First time readers make almost instantaneous decisions on whether they’ll be subscribing to your blog, leaving a comment, and making their way back for a return visit. Abby Kerr has a great post on this over on her site. And it’s true, much like a good first impression matters during an interview for a new job or going out on a date, a good first impression matters online to new blog readers.
Today’s Task:
Perform a first time reader audit on your blog. Clueapp is a neat site that will help you do just that. Here’s how it works:
First: submit your URL. Then, Clueapp creates a memory test for site visitors to take by creating a screenshot of your URL to share with site visitors.
Second: share your memory test URL with your network. You can share this with as many people in your network by email, Facebook and Twitter.
Basically, the way it works is when people click on the Clue Memory Test URL, Clueapp shares a screenshot of your website for just a few seconds. Then, it fades away and asks the site visitor (the person taking the test) to share the most memorable things they can remember from taking a look at your website for that brief period of time.
What’s the goal here? Your goal is to get a good sense of the type of first impression that you’re leaving on new site visitors.
- Is your site memorable?
- Can people distinguish what your site is about? What did they think your site was about when they first landed there?
- What areas of your blog do they seem the most drawn to?
- Was it easy to read/navigate/understand?
I took this test. Aside from having clean, crisp headlines, my header needs a bit of work and so does my tagline that tells people what this site is about. Needless to say, it can be very revealing to run an audit on your site past a few people to see what impression you’re making so that you know how you can improve on.
You can even take it a step further by asking a friend or two (someone who doesn’t visit your site on a regular basis) spend 5-10 minutes navigating your content. Ask them things like:
- What was your first impression?
- What did you think my site was about?
- Did you find it easy to read and understand?
- How do you think I can improve my site? From content to the design?
For yourself, take note of things like:
- Where did they click?
- How did they navigate the site? Was it easy or confusing?
- Where did they pause to read your content?
- What areas of your blog seemed to stand out the most?
Report what you find…
Run your site through Clueapp and have people take the memory test. Or, select a few people to critique your blog and answer some of the questions I’ve outlined above for you. Then, come back to this post and report what you find! If you want me to take the Memory Test for you, just drop a link to it in the comments, I’m happy to participate… š
Good morning Ricardo. I ran the test on my main blog http://www.sandiegomortgagereports.co... but for some reason the upper left portion of the main page was not showing in the test. The only tyhings visible were my logo and the title of my first post. Is that normal?
Here is the link to the test: http://www.clueapp.com/39749
Hey Michael,
I'm not entirely sure as to why it might be doing that. Perhaps try loading a new test or try in another browser? Try that and see if it works…
Hey Ricardo – love this idea and we will be testing it soon. Thanks for bringing this app to our notice!
Hi Lisa,
It really is a great app. I tested my site with it, and like I said, pretty revealing in terms of how we 'think' we're doing and how others perceive us. Anyway, all great feedback.
Give it a spin and let me know how it goes!
Hey Ricardo,
I did this and will be very interested to see the results.
http://martawalsh.com/marta-wa…
Hey There,
Thanks for stepping up to the challenge! Just saw your post and left some thoughts for you in the comments. All in all, job well done š
I was going through #31dc withdrawal. So happy to have this back. Thanks, can't wait to Clueapp then clean up my blog based upon the results. Will gladly share once I have conducted these tests.
Heh, let's rock and roll! ClueApp is pretty neat and pretty revealing when you run the test by a few people. Hope you find it helpful and let me know what you find!
Great tip, Ricardo! I know there are some weak spots on my blog I need to work on, but having a quick and easy way to survey folks is always a nice option to have. Thanks for the recommendation of ClueApp!
ClueApp is pretty neat (and kinda revealing actually). For example, evidently, aside from wonderful friends like you, it's difficult to tell what the heck this wonderful little blog is about, heh. I need to redo the header and make it a bit more clear.
Thanks for the comment Amber! Glad you found the tip helpful š
Social Media Business Strategies for Real Estate and Small Business seems pretty clear to me. People aren't getting that?
LOL! Maybe it's just the perfectionist in me being a lil extra picky… I still want to freshen up that header. Already asked someone to take a stab at it but still waiting on the final design š
Cool! Totally going to do this. Thanks for the tip.
Pretty neat tool! Let me know how you like it š
I am going to have to do this. Seems like something really great.
Pretty darn revealing actually… Let me know how you like it!
I have really liked the website and got some great feedback. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
I blogged about what I found today…and I give you full credit (without including the comment that it might bring tears to your eyes). THANK YOU for the tip!!
Gini: You my friend, are awesomesauce! (Yes, that's a word). Thanks for sharing the tip (thanks for the shout-out) and totally glad you found it helpful!!
I like awesomesauce!
Here’s my clue url –Ā www.clueapp.com/45568+
Please let me know what you think!
http://www.clueapp.com/45589+Ā
Interested in seeing the results!
Hey Mark,
Just took the test!
Now if you don’t mind me sharing, I dig the colors on the site. The homepage font might be a little hard to read for some viewers, but ultimately it works for me. If there is one thing I might consider changing, is the quote on the homepage. If there’s anyway you can shrink that to take up less space, that would be perfect. Currently, I just feel like it takes up too much space above the fold.
Just my two cents anyway (hope you don’t mind).
Thanks for taking the test and providing the feedback! Time to hit the drawing board and work slider in the middle. Thanks again Ricardo. I appreciate all the help!
Does the slider have a scroll effect?
Yea it goes through 3 slides. Takes up alot of valuable real estate which I think I can use better.
I might include the top 3 things you want to direct people to…
1. Services
2. Portfolio
3. Subscribe to newsletter
Etc.
That’s what I need to create more conversions. Thanks again for all the input.
Awe. They dont’ have updated flash so they can’t make one for mine š
http://www.rebecca-hamilton-books.com
aww, I’m sorry Rebecca, but I did take a look at your site and it’s obvious to me what it is that you do. There’s not a whole lot of scroll on the homepage which I like as it puts the focus on the content upon landing on the page.
I can access the navigation easily to look for content, and the links to your social networking icons is perfect. Nice added touch on the “Follow me” button, heh.Ā
Oh! Thank you! I appreciate you taking a look for me! I’m working on an interactive guestbook right now. Found a GREAT graphic designer to put some images together for me. If you have a site, let me know! I’d love to return the favor and check our your site with my impressions. Really that was very kind of you.
Interesting. Unfortunately I don’t have enough engagement in the social spheres to help get a larger sample size… but it’s a great exercise to go through anyway!
http://www.clueapp.com/46007
Finally caught up on the 30 day challenge. Whew š
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