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Blogging Guide > Building a subscriber base > 5 reasons why I might not subscribe to a site
Since I started writing about blogging and website tips without the jargon, I've discovered several sites whether the author suggests ways to get people to subscribe.
While many of these tips are very good, there are some techniques I've seen around the web that I don't like. I subscribe to an increasing number of sites and I am starting to become more choosy with the sites I subscribe to. Here are some of the reasons I might not subscribe to a site.
1. A huge orange feed icon at the top of the page.
Some blogs make their feed icon very obvious. I think it should stand out, but there are limits.
Bear in mind that not everyone knows what the icon means. Those who do understand it may feel like they're being pressured into subscribing. This is a bit too "in your face" for my liking.
2. Constantly nagging me to subscribe.
I have seen some blogs where there are numerous "subscribe" links all over the page. A link at the end of a blog entry can work wonders, but do we really need to see several identical links in various places on the same page? To me, it just screams of desperation.
3. Not being able to find the subscription link.
While some blogs have too many subscription links, others have too few! Perhaps there's just too much clutter on the page and I can barely find your content, let alone the subscription link.
Using something like "Recent Entries RSS" for the link text doesn't help either. If a non-technical reader finds this link, are they going to understand what it does?
4. Lack of "subscribe by email".
Currently, my preferred way to subscribing to a site is by email. Oh, you don't have that option? Well, why not?
Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I find it very disappointing if I can't subscribe by email.
5. Not using Feedburner.
It does seem like most blogs use Feedburner. This is an excellent service that provides some very handy tools for managing your feeds.
However, some blogs use other services, and it really puts Feedburner into perspective when you see those other services! In my opinion, Feedburner is the best site for all things feed-related.
That's my list - what stops you from subscribing to a site? Do you ever give feedback to sites that you would subscribe to if they made changes? Or do you just move along?
5 reasons why I might not subscribe to a site
| Building a subscriber base | Subscription should be an offer your visitors can't refuse >
Don't know what an RSS feed is? Read this: What is RSS and why should you care?Since I started writing about blogging and website tips without the jargon, I've discovered several sites whether the author suggests ways to get people to subscribe.
While many of these tips are very good, there are some techniques I've seen around the web that I don't like. I subscribe to an increasing number of sites and I am starting to become more choosy with the sites I subscribe to. Here are some of the reasons I might not subscribe to a site.
1. A huge orange feed icon at the top of the page.
Some blogs make their feed icon very obvious. I think it should stand out, but there are limits.
Bear in mind that not everyone knows what the icon means. Those who do understand it may feel like they're being pressured into subscribing. This is a bit too "in your face" for my liking.
2. Constantly nagging me to subscribe.
I have seen some blogs where there are numerous "subscribe" links all over the page. A link at the end of a blog entry can work wonders, but do we really need to see several identical links in various places on the same page? To me, it just screams of desperation.
3. Not being able to find the subscription link.
While some blogs have too many subscription links, others have too few! Perhaps there's just too much clutter on the page and I can barely find your content, let alone the subscription link.
Using something like "Recent Entries RSS" for the link text doesn't help either. If a non-technical reader finds this link, are they going to understand what it does?
4. Lack of "subscribe by email".
Currently, my preferred way to subscribing to a site is by email. Oh, you don't have that option? Well, why not?
Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I find it very disappointing if I can't subscribe by email.
5. Not using Feedburner.
It does seem like most blogs use Feedburner. This is an excellent service that provides some very handy tools for managing your feeds.
However, some blogs use other services, and it really puts Feedburner into perspective when you see those other services! In my opinion, Feedburner is the best site for all things feed-related.
That's my list - what stops you from subscribing to a site? Do you ever give feedback to sites that you would subscribe to if they made changes? Or do you just move along?
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Comments on 5 reasons why I might not subscribe to a site
Hi again ettarose, thanks for the comment. :) I've actually changed my tune with subscribing by email - I now just use Google Reader. Have you seen my guide for that? It makes life a lot easier!
Ben, I don't leave feedback unless something does not work. I have not been blogging very long and I can't even get my site visited so I do not feel comfortable telling anyone what they should do. I do know I do know I don't like the big orange square either, nor do I like to see people beg (although I do understand wanting to)I also will not subscribe unless I can do so with e-mail