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7 Steps to a User-Friendly Blog

While I’m away, here’s an oldie but always a goodie, especially for new bloggers. Good luck!

This isn’t a new topic, but it seems worth a mention every now and then within the WordPress blog community. I love connecting with other bloggers and occasionally a website makes that hard if not impossible to do. Here are a few tips. 🙂

Definitely take a look at these if:

  • You are leaving likes, comments, or follows on other blogs and not getting return visits.
  • Everyone likes your old posts and seems to ignore your recent posts.
  • You’ve changed your blog address at any time (your gravatar may still be directing your readers to the old deleted site!)

1. Make sure your links to your site are working. Unfortunately, this isn’t handled in just one place:

  • In your blog profile: Go to WP Admin – Users – My Profile. At the bottom of the page, make sure your website address is correct.
  • In your gravatar: Go to WP Admin – Users – My Profile. And at the top of the page, click on the tiny link that says, “edit your profile at gravatar.com.” Once in your gravatar profile, click on “Websites.” Be sure that your correct website address is listed. 
  • In WP Reader – this is important as it’s what points back to you when you leave likes and comments! Per WP Support, click on https://wordpress.com/me/account to get directly to your profile page. To get there the long way, open WP Reader. Click on Followed Sites and then on the little circle in the upper right-hand corner. Then select Account Settings and update your Web Address. 

2. Make navigation fool-proof. If readers can’t figure out how to get to new posts or the next/previous post, they aren’t going to stay long. This can happen for a number of reasons including the fact that WordPress sites have a lot of variation. The easiest way to handle this is to have a list of recent posts on your sidebar. Go to WP Admin – Appearance – Widgets. Then drag the box labeled “Recent Posts” to your sidebar.

3. Add a translate button. Readers probably won’t “like” or comment on a post they can’t read, right? And following becomes rather pointless. While you’re in Widgets, also slide over the button that says, “Google Translate: Translate to your language.” Sometimes a translate icon will appear in your taskbar, but not always. Adding this widget solves that problem.

4. Add a follow button. Also in Widgets, you’ll see a “Follow Button.” Slide that one over too. Sometimes a “Follow” will appears as a pop-up thingy in the corner of a post or it will appear after commenting, but not always. Make following as easy as clicking on a button.

5. Static Front Page versus Most Recent Post front page. One way to have followers engage easily with your most recent posts is to have those display when a reader visits your site. Go to WP Admin – Settings – Reading Settings. Set your “Front Page Display” to “Your Latest Posts.”

If you elect to have a static front page – which may make perfect sense for your blog – be sure that readers can access your recent posts by clicking on a menu item named “Blog Posts” or something similar. Make it easy. If readers have to hunt through all your menu headings for something new, they may give up after a few tries.

6. Speed up your blog. I follow a couple blogs that are slow, slow, slow to load, and they tend to bog down the whole system. I can barely scroll, and the little wheely-thing spins and spins and spins. I click “like” and close the site as fast as possible. This is because your blog is trying to load every page of every post you’ve ever written, ever, all at once. Go to WP Admin – Settings – Reading Settings. Where it says “Blog pages show at most” enter 10. Your readers will love you and stick around longer.

7. Make commenting easy. If you make your readers jump through three hoops to comment on your blog, they usually won’t. I recently read a post from someone complaining that no one commented. I tried to leave a comment explaining why no one was commenting, but it was so hard, I gave up. Go to WP Admin – Settings – Discussion Settings, and take a look at “Other Comment Settings.” Unless you have a specific reason for doing otherwise, I would not recommend making a reader fill out name and email, or even worse, register and log in. If you are worried about trolls, look at some of the options further down the Discussion Settings page for moderating comments.

I hope this helps you get lots of visits and follows and blogosphere friends. Happy Blogging!

382 thoughts on “7 Steps to a User-Friendly Blog”

  1. Mariana Dynasty says:
    April 5, 2022 at 8:52 am

    This is extremely helpful. Checking my website right away.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. 7 Steps to a User-Friendly Blog – Sudz N Such says:
    December 4, 2020 at 5:14 pm

    […] See Original Blog here… […]

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Rhiannon says:
    March 30, 2020 at 5:29 am

    Well written 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Hery says:
    March 25, 2020 at 5:01 pm

    Thanks a lot, it’s been so useful for me as a new blogger.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. wilfredbooks says:
    March 24, 2020 at 8:04 am

    Very useful points, thank you. Cheers, Jon.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Schreibrausch says:
    March 24, 2020 at 3:46 am

