Blissdom is edging nearer! I have to admit, I’ve been getting very insecure and nervous about my blog lately. I think no matter how long you’ve been blogging the thing everyone wants is to attract more readers. Listen to how Amy from The Finer Things in Life attracts people to her blog…
Content is King. At least, that’s what they say. Yes, compelling writing is important to any blog; but if no one’s reading, the time and energy that goes into blogging quickly loses its appeal. What does every blogger want? Followers. Loyal fans. Groupies. Dedicated readers. Traffic.
In addition to sharing what I’m passionate about on The Finer Things in Life, here are a few strategies that have been time well spent for me as I strive to gain readership.
Interact with Readers. I spend time each week scrolling through all of my comments, responding to those that ask a question or contribute to my post or the discussion at hand. I also do my best to keep my inbox manageable and respond to reader questions or requests. As time allows and if they leave a link, I’ll try to visit their site and comment. I want my readers to know that they are valuable.
Offer Guest Posts. I’ve written guest posts for many different blogs. Sometimes I’m asked, sometimes I offer. Guest posting for others puts your work in front of a new, usually larger, audience. It also might make you a new friend, as “bigger bloggers” are often quite busy and will welcome a quality, relevant post for their site.
Be Visible on Twitter and Facebook. Social media can be a complete time sucker, but I’ve met, connected with, and collaborated with so many wonderful bloggers that the time is worth it. The key is to not just promote your blog. Interact. Re-tweet interesting tweets. Respond to requests or funny comments. Have conversations! It’s very likely that some people you “meet” on twitter will become frequenters of your site.
Promote Other Bloggers. Seems the opposite would be true, but it’s kind of like never being able to out-give God. When I take the focus off of my own blog and share the love, I reap the benefits. Link to others in appropriate posts on your own blog. Tweet or re-tweet a post that moved you to action, or just moved you to a fit of tears or giggles. Link to a site on facebook so your friends and fans can get to know another writer. Stumble (thumbs up) your favorite posts and drive traffic to that blog. It’s important that we cheer for each other.
Content may remain king, but reaching out to your readers, meeting and supporting other bloggers is key to growing your readership.
Isn’t that great? It makes me want to run to my inbox and start emailing everyone right now! Please follow Amy on twitter and subscribe to her blog, The Finer Things in Life. I always inspired when reading her blog!
Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss out on Bliss*Tastic Week 5 with the magnificent Marie from Make and Takes!
mandi @ it's come to this says
Another good one!! I know I appreciate this when I’m the reader & the blogger responds to me, so of course my readers would appreciate the same … even if it is just my mom – ha!!
.-= mandi @ it’s come to this´s last blog ..The calm before the storm =-.
marybeth at www.babygoodbuys.com says
Great advice! I have a hard time getting my readers to leave comments in the first place! Any tips?
.-= marybeth at http://www.babygoodbuys.com´s last blog ..Target: Save $5.50 on Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers! =-.
Miranda @ Keeper of the Cheerios says
Great post and these tips are all so very true. 🙂
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
I love this post. I do! But it bums me out a little, too, because I am thinking that perhaps my content is not as awesome (or at least as consistent) as I intend/think/believe/whatever. Because I’m doing all the other things and yet my readership is still pretty small. Hmmm…lots to think about even BEFORE Blissdom! 🙂
.-= Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect´s last blog ..A Valentine’s Day Date Night =-.
Tracey says
Amy,
Glad to find you guest posting over here! I enjoy your blog and appreciate the tips you’ve offered here.
.-= Tracey´s last blog ..Her Sleep Shall Be Sweet =-.
Mandi @ Organizing Your Way says
Great tips, Amy — I definitely know that responding to comments is something I need to get better at. I respond to every comment in my head as soon as I read it, but I always put *actually* responding to it at the bottom of my to-do list, which means I don’t get to it nearly as often I want to.
Can’t wait to meet you next week!
.-= Mandi @ Organizing Your Way ´s last blog ..31 Days of Organizing for a Better 2010: Meet a Financial Goal =-.
Hillary @ The Other Mama says
I loved this post! What great tips to remember. Sometimes I do them… and well, sometimes I have to do dishes. But those are all SO TRUE and are getting me fired up and jazzed {add jazz hands here} for Blissdom!!!
Kate says
I joined Twitter ONLY because I’m a blogger. I sort of think it’s useless. 🙂 But I enjoy connecting with others. In fact, I found this post FROM Twitter. I love the blog community and I frequent as many blogs I can that are similar to mine, leaving comments and trying to foster relationships, and I respond to my readers frequently as well. In the three months I’ve been blogging I have gotten a decent following doing this! 🙂
Catherine B says
Great ideas and tips. Still working on mastering twitter and I think that will help!
http://Va.mu/ says
These items will don’t just make your life easier with the kitchen, they’ll give your kitchen a full and attractive look the
item truly deserves. These lights can give a very pleasing effect,
with their lighting spreading both upwards and downwards.
The generous worktop is perfect for staging buffets.