If You Blog it, Will They Come?
Tags: Blog, Blogger, Blogging, Sandie Lee, The Work at Home Woman
Posted in Blogging 
6 Comments »
By Sandie Lee
If you Blog it they will come.
Sometimes this statement is true. Other times it feels like a frustrating game of chance. I started Blogging in 2008 for fun and wasn’t really concerned about how many hits I got or who was following me; I Blogged what I wanted, when I wanted. My content reflected my personality and I thought that would be enough.
I was wrong.
Blogging is addicting (I’m sure a support group isn’t far off). I soon became more and more aware of the number of, or rather, lack of hits I was receiving. So I started doing some research into Blogging. My biggest question was…
“…what were others doing to make their Blogs a success?”
That’s a huge question with many different answers and I’m still learning. What works for one Blog may not work for you. However, in my research I did learn one very important thing – “what goes around comes around.”
Most Bloggers are really good about following you if you follow them. But don’t just click the follow button. Take some time to look around at what they have to offer. I love perusing other people’s work. I’ve learned a lot of new things and have even made some good friends just from reading a new Blog. And let’s face it we all love to see that little comment section beaming with new remarks – so leave one. I always respond to the folks who were nice enough to take the time to leave a comment, after all, it’s just good manners.
Visiting other Blogs also provides an excellent opportunity to see different formats. Every one is unique in its own way and I find you can learn a lot about the Blogger just by the layout and design they’ve chosen. Personally, I find a black or dark coloured background extremely hard on the eyes and I tend not to hang around long on these types of Blogs. I also find huge blocks of writing a bit daunting. Unless I’m really interested in the subject, I usually won’t take the time to read through it all. If you have a big subject to cover, try breaking it up into a couple of parts, add some pictures that are relevant to the post or get some quotes from someone in the field (if applicable).
Another great way to boost readership is to host a ‘Guest Blogger.’ Planning one day or even a few days a month to letting someone else take over your Blogging reins will bring a new perspective on a well-done topic or perhaps, even add a whole new element to your Blog. For example if your Blog is primarily about Moms, why not ask a stay-at-home mom for her time-saving tips or a mom who home-schools about how she handles teaching on top of everything else. Trust me, these folks will be flattered you asked and eager to help out, plus they will tell everyone they know to “check out their blog spot.”
If you’re not comfortable ‘giving over’ a guest spot on your Blog, do a question/answer interview with the person. This way you control the content and depending on the number of questions you ask, the length of the spot as well. If you find someone with similar interests offer to guest Blog for them. Swapping spots is an excellent way to cross-promote your Blog. In addition, I always put a direct link back to my guest spot along with any picture or logo I may have. It can be a very rewarding and fun way to promote your Blog and all it takes is a little time.
I’ve hosted a number of people from authors, business owners, to doctors and specialist in their fields and I’ve always been happy with the results. Not to mention, it gives you a day or two off from having to worry about what you’re going to write about.
So now that you have some new insight into Blogging…what are you waiting for? Get out there and do your thing. Don’t worry and don’t give up. Getting a good following takes time, patience and dedication. Keep your Blog fresh and up-to-date and most importantly remember…”when you Blog it, they WILL come.”
About the Author:
Sandie Lee is a freelance writer and “professional” Blogger. After a year of trial and error on her own Blog she landed a position as Blog Editor for SFC; Families Matter. With the success of this Blog, Sandie was looking for a new challenge. She is now the Blog Editor of Bumples Family First a cross-promotional Blog for Bumples Magazine.
6 Responses to “If You Blog it, Will They Come?”
Leave a Reply
January 26th, 2010 at 8:22 am
Hi Sandie,
Thanks for the tips. Finding an audience definitely takes time but worth it if it’s a topic you are passionate about!
January 26th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Hey Sandie:
I think you started off in the right way. You were having fun with it and built from there. Blogging is meant to be fun and it will show in your posts. People love to be around people who are having fun.
I thought your last sentence was critically important “…keep your Blog fresh and up-to-date…” Too many new bloggers aren’t following this golden rule, instead filling their blogs with bells and whistles.
Trish
http://www.yourhomebusinessroadmap.com
.-= Trish´s last blog ..Use What Works And Leave The Rest =-.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Thank you for the tips. I will definitely consider guest posting myself and inviting others to post on my blog.
.-= Malika Risley´s last blog ..Pregnancy Update, 37 Weeks =-.
January 31st, 2010 at 9:52 am
Excellent tips. Good Blogging manners is a must.
February 1st, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I’m totally with you on blogs that have black/dark backgrounds..not easy to read at all. I think the layout is just as important as the content when it comes to attracting and retaining readers. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Donna L. Johnson´s last blog ..What Entrepreneurs can Learn From Toyota’s Fall From Grace =-.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Good tips for getting started. I chose to self host my blog because I wanted more control over the look and site integration, but I definitely miss the reciprocal following that goes on at places like Blogger.
I also love the idea of interviews. Thanks for the great article!