Last week, I wrote a post about the 3 Secrets to Getting ‘Return’ Blog Followers and I received an astounding response. As readers and bloggers, this topic completely resonated with you. Many of you left some really thoughtful comments, some followed up with questions and others shared that the post made them reflect on their own following practices.
I love reading your comments, every single one of them. No comment ever goes unnoticed. As I mentioned in that post, a supportive blogger reaches out to others in some way; this certainly doesn’t mean a comment for every comment or visit for every visit. However, it does mean that it is important to get to know your readers because building a community means establishing relationships and making connections. If you don’t comment, respond, visit, email, tweet, chat or stumble at some point, then how are you really relating with your readership?
Blogging is interactive and engaging. When I publish a post I am sharing content but moreover, I am creating dialogue. This is never static. Blogging is an evolving process that is always changing and the dynamic that keeps this process changing is the interaction of its readership. Readership is the reason blogs continue to thrive.
For a moment, think of a super popular blog and the major following that blog has. Of course the blogger behind that blog makes it fabulous through compelling content and great blog design, but the readers that support those blogs are the very reason they reach superstar status. Essentially, blogging wouldn’t be much if the dynamic of interaction was not a major element. If this was the case, many blogs would have the comments turned off or be published privately without the public knowledge and recognition of others input. This is why as bloggers, we love comments! We want to continue the conversation and know that someone else is reading, interpreting and responding to our ideas.
So, how can you establish your own community and continue to build your readership? My answer is short: utilize social media to its fullest. If you want others to make a connection with you then you need to make a connection with them as well.
Now, I am certainly not a perfect blogger with all of the answers, nor do I claim to be. I am still learning as I go through this process as well. However, what I do know for sure is that the beauty of blogging is you can publish whatever you want because it is your blog. So while some bloggers are looking to build a following, others do not share in this goal. If you are looking to build a readership, then read on because I am sharing the two social media platforms that I use everyday and in my opinion, are essential for any blogger that wants to grow his/her blog.
Twitter is the number one way for others on the web to “find” you and your blog. Think about when you first started your blog. You created your first post and couldn’t wait until tons of comments came in. Then, you were disappointed to find that you only received three. Why? Not because your content was terrible or your design needed work. It’s because nobody knew you existed. You could have the most brilliant posts and gorgeous design, but it doesn’t matter if nobody knows where to find you. Twitter will help you to establish an online presence, but YOU have to make that happen. This takes a lot of time and hard work. You can’t just join Twitter and then tweet your own links all day long and never interact with anyone. Nobody wants to follow someone who only tweets about themselves.
Just like blogging, it’s a two way street. Do I promote my new posts and giveaways? Of course I do. But, I also use Twitter by maximizing its potential in which I begin a conversation, ask questions and put myself out there. I want to get to know my peeps and Twitter is the perfect place to establish those connections. Here’s a little experiment to try: The next time you are about to follow someone on Twitter take a peek at their stream. Are they tweeting with others and engaging in conversation or at others by just supplying a bunch of links? There is such a difference and those that engage in conversation are the ones who will be followed.
So if you are a new blogger, create an account and get started! If you are already using Twitter, then tweet more with those you follow and begin following others of interest and begin a dialogue. Get out there and start tweeting not just about your site, but with others and get to know them. You will be amazed at how this interaction will quickly build your following. At the same time, it will help you to promote some of your posts to potential readers that may not have found you otherwise. And don’t just tweet, retweet as well. Bloggers are very receptive to those who retweet their posts and you will find they will reciprocate the retweet love when you need it. You can check out my new custom Twitter background (I’m so freakin’ excited about it) and follow Theta Mom on Twitter here.
Facebook is the second best platform for others to “find” your blog and is a great place to make connections. Honestly, I was very hesitant at first about joining Facebook. Although I may post pictures of my children on this blog, I do not share their names, birthdays, etc., and since I don’t even share my last name, creating an account on Facebook didn’t seem so advantageous to me. This was until I learned you can create a fan page for your own website without having to “friend” everyone and their mom. {Although, I do think it is good karma to friend those that friend you, especially if they are fellow bloggers.}
Just like Twitter, sharing a new link or post on Facebook through a fan page can be seen by many instantly. Furthermore, once someone becomes a fan of your site, your link shows up on their page. So just like the power of Twitter, your link is now in a place to be “seen” by others who may not have found you otherwise. But again, you need to take the time to converse with your peeps, reply to their comments and get to know them. Just like Twitter, it takes time and effort to maintain these relationships, but it’s so worth it! You can become a fan of Theta Mom here.
So, what’s the bottom line? As many of you already know, building a readership takes a lot of time and hard work. A huge following doesn’t happen overnight, but by putting yourself out there to network through social media and connect with the very people who enjoy your blog will help to get you there.
Building a community means establishing relationships and making connections and at the end of the day, isn’t that what blogging is all about?
fab post, as usual really great tips. I am loving my first month on the www- who would have thought that so many great ladies are out there sharing ideas, conversations and tips. Looking forward to my second month.
