One other major thing that I have discovered is this: when it comes to blogs people will consistently return to and stay to read blogs with calm, soothing palettes. I didn’t want to hear that. I fought it off every time I heard it echo in my ear because you know, I’m a fun, edgy, modern kind of girl and I wanted my blog to reflect that. The problem is that I am not the one who is reading my blog… you are. And while you may be initially attracted to a bright and fun design you most likely will not stop to read it for very long.
…that loud catchy magazine cover may cause you to pick it up off of the shelf but if the design is consistently overbearing through the articles then you will just put it down. If a blogs color contains too much energy then it will cause the reader to bail. I found that out the hard way.
I can tell you that since I changed my design I have gained over 100 readers and gotten dozens of emails about how much easier it is to read and my stat counter shows that you are staying 2 minutes and 41 seconds longer on average than you were before.
I did the same thing at the café and the readership jumped from just under 1600 to almost 1800 and I just launched it two days ago. The best part is that the readers are staying for an average of 4 minutes 5 seconds now! Then I thought it makes sense. Every one of the most popular blogs like Nester, Simple Mom, Reluctant Entertainers, Bring the Rain… they all have these calm, soothing palettes. It is hard for the eyes to try and focus on reading the text when there is a bright blue or pink just inches away screaming for their attention. Can I tell you the colors usually win?
So I was finally convinced that although it is cool to dress in fun, edgy, and bright colored clothing I shouldn’t put all of that energy on my blog. Would you sit in a church for over an hour if it were painted and decorated that way? It isn’t likely. Maybe that is something to chew on. Personally, I get immediately drawn to bright, funky, and fun designs but I confess… I find myself only staying to read those blogs that are simple and soothing.
When I had the following design on my blog I had a huge spike in feed readers. The average length of time people were staying to read my blog was 1 minute and 36 seconds.
Then I changed to the following design and watched my feed readers come to a screeching halt. The average visit was only 12 seconds.
This blog design was somewhat better but still not good. I actually had to start over with my feed because I switched domains from In Pursuit of Proverbs 31 to AmyBayliss.com but I was a few hundred less than when I switched which was disappointing. Also, readers only stayed for an average of 38 seconds. Then I changed my design to what it is now.
With the new design in place, overnight my readers went up again and the length of time people stayed increased dramatically. You are now staying to read for an average of 3 minutes and 19 seconds. That is the proof right there. It matters about readership but if they don’t stay to read then you can’t make an impact in their life. If we use our blogs for ministry then we must utilize tools that will help us to reach them. Soothing color palettes are one such tool.
And for the record, the feed number spiked before I posted about subscribing. Seeing the spike is what prompted me to post about it. It has still steadily grown since then.
Yes, I love my bright funky colors but I would much rather build a relationship with you and minister to those who may find themselves landing on this page. The stats don’t lie. 3 minutes and 19 seconds of impact or 12 seconds worth… which would you choose? What are your thoughts about color palettes? Do you have a preference? Do you find yourself drawn to bright fun designs but only reading those simple ones? Do you have any experience with losing or gaining readers around blog design change times? Tell me!
By the way, the first winner of my random drawing from feed or followers is: Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family. Email me and let me know whether you want MP3s from the Ministry: Online conference or a ticket to an upcoming AWI conference. This contest will be ongoing so enter at anytime.
For those who wanted to know about switching to Wordpress from Blogger, Darcy has a great post about it: Migrating from Blogger to Wordpress – My Experience.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I realized after reading your post that I don't read any blogs with bright bold graphics regularly. The design at Simple Mom really appeals to me and since I read early in the morning, I think I find it a soothing and calm start to the day. I bookmarked you a couple of weeks ago and enjoy reading your blog.
Hmmm. Isn't it wild how the mind works!?
I just changed my template on Saturday and haven't checked any stats yet. I don't know that my readership is a great number to see a significant difference.
I've gotten positive feedback from the change, but don't know how long their sticking around to read.
Thanks for giving me something to think about (as always)
Well, I do think that your final design here is the most attractive of the previous ones. Your content should not have to compete with the decor.
It should complement it. And you've managed that with this green and blue palette. I personally love earth tones. Very soothing.
i think that is so true, but it's neat that you have the numbers to back it up. i absolutely hate blogs with dark backgrounds and light colors. hurts my eyes!
i really like this design. peaceful. relaxing. and since i'm relaxed, i want to stay and read awhile. =o).
Love your new design! But I loved all of yours.
Hmmm, wish I knew this before I choose my design…
Love you♥
I am also drawn to calm and soothing blogs. I guess it just depends on the goal of that person's blog. If it is to energize and motivate, then the brighter more vibrant palettes might work better. But if it is to contemplate or appreciate, I think the simpler the better.
Yes – I am a bright colors kind of gal. I chose the template for my blog because it not only reflected the style I like but had the word JOY. I felt that readers that would look at my blog could get a glimpse of me by seeing the template. So what do you think? Would you pop over to my blog and give me your thoughts? Is it too distracting when you're trying to read? Here's the link to my blog:
http://truthngraceministries.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Karen
Ohhhh, I so agree and am delighted to see that your research proves it! The simpler and softer, the better. Plus the busier and more animated blogs tend to lock up my older laptop, so I tend not to return to those blogs.
BTW, I love your new look
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
Wow. I do love your new design, but also loved them all. Now tho I wonder if my declining readership has anything to do with my black and red look? Hmmmmmm
Thanks Amy! Looking for your email address now, but I'd like to sign up for the upcoming AWI conference!
Love the new blog. It's beautiful. But what will I do now that you don't design blogs anymore?
Wow…that is fascinating. I totally get it with the Cafe look tho. I never liked the red.
You know when I find I do this is when I am looking at children's books. If they have too many pictures and are too busy, I throw them back down. If the pictures are simple and soothing, I keep them.
Hmmmmm.
I hope my new blog look is soothing…