We’ve all been there before, surfin’ the Internet for this or that and before you know it… an hour has passed. Oops!
But while you were checking out all of these websites, what kept you on certain sites longer than others? What gave them that attention grabbing stickiness?
I have visited TONS of blogs throughout my blogging career, and I have noticed 2 VERY important qualities that give a blog a great first impression… I call it the “magic mix”. After all, the goal of any blogger is to keep people on their site long enough to enjoy multiple pieces of content and interact on the blog.
Enjoy today’s video as I share with you my “magic mix”.
Well, what did you think?
This potent combination of professionalism and personality are the difference between me hanging out on a blog, and hittin’ the road. What about you?
I would love to hear your thoughts on what it takes to create a great first impression on a blog. Please leave me a comment below and I look forward to seeing what you have to say.
Yours In Blogging Mastery,
P.S. If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and any other social site you wish. 
OK, so my blog needs some work (quite a lot, if I’m honest), but at least I have a domain name. Was beginning to wonder if I’d wasted money on a domain name and hosting, having noticed how many (sometimes well-known and well-respected) writers use free blogging platforms, sometimes in addition to their own paid-for websites. Why? could it be just to provide extra links to their main websites?
Also I use a standard wordpress template. Is this a bad thing? I really can’t spend out on professional web design at the moment. does this make me look unprofessional? Any thoughts?
.-= Karen Banes´s last blog ..Get Excited and Change Things =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 21st, 2010 at 6:03 pm
@Karen, I would definitely say that a self-hosted blog is always going to look the most professional. I’m not sure why they would have two blogs… your not referring to Squidoo or Hubpages are you? Those are different entirely. Shoot me some links as examples, you’ve peaked my curiosity.
I would say the sooner you can get a professional header and a paid theme, the better. It does just take it to the next level. Get ahold of me on Skype or Facebook and we can talk more about your blog.
Have a great weekend!
Thank you so much Amanda,
I am in the middle of switching from WP.com to WP.org, so It was a good time to get this perfectly done video with great value. I was happy to see that I was off to a good start, but definitely need to dial it in.
I am having trouble embeding videos on WP.org and also can’t find a Gravatar widget. Any tips? Much appreciated, Autumn
Amanda Reply:
May 21st, 2010 at 6:07 pm
@Autumn, yes I’ve got tips for you on both.
You want the “Viper’s Video Quicktags” plugin, this will allow you to just put the URL of your Youtube video in and it will be embedded, very convenient.
Also, here is a link to a blog post on exactly how to get a gravatar: http://katiefreiling.com/gravatar/
Let me know how these work out for you! Have a great weekend!
Hi there Amanda,
Great video and tips you shared there!
~Marcus
.-= Marcus Baker´s last blog ..What’s The Second Most Important Way To Start Your Day? | Business Personal Development =-.
Thank you for the video! As a new blogger it was very helpful!
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:02 am
@Stacy, glad to hear!
I’m in my way to have a prossional one my friend
.-= Mohamed Fawzy´s last blog ..How To Customzie Your Twitter Background using The Free Twitter Designer Tool =-.
Hi Amanda, really informative post! I am redesigning my blog and these were very helpful tips to create a balance between professionalism and personality. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:02 am
@Jennifer, no problem, glad to have caught you at the right time!
Clear, to the point and 100% dead on! these are great tips and if I added anything I would say Make the tag line and or title an “Action step” like work with, create with, excel with… this was a tip given to me by a great blogger and it makes sense because it allows you to plant a message to help the reader take action.
Thanks for the great video.
Peace & Prosperity,
Dallas Cyr
.-= Dallas Cyr´s last blog ..It’s My Birthday =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:03 am
@Dallas, yep that makes perfect sense. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Hello Amanda! I totally appreciate you choosing my blog this week as a blog that has the “magic mix”!! I am so completely honored!
My friends Warren Daly @RevSocial and Cassie Strom @cassiestrom helped me out HUGE with everything! Also, I owe a lot to Katie Freiling @katiefreiling and her 7-day training video series! If it weren’t for her I wouldn’t have had a wordpress.org blog.
Anyway, I’m SO happy to know you
And I totally look forward to continuing to learn from you!