Coryanne – That really is your comment above even though it’s my photo and Twitter address – I was editing the post title while you were leaving the original comment.
Great post! Everything you wrote above is so true!
Happy Friday Follow! I’ve been following you through GFC!
If you are interested, I have a $10 Starbucks GC giveaway going on right now on my blog!
Great follow up to your recent post. I’ve been on Twitter a few months and just starting to find my way around. I like it but I need to find more people on there. I also made a Facebook Fan Page just this week so I’m trying to work out how that will fit in to everything, it’s good fun though and that’s what’s important!
Jade
EXCELLENT post Heather! Thanks. I emailed this to a few friends who are just starting to get into blogging. I think they will find it very helpful. And honestly, I think you aready ARE one of the Super Bloggers!
Keep up the good work my friend.
p.s here’s my Twitter linky thingy
http://twitter.com/FranticMommy
Great post! There is so much to learn and every day I am learning new ways to connect with my readers and the blogging community. I have found that Twitter is such a great resource to get your name out there and let people know you do exist.
Happy Friday Follow!
Pretty and smart….scary and a bit jealous 😉
This is such great info for all bloggers and I’m going to retweet it for sure! I especially appreciated the Twitter info because I’ve been on there for a few months but only now feel like I’m starting to understand it a little. I’d love any more tips that anyone has though! And I can’t wait to check out your new background. Great post!!
Great post. I have a personal FB account but not one for Magically Ordinary. I have been hesitant to have one. Maybe I should just bite the bulllet!!
MagicallyOrdinary – In my opinion, you should! It’s just another place for thosethat follow you to read your posts and “find” you. Great for networking!
I know that Twitter is really great and all, I just can’t bring myself to do it. Poor Big Teeth will always be Twitter-traffic deprived, I have nonsensical objections to Twitter.
I’m in the same position as MagicallyOrdinary. I have been barely able to maintain my “regular” Facebook page. Even though, I KNOW your advice is excellent, I’m nervous about being able to keep up with my blog, Twitter and TWO Facebook pages. Oh yeah, and fit my actual writing work in there somewhere as well! Ha, ha!
You really are amazing, ThetaMom. I have no idea how you balance it all. Perhaps you can do some posts on that topic! (If you haven’t already. ;o)
Joey – I would love to hear what those are!
Sorry to comment twice. But I noticed your cool “add your Twitter username” thing-y at the bottom just now! Thanks!
Holly – Yeah!!! And to respond to your comment, if those seem interested, I would love to write a post about time management…I love this stuff!!!
thanks TM for the great advice! I know I’m not alone when I mention the difficulty of balancing a job, a family, my work as an artist, and all the social media stuff. I needed to re-connect with how important it is, as I’ve been rather burnt out lately with all the time it takes to tweet, FB, comment, etc.
PS: what widget is it that allows commenters to input their Twitter name?
Ok, I got a gravatar and think I set it up right…so I’m testing it out!
BOO! I did something wrong.
Heather this is a great post! I love reading tips from you because I would consider your blog a popular one. I started using Twitter a few weeks ago and I agree my numbers jumped dramatically. it takes a little getting used to but once you do it is cake and super fun!
Elizabeth- I’m not sure of the name of it, but I know if you search a plug-in for “add Twitter nam” you should find it. Thanks so much for stopping by!
The Mommyologist – It works!!!
This Mama Works It- I agree, twitter is so FUN!
What a great post! Thank you for such helpful information! New bloggers like me really need it!
Great ideas. I struggle with twitter due to not being able to “be” on it all day long. Do you have any tips for the amount of time per say to be on twitter or some software that helps show if someone responds to you (and you happen to not be on at that moment.)? Thanks for the advice!
Catherine – I think people who use twitter know they won’t get an “answer” instantly, especially if the person ahs logged off. As long as you respond at some point to recognize the question or tweet, I think that’s fine. Everytime I log on, I check my @ tweets first to see who tweeted me and who I may have missed.
The beauty of Twitter is the potential for your link to be retweeted, which in turn, will most likely be seen by many who would not have found you otherwise.
Thanks…advice that is practical, easy and cool to read. Will follow
I am just getting started in blogging, this was really helpful, thanks! Found you on MBC FFF, come follow back if you have time!
Diane
http://turning-the-clock-back.blogspot.com/
I love using twitter; it’s great networking and some of my readers have turned into close friends because we tweet at each other ALL the TIME. It’s an invaluable tool if you use it right.
Facebook I’m not so sure about. I haven’t made the jump to start promoting myself there yet. If you’re blogging anonymously (or like me, just REALLY don’t want your evil sister-in-law to read your blog) it might be hard to control who finds out about it and who doesn’t. It’s a double edged sword, it’s great promotion but you also can’t control how far that promotion goes. Tricky.
