I recall a study being done a year or so ago that stated that the first impression of a person can last up to six months. It is in my opinion that a similar concept can be applied to a blog. If I don’t like how a blog writes, odds are I’m not coming back for awhile. A Blog’s first impression is its greatest impression.

But how to make a proper first impression? In one article, Chris Garrett writes that although an Authority Blog is tough, it’s definitely one to follow. It can be inferred that perhaps the Authority Blog is the blog that could best present a good first impression, as further reinforced by a response to the entry by VanFossen. In her response, Lorelle affirms that those blogs that seek to only gain traffic and click ads won’t work so well, as “traffic hounds” aren’t made to hold a relationship: They’re just to gain traffic for ads.

Additionally, we must not forget the social aspect of being a blogger: Brian Clark writes that one of the things necessary for a Blog launch is to be able to network with other bloggers in your nice. How do you do this? Comment on other blogs, submit their entries to Digg and other sites for them, even guest blog for a few sites (For example, I wrote a Guest post on Problogger, and I got quite a few hits from it!)

Finally, there seems to be an argument for two different kinds of blogs, as Daily Blog Tips points out, there appear to be two types of blogs: Opinion Blogs and Discussion Blogs. Both blogs deliver different types of traffic, and therefore, different impressions. Although Daniel doesn’t say whether one is better or not, the style of blog you have is something you need to examine above all else.

Questions to ask

What tips do you have for creating that legendary first impression? Where have you failed? How can your first impression be better? Write your answers and additional tips in the comments!

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