Why Your Feed Readers May Think to Unsubscribe Your Blog
Just Imagine that you tried hard to increase your feed readers but suddenly you see that the subscribers count is gradually decreasing. At first, you think it would be some problem in Feedburner or any other feed carrier but later on you came to know that people are really unsubscribing your blog feeds.
It is a fact that subscribers will help your blog to stay alive. This is because they are your regular readers and it takes a lot of hard work to build a good subscriber base.
There could be many reasons for readers unsubscribing your blog, all you have to do is think deep into your mind because it could be your own mistake which is resulting into this.
Here are 5 Reasons, which I think could be the cause of readers unsubscribing your blog:
1. Your Blog Focus Gets Diverted
Your feed readers could unsubscribe your blog feed if the “thing” for which your blog is known for is not being fulfilled. I am not saying that you should not talk about something else than your blog topic but posting about irregular topics consistently than posting something on your actual blog topic could result in loss of readers.
2. Too Long and Boring Post
Time is very essential for every human being. You should try your best that your “Long Post” should not take more than 10-15 minutes to read otherwise it will become boring, which probably most readers hates and they will skip the reading and could also unsubscribe your feed if you do it on regular basis. If you writing a long article then try breaking it into proper paragraphs with highlighted points, use a list of points for quick understanding etc.
Your blog must have an audience. No audience, no reason to run your blog. If you put out boring content that has no importance to anyone, you will not get any noticeable traffic and you will slightly see decrease in your subscribers count.
3. You or Your Blog is very Inconsistent
If you choose a particular blogging frequency say every other day, be sure you can maintain of at least close to it. Remember that subscribers are followers and if you make them impatient for your next blog post, then they will leave without saying goodbye. Sudden increase of blog frequency and blog posts each day which is not wished looking at your blog popularity can also be annoying especially if they do not open their mails everyday.
Take example of TechCrunch, if they do 10-15 posts everyday, there readers won’t hate it because it’s a big authority and it’s an obvious thing from them. But suppose you are a readers of a blog xyz.com having 55 feed readers and 1500 hits per month and the owner suddenly starts posting 10 article every day. Just imagine yourself as a reader of that blog and then what you will do.
Consistency is one thing readers like from us.
4. Same Kind Of Articles Again and Again
On your blog, one should not consider it as an article directory and just keep on submitting on the same topic again and again. It is not like a good movie that people want to see again and again. People will dislike this kind of stuff again & again and will unsubscribe to your feed.
If you want to talk about an old topic, be sure to make it more interesting to read than the first and provide sufficient time gap. Adding some new ideas about it or updating your readers about the topic can be very interesting to follow.
5. Negative Blogging & Bloggers Ego
Creating an atmosphere of negative blogging will cause loss of readers. You should be positive with the majority of your posts to keep your readers happy when they come to your site.
Also, just because you run a successful blog and giving yourself a pat on the back is seriously what your readers won’t like. Nobody wants to listen to an egotistical blogger. If you consistently pump out good content your blog will speak for itself .
Other than that there could be few more reason like annoying feed errors, poor English, bad language while replying to comments etc which could result in loss of readers and so this brings us to the end of this article.
Tell Me You Opinion! What do you think could be the cause of readers unsubscribing your feeds? And what can we do to avoid it. Waiting for your Comments…
[Do Read an Article from Daniel Scocco of DailyBlogTips Titled as "What to Do When People Unsubscribe". This will surely help you in bringing back those unsubscribed readers]
Article Written By Typhoon
Yo! I am Typhoon a.k.a Sushant, a 17 yrs. old blogger from India and the owner of SmartBloggerz. Here I try to share useful Blogging related articles which would help a blogger to succeed. You can connect to me on Twitter.Typhoon has written 333 superb article(s) on this blog
October 18, 2009
5:24 pm
Sushant i agree with all your points above, but i feel the main reason my most people unsubscribe is when you don’t post frequently, many net addicts subscribe through mail only to keep up with your posts and once if they feel that there is nothing to miss out there, they press the unsubscribe button. I truly have no idea on what others think but in my case that is true.
