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(www.businessandblogging.com)Recently I read about a study done by two researchers at the University of California Irvine on the habits of blog readers. Previous studies have focused on the habits and characteristics of bloggers, rather than on their readers.
I thought it was an interesting idea, however I was disappointed to learn that the researchers only studied fifteen respondents, and they were all under 40.
I’m not sure that the results of such a small non-diverse sample are universally applicable. Therefore, I thought I’d try to get my own sample and ask some questions that would be of interest to business bloggers in better understanding their readers.
Please respond by comment or email. I will be happy to consolidate the results and share them with you.
Survey:
How often do you read blogs?
How many do you read on a regular basis?
What qualities keep you coming back to a blog on a regular basis?
How often do you comment on blogs?
What prompts you to comment on a post?
Do you feel a personal connection with the bloggers you read on a regular basis?
When you are looking at a new business website, do you consciously look for a blog so as to learn more about the owner?
All things being equal, do you think you are more or less likely to do business with a site that has a blog?
Are there bloggers who opinions you trust for advice?
And, if you could, include the following info:
-
- age: 20′s, 30′s, 40′s, 50′s, 60′s, 70′s, 80′s, 90′s
- gender
- do you blog?
Feel free to link to this survey in your blog or repeat the questions on your own blog and forward me the data for consolidation.
You can also read the original UCI study, Exploring the Role of the Reader in the Activity of Blogging.
photo credit: johnb2008
1289 days ago
[...] while ago I asked you, our readers, to respond to a short survey to find out more about your blog reading habits. I’ve now tabulated the results and would [...]
Hi Linette
Wow – 5 blogs!! I’m so impressed – I’d love to know more about how you manage your time and your creative energy!!
I’ll be in touch!
Liz
Hi Breanne
Sorry I missed your comment before! Thanks for responding and for sharing your blog. There are a lot of interesting articles on your site – I like your series of “you might be…” as well as the one about introverts becoming CEOs.
Good stuff that showcases your expertise and really gets readers excited about the services you provide.
Liz
How often do you read blogs? Every day, it’s an addiction.
How many do you read on a regular basis? 20-30, I have well over 100 in my reader, but many get skimmed for interesting headlines.
What qualities keep you coming back to a blog on a regular basis? Usually the subject, most of the blogs I read are cooking, party planning, or garden related. The blogger has to be interesting, or I stop reading.
How often do you comment on blogs? Several times a day, goes back to that blog addiction:)
What prompts you to comment on a post? If I can relate to the post, can contribute to the conversation, or if they’re asking for a response.
Do you feel a personal connection with the bloggers you read on a regular basis? Yes
When you are looking at a new business website, do you consciously look for a blog so as to learn more about the owner? I do.
All things being equal, do you think you are more or less likely to do business with a site that has a blog? Yes
Are there bloggers who opinions you trust for advice? Yes
Female, 30-40, Do I blog? Yes, I have 3 b5media blogs, and a couple of my own:)
1377 days ago
[...] has created a blogging reader survey. No contest, but your response is needed. Here is the link: http://www.businessandblogging.com/quick-business-blogging-reader-survey/ Tags: Business and Blogging, surveyShare This Related StoriesBlog CredibilityGood Journalism [...]
Hi Gavin!
Thanks for sharing your favorites. They sound like great blogs to follow. I’m sure some readers will agree.
1377 days ago
[...] At the Online Marketing Blog, Lee Odden is conducting a poll to find out which social networks are most helpful to business. Be sure to participate, and while you’re at it – don’t miss Business and Blogging’s own poll. [...]
Hi Laura … I have favourites in different categories (sounding a bit geeky now).
- Branding — branddna.blogspot.com
- Business marketing — http://www.drewsmarketingminute.com
- Web strategy — http://www.web-strategist.com/blog
- Insight – http://www.getshouty.com
But the list goes on ;)
1378 days ago
[...] Liz Fuller over at Business and Blogging has created a blogging reader survey. No contest, but your response is needed. Here’s the link: http://www.businessandblogging.com/quick-business-blogging-reader-survey/ [...]
