Last Updated on February 22, 2020
For an extended period of time, I ran a poll about what things most attract readers to blogs. Before I give the results, I have to point out that this poll wasn’t a “choose one option only,” but rather one in which you could choose up to five things you like most about blogs you frequent. Therefore, the numbers can’t add up to 100%.
The two things readers seem to want the most, according to the poll, are blogs with entries that are well-written and have something to say, and the feeling that they get the chance to get to know the writer of the blog. Both tied at the top spot.
Readers want blogs they visit regularly to be updated at least once per week, but they don’t necessarily demand that the blogs be updated daily. More than three-times as many votes went for “once a week” than “every day.”
Posts about events going on in the writer’s life tied with comments being allowed in the next most-appreciated feature. The former makes sense when you consider how many want to get a sense that they know the writer. The latter would seem to suggest that not only do readers want to get to know the writers, but they also want to interact with them, too.
I’m happy to report that not a single voter felt that it was important that a blogger stay with “safe” topics and avoid potential button-pushing issues like religion and politics. There is hope for the blogosphere, yet!
Here is the full list, ranked in popularity by percentage of votes with actual votes in parentheses. (In this list, I’m declaring a tie only when percentage and votes match exactly, otherwise, I’m listing in order of percentage first, then by vote count):
1. The posts are well-written and have something to say. 16% (39)
2. You feel like you get to know the blogger personally through his or her writing. 16% (37)
3. The blog is updated at least once a week. 9% (22)
4. (Tie) There are lots of personal posts that talk about what is going on in that person’s life. 8% (18)
4. (Tie) The blogger allows comments. 8% (16)
6. You feel that the blogger is open-minded. 7% (17)
7. The blog gives you more personal commentary on the news of the day. 6% (14)
8. There are lots of photos or graphics. 5% (11)
9. (Tie) The blogger features memes or interactive elements that you can take part in. 4% (10)
9. (Tie) The blog is always full of lively debates on many different subjects. 4% (10)
11. The blog makes a firm political and/or religious stance and explains why. 4% (9)
12. You get the chance to live vicariously through a different lifestyle or belief system. 3% (7)
13. (Tie) The blog is updated every day. 3% (6)
13. (Tie) The blog features a photo of the owner so you know what he or she looks like. 3% (6)
15. The blog features fiction or poetry written by the owner. 5% (2)
16. The blog features a link to your blog. 1% (3)
17. (Tie) The blog gives you lots of relevant information, including big news items but little commentary. 1% (2)
17. (Tie) The blogger agrees with your own political and/or religious views. 1% (2)
19. The blog sticks to one basic theme always. 0% (1)
20. The blog avoids all references to politics and religion and stays with “safer” topics. 0% (0)
