Offer Creamed Spinach In Addition to Prime-Rib (Improving Your Blog Menu!)


images (5)“Order up!” Yes, I used to be a waitress and more people ordered appetizers and soups/salads than the actual main course. I believe this is now true with Blogs. According to my stats, more people are perusing my other menu items to sample my Side-Dishes (Those Other Pages at the top of my blog)) than are actually reading my Entrées (Actual posts that circulate in the Reader).

Should you expand your menu? Yes!  And here are 3 reasons why!

1.  It projects that you are more of a serious blogger/writer rather than just a fly by night, one trick pony. (sorry for mixing metaphors. Ponies aren’t on any restaurant menu, hopefully!) You’re here to stay — you’re a legitimate restaurant owner rather than a food cart/truck.

2.  It gives people a motivation or reason to come visit your blog out of the blue. Yes, your regular blog posts go out on the WordPress Reader but “hmmmm, I wonder if Little Miss Menopause added a new dessert that’s not being advertised lately?” I imagine my readers musing. Somehow I think I can lure people here with the prospect of Hot Fudge topping.

3. It allows you to showcase your range, scope and versatility. People know I write tongue-in-cheek humor here on Once Upon a Prime, uh huh cuz that’s my “brand.” But my varying Menu (at the top of my blog) let’s them see some other sides to me that rarely make their way into my posts. My novel, for instance.  And some serious short stories.

What Are Some Possible Delicious Menu Options? Here’s 10!

1.  About Page – – yes, yes….that old standby, like a steak.  But for heaven sake, don’t call it “About Page!”  I call mine “Who’s Writing This Quirkiness?” but I’m thinking even that’s far too normal and mundane.  Don’t be afraid to show your personality by what you name your menu items. Anyhow, the bottom line is you should offer this!

2.  Reader Interaction Page — Snore….yes, I do call mine, “Who’s Reading This Quirkiness?”  But my followers really like the place to participate.  I think yours will too!  You can include whatever you please…my silly survey is just an ice-breaker.

3.  Another Talent — Why not have a page that features something you do or are passionate about?  Do you paint? Sing? Dance? cook? Run? Sew? Garden? Meditate? Medicate? This should be a “Starring Me” type of page.  Since all I do is write, I have a heading with other places I’ve published (“Where’s Little Miss Menopause?“) and my “Novel” and my short stories (“Fast Food Fiction” heading) with more stories going up soon so do check back for butterscotch toppings!

4.  A Way to Hire You — Do you want to make money? Yes, you do.  Add a “Hire Me!” page.

5.  Rules or Facts About Your Blog — This could be where you specify your policies about comments or reblogging or copyright into. Maybe you want to outline a posting schedule?  I did a “FAQ About This Blog” page instead. But that’s because I dislike rules.  And also my “About Page” was so neurotically strange that it really didn’t disclose anything substantial about me so I did what any oddball would do — I asked my own questions and then systematically answered them myself. So yes, they ARE frequently asked. By me. Don’t knock this idea. Try interviewing yourself!  Who’s to know the difference?  Except you.  And you won’t tell.  Or will you, Sybil?

6. Photos — We’re visual. Even though we’re amazingly vivid writers, we can save ourselves a thousand words and post a picture!  I think that’s still what it’s worth these days. I’m making the non-inflation assumption because it’s still “a penny for your thoughts.”

7. Requests — No, this doesn’t mean you’re now a D.J. Wouldn’t it be fun to take requests of what your readers want you to write about?  Okay, that may depend on your readers. But you could just have people leave you writing prompts.

8. Other Blogs You Love — This is a tricky one because you don’t want to show favoritism. I haven’t gotten brave enough to do this quite yet but I’ve seen it done beautifully.  

9.  Contact Info — Yes, I AM saying you should make it easy for your readers to stalk you. Or you can chicken out and put 867-5309.  Who’s old enough to know that number?

10. This Menu Item Coming Soon!  See? Now YOU HAVE TO CHECK BACK HERE.  It could be an early-bird special!  It could include Caesar Salad prepared table-side!  Minus the anchovies, of course. Blech.

So?  What do you include on your navigational menu?  What do you LOVE seeing on other’s?80852243

30 thoughts on “Offer Creamed Spinach In Addition to Prime-Rib (Improving Your Blog Menu!)”

  1. Pingback: Offer Creamed Spinach In Addition to Prime-Rib (Improving Your Blog Menu!) – joyful2beeblogs

  3. Great ideas! Thanks for sharing. Discovered I’m a great interviewer but a lousy interviewee. Called Jessie’s girl – got a busy signal. I’ll be back …

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    • Lol! You ARE funny! Saying you called “Jenny” and got Jessie’s girl! Both songs from exact same time period….. Clever you! And remember busy signals? When is the last time we’ve heard that!!!!? Thanks for reading and commenting!
      Stephanie

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  10. Your picture is great. I like truth in advertising. Certainly would surprise the unsuspecting consumer. “Uh, . . . Hello” Strange chicken? In my book we just say it’s rotten. Nice list you made and it sure gave me some ideas. However, if someone gives you an incomplete thought which often happens, how do you make change? I like the nebulous “coming soon” as well.

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  11. Great tips. I’ve been thinking of getting a new template for better navigation of categories so may do as u suggest, my version, of course. Appreciate the generous advice and always your humor 🙂

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  12. I recently redid my blog into a website with a blog, and it’s amazing how people roam all over the place. I got kinda carried away and created a “kitchen sink stew,” throwing in everything I could think of. i love your idea about “hire me to humor you.” My biggest problem is remembering to update my Happenings page–it frequently looks like I’ve fallen into a long, deep sleep.

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  15. I have been thinking of starting a restaurant. Now you’ve given me the incentive. It will be called Sam ‘N’ Ella’s. What do you think?

    Serially Uncle Bardie’s Roadkill Eatery offers appetizers on Sundays. Wednesdays it’s the main entree. Fridays are the dessert tray. With an occasional hot off the grill cookery.

    I keep thinking I should write a post to cover what I think is a necessity for a successful blog. Looks like you have covered much of it. I would boil it down to four items:
    A good About page.
    Consistency with posting.
    I can read the darn thing.
    Something interesting to say.

    Since you do those four very well, I follow you. Of course, you did blow in my ear.

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    • And we agreed not to mention that here, did we not? ;-). Yes you are big on a good About Page and I have since discovered many others (like you) feel strongly. The name for your restaurant will give reviewers a good laugh and I hope it’s located on Listeria Lane. Thanks for staying with me for so long. Patrons like you get a second trip to the salad bar on their birthday!

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  19. Some great advice there Steph! I love the way you have set out your blog. I completed your little questionnaire when I first came across your blog. and thought it was a wonderful idea! I might have to steal some of your ideas for inspiration to tart my blog up a bit! 🙂

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  20. Wow, sounds like a technical nightmare to me but great advice just the same. I could only imagine the night of hair pulling profanities started by trying to build a web site on my blog, yet maybe a must do if I want to be taken seriously as a blogger!!

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