I was recently reading a post about what makes you subscribe to a blog. The author posed some really good questions and it made me reflect on why I follow a blog and I would love to take this conversation a step further…
As bloggers, we follow blogs for various reasons; there are many platforms that bring bloggers together, as well as those with supportive communities…and the list goes on.
But as many blogs that you choose to follow and vice-versa, what makes you not only follow, but return to that blog again and again?
For example, you could subscribe to over 300 blogs but really only read and comment on 30 of those weekly. This brings me to the question…out of the many blogs you end up choosing to follow, which are the kind of blogs that you return to again and again no matter what? The kind of blog that if you are pressed for time will be one to visit on your list?
I strive to be one of those blogs that you follow and return to, not ever wanting to miss a post. So when I think of the blogs that I follow, I wanted to share my top three reasons of what brings me back to those blogs again and again:
- A blog with well written content that I can relate to: A blogger that posts about topics I can easily connect with is a major draw for me. It doesn’t necessarily have to be about motherhood; any well written post about a topic I can sincerely relate to will get me hooked.
- A clean blog design with easy navigation: I enjoy blogs that are easy to navigate with just a few clicks. If I want to peek into the archives or get to know more about the blogger, I don’t want to have to go searching for it. And easy navigation does not have to mean a fancy blog design, just a clean design that doesn’t take away from the content.
- A blog that encourages support of its readers: I like a supportive blogger who encourages comments and wants to continue the conversation. How boring would blogging be if you never got a response? A blogger that shows support of its readers is what brings me back again and again. And I certainly don’t mean a comment for every comment. In a perfect bloggy world this would be fabulous, but we all know how unrealistic that goal would be. I’ve tried to keep up and it’s impossible. So, how do you show support? It can be displayed in various ways to fellow bloggers: via a reply to a comment, a visit to the blog, a link back to a blogger within a post, an email, a tweet or retweet of a post, the sharing of a post on Facebook, a Stumble of a particular post, a chat on a community message board, a recommendation of a blogger to another, etc… There are so many ways to help promote and show other bloggers support, so I like to return to blogs that encourage this as well.
So now I would love to hear from you! After you choose to follow a blog, what makes you return again and again? And if you are a new follower, welcome! I am so glad you are here at Theta Mom and can’t wait to check out your blog!!!
Mimi- I couldn’t agree more…they do feel like friends!
I think you hit the nail on the head with your 3 rules. I am newer to being followed, following and commenting, and I’m learning more about responding to comments — mostly because I never knew to expect any kind of response, so I’ve just started noticing that some of my favorite blogs comment back or email me a response. But I also wonder, “Do these commenters really WANT to hear back from me?” 😀
I mostly just like blogs that I can relate to, and especially blogs that make me laugh!
You get it right every time!
I have lost track of how many blogs I follow but there are only a few that I visit on a regular basis. I am extremely busy these days but I always make time for those bloggers with great content and supportive bloggers!
Have a great weekend!
I love this post b/c I’m always thinking about to show support to those that visit and comment on my blog. If someone comments, I always try to make sure that I visit their blog and comment back. If someone follows, I return the follow. Comments are automatically emailed to my yahoo account so that I can individually reply from time to time, and I enjoy these side conversations as well.
My question is this: Once you have a lot of followers (I only currently have 33) how do you reciprocate comments on any sort of regular basis – I don’t know how you ladies with a bazillion comments and followers do it!? It’s so much to keep up with, but I want to.
This is a really interesting read. I really believe your last suggestion is the key.
I would also add that posting regularly is very important. I often stop checking on bloggers that don’t post regularly.
I love this post! And, don’t tell anyone I was here, because I am not commenting today. But, I think the style of writing and then I feel a certain connection that makes me coming back for more. Just a feeling I get…I know, I’m a bit on the weird side!!
I think short, concise, focused posts that I can relate to. If the posts are long and meandering, I just move on. I don’t have the time.
I love blogs with resources and tips, too — book reviews and recipes — things that I can use TODAY to make my life better.
This is a great post! And everything you say is true. I keep coming back to the ones that have relevance to my life. I don’t often click on the blogs I follow that are really heavy on the giveaways. I want to connect with people – better myself and make some friends in the process. The ones who are looking for the things below the surface of life – that’s what brings me back. Thanks for making me think about it!
Ugh. There are two blogs I have visited where the navigation to just READ THEIR POST is so attrocious that I click the “x” in the corner.
While these women may be funny, or interesting, I will never know.
I also have issues with blogs that make you jump through hoops to comment. It is really a pain to have to enter x,y, and z, when all I want to say is – “Wow, I really connect with you.”
Blogs that make laugh, and aren’t too extremely long in content keep me coming back. I’m the one who skips over the descriptions in books. I like to go straight for the dialogue…and that’s what I like to read.
so glad you wrote about this.
i visit blogs with moms/women i connect with… funny, sarcastic, witty…. and can write!! i love well written things, even if it’s a difference of opinions. i like content that is not too long to read, but that still has content. I’m a full time working mom so my time is limited.