    Reblogged this on Schreibrausch. Kreatives Schreiben. and commented:
    Einfache Tipps um deinen Blog benutzerfreundlicher zu machen.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Sam Simon says:
    March 24, 2020 at 3:27 am

    Great post, thank you! And now I have a Translate widget in my blog! :–)

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Shaily Agrawal says:
    March 23, 2020 at 10:00 pm

    Wonderful post. Best part is how easy your instruction language is.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      March 24, 2020 at 10:09 am

      Well, that’s good to know. I’m an easily confused person, so I write these things so I can understand them. 🙂 I can’t tell you how many times I can’t repay a visit because links don’t work. I feel so bad about it. Have a great day and take care. Happy Blogging.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. beetleypete says:
    March 23, 2020 at 10:16 am

    Reblogged this on beetleypete and commented:
    **Attention!** Bloggers old and new, check out these essential tips from Diana. Make your blog user friendly! Get more readers, more followers, and more interaction and involvement on your blog. You know it makes sense!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Robert Matthew Goldstein says:
    April 28, 2019 at 3:44 pm

    Thank you! This is an excellent checklist!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Starrcreative says:
    April 28, 2019 at 6:43 am

    So glad I read this – I’m going to go check these things out! Much appreciated
    .

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 28, 2019 at 10:46 am

      I’m glad they seem helpful. I can’t tell you how many bloggers have links that don’t work (yours are fine). I feel so sorry that I can’t visit, or when I get there, it’s impossible to find the most recent post. Thanks for the visit and have a great week ahead.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. MargeKatherine says:
    April 23, 2019 at 8:23 am

    Excellent blogging suggestions. One other great idea I read was to post images that have been compressed as a way to load them quicker and to use less storage space. Thanks for creating such an informative post!

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 23, 2019 at 8:30 am

      Yes, that’s a great suggestion. I often give up on blogs that take too long to load and tie up my laptop. Blog images don’t need the same resolution as printed pics. I’m glad you liked the post!

      Like

  13. her mourning coffee says:
    April 23, 2019 at 6:19 am

    Very helpful!!

    Like

  14. The BookWorm Drinketh says:
    April 19, 2019 at 8:30 am

    P.S. FIFTY blogs a day?! Well, I work 14 hr days most of the week now… The rest of the time I’m reading to try to get reviews for content… It’s really hard to comment on so many blogs a day if you want to leave meaningful comments, which I do! I’m trying to get back into commenting again, but it’s hard for me to even spare an hr a day to comment. 😢

    Liked by 1 person

  15. The BookWorm Drinketh says:
    April 19, 2019 at 8:26 am

    I’ve been blogging for over a year and I JUST figured out how to use gravitar… Sort of… Lol! It’s ALL SO COMPLICATED!! Technology and I don’t really get along. So, deciding to become a blogger was a funny step for me! 😅

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Author Inspiration and This Week’s Writing Links – Staci Troilo says:
    April 18, 2019 at 10:02 pm

    […] User-Friendly Blogs | Myths of the Mirror […]

    Liked by 1 person

  17. J.D. Riso says:
    April 17, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    Great advice, Diana. Starting a blog can be so intimidating.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 18, 2019 at 5:57 am

      Thanks for taking a peek at this one. I love WP but it’s not quite intuitive when setting up or changing a blog. I feel so sorry for new bloggers whose links don’t work and they don’t know why they aren’t getting visits. 😦 Hopefully this will help a few. 🙂

      Like

  18. roughwighting says:
    April 12, 2019 at 3:38 am

    These are good reminders even for us “old timers.” And I must admit, I get hindered (and don’t leave a comment sometimes) if I have to go through those “hoops” mentioned here, having to again record my name, address, web site etc to make a comment, and having it come back to me because I didn’t press a certain button, etc. Make it easy for your blogging reader to… read and comment.
    Hope the move is going well, that you and your family are not stressed, and watch your back! (re don’t get a sore back). Stretch! Meditate here and there. (Sorry, I can’t help being a ‘mother’ sometimes. :-)xo

    Liked by 1 person

  19. House of Heart says:
    April 11, 2019 at 9:37 am

    Excellent advice. So many times I’m unable to reach a site. I often rely on the graveyard but find many have not left their blog address there. ♥️