Regards,
Vishal Sanjay
Vishal Sanjay´s last blog ..Link wheels: an effective seo strategy
October 18, 2009
7:05 pm
Yes, I agree the fact that readers unsubscribe because of inconsistent posting without even notifying the blog readers through any medium(mainly through blog)..If you at least inform that you won’t be able to post due to blah blah reason, they will at least try to stick with your feed for that period of time..
October 18, 2009
5:36 pm
I think the main reason people unsubscribe is because you have changed from when they first subscribed. This may or may not be a good thing – it really depends on the direction you have planned.
October 18, 2009
7:25 pm
Yup, that could be valid reason..I think mostly people will unsubscribe only if the blogger have changed in a bad way…
I’m not getting any Idea or example when readers will unsubscribe due to some change which is good..You know any example?
December 15, 2009
10:04 am
If the change is good, of course there will be no decreasement of subscriber. Do you think there is a people who only subscribe to see current themes?
, so if we change it, even it’s more good themes, their will unsubscribe? LOL
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
December 15, 2009
4:59 pm
@akira07
its surprising and confusing me…
is there people who subscribe only to see current themes?
Deepika´s last blog ..My Favourtie Posts@Which I Have Read
October 18, 2009
5:45 pm
I think one of the biggest reasons is simply a lack of time/interest. For example, I used to eagerly await each blog post from one internet marketer until I realized…he’s rehashing stuff I learned years ago myself.
Never be afraid to evolve.
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach ´s last blog ..Today’s Humor – do NOT push the big red button!
October 18, 2009
9:51 pm
Ya, re-writing articles is popular on internet..But I think It’s not bad if you present it in absolutely new way with some new ideas from your side.
October 18, 2009
5:55 pm
Great tips there! I see it over and over again that consitency is being recommended, so that’s probably not a bad idea
Klaus @ TechPatio´s last blog ..Woopra – Live Visitor Statistics For Your Blog
October 19, 2009
1:20 pm
Yup That’s right..Being Consistent could help you in many ways not only it will maintain the readership but also will help you in building traffic,backlinks etc.
October 18, 2009
8:33 pm
All good points. I’m guilty of going way too long on my posts which can get boring. Something I need to work on along with more consistent blog times.
Brian D. Hawkins´s last blog ..News Related AdSense Site – First Month = One Hundred Dollars
October 19, 2009
1:23 pm
Writing Long Posts is not a kind of bad thing but making it look interesting is the thing on which blogger should have knowledge on..
October 18, 2009
8:50 pm
I believe that the most common mistake of bloggers falls under the 1st, 2nd and 3rd reasons. For the 2nd reason, if you’ll try to check some blog directories, you’ll definitely find unupdated blogs in the list. The most common reason for this is that the blog owner itself lost interest with his/her blog.
October 19, 2009
1:33 pm
There could be many reason when a blogger can’t update his blog and the major reason is mostly he lost interest in the blog..There could be other personal reasons also but at least notifying through a blog post telling why you won’t be able to blog will help a little bit in making the readers stick to your blog till next update..
October 19, 2009
12:59 am
If your RSS subscribers go away, then the first thing you must do is to reconsider what caused that. You must react fast to not loose too much subscribers. Maybe you write a post about this issue to let them know that you care. As Chris Brogan said at BlogWorld Expo, community is privilege. Perhaps saying that you care will not bring back all old subscribers but you will get more new subscribers.
BlogInterface.net´s last blog ..How To Get An Unique Domain Name
October 19, 2009
1:40 pm
Yes, I agree to that Chris Statement..We should take care of our community as it takes time to build up a good community and you won’t be willing to loose it..
By the way, are you at Blog World Expo?
October 20, 2009
12:33 am
No, I didn’t attend Blog World Expo, I watched a video from the session called Internet Marketing for Smart People on John Chow’s blog.
