Comment posted on Blog Audit Friday: Getting Back to Square One by Ana
Thanks for checking out Tommy’s site, Mark - I always appreciate any and all additional input.
Ana
Ana also commented
- It warms my heart to know that my advice is put to good use, Tommy.
I definitely look forward to learn about your new niche (feel free to run it by me anytime
). And thank you for bringing up my name in some of your posts - the best compliment I could get.Warmly,
Ana
- Paul: I agree with Simon. The limy green color has to go.
Header needs to be bigger. You need a tagline. I have no idea what you site is about.
Some very superficial suggestions, I know, but they will make a huge difference.
- Thanks, Lisa - I was trying to figure out the same… Thanks for your help!
- LOL, Lisa -
I’ve been fondly called a “tactless Russian” before… I suppose since it’s a part of me, I might as well embrace it.
- As a reader, I do to. As a blog owner, I don’t think they are such a bad thing.
Definitely double-faced, I know.
Recent comments by Ana
- Link Building: What’s Naughty, What’s Nice?
Yeah, you are right, James, you are not THAT bad of a spammer…With you lack of time, I am surprised you find some to spin articles for instance - such a time-consuming tedious task!
Fine, I still like you…
- Link Building: What’s Naughty, What’s Nice?
I must admit, I can only theorize when it comes down to B2B sites since I don’t have one, so I’ll take your word for it, Leo (had no idea if “theorize” was a real word, but my spell checker seems to think it is )I don’t think guest blogging is hard at all; I know of many quality blogs that are dying to have more guest authors, since it relieves the pressure of constantly writing content.
And no, I am not sharing my list.
- Link Building: What’s Naughty, What’s Nice?
Thanks for finding time to come by my blog, John. It must be incredibly hard to have a full-time job and build a successful business at the same time. Good thing you at least can afford to hire someone - at least that should take some pressure off.I agree with you though: when you have your own online business, you’d better know how things work.
I am more than happy to help you with that.
Blessings!
- Keep Your Money, Honey: Which Internet Marketing Products Are Not Worth Their Salt
You are sooooo right, Catherine!Products are just tools, they won’t make or break our business; only we will.
Ana
- Keep Your Money, Honey: Which Internet Marketing Products Are Not Worth Their Salt
You are very welcome, Tomas - I am glad at least one of them is actually working for you. And thanks for coming by!
powered by SEO Super Comments
I am a wife to a great husband of 13 years (here ya go, now I have to make changes to this sentence once a year), a mother to a beautiful and, no doubt, genius little girl, and a successful internet entrepreneur. I also devoted my life to Jesus Christ many years ago, and He remains my true priority, focus, and hope.
{ 62 comments }
I love your honesty Mrs Ana! Before I even read the post I went to his blog and snooped around before I read what you have to say. I thought it was too wide, too white, and too plain. I thought my blog is plain enough but I guess not. I was completely turned off.
You’re definitely right! Being professional is just not enough and it won’t work for 2011. There’s TOO MANY upcoming bloggers competing for the top spot.
I wish I knew more of CSS and PHP because I could sure use a makeover at my blog
I don’t want to keep spending money on Themes unless I REALLY LIKE AND WANT IT.
Another great audit!
Kevin´s last blog ..MLM Pyramid Scheme Cartoon By Pat Petrini
Ana,
I just wanted to take the opportunity to ‘thank you’ for this.
It is truly appreciated.
You have been a great friend over the past year and I have seen some awesome things from you and your blog.
As many can tell, I already started implementing some of the changes. The www vs non-www was something I did after reading & commenting on Thursday.
The good news…
I recently spoke with a professional graphic designer who is going to help with a new header.
He did mention ‘my header is not a complete turn-off’ but can use some help. But it is all a matter of opinion.
I was always confused about my direction and niche, but think I have it figured out and is now headed in the right direction.
I agree with you about the last audit.
You can basically discredit the last audit that was done for me because it can’t even shine your shoes.