    Liked by 1 person

  20. kevin cooper says:
    April 10, 2019 at 9:52 am

    Have you turned off your comments, Diana? Been wondering how the move was going. And, I posted your Bone Wall review here: https://authorkevincooper.com/2019/04/09/the-bone-wall/
    Anyway, hope all is well.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 10, 2019 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks so much, Kevin. The move is going well and we’re in the midst of unpacking now. My parents are napping, so some quiet time to blog a little. Thanks so much for sharing your review of the Bone Wall! You’re very kind to me. 🙂 I’ll reblog in a couple days. Have a great week, my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

      • kevin cooper says:
        April 11, 2019 at 6:36 am

        Glad to hear that all has gone well, Diana. This must have been a very busy, and stressful event. Don’t forget to get some much needed relaxation… Blogging can always wait. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  21. smilecalm says:
    April 9, 2019 at 11:35 am

    wonderful lesson
    for me!
    wonder if i forward
    if someone will
    take offense? 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 10, 2019 at 12:43 pm

      I’m glad it came in handy. I hope someone wouldn’t take offense if you shared. I share the link all the time and usually other bloggers are appreciative. I’m glad you found it helpful!

      Like

      • smilecalm says:
        April 11, 2019 at 9:09 am

        you offering wonderful help!
        i’ve encountered many who are
        not ready, willing or able to
        accept suggestions, even good intentioned ones. do you remember that old mouthwash commercial where bottles of scope, i think, were left in people’s mailboxes? 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  22. inesephoto says:
    April 9, 2019 at 6:05 am

    Thank you, Diana! I will do a checkup again, in case WordPress have changed something for me 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 10, 2019 at 12:41 pm

      You’re welcome, Inese. I think once your blog is working fine, it’s unlikely to change. This applies mostly to new bloggers or bloggers who have changed their site. Hope you’re having a lovely week. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      • inese says:
        April 10, 2019 at 2:45 pm

        Thank you Diana! It came out I didn’t have a ‘translate’ widget, which I installed after reading your post 🙂 Thank you again for the tips! Hope all is well. xx

        Liked by 1 person

  23. mylilplace says:
    April 8, 2019 at 10:55 am

    Great tips, Diana!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Jina Bazzar says:
    April 8, 2019 at 7:46 am

    Lot’s of great tips here, Diana, and I might say i’m glad i’ve checked most of what you mentioned there, though not always in that order.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 10, 2019 at 1:57 pm

      Thanks, Jina. I’m glad you approve! These are often most helpful to new bloggers since WP isn’t particularly intuitive. Hope you’re doing well and getting some editing done! Happy Blogging.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Bryan Fagan says:
    April 8, 2019 at 6:11 am

    These are all excellent points and one that needs to care too constantly.

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 10, 2019 at 1:42 pm

      Thanks for the visit, Bryan. I notice that new bloggers particularly benefit from a quick check up. Once everything is working, WP shouldn’t need a lot of technical updates. I’m glad you found it helpful. Happy Blogging!

      Like

  26. Sarah says:
    April 6, 2019 at 10:13 am

    Great tips and advice, Diana!! 😄❤

    Liked by 2 people

  27. positivesideofcoin says:
    April 6, 2019 at 9:44 am

    This is very helpful post Diana, thanks for sharing 💝

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 10, 2019 at 1:26 pm

      I’m glad it came in handy. 🙂 WordPress isn’t particularly intuitive about these things, and it took me a long time to learn this stuff. Thanks for stopping by to comment! Have a great day.

      Like

  28. Almost Iowa says:
    April 6, 2019 at 9:24 am

    Yikees!

    I never thought of adding a Translate button.

    Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 10, 2019 at 1:24 pm

      I’m glad that this was a little helpful then! Sometimes google with offer to translate, but not always. It doesn’t hurt to have the button. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

      Like

  29. Teagan R. Geneviene says:
    April 6, 2019 at 6:52 am

    Hi Diana! I set out this morning with the specific purpose of looking you up, to see how you were.
    I got so overwhelmed with trying to overcome my absurd issues to get myself relocated, making the actual cross country trip, recovering from sleep deprivation, adjusting to the altitude, (pause for breath) and now painting and cleaning everything, that I just haven’t kept up with anyone (including me!).
    I hope your break is for a happy reason. I’ll dig deeper to make sure. Hugs on the wing, my friend. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 10, 2019 at 1:23 pm

      Thanks so much, Teagan. I’m moving my elderly parents from Colorado to Washington. We made it with 2 wheelchairs and 3 cats! Now we’re unpacking, running errands, and learning the area and new routines. As you know, there is a lot to it! Here’s to new beginnings! I’ll be home in a week and back to the blog “full time.” Happy painting and settling in. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Amanda Cade says:
    April 6, 2019 at 6:29 am