1378 days ago
[...] You’ll find my answers here. [...]
Gavin,
Thanks for your input. The more readers we hear from, the better our final information will be.
It sounds like you read a large number of blogs. Do you have a favorite?
1379 days ago
[...] Liz Fuller over at Business and Blogging has created a blogging reader survey. No contest, but your response is needed. Here is the link: http://www.businessandblogging.com/quick-business-blogging-reader-survey/ [...]
I read blogs 2-3 times a day and continuously if I am doing research
I regularly read about 100+ blogs via a reader and another 20 or so live
Good content keeps me coming back – it needs to be relevant to me, or so well written that it draws me in
I comment only if I feel I have something to add to the conversation/discussion
Yes I feel a connection with some blogs that I read regularly and there are many where I actually have developed a relationship. That trust helps their business (makes me likely to buy or recommend)
Yes I consciously look for a blog or I look to blogs to provide research about my upcoming purchase.
I have a blog and I am in my 40s.
Hi Wisequeen!
Thanks for responding!
Good Luck on your new blog – it looks like it will be an interesting assortment of topics – something to keep everyone interested.
It will be fun watching it grow!
Liz
Hi Miranda,
Thanks for responding! I have to confess – I haven’t read your blog before today even though it’s part of the b5media channel – I honestly don’t know how I missed it as it is full of interesting articles. I’ll definitely be back!
Liz
Hi Josh
Thank you for responding to the survey!
One of the reasons I like it when readers comment is that it allows me to discover new blogs. I have to say – yours is absolutely breathtaking. Your photos touched me at a deep level.
And what a great project to take a photo a day of your children during their first year of life!
Congratulations on your new daughter!
Liz
I read blogs every day
I read about 15 blogs every day some are favorites and some I literally stumble upon and get drawn in.in my reader I have about 100
what prompts a response is a real question.
yes I feel a personal connection.
yes im more likely to chose a site with a blog, among its type.
yes there are bloggers i trust for advice,
Im in my 40s and yes I blog.
How often do you read blogs? Every day
How many do you read on a regular basis? 20-50
What qualities keep you coming back to a blog on a regular basis? Interesting and timely information. Good writing.
How often do you comment on blogs? A few times a week.
What prompts you to comment on a post? Something that catches my interest, or if I feel that something could be added to the post. Or if I disagree with a point.
Do you feel a personal connection with the bloggers you read on a regular basis? Yes.
When you are looking at a new business website, do you consciously look for a blog so as to learn more about the owner? Yes.
All things being equal, do you think you are more or less likely to do business with a site that has a blog? More likely.
Are there bloggers who opinions you trust for advice? Yes.
And, if you could, include the following info:
*
o age: 20′s
o gender: Female
o do you blog?: Yes.
1. I usually check my reader twice a day, around noon, and in the evening.
2. I have 120 blogs in my reader.
3. I’m a photographer, so I read a lot of my favorite photographer’s blogs, but if the pics start to get stale, I unsubscribe. I also keep up with a lot of my other photographer friends blogs, so it’s easy for us to keep in touch and see what each other is up to.
4. If I see something that sparks my interest, I always leave a comment, hence this survey:)
5. If I feel I can add value, I comment
6. For the most part, yes, because I’ve met a lot of the photographers personally.
7. Always, but most of the businesses in my area have terrible websites and don’t think that blogs are useful in building a successful business.
8. Definitely more likely, because I feel that I know the business owner better through their blog. Also, I feel that blogs are way more personal than websites, and I’m more likely to do business with someone I feel I know and trust
9. Yes
Age: 20′s
Gender: Male
Do I Blog: Yes!
1381 days ago
[...] We’ve asked you to fill out a reader survey, so that we can get to know you better (just to reassure ourselves that you’re not a cat [...]