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!!!
thanks for this post! I find myself returning to blogs that I have common ground with (namely parenting), but I also love special interest blogs like review/giveaway blogs, humor blogs, social/political blogs, inspirational blogs. I mix it up!
You know, Blogger doesn’t do a very good job at allowing me to reply to comments. I can respond to only some people via email when the comments come in. I really enjoy the conversation and getting to know my followers better as well. Would love to know of a plug in or a better way to do this!
KanesMom- I don’t think there is anything you can do on the Blogger platform in reference to a response thread to specific comments, other than the email option. That’s why with WP, this is a major draw since you can add plug-ins as much as you like.
I love reading blogs and commenting, but when I can’ t find where to comment, I usually don’t return. Fun topics and a giveaway now and then that interest me will keep me going back.
as usual u r a fab writer!
Hey girl. Another great post.
I love coming back to blogs that feel personable such as yours. I don’t feel like you’re talking at me but talking to me. I also like that you have participation with your readers. You really want to know how they feel about a subject. In other words, you care about your readers. Who doesn’t want to return to that?
Your blog design is easy on my eyes and I know where everything is. Not too cluttered.
Heather, when I grow up I want to be just like you!!! The decision has been made. xox :)))
Jasmine – You are so sweet! But what you said is key: Talking to readers, not at them…such a difference! So glad you love coming to Theta Mom!
I’m here from Friday Follow, althoughugh you are also on my blogroll and I visit occasionally. One of the big things I’ve noticed is that I tend to visit the blogs that I subscribe or link to much more often than those I merely follow.
Of course, following them, keeps them in the back of my mind, but I chk my email daily and am at my own blog often enough that see names and want to visit blogs like yours, GoGrahamGo, Icefairy, and an assortment of others that I read regularly.
I’m pretty new to blogging (only a little over 50 posts) so I am learning what it is that I like in a blog! I like humor and photography, book reviews and food posts. So I guess a little bit of everything!
I don’t really understand following quite yet, I don’t think. I feel like I should only follow someone if I think that I would be able to go and comment on their blog a couple of times a week and I liked what they had to say. But maybe following is more than that? I’m not sure!
Hope you are having a great weekend! Happy SITS Saturday!
I agree, relatable and well-written. Those are my 2 biggest. Personally, I find smaller entries keep my attention better, because with kids now I don’t have time to read volumes. I also don’t like a lot of drama or controversy.
Awesome post, Theta Mom. You know, I got my blog switched to a website because when I was very new to blogging I thought that it was the only way I could have a direct email sent out to followers who wanted it. It was a mistake because now I have a nice website, but none of the cool features of a blog (like being able to use peoples buttons and linkys and things like that.) Anyway, I’m thinking about changing back to a blogger site or wordpress, now that I have a little more understanding, but I am also afraid to lose readership doing this. What a mess. You have an awesome site and you have awesome blog etiquitte too. You are such a generous and supportive bloggy friend to have. And you have created a wonderful community with your site! I admire you.
I return when I “connect” with something that I read… Identify.
I love blogs that have a great design and actually great posts. I see some that aren’t well written and frustrate me because of the wording, grammer, punctuation, etc… I’m very picky about that! lol
I try to make my blog good to read and return to as well. I’m just starting off and such, but I hope that one day I will be able to have loyal readers just as you do!! I actually have a question if you can!
I’m starting to host a giveaway and I’m not exactly sure where I promote it… Do you know of any place?
No matter how many blogs I follow, I try to comment on ALL of them as much as possible. Now that I am reading all the posts in reader, it is MUCH easier to do that now!! So even if I don’t have the time to comment on all of them, I will always read them!
~WM
Great post! New reader! Looking forward to being inspired. I enjoyed this post and the one about moving to wordpress…I am tempted but scared.
I am still putting my Blog together but I follow many Blogs and the ones I return to are for the common interest content, the Blog design (it has to be easy to navigate & find things as well as easy to post)
One Blog I read very often but the posting option is of a sign in I am unfamiliar with… I tend not to comment so often even though I would love to just because I am not familiar w/ disquss (?) and typepad sign in (I am not registered w/ them and don’t intend to be) Posting as a guest and then adding in who I am still gets looked over many times by many Bloggers… This should be something that is thought about though because I know many Bloggesr are not friendly to Anonymous comments…
I also return to Blogs when they are well written but it is still a mixture of all aspects. If it is well written content but hard to find the content or if the page is just “ugly” (& I know this is not really a lot people can do about unless they can afford someone to design a page for them) But it is a put off.
I love your Blog. I tend to read more than post and I am working on that. But keep going with what you are doing. The first thing that attracted me was your design, It is lovely! Then the content being well written and things like this. Subjects I am interested in…
I like to know my comments are read but also not every single comment… that isn’t necessary but an occassional word back- especially if there is a question involved.
One blog I like/liked I would post question about something in the post and never hear back or even a post on the comment… I don’t read that blog anymore… it happens.
Luv2CUSmile – Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment, but your blog link does not come up…
I read and value every single comment. I am so appreciative of another blogger taking the time to let me know their thoughts about a particular post. And I saw your comment a few posts back and was so excited that you were once a “luker” now commenting!
