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10 Ways To Improve Your Blog in 2017

In:Blogging Last Updated: (110 Comments)

Ways To Improve Your Blog in 2017

Whether your blog is popular or you are just a beginner, there is always some room for improvement, and 2017 is a year for improvement.

So why not do a few additional things and pledge to bring out the best?

Change Your Blog in 2017

Keep Your Website Relevant in 2017

1. Fix Pixelated Images

If you are wondering why the images on your blog pixelate, here’s why:

Computers tend to resize an image in order to “upgrade” the picture’s resolution. Hence, the pixels of an image change. Also, the pixel size may get slightly tweaked according to the dimensions of your blog page.

So what needs to be done?

Well, make use of the various photo editors available. If you have a WordPress setup, there are many blogging tools for images and plugins to help you.

And if you find that irksome, stick to Microsoft Paint and Adobe Photoshop. But make sure you always check the pixel-scale of an image before you publish it. The simplest way to do that is to right-click on the image and check in Google images. Google will give you the dimensions of the picture.

Fix Pixelated Images

Photo Courtesy: Apple

Also, try to use images with sharply contrasting colors/bright colors.

Image sharpening also helps to a large extent.

Pay attention to the images you use on your website. This will be very important for 2017.

For more on images, check out:

2. Make Your Website Accessible To Everyone

Gone are the days when a reader could only use a desktop to access a web page.

Today, your reader may own any string of gadgets:

  • A tablet
  • A phablet
  • A notebook
  • A netbook
  • …or even a smart TV

Phew!

On the other end of the spectrum, I still come across people using QWERTY keypad phones with Symbian OS.

You don’t know what your reader is using to read your blog. You also probably don’t know about the number of readers you’re losing because of the lack of system/file support.

This happened when I tried to cross-check a site on Internet Explorer:

Make Responsive Website

Yes, there are many people who still use Internet Explorer. I know, it sounds primordial, but if these users can’t access your website, you may be losing potentially faithful readers.

I know you probably don’t want to pay attention to making your site visible across “outdated” platforms.

Even WhatsApp has decided to call off system support on certain phones and operating systems. And yes, they do realize the number of users they could lose. But they can afford it.

They are paying more attention to maintaining their large-scale system. Hence, they have to occasionally “trim the fat”.

But you can’t! And you shouldn’t.

Engaging with every reader is the reason why you have a blog in the first place.

P.S. The statistics show that dominance of mobile over desktop will occur in 2017. So select your framework wisely.

For more on accessibility, check out:

3. Check The Date

Published Date

I want to emphasize this point.

I’ve come across many blogs recently, and a familiar question started haunting me: Why do these blogs not have “publish” dates on their posts?

You shouldn’t assume that by not publishing the date, your blog will become evergreen. That’s not how it works.

Furthermore, these posts usually do not perform well in Google Search analytics.

Suppose you visit a blog for the first time, and you click on a link to some post. You’re probably looking at the title and the date. If you don’t find the date, you probably just assume it’s an old post anyway, or the site is no longer active.

There is no proof anywhere to see how fresh your blog is. Hence, the blog does not get easily picked up in search engines.

P.S. Don’t forget to attach a plugin to share the post on social media platforms. This way, Google will see that the blog has some recent activity.

For more on this, check out:

4. Make Your Blog Understand Your Readers

This is where metrics tools come into the picture.

Keep an eye on the visitor count, and measure the effectiveness of every blog post.

Keep a record of your growth. Check the number of views of your blogs. Try to understand what is popular on your blog and why it’s popular.

After all, the first and foremost intention of publishing your blog post is so that people read it.

Make Your Blog Understand Your Readers

Found this on a fashion blogger’s site and my first response was, “This is so me!”

Communication with your readers is important. Make use of social media. Be prompt and precise in your replies to comments. In case someone criticizes you, take it with a pinch of salt and a lot of grace.

And yes, do not hesitate to remove or block inappropriate/obscene comments, usernames, or links posted into the comments section.