I recently named you as one of my top 5 bloggers in a recent interview that I gave. This is just a small example why, the effort you make to help others.
Also writing a post based on your audit.
You are awesome!
I look forward to that reaudit in a couple of months.
Thank You again and Keep it up!
Tommy D.
Tommy DiPietro | MLM Sales´s last blog ..How You Can Help Me Change The Face Of My MLM Sales Blog
It warms my heart to know that my advice is put to good use, Tommy.
I definitely look forward to learn about your new niche (feel free to run it by me anytime
). And thank you for bringing up my name in some of your posts - the best compliment I could get.
Warmly,
Ana
Hey Ana,
Spot on audit! Well done!
Tommy must be very grateful of what you have done for him considering that he had his blog audited a few months ago.
Now, he has some real work to do. I’m sure his new blog will transform his business completely.
Keep up the awesome work!
Mavis
Mavis Nong @ Free Marketing Training´s last blog ..Are You Still Annoying Your Blog Visitors
I know Tommy’s blog can shine, it’s just a matter of a new direction and some tweaking.
I absolutely agree with you. I visited his page and your thoughts were right on. The design was a major turn off.
Thanks for checking out Tommy’s site, Mark - I always appreciate any and all additional input.
Ana
Great site btw. Found it a month ago and have been visiting ever since.
Mark´s last blog ..How To Make 2-000 A Month In Online Income
I appreciate the detail from your blog audit, it has key things we can all takeaway to use on our own, it helped me at least
Erica@Spokane Web Design´s last blog ..Website Design Focus Select Homes NW
Definitely great to know, Erica.
Hi Ana,
Another solid breakdown here.
I go both ways on the pop-up’s; I’m rarely agitated so they don’t bother me but I know that many aren’t tolerant in this area. I’m of the school that when you are *really* good at what you do people will sign up whether you use a pop-up or traditional opt-in form. They’ll go the extra mile: or travel to the side bar
With that being said I’m sure you gain a few more sign-ups with a pop-up that basically says “OK, stop everything and do this now,” it’s a pretty direct and focused strategy.
I must say I’ve made more adjustments to my blog after reading your audits than I can remember. Really good stuff here; kudos to you for offering such a valuable free service.
Thanks for sharing your insight Ana.
RB
Ryan Biddulph´s last blog ..Network Marketing Madness - Do You Stress or Impress
I know - there could be endless debates held on the topic of pop-ups. The bottom line for a site owner is that they do work.
However, you are also right, Ryan, when saying that those who are REALLY interested will find a way to subscribe.
So are pop-ups building quality or mere quantity?
Sounds like a topic for a future post…
Ana
PS Glad you are still finding some golder nuggets in my audits!
I hate popups, Ana… Nothing will convince me otherwise. Look forward to your future post though
Mavis Nong @ Free Marketing Training´s last blog ..Are You Still Annoying Your Blog Visitors
As a reader, I do to. As a blog owner, I don’t think they are such a bad thing.
Definitely double-faced, I know.
Hey Ana:
How you fine this website statistics and other Website Features.you have some types of software that shown the website Statistic.If you have so Ana share with me.I want that software.In you blog post you mention the Pop-ups.Pop-ups is good for website or not?
Regards
Roses Mark
Facebook Applications´s last blog ..Win a Free iPad – Sweepstakes
I have quite a few I use to pull out different pieces of information - unfortunately, there is not one that does the ENTIRE job.
I’ll give you a couple of examples of what I use. The best one is SEO PowerSuite. A free one that will give you some information is SpyderMate.com.
Pop-ups do work, but you need to find a good balance between how annoying they could potentially be and the potential benefit.
Hope this helps!
Wow Ana, this is the first time I’ve read one of your blog audits and it was down and dirty awesome. Props to Tom for putting himself out there and props to you for really going over the entire good, bad, and ugly. This was very helpful.
Marcus
Marcus Sheridan-The Sales Lion´s last blog ..5 Small Business Blogging Myths Most ‘Experts’ Don’t Understand
The only way I know how to do it, Marcus - glad you made it here on a Friday.