Since you don’t have your link up, I’ll send you an email for answering questions.
I am a new follower – thanks for stopping by my blog from Follow Friday!
I will return to blogs for several reasons. If I really, really like the blog and never hear from the blogger via comments or replying to a comment – I will still follow and read if I TRULY like their blog. But the main reason I find I keep going back is because the bloggers that have now become friends because of communication and interest in each other’s blog. You feel like you know each other and are a part of each other’s lives! I love making new friends and friendship is a 2 way street!
Your blog is one I always come to. I love all types of blogs but I love the blogs who always respond back and make me feel like I’m wanted for being there. Friendships! There are so many great blogs that do that. Great post as always girl!
When something is perfectly stated, what more is there to say? Thanks for a well-done post.
Another great post Heather! And THAT is why I come back to thetamom!
I often wonder the same thing…and feel that I’m learning a little more along the way.
I wonder if bloggers would be interested in a blog hop where we all can give our thoughts & opinions on the things the like most about eachothers blogs and what we think could be improved…. Terrible idea?
Complicated Mama – I love that idea! But, I think you would have to set some ground rules so it was more helpful and resourceful. Maybe a focus on the positives and the things the blogger is doing well…I am going to tweet you now and suggest you start it up girl!
You tweeted about this again – and here I am!
All your 3 points are important.
I’d like to add one important thing: N O T too long posts.
I follow a zillion blogs. I don’t have time to read a novel but I would have time to read a PART of a novel.
Why? Because all the bloggers do not post every day that gives me time to read many blogs during the week.
Those who blog every day, sometimes many posts per day, I have to skip.
I love to share! And promote!
But it should be both ways.
One of the excuses “I’m too busy to visit your blogs” sounds…excuse.
Blogging is giving and getting, sharing. Not only getting.
I’ve noticed that it takes time to get your own audience. You have to be active. Leave comments. A LOT of comments.
Why? Because even if you left a comment that blogger may never come to your site. Don’t just sit and wait. Act.
I prefer loyal readers…those who I’m able to get to know (virtually, met couple) but in time you learn quite a bit of them…
Even if I follow (too) many blogs I don’t comment every post.
Sometimes my head is so empty I don’t have nothing to say. Sometimes it’s better to shut up than say something stupid (done that too!).
ps. well written – that’s a thorn on my skin – English is not my mother tongue so I’m always little bit worried if there’re huge mistakes…but I have my email address so I wish people would let me know if I’ve written something totally wrong. But I try! And enjoy!
Thanks for sharing this post!
Have a great Sunday!
I want to be able to read the blog entry in under 3 minutes and learn something to improve my life!
I’m also fairly new to the blogging world – I tend to read blogs that are well written and funny or sweet.. I’m not a big crafter or project person so I tend to just peek into those blogs… but I always try to respond to anyone who posts on my blog and to support sites like SITS… btw, please stop by my blog when you get a chance – I mention your blog in today’s post 😉
Thanks so much Heather – I am heading over now!
Oh how perfect! I totally agree on all your points and it’s for this reason that I follow AND gave you an award on my blog.
I try so hard to have meaningful content that’s well proofed. Often times I draft and draft again in the weee hours and schedule postings in the next morning. I’m relatively new to the blog world but I try not to post, just for posting sake. Even though I’m true American, English is kind of my [ha ha joking,] 2nd language and still needs improvement. Blogging has been a great way to strengthen some weaknesses. How true that one blog could have 100s of followers and only get a handful of commenter and TRUE readers. Same goes for the opposite. Great topic!
Excellent post! I find myself wanting to check into the blogs I follow but I don’t always stay for too long if they don’t have a post I’m interested in reading or if it hasn’t been updated. Of course, what keeps me interested is a really well written post I can relate to. Sometimes, when all I see is giveaway after giveaway, I’m turned off. I really like to be inspired.
BTW, I chose you for the Honest Scrap Award! 😉
This blog post was so excellent, it inspired me to write my own on the subject.
http://skooksplayground.blogspot.com/2010/02/blogging-why-read-and-why-write.html
I’d just copy it over here, but it’s long-ish.
Thanks for the advice! Great point about returning comments to your readers!
Thank you so much Skooks! Heading over to check it out now!
For me, content is one of the biggest. And I just need to feel like I can relate to them, like they’re an actual friend.
Content is huge. I need to relate and learn something or be inspired. Or at least laugh! I love photos…they help me connect. And I need to be able to skim a long post and see where it’s going in order to stay with it.
I am beginning to wonder if I’d follow my own blog!!
Giveaway at my blog by the way–ending Monday night!
Great post. I totally get the simple blog styles. Sometimes I feel that mine might be too simple…but…I can’t handle clutter. Even on my bloggie blog blog. Your colors are like eye candy
I need to feel as if I am welcome to that blog. Be that because they reply or respond to the comments I make or because we start talking through email or chat. It’s connecting with the person. There are a lot of very popular blogs out there but some of them don’t feel as if it is possible to get to know the blogger.