For more on understanding your readers, check out:

5. Make Your Website Legit

Whether it’s the silly click-bait title of a post or a passive aggressive sales/marketing pitch, don’t ruin your blog in an attempt to “trick” readers into taking an action.

Readers are smart, and so is Google. If you want better visibility of your blog, stick to the normal protocols. A “bake-off” strategy for a blog will never find genuine readers or loyal followers.

Also, do not copy content from someone else just because their content is doing very well. Search engines are not fond of content duplication. Apart from that, you could find yourself at the tail end of a lawsuit.

Create a unique identity for yourself, your blog, and your company.

For more on trust, check out:

6. Keep Your Site Secure

Blog Security

This is something most bloggers around the world ignore.

But bloggers need to understand that a single data breach can do enormous amounts of irreversible damage. Non-secure plugins can lead hackers into a surplus of valuable information about you and your blog (especially social media).

It is not uncommon for hackers to tamper with the data on blogs. Hence, it is mandatory to take timely backups of your website.

For more on security and backups, check out:

7. Update Your Website To The Latest Technology

Update Your Website To The Latest Technology

These days, setting up a blog has become extremely simple. This means that more and more people are setting up internet property.

That’s why you need to do your best to stand out among the crowd.

Rather than sticking to the staple PHP WordPress settings and HTML layout, start looking beyond the basics. For example, there are certain script settings for GIFs and vlogging (video blogging).

It is high time you bid adieu to the old-fashioned page setup. If you need to pay money for an updated style, don’t hesitate to do so. You need to understand the long-term implications.

Moreover, keeping your blog updated will boost the authority ratings in Google Search, placing your blog at a better rank.

The metrics always work in the favor of easy to access and technically upgraded pages.

For more on updated technology, check out:

8. Keep Your Act Clean

To avoid a Google-levied penalty, make sure that you erase those spammy links associated with your blog.

If you find it difficult, make sure to reach out to the Google team, and they will help you clear those cookies and spam.

Also, keep a track on affiliated associations. Make sure that all association goes beyond just being a source of income. The affiliated website should add value to your blog, or at least provide readers with a genuine connection.

Make sure that you are aware of Google rules and penalties. In case you have linked to something, make sure you cross-check with Google in order to avoid being blacklisted.

Also, inform the sources about the need to remove the links. (Most blogs and websites don’t bother to do this, but remember that you need to be professional. Hence, as a duty on your part, do inform the sources about removing links.)

P.S. Keep an option open for your readers to delete their cookies. Search results vary depending on their cookie presence.

For more on links, check out:

9. Never Ignore Social Media

Never Ignore Social Media

Yes, I’m going there. And yes, you can never ignore it.

Before we move deep into this subject, let me tell you that social media is a source of income for a lot of bloggers. Whether you are a fashion blogger or a food blogger, a car fanatic or a wise-head, you cannot deny the fact that social media is a game changer (love it or hate it).

Currently, Facebook is a hub for more than 20 million small businesses across the world. And the count is quite similar for other mediums and platforms.

Of course, not everyone can be as efficient as Rand Fishkin or Sam Hurley when it comes to Twitter marketing, but just because one medium does not work for you, that does not mean that others won’t either.

Give each of them a try, understand what works for you, and you will realize that social media can do wonders for you.

For more on social media, check out:

10. Content Is King

I shouldn’t have to say it, but content is king… and data is queen.

Never forget that.

Period.

For more on creating good content, check out:

Make 2017 A Great Year For Your Website

There are currently many handy blogging tools and plugins that can help you achieve your blogging objectives. And we’ll expect to see more in 2017.

Each year, try to bring a visible change to your blog. That way, you will always find a way to keep your visitors engaged.

If you have any more tips to add to the list, leave a comment and let me know!

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WHAT OTHERS ARE READING

Authored By
Jennifer Warren is a content maven associated with Goodfirms.co, a USA-based research and review platform for app development companies, helping them establish. She has more than 3 years of experience in extensive project research and has been associated with many websites. She is mainly focused on finding more ways to embed technology into daily life to make it more resourceful.