Definitely see you next time!
I must disagree with the popup situation, I haven’t even read the rest yet.
I couldn’t describe the irritation I feel being halfway through an interesting article and suddenly BAM! right in the eye with a blacked out screen.
Most of the time, I decide real quick on how interesting the article really is; I just wanna leave.
I see your side, I do. I’ve just learned to close it out real fast, read around, then subscribe if I feel like it.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Contest Sponsors Linking to Money Making Pages – I Need Your Honest Opinion – FAST!
Interesting point, Dennis.
Of course, you are expressing the readers view, which is the most important one.
However, from the site owner’s point of view, what’s the point of having a pop-up when your readers will simply dismiss it because it popped up too early?
If you spend the money on something like that, might as well do it right and actually get something out of it.
Thanks, Dennis!
This is what one might call a breakthrough.
A perfect example of the pointlessness of popups - - tick off the reader or feel like you wasted money.
That about cover it? What’s the point again? LOL
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..UPDATE! Contest Sponsors Linking to Money Making Pages – I Need Your Honest Opinion – FAST!
Hi Ana,
Another great run down on common blog issues. I like reading the article with the blog under review on the site. With my own blog on a second page to verify how many mistakes are valid for my site as well.
I fully agree with you opinion on popup domination. It is really annoying to be presented with it without being able to have a look at the site first. I dismiss it by definition. On your site the popup never bothered me, making me subscribe on the second or third time.
Just one remark, omit the side note about previous bad advice on site changes next time. There is no need for you to point out you are better than someone else.
Cheers,
Paul
That’s the only way to do it, Paul - check out your website and Tommy’s website when reading.
By the way, I wasn’t pointing out that the other audit was bad; rather, the fact that he should stop following the bad advice. On the other hand, my audit IS much better, so why not?
Oh Ana,
This is so much a part of your charm!!
Lisa@basic marketing tips´s last blog ..My Blog- My Rules Your Blog- Your Rules
LOL, Lisa -
I’ve been fondly called a “tactless Russian” before… I suppose since it’s a part of me, I might as well embrace it.
Hi Ana,
you are already in good shape, aren’t you ? I’m so glad that Tommy takes it professionally, telling from his comments.
I admire your honesty and courage to put the “finger in the wound” as we say in Germany.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend´s last blog ..Oliver Tausend’s Blog- Thanks To Top Commentators In December
Yes, and add some salt to it as well, huh?
Tommy is staying pretty cool, although he might be quite busy for a while.
Blessings to you, Oliver.
Excellent blog review Ana.
And Tommy, good for you in being brave enough to accept very good constructive critism.
Peter
P.S. I actually look forard to these blog audits, so much valuable information on them
Peter Fuller @ Home Business Solutions´s last blog ..The 1 Internet Marketing Skill needed for 2011
Thanks so much, Peter - it actually made me feel kindda good to know you care.
Ana
Hi Ana,
This was an interesting one to read. Very different from the others so far.
Tommy is great at networking, making friends and sharing value. When he gets his blog all fixed up it’s going to be fun to see how far he can go.
Tommy, I know it’s painful to get your blog audited by Ana (at least it was for me
) but I have no doubt that you’re thankful for the info, and will see improvements as you apply her suggestions.
Thank you for volunteering your blog for us all to learn from.
Thank you, Ana, for continuing to offer such high value information for us all.
Susanna
Susanna Hess@Video Branding´s last blog ..Your Blog Branding- and My Big Blog Mistake
Yes, this was definitely different for me as well, Susanna.
Of course, Tommy is such a trooper and a good friend and we all support his blog tremendously. However, that won’t bring any income
; he needs to grow his readership way beyond that and he does need to make some serious changes to achieve that.
Have a great weekend, my dear, and thanks for coming by!
Hi Ana.
I certainly learned a lot reading this audit. Reading the entire post then visiting the subject site seems to make things stand out, allowing me to complete understand the points you’ve raised.
