Gone In 11 Seconds

A subscriber left this comment on one of my blogs today: The average time a visitor stays on my site is 11 seconds. I have tons of good content on the site. Google loves it. But, evidently my visitors don't. Can you take a look at it and tell me what's wrong. 

The website is attractive with easy navigation. There's not much clutter from excessive ads or non-relevant photos and videos.

Timeout for a rant.... 

Incidentally, that really pisses me off when a video is plopped down in the middle of a post or article and it has absolutely no relevance to the copy. I play the video thinking it will be a visual representation of the content and it turns out to be the writer's kids playing at the park. What the hell is that all about! I'm gone.

Okay, back to the 11 second visitor problem.

The copy offered some great information and tips on RV traveling. Unfortunately reading it was more boring than watching grass grow. I was yawning and yawning before I finished the first paragraph. Which, by the way, was too long.

1. Keep your writing clear, lively and vivid. Make it dance. Write in a light, unassuming tone of voice. If what you write is boring and/or overbearing, it will affect the reader in the same manner. And, what you are trying to convey simply will not get through to them.
2. Use words that spark visions and imagination. Instead of writing “The day was cloudy.” write “The gray sky hangs over the barren landscape like a well-worn, wet blanket. Your shadow will need to wait for another day to be cast.”
3. Use a consistent voice throughout your copy. By doing this, visitors will quickly recognize it and become familiar with it. The more familiar a style and author is to them, the more effective it will be in getting your message out.
4. Write in the present tense. Use the past tense only when absolutely necessary. When using the present tense it conveys to the reader that the subject is current, relevant and needs to be acted on now.
5. Being controversial is a great way to capture and keep people’s attention. By presenting your information and ideas in this manner, you stand apart from 98% of the crowd. Use the method that news programs on cable television do; “I’m smarter and richer than you?”. Notice the question mark at the end. They have turned a declarative statement into question and it grabs attention.

See more tips on making your copy dance