I like blogs that form relationships with me! i love meeting and connecting with other women. i don’t expect a comment back or a reply EVERY time, but it is nice to know they acknowledge you have visited.
that having been said, I do feel bad that I don’t visit blogs as often as i’d like. i used to have a job that i could visit blogs all the time in my “spare” time… i just don’t have as much spare time at work any more. i’m trying b/c i know that’s how to get return visitors.
honestly… one thing that helps me……. is to get email notifications!! i ALWAYS check my email so when i get blog posts in my email (like Theta Mom) i WILL definitely read it. so i do subscribe to blogs that i know i don’t want to miss anything!!!
I am going through issues right now because I follow way to many and I don’t know who to drop. I am here all day at my computer letting my housework go. Acutally a simple post is nice. I do enjoy photos in a post.
Light and airy is good. I have several people who are must reads. Then I have many that I enjoy following but if I go on and the post goes on forever sometimes I just move on. I don’t always do short and sweet posts but that is one of my goals.
Stopped by the Friday follow. As it turns out, I already follow you!
Come visit me at Mom-et-al.com
-Maria
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I agree with posting on a regular basis. If I go to a site that hasn’t been updated in a week I keep moving. It makes me feel as if no one is home. If I comment often on a site & they never come to comment on my site I eventially stop visiting. Hope that doesn’t sound selfish but I think that’s apart of communication. If the site is extremely busy & cluttered I keep moving as well as extremely long post unless you’re really interesting.
I just realized recently that you can respond via email after several bloggers had emailed me recently in regards to comments I had made on their blogs. I learn something new everyday! I think all three of those things are important. What a great topic.
I agree. I am here following you via Friday Follow. Now as I go down the list of links, I often find myself skipping along, not following, because I don’t want to read their blog again. FF is great, but not just to follow everyone in order to get followers. It’s about finding blogs you can relate to.
I find that I return to blogs for a lot of the same reasons most everyone has stated. That sense of connection or relationship. Relatable content. But I also return to blogs that inspire me in some way. Whether it is reading about a weight-loss victory, getting a little more organized, or just being a better mommy blogess. I am always inspired in some way when I read your blog. You create such a great sense of community and connection with your readers, it is something I strive to have as well some day! Thanks for the great post.
Heather,
Do you have a system or “schedule” for visiting blogs? I have been trying to develop a good one for months, but it seems like I end up with a very random way of doing it and the more followers I get (which is great! ;0), the harder it gets. I really WANT to build relationships, but it seems like there’s just not enough time to visit everyone. Do you have any tips/methods? Thanks!
Melinda – This is a great question, and I am finding it harder to keep up. I know WP has a plug-in where a reply to a comment will not only appear in my comments on my blog but will automatically be emailed to that person. I think this is a fabulous feature to let the person know their comment was not only read but valued…so, I need to add that plug-in. Chances are, you are not coming back right now to read my reply, but if it was directly sent to you, you would get it.
I’m thinking of doing a follow up post to this, sharing some of the things I have found work for me. Do you think this would interest others? If not, I will email you.
Wow, great advice. I agree!
Stopped by and following you from FF! Great blog! I am a new follower.
mommysblessings.blogspot.com
I agree about responding to comments, it doesn’t have to be every comment but some of them interaction is key, not a canned automatic email after commenting. I have gotten a few of those recently and it really bothered me. Also good content, not just pictures.
Excellent points.
I stop visiting blogs if I don’t get any return comments. And I do try to make my way through my huge list of blogs, but it takes a looooong time. I love following up on a witty comment or answering a question by email. The personal connection – that really would sum it up completely.
Your one of my top blogs
Embarrassingly I find this blogging stuff hard. I’m not sure why, but I find if I sit on the computer for too long I end up feeling guilty and like I should be ‘doing something’ despite desperately wanting to pay more attention to the blogs I follow and build those relationships. I’m finding that I really do feel a loyalty to certain bloggers, not for just showing me support but also for their stories.
Well written and funny stuff usually pulls me in. I also like posts that have a point. Funnily enough that is not something I have mastered yet. One of my new year resolutions was to get better at blogging, get a desk top (being on a laptop in a living room when 100 things are going on is seriously distracting) and a desk! design a new blog layout, set time aside and post about things that are in my head not just about things that have happened!
I’d be really interested in reading your follow up post for this.
This is a great post. Im guilty of some of the no no’s, Im learning though!
I’ve seen this one blog, where just about every post, her heart is smiling or swelling because of her husband, kids, father in law, you name it, theyve made her heart swell.
Im sorry but the only time my kids make my heart swell is when I feel like Im having a coronary when they are acting their crazy little ages! Other than that, if my heart is swelling Im going straight to the ER! haha Then she lets her husband write which is fine if he has his own opinions and own style but his heart is swollen just like hers! Just BS.
