Review Advice

[Megan @The Book Babe]

Hello guys,

I'm three months into this blogging thing, and I haven't seen much change in my traffic activity, or people who read more than one thing before they leave. Do you guys have any advice on how to better review books? Because I think that might be the problem.

http://bookstoloveandread.blogspot.com

If you follow me, post your url on my page and I will follow you.

[Jennifer Kitchens]

Hi there and welcome to the world of book reviews!  First of all, remember that 3 months is relatively "young" for this world.  It takes time and work and patience to build up an audience.  That said, there are some things I would suggest.  And please, take them as suggestions - it's your blog, do what you want.

1- Formatting.  Looking at your site, its hard to find any kind of archive or links to various genres you review.  It might help people read more reviews if it was easier to find the older posts.  

2- The Reviews Themselves.  Perhaps put the blurb first and your review second.  That way the reader knows what the book is about and who the basic characters are before you start reviewing it.  Otherwise, they might get a bit confused.  Also, make sure to double-check your writing for grammatical mistakes.  

3- I would go over your font and color scheme.  Perhaps something that is easier on the eyes.  They look good, but for someone to return often and read multiple posts, they want something that is easy to read and look at.

Those are my thoughts.  Take them or leave them.  Good luck!  (Oh, I'm a new follower!)

Clean Romance Reviews

[Megan @The Book Babe]

Thanks! I followed you too, Jennifer.

Your advice is great, and I moved my archive and stuff around(That was a good one. I hadn't thought about it.) but is it the font, or the color scheme that grates on the eyes?

If you could tell me, I would be ever grateful.

Thanks again,

Megan

[Jennifer Kitchens]

I don't know that it's the color or the font so much as the contrast of the color, font and background.  Especially on the title the background is so busy it's hard to read the title and caption line.  If I were to change one other thing it would be the font on the posts themselves.  I'm all for cool fonts in titles, gadgets, links and tabs.  But when it gets down to reading through several posts, I want something that doesn't look like my own handwriting.  I want something a little more clear-cut.  

I like the new background as well as the other changes you have made since I was on earlier.  

Clean Romance Reviews

[Alison M.]

I agree with Jennifer. Changing the format could help. I would suggest giving all the info [Title, author, summary, links to buy] about a book before you start the review. Readers want to know what a book is about before they read your review.

Add more to your reviews! Try taking notes of things to discuss while reading the book. Maybe come up with a default list of things to talk about if you can't think of what to say in a review [Why did you pick the book up, did it live up to your expectations, characters, plot, etc]

Consider changing your font. It makes it really hard to read very long on your blog.

More than anything, just stick with it! Your review style will change as you continue. You'll soon find what works and doesn't work for you.

If you are wanting more traffic, network! Comment on other people's blogs, they typically return the favor. Post your reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, etc. Link to other bloggers' reviews of a book.

[Megan @The Book Babe]

Thanks for the advice!

I will stick with it. I'm too invested as it is. :)

Thank you,

Megan

[Shayna Gier]

I don't this this would subtract from readership, but just a tip- If I were you'd l'd fade the book covers on your header or otherwise redesign it. It's hard to see the title of your page! But I think if you just fade out the covers to 70-80% That should do just fine and look awesome. Just a tip!

[Megan @The Book Babe]

I changed my blog url to http://thebookbabesreads.blogspot.com

If you follow me, post your url on my page and I will follow you.