Those immediate popups are annoying. I recall Scott Stratten of Unmarketing speaking about them at last year’s Blog World Expo, saying they were like smacking your customer in the face when they walked in the door, before having the opportunity to even look around.
Having enjoyed these audits in the past and finding this one of particular interest (some things I can do as well) I hereby commit to making this a regular stop.
Thanks for this highly informative post, Ana.
Jimi Jones´s last blog ..When Bloggers Unite Creativity Results
Allow me to hold you accountable, Jimi - will definitely see you back next Friday then!
Were you at the Expo or heard a recording?
Ana,
Another great audit.
I recently saw where some one had you look at your blog design with the Google magnifying glass as a quick way to see if your blog design was inviting. (Just Google your name or site) It is a fun test. You can compare successful blogs to your own.
I have made a list of changes I want to make on my blog and this audit was very helpful.
Sheila Atwood@newbielifeline.com´s last blog ..Masters Of The Web
Not sure how to get to that test, Sheila - any more info?
Wow, Ana, I really appreciate someone who has a keen eye for important details. I have attempted a blog or two in the past, but lost them to contractual issues, until this past November, 2010. Before, I had no clue what I was doing. Not saying I am even near knowing now (no, not even close…lol) but I have never had such a clear observation from an outside party give me feedback on my new site. Other than a few people suggesting using a Splash, because of too much info (in TE’s), that is it. ( I just started using a different static page last night)
I am using WP SEO plug-ins on a Theme (E-degree) that is SEO optimized, which is the reason I chose it, besides the fact I thought (in my pure ignorant bliss) it looked unique and different. One of my issues (of probably a few dozen or so) is even getting verified by Google. I tried using the Google Analytics plug-in, but that does not seem to work for some reason and I can’t seem to locate a place in my “home.php” to place their code so it can verify my site as my own instead. OMG, what a little nightmare. (yeah, I dream about it and wake up to it every day) As you can tell, I am quite illiterate when it comes to all of this, just trying to get by, make my way into the cyber-world to claim just a little morsel of the gigantic pie out there. Any feedback would certainly be appreciated.
Dan Reed´s last blog ..Finding Home Business Time
There are some tools that can give you an insight as to what’s wrong with your blog, Dan, but I was never able to find the one that does it all. (maybe I need to create a product?
)
However, it’s always great to get the human prospective - that’s the most valuable part of an one-on-one review like this one. Plus you can ask questions.
Anyway…
Unfortunately, I can’t help you with your .php files. What you need to add is stored in your theme, and of course I am not familiar with it.
With Thesis it’s easy, I don’t even need to go into my blog files…
Sorry, Dan - you know a forum of sorts can help you with that.
Hi Dan:
you should be able to verify your Analytics account by going into your visual stylesheet editor under your theme. Then locate the section, before the first section and plop in your tracking code. Once you do that, save it and then click verify in your Google Analytics account. Hope this help.
Lisa
Lisa´s last blog ..The Fastest Way To Turn Any Blog Post Into An Article
Thanks, Lisa - I was trying to figure out the same… Thanks for your help!
Another comprehensive audit. I always try and take at least one thing away from your reports and apply it to my blog.
What was shouting out at me today was your observation of the Tagline.
“Your Tagline … is all about you … Your visitors don’t care about YOU; they care about themselves.” It’s so obvious, but only when someone points it out to you.
For those of us who are new to blogging, professional reviews like this are invaluable (especially because someone else has to bear the public pain!)
Now all I need is a great tagline . . . and a niche . . . and make it the correct width . . . and sort out the SEO . . .
Simon Mitchinson´s last blog ..Seven newish tips to help with your weight loss
Well, seems like you’ve got your work cut out for you, Simon!
So what are you doing commenting on my blog instead of taking care of your blog?
Kidding… ALWAYS comment on my blog first, then do what you need to do. 
Taglines are always hard. I used to think when I first started that I needed to show my prospects WHO I WAS. Boy, was I wrong… As soon I realized that and started focusing on my readers, my business took off.