Colette
http://www.colettekenney.com
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
@Colette, no problem it’s looking great! I love seeing people in the industry take action and really listen to what the teachers are saying…. many people stay stubborn and continue to do it their own way.
I look forward to getting to know you better and having that glass of wine together someday! hehe
Have an awesome weekend!
Love Love this post Amanda. I Thank You for the recommendation. You have such a wonderful blog yourself. Professionalism and Personality.
I will follow your advice to the ends of the earth. Thanks for the incredible tips. I will be sharing them. I enjoyed visiting here today! Keep rocking it girl!
.-= Therese Miu´s last blog ..3 *Powerful* Ways to bring Balance & Energy into your day =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:04 am
@Therese, thank you dear! I appreciate all you do!
Excellent video, Amanda. Thanks for the very helpful blog building tips.
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:46 am
@Eunice thanks! I appreciate you stopping by!
Hi Amanda. Unfortunately I am blind and couldn’t access the buttons to view your video. So what are the two most important ingredients then?
.-= Kerry Painter´s last blog ..Community Not Competition…..I Like It =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:47 am
@Kerry, my apologies… they are professionalism and personality on your blog. Have an awesome weekend!
Great points, love your use of colors too, you rock, go uTribe!
Ray
.-= Ray Higdon´s last blog ..Why I am Attending The No Excuses Summit in Las Vegas =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
@Ray, thanks so much! I’m headed over to your blog post right now! The tribe is definitely rockin’!
Amanda, you rock! Great advice and you are helping me to create a better business each time I come here. Of to change some of the taxt on my blog now!
thanks
Dave
.-= dave´s last blog ..Thankyou for Your Comment =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Great to hear @dave! Way to take action!
Hey again Amanda
Thanks for your reply to my last comment! I’m wondering something… Do you know why my gravatar doesn’t show up when I comment to your blog? I’d love to know how to make it do so…?
Also! I love how your blog is set up where each of your posts has it’s own little box. Is that a pluggin that I need to add to my blog? I’m using the Thesis theme, so I hope I can do it too?
PS – I love your Super Quick Tip of the Week Series! Thank you so much!!
xo Colette
.-= Colette Kenney´s last blog .. =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 2:33 pm
@Colette, no problem I love chatting with people here!
What I’m thinking is maybe you signed up for your gravatar with one email, but your signing in under another when you are leaving comments… that just my initial thought. Have you checked out Katie’s tutorial on getting a gravatar? I put the link to it on my last post. Let me know if that is the problem or not and we can brainstorm some other ideas.
The way my posts are set up has to do with my theme which is Fresh News by Woo Themes. I just looked at your blog though and I can at least tell you how to only get a summary to show up as opposed to the whole post. It might not be in a box, but it would be shorter. Let’s connect on Skype and we can do a screen share if you’d like. My skype id is amanda-marie.com (original I know…lol)
Ok, also my friend Eric Goldstein I know uses the Thesis them and his front page is nicely laid out. His URL is http://createwitheric.com... you could hit him up on FB or Skype too and ask him how he got it to look like that.
So great to see you taking MASSIVE ACTION girl!
Talk soon!
Dear Amanda,
I love your presentation style – straightforward, easy to understand, and filled with valuable information.
Thanks for sharing such great info!
Warm regards,
Lauren
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 2:34 pm
@Lauren, thanks so much! I appreciate the kind words and please don’t hesitate to let me know if there is a subject in particular that you would like me to cover. Have an awesome weekend!
Great blog Amanda!! Looks like I have a long way to go! What would you advise those that don’t have a big budget?
.-= Sherman Smith´s last blog ..THINKING LIKE A PROSPECT DETERMINES YOUR SUCCESS IN GROWING YOUR BUSINESS =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Hey @Sherman, thanks! Can you be more specific as to what you are trying to do with a small budget? Then I would be happy to give you my advice.
Amanda –
Awesome tips! Our blogs are the “central hub” and need to be professional and personal.
Would love your feedback on mine!
(http://www.andiepetoskey.com)
Have a transforming day!
~Andie
Amanda Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 2:38 pm
@Andie, oooohh love the header! Hit me up on Skype, I’d love to make a few suggestions to ya!
amanda-marie.com is my username.
Have an amazing weekend and I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Hi Amanda. I’m just trying to find other ways to drive more traffic to my website with a limited budget. So far, I joined a tribe, setup a feed on msn and yahoo, and post my blog every week via ping.fm. Are there other ways to make my page more attractive with the Magic Mix twist on a limited budget?
