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Want more clicks from LeftyBlogs?
I've been asked a lot recently why some high-quality and important posts get zero clickthru traffic, while other stupid and inane posts get HUGE clickthru.
The answer is simple.
High clickthrus are NOT a reflection on the quality of the post, but rather a reflection on the quality of the headline. After all, the reader doesn't see the content until after they've clicked. Before the click, all they see is the headline and the name of your blog (so good reputations matter over time.)
Anyway, want good advice for better headlines? Head over to my personal blog - PoliticsAndTechnology.com - and read "Headlines are Critical Content"
While you're there, consider signing up for the monthly-ish newsletter. Useful tips right there in your inbox.
Posted by Kari Chisholm on March 28, 2006 10:56 PM
Comments
This is interesting, and I'll definitely read your "headlines" post. I'm trying not to use either cryptic, boring, or overly cute headlines.
A minor side issue: I know for a fact I'm getting leftyblogs/Maryland traffic, yet I don't see a click counter on your site for my posts (newsrack v2.0, Maryland). Is there anything technical I need to do as well? Do click counts match outclicks from your site with "img src=" impressions for the button image you serve out to mine? I've been using a 'handmade' text link back to leftyblogs, I'll try out the button to see if it makes a difference.
I think I might get even more leftyblog/Maryland visits if people didn't think I wasn't getting any visits. But I'm pleased to be getting serious traffic about local issues, and I appreciate the leftyblog service.
Posted by Thomas Nephew on March 30, 2006 03:05 PM
Thomas,
Here is my guess you have low click throughs. You do not have the headlines on your site, and neither do must of MD lefty blogs.
My understanding how the click through's work is how many times a site is clicked on the java script headline. If you or all your MD comrades do not have the headlines displayed, you will get no click throughts. They may click your link and go to the lefty blogs site, but those are not click throughs.
Posted by nate on May 29, 2006 07:00 AM
I don't understand, I guess. I think I do have headlines, and the Maryland feed shows what they are (when there are MD-related posts). I don't see the difference between my blog and Maryland blogs that do register "clicks" on the Maryland feed. No doubt there is some difference, I just don't see what it is.
Posted by Thomas Nephew on June 2, 2006 08:25 AM