Extremely useful audit. And you are so brave Ana, believe me, you just literally speak out your mind. I am not flattering you but I personally like you for this one reason.
And about the audit, yes design aspects need to be taken care of right at the beginning so that you set up, forget it and concentrate on developing the blog. Tweaking too much on design after you have a lot of visitors will make one lose a substantial number of them.
Jane Sheeba´s last blog ..How important is discipline in your day-to-day life
Funny you mention my boldness, Jane…
In the beginning of my blog, I tried to be someone different, someone I THOUGHT my readers would want me to be. It was too difficult to keep up, so I decided to take a chance and just be myself. And THAT’S when my blog took off.
Moral of the story: we are who we are and we are great that way.
I do agree with your last remark: loosing your audience to a poor design is something we should let happen - do it right the first time around.
Ana
PS Such a pleasure to start seeing your name in the comments! Thank you.
Ana:
You are very thorough when you complete an audit. I have all your audits printed out for quick reference and I utilize them to make the necessary changes. The best thing about your audits is that you have a GENUINE desire to help people. Kudos
Lisa
Lisa´s last blog ..The Fastest Way To Turn Any Blog Post Into An Article
I really do try, Lisa - hope my blog audits are taken as seriously by other readers as they are by you.
There’s a lot to learn here even if it’s not your blog I am auditing.
Have a great day, my friend!
Hi Ana,
a great one again. I opened his blog to see it and compare to what you are saying and immediately I saw that he is using Atahualpa theme, the same one I am using now.
This theme is so customizable and even if he didn’t want to spend money now he could still use all that space above his header and make the blog width narrower.
It would literally take him 5 minutes to do all that.
Design is of course very important and I removed a whole sidebar recently because I saw that the best blogs have only one. His theme allows up to 4 sidebars but I think even 2 are too much sometimes.
So when it comes to customizing his design that is not hard. But what I don’t like is the overall look because it looks like one of those old internet websites that sell you something you should never buy.
I think he should add some color so it is not that white and remove all that big bold text and red text.
If Tommy needs a few lines of text how to change the width of his blog I will be more than willing to write that for him.
Thanks for the great audit, I love reading them and see you on Sunday
Brankica @ Live Your Love´s last blog ..Human spammer How to lose reputation as a blogger and get banned the easy way
Great feedback, Brankica - I am so glad you know his theme and can even save him some money to customizing what he already has.
Tommy, are you listening?
Definitely agree with your suggestions.
Listening loud and clear.
Tommy DiPietro | MLM Sales´s last blog ..Get The Best Employment Screening Background Check
Tommy, when ever you have time and want to do it, send me a message through my blog, I am online a lot and we can work on it. It won’t take long. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but I learned a lot in last few weeks (trial and error, lol).
Hope we can make it better so Ana says it looks better. As far as the rest, I am not getting into that, lol!
Hi Brankica,
I have to be honest with you. Well I don’t have to and it is my opinion. I find your blog not very inviting to read. My site has the same problem. It is one of the reasons why I am reading all these blog reviews. Trying to figure out how to solve that issue. So far I haven’t been able to find a solution. If you look at this site it is far more appealing.
Any one a suggestion on what makes the difference?
Paul
Paul Kamphuis´s last blog ..Photographing fireworks
Hi Paul,
My only qualification in this area is that I read blogs, so my comments are those of a consumer rather than a blogging expert. I am happy if you wish to disregard them.
My first impression from looking at yours was “Ugg. What a horrible colour”. Too much luminous green for my taste. This alone would stop me reading further.
Another thought is that you have a great picture of waves on a beach at the top, but it is way too small. Compare the size of yours to Ana’s!
Finally, Ana tells the reader what they’ll get right at the start - “Easy strategies to increase your web traffic today”. Perhaps you need a great tagline like that.
Just a few thoughts, since you asked!
Your,
Simon
Simon Mitchinson´s last blog ..The busker who turned into a Blog
Forgot to say - love the Twitter graphic in the bottom right hand corner
Thanks for the feedback Simon. I am no blog expert myself, and a consumer opinion is even more important.