It’s all about content for me. I belong to SITS so I read a new blog almost every day. If their featured posts seem interesting I’ll often follow them for a week or so to see if we mesh. I try to make sure I comment on everyone’s blog that’s commented on mine (although I have a lot less comments than you do so it’s easier for me).
great article…
for google friend connect…if it blocks me…i just start following with another account…like twitter…and just add the blogs on google reader manually…some how twitter has unlimited quota..it never gets google friend connect tired..
just back from India…i am hoeing that followers will come back!!!
i am not sure i was clear..
google friend connect..lets you sign in with various accounts..i just sign in with my twitter account when google account starts acting weird!
Shraddha – It’s wonderful to see you back! I’ll be heading over to your blog after I get the kids to bed!
I follow blogs that interest me-most of the time the topics of posts are things that I can connect with. However, even though I might find a topic and site interesting, if I take the time to make a comment, and this blog does nothing to encourage me to revisit (pay me a visit, reply to my comment, or any other means of communication with me), I may still “follow” but I don’t go back…
Hmmm this is a good question and it’s tough to say. I guess the ones that I go back to over and over are the ones that consistently post topics that I can relate to. I know that sounds a bit silly over here because I’m not a mom yet, but one day I will be. And when I am you better believe I will be taking my Time Outs.
The tips are so helpful and motivational! I can’t wait to work on my Heartfelt Home Creations blog this weekend! Thank you!
Following from the FF linkup. Hope to see you at http://luvsjurn3.blogspot.com soon!
You are so right. Those are definitely the things that makes me want to return to blogs over and over. Well written and well put!
Great post! And so true. These are the same things that bring me back to a blog again and again. That return effort is what really does it. If I comment and comment and never receive a reply or return visit, I usually end up unfollowing no matter how good the content. I like being friends with those who read my blog!
I have a handful of blogs I always visit. Life is busy and hectic! It’s kind of a turn off when the writer of a blog never responds to comments though. Makes me wonder why they blog…
I love commenting on other writers sites and always encourage comments on my blog. A spirited dialogue is fun!
Sometimes I send readers free egg rolls if it’s a really good one..
I like to visit blogs that are funny and witty. It’s like a getaway from the real world.
I also like to visit blogs from persons that are dealing with similiar things that I’m going through at the time.
I always try to reply back to those that comment on my blog, it just takes a couple of days.
Hi! Thank you so much for following me! I want to tell you that I totally agree with your post here. I love to read blogs that are engaging and fun. Bloggers who are real and communicate well. Great post!! I’m your newest follower!
Amanda- Spirited dialogue is fun and I need that reply plug-in!
I agree with you about quality content, but most of all it’s the relationship that develops between you and the other blogger that brings you back. You look forward to hearing what they have to say because you enjoy being around them…like you would a friend – pretty simple really. I’ve actually unsubscribed to blogs that I liked as far as content because the owners were nowhere to be found. I’d leave comment after comment and never get a peep out of them. I’m sorry; that’s not the way this blogging thing works. You have to be interactive with your readers.
Kellie – Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Great post. I’m a new follower from Friday Follow.
For me it is easy, if I enjoy reading the post – I email subscribe so that new posts go right to my inbox. I love to sit and read posts when I have a few minutes here and there throughout my day, but I am not always at my computer so I appreciate when the full post is included in the feed. Yes, it cuts down on page views, but the question is whether the attention of people for a post is more important than actually visiting the site daily.
I also encourage people to become a fan on Facebook so they find out when new posts go up. 
I am now typing this comment for the third time, so I apologize if it’s abrupt or weird. I read a blog a lot if they comment on my blog, they make me laugh, or I know them in real life. That’s all.
Blogs that make me laugh, or give something of value like great recipes or craft ideas. I have a load of blogs in my feed reader, and lately I’ve have a hard time keeping up with reading them. As a blogger I’ve been working at trying to build more community with my readers. Again it’s just finding the time. Stopping by from SITS Saturday Sharefest.
Mommie Daze – I know, it’s the time that we all don’t have, so we have to make the most of it. I just stopped by your blog, so glad to re-connect with you again!
I like to read interesting, well-written posts, and awesome photos are a Big plus! If a blogger has something meaningful to say, I’ll be returning. SITS sent me by, and I’m glad they did!
Where Have All the Robins Gone?
I love blogs that I can relate to, are easy to read, and are informative.
You’re for sure a blog I return to! You listed all the right reasons, too! I like easy to read blogs, that offer me a look inside the bloggers life, funny stories, and posts that cover a variety of subjects!
I agree with what you said and would just add that, like you, I strive to make my blog one others will want to return to and read. The struggle comes in that I believe the best blogs are the ones where the person is authentic. A great blog must be a mesh of the authenticity of the blogger with content that others want to read.
As a side, I follow and read a mix of blogs, some make me laugh, some inform me and some just make me feel good. What I won’t follow is anything negative or vulgar.
Content is definitely #1 on my list. Comments that show the person read and understood what I wrote – agreeing with what I wrote is not necessary. If I get comments that require an answer back – I’ll email that blogger directly, or it will turn into another post idea.
I always make time to come back to your blog.