BlogInterface.net´s last blog ..How To Get An Unique Domain Name
December 15, 2009
10:02 am
Agree with you, reaction and action should be done immediately. Yes, there is always a second chance to get your subscriber count increase again even it’s not old subscriber, because the most important thing when you get it is : Don’t do the mistake again.
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
October 19, 2009
1:26 am
Great points you make and I totally agree that consistency and being positive are important. I usually unsubscribe when a blogger is plugging products to much. I will be adding this post to my “Sunday’s Best” series.
Tycoon Blogger@Make Money Online´s last blog ..VOTE now for the Rookie Blogger of the Year
October 19, 2009
1:41 pm
Thanks Tycoon for your opinion..Also thanks for adding this post to your Sunday’s Best List
October 19, 2009
9:26 am
I agree with you, I’ve experienced some unsubscribe to my blog too, luckily it was just a little. Another reason would be if someone subscribes your blog because of the free e-book, if they don’t get the e-book after subscribing your blog, they will unsubscribe in some days later, it happens to me due to excessively subscribers in a time and I would miss out any, perhaps I need Aweber to do that for me.
Regards,
Lee
October 19, 2009
1:45 pm
Even I have faced readers unsubscribing the blog and most of them were those who subscribed only for my email subscription contest and unsubscribed when they saw that they didn’t won it..but I don’t care much for them as I think they just subscribed as a greedy person…
December 15, 2009
9:58 am
I’m also hate those kind of subscriber. Is there any solution? I think it’s hard…
I just remember Slyvision subscribe contest which feel that things happen.
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
December 15, 2009
10:00 am
So, it’s better to not offer e-book as way to attract people to subscribe. Make the more requirement to get the e-book but still useful and easy for reader just like :
Subscribe and make 10 useful comment, and get E-book…!!!
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
October 19, 2009
11:16 am
Nice post, however a blog should not be on both extremes of ”too much” and “infrequent” posts. I am subscribed to a few blogs that post frequently and it can be overwhelming atimes, i usually scan the headlines until I find something that interests me.
Biodun @ Webmaster Forum UK´s last blog ..Hello Everyone
October 19, 2009
2:03 pm
Even I do the same thing when a blogger post too many updates each day..I just check the title and if it attract me then I read it….
October 19, 2009
12:36 pm
nice post….i am still to get my email subscribers and i will keep in mind what you have mentioned…. the TOO LONG and BORING POST is one thing i always avoid
IndianCashMaker´s last blog ..Comment & Win a 125 x 125 Ad Spot at IndianCashmaker
October 19, 2009
2:00 pm
Haven’t you started Feedburner for your blog?
December 15, 2009
9:51 am
I find no feedburner subscribtion stat on his blog. Well, there is a reason to not show it. Because if the stat is bad, it will decrease our image if people or advertiser see it.
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
October 19, 2009
2:15 pm
Hi Sushant, I totally agree with the points listed in this post. Frequency of blog posting is really important, if you are going for a vacation, then schedule some post or let your readers know your return schedule. Thanks a lot buddy for sharing this info. Had a great time on your blog.
Sanjeev´s last blog ..5 Ways To Create Pie Charts and Graphs Online
December 15, 2009
9:48 am
Another solution is to make your blog activate automatic-poster plug-in, i ever hear about this feature. So even you’re on holiday, their will think you as consistence even if you not tell them you’re on holiday
. The key is, don’t make your reader wait too long 
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
October 20, 2009
7:26 am
I don’t really pay attention to my subscriber count, is there a setting or something your using that tells you when people un-subscribe?
Extreme John´s last blog ..Sunday Smash Link Luv, Twittley for Twitter, Yahoo Meme
October 20, 2009
8:01 pm
Ya, Feedburner has this option to get notified when people unsubscribe your blog..It will tell you which email Id unsubscribed from your feeds.