You could be right about the green. It seems to look different on each and every computer I used to look at my site.
The pictures in the header are too small indeed. I am also in doubt if they belong there. Main issue is that I target too many different audience with the site. It should be 2 or 3 different sites.
Funny you mention the twitter icon. I actually considered removing it several times. I feel it isn’t professional enough. Each time I am stopped by someone saying, hey I love that twitter icon.
Thanks for the feedback,
Paul
Paul Kamphuis´s last blog ..Photographing fireworks
I don’t mind opinions just would like to know what exactly you don’t like. I guess there always has to be something that turns people away.
So I guess my question is what is not inviting for you?
Brankica @ Live Your Love´s last blog ..Human spammer How to lose reputation as a blogger and get banned the easy way
I wish I could tell you what it is. I just don’t know. I have the exact same problem with my own site, when I look at it. I like the look of my own site, still I feel that if it was someone else his site I wouldn’t read a post. As a matter of fact my analytics seem to indicate the same. Bounce rate for my posts pages is in the 80 or 90%. Most visit times are just a couple of seconds, too short to read a thing. I just wish I knew what to change. It could be the font or the spacing, I don’t know. Or even using the wrong template in the first place.
Maybe someone has suggestion for me or if they agree for both of us.
Funny: I have been staring at your site a couple of minutes, trying to figure out what is wrong.
So far it seems
- titles are too long. I need to reread them
- your support color is red, maybe it is too strong. It distracts me from the actual contents.
- missing intro photo or photos where I have to look twice to understand the support to the article.
Maybe I should stare at my own site for some time as well. I am pretty sure the above apply there as well.
I hope the above helps. Or at least someone is kind enough to correct me where I am wrong.
Paul
Paul Kamphuis´s last blog ..Photographing fireworks
Paul: I agree with Simon. The limy green color has to go.
Header needs to be bigger. You need a tagline. I have no idea what you site is about.
Some very superficial suggestions, I know, but they will make a huge difference.
Thanks for the reply, Paul.
I actually redesigned it about a month ago and one of my favorite bloggers liked so I decided to keep it this way for a while.
I have been getting much more traffic and comment with this look, less bounce rate (less than 50%) and more page views.
I don’t use a thumbnail image for every post on my home page if that is what you are referring here.
The titles are mostly written in accordance with some stuff I learned from bigger blogs.
So for now, I will keep it this way with slight changes I make almost every day. However, I appreciate the opinion, so I can pay more attention to certain points you made!
Glad to hear you can prove me wrong. It is most important to be able to judge for yourself. Your stats say it works, so it works.
It also proves that if something works for many, it doesn’t imply it works for everyone.
Best regards,
Paul
Paul Kamphuis´s last blog ..Photographing fireworks
Ana,
Already started making those changes
I knew something was wrong and I did take some bad advice along the way. The good news is I am getting leads and converting some of them.
A couple of things I have already done from your previous audits, like removing the pop-up domination, fixed my link in Google webmaster tools and recently dropped the ‘Prospecting Hero’ thing.
I am looking into a new theme and will take your suggestion into consideration and maybe it is time to get that professional blog header. Add a niche and I am heading in the right direction.
My traffic has been increasing according Google Analytics.
So…I am going to dive right in and would love a follow-up.
Thanks again Ana.
Tommy D.
Tommy DiPietro | MLM Sales´s last blog ..How To Get Your Work At Home Business Booming In 2011
I am SOOO glad to hear that you are up to making the changes, Tommy!
I truly feel your blog can be great and serve you very well; all the changes will definitely pay off in the long or even short run.
Ana
Cool blog audit. Design is really important in a blog since you need something good on the eyes of your readers so they can focus more on your content and not anything else.
Edwin´s last blog ..7 Cool Sites To Listen To The Radio Online
You are so right, Edwin - poor design only distracts from anything good on the blog. It’s the first thing that needs to be fixed for sure.
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 1 trackback }