COMMENTs ( 110 )

  2. JENNIFER WARREN, I write start a blog few day ago on blogger. Its by 28th December 2016. I done 45 post completed. There is good content. Yes visitors are coming slow till date around 7000 visitors visit there. Can you help me in this regard still adsense not showing any data. while google analytics show each n every thing. I am waiting your reply. Please.

    Reply

  6. Thanks for sharing such a great list of information.Most importantly the way of presentation means a lot.by the way your eyeliner example is just awesome!

    Reply

    • Hello, Arkananta.
      I’m glad the listing helped you.
      All the best and have a phenomenal year ahead.
      Cheers.

      Reply

  8. Thanks Jennifer for sharing this excellent blog. I am currently struggling with the number of daily visitors on my blog. Thanks to your blog post, now I can try these new tips to make all the necessary changes in my blog. I hope, I will get good response soon. Thanks a ton.

    Reply

    • Hello, James.
      I’m glad the listing helped you.
      All the best and have a phenomenal year ahead.
      Cheers.

      Reply

  9. Hello Jennifer,

    I started a blog during 2016 and going in a decent way by getting limited site visitors for it. While I’m looking for the ways to make some improvements in 2017 to increase my visitors, I found the information and I hope it clear all my doubts.

    I really thankful for sharing the information with us.

    Reply

  10. Delighted to learn alot from your this post. Since, I’m beginner , Your guidance matters a lot to me. Surely, gonna improve my blog in 2017 . Thanks a lot 🙂

    Reply

  13. Hello Jennifer,

    I started a blog in this current year which is not at all performed well. My investment of the blog is increasing, still I’m not getting any proper reaches. I was thinking to call-off my idea from Blogging industry and planning for an alternative source. But while checking out your Blog I think that I can continue in the same industry with some improvements. Anyways, thanks for the information and I will plan the same accordingly and get back soon with my results.

    Reply

    • Hello, Shekarkvarma.
      Please do not give up hope.
      It is too soon to conclude. It has barely been a year.
      I really hope that your blog very well always.
      Wish you all the luck.

      Reply

  14. Hello Jennifer
    I found your write-up as a concrete guideline for streamlining the websites in 2017. Especially, this guideline is useful for me, as I am worried about my niche site. However, I am, actually not knowledgeable about making the site TV friendly to make the website accessible to all. Have any paid plugin for this or any other way?

    Could you advise me regarding this task?

    Thanks for your worthy article.
    NB: I am using the search term as Name.

    Reply

    • Hey there, Mopping Robot.

      Do check out HDMI to run PDF reader.
      Also, you can take a look at Tizen OS.
      I have also come across great feedback for Google Cast and AirBuddy.
      To add more fun, check out controllers from Logitech and Razer.

      Personally speaking, I have been using PDFX Change Viewer for my Samsung TV to check my Photos/Videos/short texts exported from my phone and tablet. It is slightly slow, but it is worth seeing them on a larger screen.
      Also, what I usually do is connect them while I am away for work during the day, so that I don’t waste my time struggling/waiting transporting the data for the evening. And for direct internet on the TV, I use Freeview Play for video blogs and Smart Hub for general surfing.

      Bests.

      Reply

  16. Hello Jennifer,

    I absolutely concur with your focuses.

    This is the thing that I required the most right now, since my objective for 2017 is to enhance my blog and my blogging aptitudes. I need to center the most around the #4 indicate and attempt comprehend my perusers better

    I think availability is a major one – we can’t expect how individuals are perusing our substance, since we see it in an unexpected way.

    A debt of gratitude is in order for imparting the manual for us.

    Have an extraordinary day.
    Carleigh Diesel

    Reply

  17. Hi Jennifer,
    My year of blogging in 2016 was full of failure and I have wasted one whole year. I always have the fear that the same thing would happen in 2017 with no proper guidance and where to start again. But this post made me realize and things that can help me to start all over again.
    Thank you for this wonderful blog to improve my site….

    Have a nice day….

    Reply

    • Hello, Ugyen.
      Please do not be disheartened. Highs and lows are a part of every career. Think of the numerous possibilities you can gain on overcoming the initial hurdles.
      And hey, do not hesitate to ask for help or guidance.
      May the sun always shine upon you.
      Graces.