    Thank you! I just set up my sidebar… I actually didn’t know what a widget was. Lol

    Liked by 1 person

  31. pqnzaj@gmail.com says:
    September 14, 2018 at 2:20 am

    My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

  32. clarejk2014 says:
    July 24, 2018 at 3:28 pm

    Thank you. These are very helpful tips. ☺️

    Liked by 1 person

  33. themagesravenbookreviews says:
    June 1, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    Great tips :@) and a lovely Blog.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      June 1, 2018 at 4:13 pm

      Thanks so much for the kind comment. And I’m glad you liked the tips. Some of these problems prevent me from returning visits and I always feel bad about that. Thanks for the follow and have a wonderful weekend!

      Like

  34. juliasjournaluk says:
    June 1, 2018 at 10:30 am

    Reblogged this on Julia's Journal and commented:
    Thank you, Diana, I’ve reset my settings and hopefully I’ll get some comments now! I did wonder why I wasn’t receiving any! Your tips are invaluable for negotiating the maze of blogland

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Sean P Carlin says:
    November 9, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Diana: Thank you for posting this! This should be a must-read primer for all WordPress users (myself foremost)!

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      November 9, 2017 at 2:56 pm

      Thanks, Sean. Your site functions well, though. Links are the hardest part for people to fix because they often don’t know that they’re broken! I feel so bad when I have no way to reciprocate a visit. 🙂 Thanks for the cheers!

      Liked by 1 person

  36. legendary cheats says:
    November 7, 2017 at 7:22 pm

    I like this site because so much useful stuff on here : D.

    Like

  37. Duke says:
    September 24, 2017 at 1:09 pm

    Thanks so much for doing this. When I decided to go back to blogging after a long break. The question became what do I want this to look like? Having been doing research for well over 30 years I have seen all kinds of sites. I think the biggest mistake companies and people make is they have so much stuff that sensory overload happens. When I am really doing research I make the decision in about 30 to 45 seconds if I am going to stay.

    Like

  38. Sovereign Stairparts says:
    September 23, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    Hi – I’m new to blogging so I have taken your tips on board

    Liked by 1 person

  39. suzlearnsfrench says:
    September 20, 2017 at 2:33 am

    Thanks for the tips! I’m new and looking to improve. I’ll be trying some of your suggestions.

    Suz

    Liked by 1 person

  40. Chibueze Afugbuom says:
    September 4, 2017 at 7:12 am

    Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate this as a very new blogger. Thanks again. I would also really love it if you guide/coach me please 😖

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      September 4, 2017 at 7:21 am

      Thank you for the visit and I’m glad this was helpful. My advice for a successful blog is easy – enjoy yourself and make friends. Visit and reciprocate and comment when you enjoy something you read. That’s all there is to it. Have fun, Chibueze. Happy Blogging.

      Like

      • Chibueze Afugbuom says:
        September 4, 2017 at 7:34 am

        Thanks a lot, but when I try and look for bloggers I would have to search, personally I love sports and games but for my blog I want to cover an all round aspect, I need advice on how I can find the right bloggers to support me and really enjoy my post cause I’m not getting any views😖

        Like

  41. marianbeaman says:
    August 28, 2017 at 5:20 am

    Great list – good reminder to add a “translate” button.

    Liked by 1 person

  42. Judy E Martin says:
    August 28, 2017 at 5:07 am

    Thanks so much for this Diana, I realised after checking through your steps, that my self-hosted website that I have had for over a year wasn’t my default one, it was directing everything to the WordPress site!

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      August 28, 2017 at 5:10 am

      This stuff isn’t as intuitive as it seems, Judy, and if something isn’t working right, it’s not always evident to the site’s owner. I had to call WP to get the answers to some of these questions. I’m so glad it was helpful! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      • Judy E Martin says:
        August 28, 2017 at 5:15 am

        It really was, Diana! I have been blogging a while now and still didn’t realise what was happening! I did find it a bit odd though then when I reblogged something on my site I could never ind it in the admin page!! Thanks for putting me right! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  43. Sheila M. Good, Author says:
    August 28, 2017 at 4:57 am

    Thanks so much for the helpful review! @sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles

    Liked by 1 person

  44. How can you make your blog more user friendly? says:
    August 28, 2017 at 3:06 am

    […] Read – From Myths of the Mirror comes… 7 Steps to a User-Friendly Blog […]

    Liked by 1 person

  45. Megala says:
    August 19, 2017 at 9:10 pm

    Great post ! Thanks for sharing !!

    Liked by 1 person

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