UPDATED with post below
I am thrilled and honored that Kathryn invited me to be a part of this cool series. I’ve been blogging for a while but since most of that time I was juggling my own business and graduate school at the same time I didn’t really focus on growing my blog. It wasn’t until recently that I really decided think more in those terms. Amy has already shared some great tips in the series and today I want to share the importance of connecting with other bloggers.
On one hand unless you are a part of a group blog, blogging is something we do by ourselves. And it is a lot of work, brainstorming, photos, posts, designs, and social media phew I’m just tired typing it all out. But I want to encourage you to make a point to actually connect with other bloggers. This won’t get you 100 new followers over night but it will pay off in growth in the long run. And more than that it will keep you from feeling that burn out that so many bloggers run into.
5 Ways to Connect That Wil Help Your Blog Grow
Leave meaningful comments on posts you love. We all love comments. But there is not much better than getting a comment that lets you know that that reader actually read the post and responded to it. When you comment take the time to read the post don’t just scan the pictures and say something that you couldn’t say about 50 other people’s posts. There’s just something a little annoying about getting a comment where it is just obvious they didn’t read the text (like for me people often say “your kids are so cute” but if they read the post they’d know those aren’t my kids in the pictures). You will be more memorable and others will more likely want to check out your blog.
Continue the Conversation With Other Bloggers. Whether you are replying to a comment they left on your post or you have a question for them go ahead and email. I have developed some great blogger relationships when I responded to comments left on some of my Hunger Games posts. I love those books and it was so fun to find other crafty book lovers. When people comment in a meaningful way thank them and continue the conversation. Another way to continue the conversation is to follow other bloggers on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. When you see something interesting comment. Make a point to NOT just post links to your blog posts on your social media outlets. Give other bloggers shout outs, tell us what you’re up to, ask questions, basically engage your followers. You can find me on twitter and instagram at @raegunramblings and on facebook at raegunwear.
Guest Post and Have Guest Posters. There is no faster way to get to know other bloggers than by inviting them to guest post on your blog. Whether you want to have a special series like this one or just want guest posts here or there invite other bloggers to post on your blog. I suggest inviting bloggers who are smaller, bigger, and about the same size. Different people have different time constraints so don’t feel bad if someone says no. Just ask someone else. You can put a general call for guest posts on your blog or you can email other bloggers directly. As far as posting on other people’s blogs go respond to calls for guest posts you see on other bloggers sites, email people and pitch a post idea, and/or ask them if they are interested in blog swapping. It may be intimidating but the worse that is going to happen is that they will say now and really that puts you in the exact same spot you are in now. You will end up exposed to their readers and most likely get a blog friend out of the experience.
Find a Facebook Bloggers Group. I only recently found out that such a thing exists. Search for one or start your own and invite other bloggers. My Utah Bloggers fb group has been a wonderful source of support. We all need support. Once you have enough posts it’s not a matter of if you’ll get a nasty comment as much as when. It really helps to have someone to vent to who understands. Also as much as your real friends love you, most aren’t going to really get your excitement over hitting that 1000 followers mark, or being featured on that huge blog, but blogger friends will. Finally blog friends are also in a position to promote you. Friends will naturally want to share your posts with their friends. The more you develop relationship with other bloggers the more likely they are to give a little facebook or twitter shout out for you. And the more people talking about you and your post the more likely you are to grow. In one of the groups I’m a part of ladies will often ask people to share which posts need attention and then they’ll go visit, comment and help promote those posts that were shared.
Meet Other Bloggers In Person. Many communities have blogger meet ups. I’m lucky enough to live in Utah where we have a lot of bloggers. You can find out about local meet ups in local blogger groups or by paying attention to other bloggers from your area. If you don’t see anything happening consider setting up a meet up yourself. Email some bloggers you know are from your area and see if they’d like to do a meet up. It can be as simple as lunch out or something more involved. You might also think about going to a blogging conference. The prices and length vary and in addition to learning some great stuff about blogging you are sure to make some blogging friends. Most importantly don’t just wait around, even if you aren’t the most social butterfly reach out to other bloggers and be willing to take the first step to connect.
I hope this has been helpful. The last idea I want to leave you with is to be proactive. Don’t just wait to bump into people make it happen. Leave comments, email, if you don’t find groups or meet ups set them up yourself. You really have the power in this one. Hope this has been helpful to some of you. I’d love you to visit and say hi and if you have any questions just let me know and I’ll do my best to answer.