      Reply

  20. Thanks for this such a wonderful stuff.
    You are explains each and every points in a very good way, but using high resolution images on our blog increases the load time or not?

    Reply

    • Hello, Akash.
      Yes, the resolution affects the Page Load speed. Also, including videos and GIFs in the blog take a toll on the Page Load. Like I had mentioned in the post, one needs to upgrade the framework. The newer formats are not quite friendly with the older frameworks. A few changes in the module and you are good to go.
      Also, there are many caching plugins available for WordPress (Smush.it is the most popular one) where you can resize image without tampering the image quality.
      Resorting to better host and server will resolve majority of the related issues.
      Regards.

      Reply

  21. I started my blog on the foundation of strong and appealing content. Hope it will take me to the heights i dream every day and night. This article helped me a lot to add few more elements to my blogging techniques. Thanks Jennifer for this useful information.

    Reply

  22. Hey. Thank you so much for that. Very helpful. I am working to ignite my blog and attract more reader and there is no better way than to follow you tips. Thank you again.

    Reply

  24. Hello Jennifer

    This a wonderful comprehensive list for first-time bloggers and great reminders for experienced bloggers.

    Developing a ‘success’ mindset is important when you start a blog. If you’re a Negative Nelly or Negative Ned, you won’t get anywhere. Also, remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. It could take you six months or one year to build your blog and relationships with blog owners. Don’t worry; it will happen. Enjoy the journey and learn anything and everything you can along the way.

    Happy blogging!

    Reply

    • Thank you, Sachin.
      Let’s woot for the every one for the ShoutMeLoud team and community.
      Wish you a pleasant 2017.

      Reply

  28. With the new year 2017 round the corner this was the post that was required. I really liked the second point about getting accessible for everyone. We all need responsive websites now a days.

    Reply

    • Hey, Sazzad.

      Glad that you found it useful.
      Let me share an example from my family. My grandma still uses a QWERTY phone coz her hands are too shaky for a touch-screen ensemble.

      And this made me realize there are many out there who use such phone frameworks.

      Moral of the story, don’t limit yourself or your content due to something as trivial as formats. I know it would cost a couple of dollars more, but ultimately, the conversion and the reciprocation is highly worth it.

      Reply

  30. I especially like the Date point as it is very important for people as well as search engine to understand that the blog has been recently updated. It do helps to increase the time spent on the page as well as attract more visitors.

    Reply

    • Thank you for highlighting that, Bharat.
      The interesting point here is that earlier Google was not prioritizing the publish date factor. Past couple of years, there has been tremendous rise in the number of blogs, setups and websites. Therefore, it became an important element for the search engines.
      Secondly, even relevance to the current news, trending topics and breaking headlines places the blog higher on search engines.
      Luck.

      Reply

  31. Hey Jennifer,

    I totally agree with your points.

    It’s important to fix the pixelated images. Having the better quality images always put some value in the content.

    Look for the security factors and improve it. Use any security plugin and take some steps like disabling the PHP execution, disabling the directory browsing etc.

    Content is always the best thing to focus on.

    Thanks for sharing the guide with us.

    Have a great day.
    ~Ravi

    Reply

  35. Thanks for the list Jennifer. I think accessibility is a big one – we can’t assume how people are reading our content, just because we view it in a different way.

    Reply

    • You are absolutely right, Sam.
      We all have used it at one point and 1.5% of the world population (which counts to 115 million QWERTY users) is still using it.
      Good day.

      Reply

  36. This is what I needed the most at the moment, since my goal for 2017 is to improve my blog and my blogging skills. I want to focus the most on the #4 point and try to understand my readers better.

    Reply

  37. Great Post you’ve got here Jeniffer, I think Social media remains the best and cheapest tool that can be used to improve our blogs in getting more visitors and conversion

    Reply

    • That’s absolutely right, Prince.
      There are almost 10 million bloggers around the world who promote their work through social media and are going strong.