.-= Sherman Smith´s last blog ..THINKING LIKE A PROSPECT DETERMINES YOUR SUCCESS IN GROWING YOUR BUSINESS =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:23 pm
@Sherman, my advice to you would be to start by watching my Free video series, Leadership In Online Marketing, I think it will give you a better idea of what your blog should include. You can claim your own copy by entering your information in the upper right hand box.
Even if you don’t have the budget to get a paid, customized theme, having a wordpress.org blog with a free theme is still better than a wordpress.com blog. You’ll have many more options and features and all you have to pay for is a domain name and hosting which is VERY minimal.
As far as driving traffic, I would check out the Social Media Wealth Manifesto by Katie Freiling. It completely explains the personal branding strategy that we are trying to achieve with our blogs. Here is a link to go get it: http://bit.ly/a6Rw3B
If you still have questions after soaking up this information don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Hi Amanda!
Great vid!! You bring up great points! I have some work to do on my blog…any suggestions? (www.NewBodyCoach.com)
.-= jackie hall´s last blog ..Body Gospel: Have Faith in Your Weight Loss Results! =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:24 pm
@jackie, your blog is very professionally done which is great but my only concern is that it is really branding your primary business as opposed to you. Just something to think about!
Hey Amanda! Ok LOVED your post… you reminded me of so many things I have learned here and there and everywhere but haven’t quite pieced together yet. I have such HUGE plans for my blog, my brand, and my purpose for being in business… sometimes I find myself paralyzed!
You are a total leader, in the blog world, and in Katie’s Unified Tribe. Thanks for all your great content, and the special attention you take to reply to your comments. Classy girl!
I would love to connect with you for a 5 minute skype… I am pretty confident that after speaking with you, I could solidify my direction and get moving forward! Let me know if you are able
Shan
Amanda Reply:
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:25 pm
@Shan, thanks so much! I would just take it ONE step at a time! It will all come together before you know it.
I appreciate your kind words and look forward to connecting with you on skype!
Hi Amanda. Have tried to email you but am having problems with your contact form. Regarding my previous comment I was thinking for example of Lori Widmer. If you google her two sites come up – one paid domain and one blogger blog, both with her name in the domain name. Have found you (and ‘fanned’ you) on facebook. Look forward to connecting in the future.
.-= Karen Banes´s last blog ..Get Excited and Change Things =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
@Karen, I checked out Lori Widmer and her blogger website is her blog, the paid domain is just a website with static information about what services she offers. She uses the two sites for different purposes.
Will look into my contact page. In the future feel free to email me on Facebook, or find me on Skype… amanda-marie.com is my username.
Talk soon!
Amanda Reply:
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:46 pm
hey Karen! I fixed my Contact form and tried it out. It’s working fine for me. Let me know if you have any problems using it!
Amanda,
Thank you for this wonderful post! So much value and I will definitely be back for more.
Keep up the great leadership!!
~Felicia~
.-= Felicia Smith´s last blog ..Successful Relationship Building Tips for Network Marketers =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Thanks @Felicia! I appreciate your input!
Hi Amanda!
You’ve definitely piqued my curiousity…but all I’m seeing is the YouTube embed code as text.
????
Have a pleasant day…your tribal friend Steven Suchar
.-= Steven Suchar´s last blog ..Are Your Tweets Being Retweeted? =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:34 pm
@Steven, my apologies… looks like I’m having a plugin issue. Until then I just included it a different way. Hope you get a chance to watch the video!
Hi Amanda!
This visit was the charm…I totally enjoyed your video, which by the way, is what my next step is aiming to be. I’ve got a pretty nice jump as far as your blogging pointers go, which makes me feel quite happy.
Have a pleasant day…your tribal friend Steven Suchar
.-= Steven Suchar´s last blog ..Are Your Tweets Being Retweeted? =-.
Amanda Reply:
May 25th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
@Steven, so glad you enjoyed the video! Please get ahold of me if you have any questions as you begin your video marketing!
Hi Amanda!
Just want to say a quick thank you for inspiring me! Keep up the good work! =)
Amanda Reply:
May 25th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
@Sandra, awww thanks! That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!