Jen – I couldn’t agree more. Building relationships is part of this process and the more accessable a blogger is, more of a connection can be made.
I return time and again to bloggers whose content is well-written, engaging, smart, funny (usually but not always), and with whom I feel a connection. Frequently that’s a midlife connection (but again not always). Younger bloggers who write interesting posts will have me returning regularly too.
I completely agree. People need to remember that blogging is about community. You get back what you give. If you are a blogger, make sure to engage with your readers, reply to their comments. I also take time to comment on other blogs. When people post on my Wordless Wednesdays, I make sure to check out the people who linked to me.
What brings me back? Blog design. Nothing too flashy that makes me head hurt, or makes me cringe. Great content. I also envy some of the bigger bloggers and also learn something from them. How do they get readers? Why do people come back? I learn something from every one of the blogs in my reader.
Wow, these are the EXACT same reasons for me!! (That must be why I like your blog, haha) Thank you so much for your comment on my post last week letting me know you are following mine, it is a real honor!!
What timely information. I am in my infancy of blogging and still learning. When I started my blog it was something completely different than what it is now. Part of my blog’s transformation has to do with the community. I try to follow blogs that I really relate to and enjoy reading. I also try to comment often … wouldn’t have thought to do that until I became a blogger and now I know how thrilled I am every time I get a comment or a new follower. It is cyber validation that I am doing something that matters.
PS – I am now a follower of your blog. Looking forward to reading more!
Excellent post. Great advice.
I love all kinds of blogs. The ones I visit the most are the ones that comment on my personal posts. That tells me that they want to get to know me:) I agree with one of the other comments about shorter posts. Sometimes I don’t have time to read a lot of blogs, so I have to skip some of the longer posts to get to more sites.
Just loved this post… coming from SITS. Random, but are you going to Bloggy Boot Camp in Baltimore?
Where to begin….I follow blogs that have content I like and good writing as well as blogs that are easy to move through. I want to be inspired or to learn something. I find their are some blogs that I am not initially interested in, but somewhere/somehow find a “bond” or common ground with the blogger.
I think you have exceptional blog etiquette. Many blogs who have large followings never respond to a comment…or when you link with their Mr. Linky. If I find someone with a big following…I will comment, link up etc….if the crickets are still chirping after a few visits…I will not follow unless their content is exceptional…but I have not found that to be the case yet…Oh I am sounding mean/critical. I usual give people a few chances…I know I have missed people on accident too!
I continue to visit blogs who continue to visit mine…which is turning out to mean I rarely even get to the reader/dashboard. Since I am still new(ish), I am trying to figure out the whole process, especially when it comes to time management.
If someone comments on my blog, I will go back and visit theirs and comment. Sometimes I follow right then and there…other times I spend more time perusing their blog. If I visit a blog and cannot relate to their content…I often won’t even comment.
I am starting to babble…Must get off the computer…NOW!
This is what makes me want to follow a blog:
Those who update regularly. It does not have to be every single day, but every few days is nice.
I like their writing style.
Clean site is very important. Too busy or too long to download an I am on to something else. Maybe I am ADD?
I do not bookmark sites, because I am always floating from one computer in our house to another. My life with 5 children requires that. So, it is easier to just add blogs I like to my sidebar so I can easily see who has updated and if I want to check their latest post out.
They seem like someone I want to network with or can learn from. Be it someone that has a weekly blog carnival, or blog hop, or blog party, or what ever they are calling it.
I also add blogs who I know I can link back to. If you write about a topic I am interested in or can learn from, I love to share this stuff with my readers. So why reinvent the wheel? I like to dedicate a post to them- telling my readers ‘hey, you’ve gotta check this out!’, link it to their site and share it with my readers. If I’ve done that, you are likely on my blog list in my sidebar as well. I then also FB and tweet it to share with as many as possible.
I currently have 50 blogs on my blog list. I revise it all the time. Adding to it those I find and like, or removing those who did not end up being as intersting or forthcoming as I had hoped.
Great question. Helpful to all !
Ladies – The response to this post was amazing. You each clearly have passionate views about why you follow and return to blogs. Be sure to check back later in the week, as I am currently drafting a follow-up post to this awesome discussion!
All of your points, ditto! One other thing for me, I love laughing. So if a blog makes me laugh, I am there! I have several Autism mom friends from Ireland who crakc me up daily and through SITS I just found BoredMommy who I laugh so hard at I wake my kids!!! Now that, will have me coming back for me for sure!
And I wanted to reply to KanesMom above, not sure if she’ll ever see, but I downloaded IntenseDebate and then added the CommentLuv plugin on top of that and now can reply to posts and emails with one click! It wasn’t really easy, but doable. And the creator is very helpful, he basically held my hand while I got it up and running!
Laughter and education is what brings me back. I “follow” a ton of blogs but I found if I add a blog to my blogroll I will read it more often. Adding yours now
I tend to follow blogs that are witty and humorous! I also follow blogs that I have a common interest in, blogs that seem “honest” to me, where you can tell that the person is really “putting themselves out there!”