Rose Jes says
I have read you post and the information is great! I am have been attempting to make some blogging friends lately… I also started following Destination Craft, thanks for the introduction to her cute blog.
Rose
Jeanny says
thanks a lot for the wonderful share. I am really grateful that I found your brilliant blog.
carport designs
Schulz Family says
Visiting from DIY dreamer Link Party. Thanks for sharing, it is always great to get ideas and help. Thanks. Karen
Bonny Yokeley says
Thanks for these new ideas. I love the idea of guest blogging but haven’t headed into that area yet. Your suggestion to post about it sounds like a place to start at least. And now that I finally have a FB page for my blog, I need to search for a blogging group!
Bonny @ thedomesticatedprincess.blogspot.com
Iuliana says
I was linking to a link party and felt so guilty that I was just linking and leaving. So I decided to look at the other link-ups and found this post.
Let me just say it was exactly what I needed. I have been loving the whole blogging, but feel like I have been missing on so much by not having any bloggy friends.
My blog doesn’t have a big readership, but if you’re interested, I’d love to do a bloggy swap or just a quest post. (following your advice here)
Suzanne Winter says
thanks so much for the tips, my blog is so new, but I certainly want it to grow! I love starting conversations by responding to comments/leaving comments for others.
Suzanne (http://winterwonderingswanderingswhatnot.blogspot.com)
Stacia Liechty says
Here from Hepworths party. As a brand new blogger, I’m always looking for ways to make it grow. This post did not disappoint! You sure are lucky to live in UT, where there are bloggers galore! There aren’t as many, but I have found a few out where I live, and you’ve inspired me to try and arrange a fun gathering. THanks so much for the tips!
Stacia@http://feathersandsunshine.blogspot.com
Kelley Wilson says
Great advice, went to FB to see if there was one in Atlanta but no luck, may just have to take your advice and start one! Thanks for linking up @ Miss Information
Paula Parrish says
Thanks for sharing this wealth of blogging information. I had no idea that blogger groups on Facebook existed, now I will be search for a group to join. ;o) Have a awesome weekend.
Rachel says
This is a very helpful post–and all of your tips are right on! I have a long way to go in the department of making connections and growing my blog, but it’s an exciting process, and you do make friends along the way.
Ashley Phipps says
These are some great tips!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Have a wonderful day!
Ashley
http://www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com
marissa | Rae Gun Ramblings says
You are welcome! Definitely do check out facebook, it really has been an amazing support system I had no idea existed and by all means don’t be afraid to start a group yourself!
Pam Fields says
I saw your link on Happy Go Lucky. This week has been a gathering time of just this sort of information so that next week and following I can hopefully start growing my site and making blog friends. Thanks for such great advice.
Erin @ 110 + 2 says
Thanks for this list–there were some new ideas here for me. I think I just may search for a local meet up…even though it almost feels strange to think about meeting up with real live people. He he… Thanks again!
Mom on the Make says
I should really try guest blogging soon. Thank you for the reminder! Great list!
Ellora Drinnen says
Thank you for this post! Found this through a link party and it is so encouraging for me. To know that while we do this by ourselves, there are so many others out there that face the same burn out or discouragement but still have the same hope as us. I had no idea about the FB groups so I’m going there now to check it out. This is good advice that I much needed. Thank you!
Brittney says
What a great post. Your sisters are so cute. (Ha ha…just kidding. I read the line about “your kids are so cute” and thought I’d be funny. But sometimes the funniness only happens in my head.) No, but seriously. Who doesn’t love a new follower or a new friend/e-friend? Good tips, thanks for helping me remember the little things. Like commenting.
-Brittney
http://smartgirlstyle.blogspot.com (I’m brand spanking new! Like, 4 followers new. But we have some laughs over there, those 4 followers and I…)
mypollitos says
Thanks for this post. I’ve been blogging for a year now & have had my share of ups and downs. As of late, I’ve been taking chances & putting myself out there. Your post proved to me that I’m heading in the right direction.
I’m visiting over from The Girl Creative’s link up. I’m glad I did. Looks like you got yourself a new follower.
Abrazos,
Sapphire @ Life with My Pollitos
Seaweed and Raine says
Great post – I bookmarked it so I can refer to it as a refresher later on. I’m a relatively small blogger – and having a 3rd baby recently has slowed down posting, and reading other’s blogs. I really value what you wrote. Thanks! :)