...or people who do websites for bloggers, or people who do the behind the scenes blogging for people who want to be perceived as a blogger...you get where I'm headed, right?

Before I go any further, here is my disclaimer...I don't subscribe to a single VA blog, I haven't looked at VA blogs, MHO in this post does not apply to anyone who frequents VAF. Period. Wait, maybe it does if you are the VA who does the behind the scenes blogging for people who want to be perceived as a blogger...but I wouldn't know it was you so I can't be directing this at you.

Now that I know what RSS is and use Bloglines I'm addicted. Hey, I'm already better once I can admit I have a problem, right? So, there you have it, I admit I'm addicted. I should also add that I consider myself an "average consumer." I'm not high maintenance, my expectations aren't too over the top. Now, on to my point.

If you want me to read your blog make it easy for me to subscribe to it. At a minimum have an RSS feed button at the top of your site. No. Putting the word "Subscribe" in a menu list is not good enough. No. Putting a button at the bottom of your page is not good enough.

Once I've read that first blog post and decide I like your stuff I want to subscribe in two clicks or less...ok, if I REALLY like you I'll give you a little more than that. If I have to scroll past the most recent blog post to find a way to subscribe you've already lost me. Forget it if I have to scroll to the bottom and no way will I read all your menus looking for the "Subscribe" text that looks like all the other menu text on your site.

Fine, call me high maintenance, call me what you will...I still won't work to subscribe to your feed.

I'll just say "Make it a great day!" and click out of your site! :prrr:

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Sundi D. Hayes
Chief Virtual Officer - My Office Zilla
www.myofficezilla.com

Yeah, what she said!



Same goes for links/signups for your newsletter, e-book, e-course, etc.

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~Christina|BD Mag|VOSTeam

Here, here .... ..... this is so frustrating. At first I thought it was me, that I simply did not know the "trick". Now that I am becoming more knowledgeable, I'm discovering that isn't exactly the case. What is more surprising is that the "big name" touter's of success through blogging and social networking also fail at this.

I recently attended a webinar on social marketing/networking. As I was listening, I went to the speakers blog. There was no feed selection - NONE - not even the IE RSS icon. Ok ..... you want me to purchase your product or subscribe to your paid services but I can't subscribe to your free blog?

So ...... if it's that I don't know the "trick", then someone please enlighten me. Otherwise I follow the same procedure as Sundi ...... click off your site.

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Kim Alvis, Managing Director
Cardinal Point Business Associates

Thank goodness! I just thought I was being a witch! I feel much better now - and less frustrated!

Can I add one more thing?

If you want me to comment on your blog then let your comments be visible! A blogger I read posted about giving away a reward for the most interactive person who commented quality messages. Duh! Why would I even try if I can't see what I'm up against? If you want your blog to be an active conversation then make sure people can see what other people are saying! This too could be something I'm missing, a trick, a secret, what have you. Is it possible for someone to not know people can't see the comments on their blog?

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Sundi D. Hayes
Chief Virtual Officer - My Office Zilla
www.myofficezilla.com

That irritates me too. In fact, I have a Forefox add-on that I just click it on my toolbar and it will subscribe me so I don't have to go searching for a feed.

Another thing I don't like is the ones that only have a link to subscribe by email. I use Google Reader for everything.

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April @ Advantage
Advantage Virtual Assistant

April,

Do you have the link to that toolbar? What is it's name? I'm looking for it but can't seem to find it. Probably looking all over it.

Thanks.

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Mattie Stokes

Never mind I think I get it. Thanks.

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Mattie Stokes

I think it was through Google. I can't even remember now.

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April @ Advantage
Advantage Virtual Assistant

You're definitely not being a "witch". I thougt I was just clueless.

I haven't ran into the comments not being visible yet but I would have to second that motion as well!

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Kim Alvis, Managing Director
Cardinal Point Business Associates

Thanks for sharing this tip & feedback! I will be sure to move my own "subscribe to this blog" link to the top where it can be found by all!