Earlier today I wrote about how adding a Byline to a blog helped increase the personal interactions between blogger and reader.
At around the same time we added a photo the blogger I was working with to the top of his sidebar and wrote a one sentence line introducing who he was and what his blog was about. We also added a second ‘about page’ (so he ended up with an about page for his blog and a personal about page – similar to the way I’ve done it here at ProBlogger). His personal about page had more pictures of him.
Once again – the feedback from readers was immediate. Not only did they have a name to connect posts to but a face.
I noticed a similar thing on the few times that I’ve experimenting with video blogging here at ProBlogger. I was amazed by the number of comments left on video blogs and the way that people responded in very positive ways. I really need to find more time for more video.
I would look forward to an education in video blogging from you if it’s in the cards. Thanks for all the help.
A picture of yourself is a good idea, but what if one is not as photogenic as one would like? I say, who cares! This is the internet. Myspace has ugly people all over it; still it gets all kinds of traffic.
Thanks!
I have two profile pages.
The first is the standard Blogger profile page which people will see if they come via a comment I have made on another Blogger Blog.
I also have navigation tabs that link to a more full “about me” my forum and books. Now that I’ve read your post I may add more photos to the about me page. I have a photo of me with my dogs on the blog and a more ‘professional’ photo on the about me page.
I include my title under the photo on the blog page
My tip for increasing traffic
I have another tip for increasing traffic to blogs. I often add a title to my comments. So my name will say Talia Mana, Emotional Eating Expert. When people see a comment from me, they will visit my blog if they are interested in that topic.
I meant to include that tip a while ago when Darren was looking for readers’ tips. Oh well, better late than never!!!
Talia Mana
Emotional Eating Expert
Centre for Emotional Well-Being
http://taliamana.blogspot.com
Heh, guess my comment on the byline post is now out of date. :)
I don’t know if I would be comfortable in front of video, I’m more of a written word kinda guy.
as for making a second about page, I like that idea.. my personal about page has a cutsie drawing of me someone did for me.
i’ve been debating on adding a pic to my blog…guess I can give it a try now…thanks
Hi Darren & All,
I think this is a great idea. I’m working on it myself right now (photos, not vids). I think it would be enjoyable to watch you speak via video Darren!
Take Care !
I’ll be the negative voice on video… There are certain things that do well being conveyed by video, but…
Video is being used to convey things that work best in text.
I don’t know how many 5+ minute videos I’ve gone through that say stuff that could have been conveyed in a well constructed post that I could have been through in 1 minute.
The occasional use of them in order to more personalize the creator with the audience works well… but that’s about it.
I think SHORT videos are best of something less than 2 minutes demonstrating a product or a way of doing things. Just made my first video for Play Library showing off a doll that is scaring some people. :D
Video possesses that curious quality that a photograph fails to deliver and text can only aspire to, and that’s things like body language, voice, spoken humour (we all know about jokes dying a death-by-email) and the other stuff that only gets seen in a face-to-face, but is essential in building a rapport.
That said, I can’t imagine me thrusting myself upon people with all of my manic hand gesturing and furious gesticulations!
However, if you can’t do the video thing, a picture is the next best thing…
disegno piacevole, lavoro grande :)
i’am really impressed!!