      Reply

  39. This knowledge is very useful and inspiring. So now i’m going to follow all these steps to improve my blogs. Thank you for posting, Thank you want to share.

    Reply

  41. Hi Jennifer.
    How are you?
    Loved your tips.
    As we are almost in 2017
    And I am new to blogging
    Your tips will be of
    IMMENSE help to me
    In helping make my blog grow.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Best wishes and regards.

    Reply

        • Hello, Ved.

          I don’t own a blog.
          I have been writing for growing companies and startups.
          The idea behind the thought is that I would rather help companies find more exposure through the articles.
          That way, companies find platform and genuine followers and I feel satisfied to have helped.
          Graces.

          Reply

  42. I agree Jennifer, content is still the king, it just need to create a bond with the readers, because whatever topics you have even it’s relevant if there’s no connection with our target audiences you will gain nothing, but I’ll accept the challenge, making my website great this 2017.

    Reply

  45. Hi JENNIFER,

    I am very glad to you for posting on this topic. recently i have started a new blogging site your tips have been very helpful for me. Thanks Jennifer.

    Reply

  49. Nice post Jeniffer,
    It will make people think again about their blog’s element and thus will help them in improving their blog for a better result in the coming year i.e. 2017.

    Reply

  50. Thanks Jennifer for this awesome post.

    However, I would like to add 3 of my Personal Tips here.

    1. Give some attention to Internal Linking and
    2. Don’t be shy to Outlink the Data Source.
    3. Try to publish long form of contents (that are value packed)

    Hope everyone will find these three in addition with all the practical tips shared by Jennifer.

    Happy Blogging.

    Cheers.

    Subhabrata.

    Reply

    • That’s absolutely right, Subhbhrata.
      Thank you for adding to the list.
      This has added to the value to the listing.
      Bests.

      Reply

  53. Hi, Jennifer,

    The post was fabulous with the initial magnetic images. I loved it very much. So thanks for sharing such a nice post.

    Next, I wanna thank Mr. Harsh for giving me a feel of visiting Siberia!!!

    Yes, when I visited this blog today, it were as if I had been in Siberia because of snow falling throughout the awesome theme.

    Regards,
    SM

    Reply

    • Thank you, SM.
      I’m happy that you found it helpful.
      And yeah, ShoutMeLoud always bring a lot of fun to their pages.
      Happy Holiday season, folks.

      Reply

  54. Great post. These things are really considered by search engine nowadays. So if a person wants to boost ranking then it must concentrate on these. Thanks for this great post. Keep sharing like this.

    Reply

    • Thank you, Awais.
      Absolutely true. Google is working more and more every day on making the search results precise.
      Hence, keep checking Google’s updates regularly.
      I know they don’t exactly give the bullet points, but we need to learn to read between the lines and crack the hints thrown.
      Also, one can always reach out to them through email or social media (Twitter is the quickest medium) when in doubt.
      Graces.

      Reply

  55. Great Post Jennifer,

    You have pointed out some great tips to improve blog in 2017. I am also following these tips to improve my blog. Hope My blog will perform well in 2017. Happy Blogging 🙂

    Reply

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The Man Behind ShoutMeLoud

About Harsh Agrawal

Hey Shouter, Welcome to award winning blog ShoutMeLoud. I'm Harsh Agrawal, a professional-blogger from New Delhi, India.

I started ShoutMeLoud as a passion and now it's empowering more than 872,000+ readers globally and helping them to make money with their blog.

Here at ShoutMeLoud I write about Starting & managing a blog, WordPress, Social-media, SEO and Making Money online.

You can read more about me at About me page.

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The Man Behind ShoutMeLoud

About Harsh Agrawal

Hey Shouter, Welcome to award winning blog ShoutMeLoud. I'm Harsh Agrawal, a professional-blogger from New Delhi, India.

I started ShoutMeLoud as a passion and now it's empowering more than 872,000+ readers globally and helping them to make money with their blog.

Here at ShoutMeLoud I write about Starting & managing a blog, WordPress, Social-media, SEO and Making Money online.

You can read more about me at About me page.

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