My review of 3nikki's foolandhisblog.com
Hi 3nikki,
Just had a look at your blog and I like it.
Style
I think your writing style is great and I'm sure your toastmaster skills are put into use here.
Commenting & Guest Blogging
As well as actively commenting on other blogs in your niche to boost traffic why not approach a bigger toastmaster/self-help site and offer your services as a guest blogger? You are a "guest speaker" afterall. You'll be targeting a market with an interest in your subject.
Adverts
Also, one thing I couldn't help but notice was the ugly adsense block. Yes, ads should stand out but I think the overall design and feel of the blog would be better if the background to your adsense ads matched the blog.
Header & Moto/Tag Line
I think you need to make it clear what your site is about. Put your header at the top slap bang in the middle with a tagline like... "The Public Speaking Blog". If readers can't determine what your blog is about within 5 seconds and something doesn't jump out at them they'll move on.
Famous Quotes
Quotes from famous speeches and even some of your own would make great content for a site like yours and some interesting titles for your articles too. Also I know there's a colour coordination thing going on but if I were you I'd make your headlines bigger and bolder so they grab you. Your headlines blend in with the background which looks nice... But they're not doing what headlines should do and grab peoples attention Like This.
News & Current Affairs
People search for news too so pick up on any current affairs speeches... There was/is the elections in the US and politicians and famous people all the time. You could even evaluate awards speeches too and have some fun with the topic.
Videos
Another nice feature would be to find some famous/amusing speeches on youtube and put the videos on your site or link to them?
Newsletter
Email newsletters are a great idea... Why not offer an incentive for people to sign up? Write a beginners guide? Or some hints and tips?
Swap Links
Another way of boosting traffic is to swap links with other blogs in the same niche/subject area. Put their links up on the side menu. This way people visiting your blog will vists theirs and more importantly for you... People reading their blog will come and check you out.
All in all a very good start. Just a few points I've noticed and some ideas for you to play with... I hope they help you out. I'm no expert though not even my own site/s up yet let alone worry about getting traffic.
Good luck!
Andrew Christian
p.s. Personally I'd make the font bigger too but then that's my preference as it makes it easier to read.
