don't know what to say ahah 🙂
Hey Marie!
I love this post and I definitely agree with each of your points. I think the worst pet peeve for me is when I see huge paragraphs of text. I am a very impatient reader with a short attention span, so I most likely would lose motivation to read by paragraph 2 haha. I love posts with images, GIFs, quotes and also when bloggers highlight/bold words and change font size to direct my eyes to the key points 🙂
Great post!!
Ahh yes, me too! It’s strange how I have absolutely NO problem with books, but with blog posts, my attention is lost in a second and in a too long paragraph ? I’m so happy you’re just like I am 🙂
Thank you so much!! <3
Haha yeah you are right Marie. I do find it easier to focus on a book rather than a long-winded blog post (even though it’s both writing haha.) I do find that in a book there is more “white-space” from dialogue and such, and very rarely big chunks of paragraphs at once, but depends on the book!
Yes! I guess that’s it, because of the dialogue and… well, the action in books, it’s easier for us too haha 🙂
You make great points here, Marie. I agree with diversity. I especially love discussion posts because they provide more engagement. I love hearing about new books from other readers/bloggers, but it’s hard to justify adding another book to my TBR because I know I can’t read them all. When I do read a book review, I want the blogger to tell me why I should read it. What makes it stand out from other books out there?
I can relate to not having the time or energy to visit all the blogs I would love to discover. It’s even harder for me to find time now that I’m back in school full time.
Oh thank you so much, Crystal, so happy you enjoyed this post! <3
I agree with you, discussion posts are always the ones that make me think the most and therefore, make me want to talk a little more, too. When it comes to book lists and reviews, I need to have a little something more, like what makes these books stand out, yes! 🙂
I so get that struggle. it's so damn hard to find all the time in the world to visit wonderful blogs, but we can't do it all! 🙁
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment <3
I so agree with this, too:
“Pop-ups that open right away when you’re just arriving on a new blog. Give me some time to see your blog before jumping on me to make me subscribe to your newsletter.”
It seems most blogs and sites are doing this, but it drives me mad. I don’t want to subscribe for my email in the first place. Sidebar links or footer links (or headers!) are fine, but please stop popping up distracting me.
Oh thank you, Erin, I’m so, so happy you liked this post and could relate to it, too! <3
I feel so frustrated about these newsletter subscriptions, really. I mean, it's okay to see them on sidebars and headers and… it's even a little more okay if they pop up once I spent like, over 2 minutes on the blog, (and still, that annoys me. but it annoys me a little less than when it jumps at me right away and I haven't even HAD a chance to read a single word on the blog).
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! <3
This is a super helpful post, thank you for it.
As a new and shy blogger I’m often struggling with the social part. I love reading discussion posts on other people’s blogs but I end up dismissing all my ideas for them.
Oh thank you I’m so happy this could be helpful to you! <3 I get the anxiety about interacting, do it at your own pace and little by little, but everyone I've met is so welcoming and warm 🙂 happy bloggin! x
Great post, girl! I honestly can’t help but say sameeee because saaaammeee! Actually, I’ve been trying to blog hop right now and read blog posts of bloggers I follow and it’s so eecckiee for me because I feel like I have to read everything someone I follow posts. And it’s another hnnggghh when I’m only really following them because they are my friend but their content isn’t exactly what I’d want to plunge my head on. It’s such a dilemma and I can’t help but scream “I NEED MORE TIME!!” I’m kind of lowkey feeling guilty for thinking about these so thank you for this post. Makes me feel like I’m not alone in experiencing these huhu
Thank you so much! So happy you agree with this post 🙂 it’s hard not to feel guilty sometimes, but we only have so little time in our days, it’s important to focus on the blog posts we want to read and the ones that will bring us something more. If we still want to boost bloggers and their posts but don’t have time to do it all, we can always share some links in monthly wrap-ups or on social media, too 🙂
Thank you!! <3
wow you make a lot of great points! I only started a month ago so all these tips are super helpful for the future!! I especially love how you use different size text and bold. It makes it easy to read and I can follow your main points really easily. Plus all the gifs add some flair and personality to the words. I was wondering about pictures and gifs. Which ones are you allowed to use?
Thank you so, so much, I’m so happy you could find this useful! There are many websites with free stock pictures, and you can find a lot of images on google images as well. Make sure to credit them when it’s due and mention it in your disclaimers’ page when you use images from google images too 🙂