December 15, 2009
9:46 am
I think that feature should be activated just to track your performance, and make a correction if something wrong. It’s fear when we’re find a lot of unsubscribe notification >.<
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
October 22, 2009
2:34 am
Once I updated/synchronized Windows Live Writer with my blog. Unfortunately the internet connection went down and the temporary post created by WLW didn’t automatically delete itself. This temporary post which is nothing but gibberish, went out to my subscribers and I lost 5 of them that day.
Now I use a function.php hack to delay the availability of my blog post after each update.
Udegbunam Chukwudi@Patchwork Of Tips´s last blog ..How To Reduce Your Feedburner Unsubscribers
October 26, 2009
9:33 am
nice article friend . this will boost my subscriber count to the next level… thanks
EarningStep´s last blog ..What is the best ad format for adsense vs where is the best place for adsense ad
October 27, 2009
5:04 pm
Yes, i know this happens some times. But you should work think positive.
October 29, 2009
3:59 pm
lack of useful posts with more sponsored reviews on blog makes me annoyed. Long posts are also a big reason to run away
not interacting with your commentators also gives negative effect
Good points shared.
October 29, 2009
8:04 pm
I do agree that if you post more sponsored reviews then useful articles then it could negatively impact in a bad way..
Thanks Jim for commenting
December 15, 2009
9:42 am
No doubt and offense about it. If you still want to post sponsored reviews article, than choose the related topic review offer only. Always make 3 natural post for every 1 sponsored review is an advice from many reviewer.
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
December 15, 2009
9:45 am
So, how much max word should be on one article? I think 300-500 word is enough.
Agree about sponsored reviews, if you’re posting it too much, people will think your blogger with money as purpose and not thinking about the reader.
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
October 31, 2009
8:30 pm
Hy Typhoon, This is some really good points that should be kept in mind. I am, however, a bit confused. With reference to my blog, “Openings For You”, I have been consistent in my focus – about job opportunities and have been consistent in the way it is updated. The posts (i.e. job openings) are of average length and I am sure they will not be boring! I am sure I do not indulge in negative blogging. So why my subscribers are not increasing? Can you / someone help me?
Guru´s last blog ..VBA Developer job openings in New Delhi
October 31, 2009
8:38 pm
First thing I would say is you should remove all the pop ups..People really hate it until it’s not a very big website.
December 15, 2009
9:39 am
A clixsor ads? Yes it’s annoying me if i’m your reader. It’s because, i’m should always close the box before read your blog.
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
December 15, 2009
9:41 am
- Pop up ads, delete it quickly
- Maybe your article is same with other IT blog? I mean, the topic..(I’m not say about duplicate content)
- Or maybe the problem is in your promotion activity
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
December 14, 2009
6:51 pm
consistency is very much needed. And we should write too long article, we should try to present it in simple but in a smart way. One more thing too much graphical design also distract our readers. Some will be more effective at the time they started blogging, but this will get decreased day by day. this should not happen… just try to update the blog atleast twice in a week.
Deepika´s last blog ..My Favourtie Posts@Which I Have Read
December 15, 2009
9:37 am
Too long article can be solved by divide it into two part and publish it later. Yes, i’m agree about grapichal design, too much will make your site load slowly.
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation
December 15, 2009
5:46 pm
@akira07
yeah posting long articles in parts will be effective. we can also mention readers about the next part.. so they will be reading the next part of the article when its published.
Deepika´s last blog ..My Favourtie Posts@Which I Have Read
December 15, 2009
9:35 am
I’m agree for all points since i’m blog reader also. I will surely unsubscribe a blog which have not giving their reader comfortability. About long post, yes it’s annoying when seeing an thousand word article >.<, especially if the word choice and the topic is kinda serious topic.
About blog focus, i can tolerance if out-topic article comes not too often, but if it's too much then bye2. Smartbloggerz, sometime posting soft and out-topic article such sudoku, happy new year article, etc…but it's OK since it's not too much.
akira07´s last blog ..Quick report – My Smartbloggerz Commenting Idol 2 Participation