If you would like search engines to place your blogs on their first few pages, you might want to do some keyword research to find the best words and phrases for your site. This is called Search Engine Optimization, or SEO.

A keyword is a word or phrase used to describe a topic to a search engine. For instance, if you're searching for "Blogger.com", you'll type that exact phrase into the search engine, making it a keyword. If I wanted to write about this particular platform, I would research the popular search terms associated with Blogger.com and use the most popular keyword several times in my article in hopes of bringing in those using that particular search term.

If you want to find the keyword, or keywords, to best optimize your blog post, you'll need to research using some of the popular keyword tools. Google Adwords is one such tool, and Overture is another. One of the better tools is Digital Point which shows keyword results between two different keyword tools. Choose the keyword with the highest amount of searches, this is the term most people use when searching for your topic.

Now that you know what keyword or phrase is most popular for your topic, you'll want to use it to create useful content. Write a post that makes sense and try and use the keyword in the title and several times throughout the post. This will optimize your content for the search engines, and hopefully, help you rank high so others visit your blog.

Blogs are a lot like people in that a good first impression goes a long way. In fact, a visitor will know in the first 30 seconds whether or not she or he finds your blog interesting enough to stay. There are several factors to consider when keeping folks interested in your blog. One of the most important is how to make a good first impression.

Keep your blog clean and uncluttered. Too many obtrusive ads and blinking widgets can be a turnoff. Visitors should be able to find the sections they want at a glance. Your contact information, your "About Me" page, the different categories and your blogroll should appear in plain view in your sidebar and not hidden by quizzes, polls and buttons.

While it's important a title is optimized for search, you also want to be able to draw your readers in. Your title should give a clue of what's in store. Confusing or cutesy titles don't always go over too well.

Your opening paragraph should also draw people in. If the first sentence rambles or doesn't create an interest, your readers will most likely disappear. Draw them in with your title and first paragraph and they're likely to stay until the bottom line.

There's no better way to make a good first impression than with engaging, friendly content. Writing for the web is for shorter attention spans. Your posts should be to the point, but you should also write with the community in mind. Engage your readers. Ask questions and encourage comments.

No one wants to attend a dull party. Comments encourage more comments. If your readers know you'll respond, they'll keep checking back. Others will also see you as friendly and engaging and join the conversation. Newbies will see your blog as a thriving community instead of "just" a blog. Besides, it's great to acknowledge the people who stop by.

You only get one shot at making a first impression. If you're not sure your blog is making a good impression, enlist a trusted friend or fellow blogger to stop by. Ask about his first impression. Sometimes a second eye does wonders.