If you've been reading this blog on the actual URL, then you may have noticed the sticky post I added just under the header (and if you're using RSS, then hop on over and check it out). I've admired Michelle Rafter's use of sticky posts for awhile, but I only recently discovered how to create one in Blogger.It's ridiculously easy, even if you're not a tech person, but few Blogger users actually use them. I think it's a brilliant way to welcome blog readers, promote certain posts, or call out other links. Yes, you can include that in your sidebar, too, but it's easy for things to get buried, and a sticky post is more prominent. As you publish new posts, your sticky post remains at the top so you have more control over the reader's experience. Plus, it's great for information that doesn't need a full post. I plan to change the sticky message every week or so to keep things fresh.
Here are some of the ways you can use sticky posts.
- Post an inspirational quote.
- Link to favorite posts or your "about" page so first-time readers know what you're all about.
- Encourage readers to sign up for RSS.
- Remind readers about a book reading, class, or other event.
- Link to your Twitter page so gain more followers.
- Encourage readers to sign up for your newsletter.
- Announce awards or new projects.
- Link to guest post guidelines.
- Link to your own guest posts.
- Remind readers about a contest or giveaway you're sponsoring.
- Welcome new readers from certain high-traffic sources and link to that mention for your own readers.
Flickr photo courtesy of Viernest
4 comments:
Thanks for the link. I wondered how to make a sticky post in Blogger. It is so easy in Word Press and Live Journal, not so easy in Blogger.
Thanks for the shout out Susan. I've used sticky notes sporadically since WordPress first offered them to its bloggers. However, I've become fairly religious about it during the past six weeks. Initially it was to introduce readers to the blogathon I held in May, where 45 freelancers blogged every day during the month. As the month progressed, I updated my sticky post almost every day with blogathon news, including giving people advance warning of a guest post exchange we held. At the end of the month, I used it to announce details of the live wrap party we held on Twitter. Now I'm using it to introduce people to the blog and point them to a few of my standing pages.
I'd love to hear how other bloggers are using sticky posts.
Michelle Rafter
WordCount: Freelancing in the Digital Age
Hi Susan, thanks for the tip! I've just included a sticky on my blog for the first time, so we'll see how it goes...
Thanks so much for letting me know about sticky posts! As a new blogger, I hadn't heard about this little jewel!
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