How Much Content Should Be Visible?

Credibility and sticky question

[jpell]

Hi all,
I am in the middle of updating my site. I am currently working on writing 17 new articles. With spring and summer approaching, I plan on spending less time writing and more time with my kids outside. I have put myself into crunch mode trying to get as many articles written as possible within a timespan of about 4 weeks. Once that is done, I don't plan on adding more than one article a week. Once my current endeavor has been accomplished, I will only have about 95-110 articles which span across a wide variety of topics.
I am wondering if it would be best to put what I have out there (category style), even if there are only 2 or 3 articles per category, or be vague and let the visitor navigate the site on his/her own to find information. (All available articles listed on every page). My point is do you loose credibility, and therefore clicks, based on the number of topics you make known that are available in a category?
Thanks,
JPell

[rogerd]

Hi, jpell. I don't think whether you categorize or not makes a big difference in site credibility at the moment. I'd focus more on the quality and presentation of what you have - probably nobody will even read all 17 articles. If the categorization makes sense from a visitor standpoint, then I'd go ahead and start them, even if they are thinly populated to begin with. That way you won't have to redesign your site as you add more content.

To boost the credibility of the site, here are a few thoughts:
- use testimonials or third party endorsements if available
- in the articles, cite credible studies and statistics, e.g., instead of "40% of dieters succeeded when they were hypnotized weekly" use something like, "A 2002 study by Dr. Milton Freebish at Columbia University showed that 40% of dieters..." (Assuming such items are available in your topic.)
- if appropriate, include professional credentials and accomplishments of the site principal(s)
- include phone, fax, and address contact information if available

Good luck with your writing... this spring and summer I'm planning to drag a wireless laptop outside to write while I'm enjoying the weather.

[Please]

To boost the credibility of the site, here are a few thoughts:
- use testimonials or third party endorsements if available
- in the articles, cite credible studies and statistics, e.g., instead of "40% of dieters succeeded when they were hypnotized weekly" use something like, "A 2002 study by Dr. Milton Freebish at Columbia University showed that 40% of dieters..." (Assuming such items are available in your topic.)
- if appropriate, include professional credentials and accomplishments of the site principal(s)
- include phone, fax, and address contact information if available

I agree with rogerd. To increse the website credibility, it is neccessary to follow these rules. Anyway, another key to success is keep updating your article. You may let your user know about the frequency of your article updating.