The Grumbles – This is true, you need to have a FB account in order to have a fan page, BUT you can control how much you want “out” there. I don’t provide any personalinfo, my last name, etc…I only post things that everyone can see on this blog…if you are post anonymously, then this may be more of a challenge.
Great post! I’ve been blogging for three months, and although I originally started it for a personal purpose after the birth of my daughter, I’ve had so much fun finding other blogs and making blogging friends. Now I want to grow my readership! I joined Twitter recently and am still figuring out how to really connect with others via my tweets. So glad I found you today!
Theta Mom as usual you always leave me speechless keep it up!!!!!!
great post! I’m on Twitter and Facebook but not as much as I should be. I became a fan of yours though
I like this post, but I have a question…how do you keep up with Twitter? It seems so time consuming. I have a Twitter account and maybe use it once a day or every other day. I would like to become more adept, but don’t know the actual steps it takes. Maybe a more detailed “how to Twitter” post is in order, no?
Heather, your posts are fantastic! I think you need to have a weekly thing about all this because your advice is invaluable. I have been able to build a community of over 100 followers, and some great relationships, based on your advice and help. You really are a great blogger and one of the most supportive interactive ones out there. I know you have helped a lot of us, love, love, love these posts!
Another great post! These are helpful tips especially for someone who has started blogging (like myself). I’m more concerned about getting loyal readers than a huge following. I do enjoy reading new blogs, and meeting new people around the world, and interacting with others.
Appreciate all the info and tips!
These are great tips! I am trying to find more time to use twitter and facebook. I always love reading your posts because I always learn something new.
I couldn’t agree with you more Theta Mom! Twitter and FB are your biggest allies in this crazy blogging world! Use them, but use them wisely. It’s like any other offline relationship you have, they require give and take to grow and thrive…it’s not going be overnight, but it will pay off!
Thanks for such a helpful and thought-provoking post (as usual). And Happy Friday to you!
http://thepursuitofmommyness.com/
I love blogging for the sheer interaction it provides. Great great post and tips especially for new bloggers.
I have always said that the number of little boxes you have on your follower list matter nothing…. it’s the daily interaction and the return bloggers that keep the ship afloat.
Fist pump sistah!
xoxo
supah
Spot on post! All so very true. I am building my fan page now and learning so much about FB. I think I’ll post my roller coaster of an experience next week!
I love Twitter for this very reason. An opportunity to “talk” to the people you meet in the blog-o-phere. I haven’t used Facebook much to promote my blog a whole lot yet. I do have a fan page. But I feel like I want to keep my personal Facebook page mostly for friends I know in IRL. I keep in touch with a lot friends spread out over the country with Facebook. I don’t want their stuff buried in a sea of updates from people I don’t really know. That being said there are few bloggy friends I’ve friended on Facebook. You’re one of them.
Ladies – Thank you for the incredible input.
Arizonamamma – I think just a daily interaciton on Twitter is essential…it’s sort of like checking in with your friends to see how they are doing, just like email.
Supah – That was exactly the point of this post. The daily interaction is what makes blogging so worth while and an incredible experience!
You are so wise ThetaMama!
Creating a dialogue is the most important thing. I love hearing what people have to say about my posts and I also love reading other blogs.
When you visit someones blog religiously and they never acknowledge your two cents, you become a little discouraged as a follower.
You said something interesting about posting pictures of your kids. I get a little nervous about that since I do use his name often. As well, I am a tad nervous about FB. I have a personal page but am somewhat hesitant about utilizing it for my blog. I have been playing around with a fan page, but for some reason don’t totally understand how to separate the two. Still learning!!
KanesMom – To separate the two, leave a link on your blog for readers to become a fan. Readers can become a fan without necessarily having to be “friends” with you. And I am all about really thinking about what I want published on my personal page. As I’ve mentioned, I do NOT share ANY personal information. If I get friended my someone in real life that I actually know, then I will send them a private message and we communicate that way. Not the whole world has to know every detail about my life and family. That’s the beauty of blogging, we publish what we are comfortable with, and the same should go for FB.
Hi Heather!
Thanks for following up on your post of last week. Great stuff! I am on Twitter, but haven’t made good use of it. Sometimes, it is all I can do to keep up with Facebook and my blog. I would DEFINITELY love to hear your time management tips. I am always time-challenged. ;0)
I agree with others here, you are a wonderful resource, a huge encouragement and such a caring, genuine person! Is is any wonder you’re so popular?! ;0) Happy Valentine’s Day!
Melinda – OMG! You made my day with that comment, thank you! This interaction and connection…is why I love to blog so much.
Thanks for the great post and last weeks too. I haven’t gotten a twitter account yet. Think I might have to this weekend. And I didn’t know about the fan thing on FB, thanks!
This is great advice for new bloggers and bloggers who have been at it for quite sometime. I’m still working on understanding Twitter, and this post has given me more incentive.
Have a great weekend! 😀
I actually just created a Twitter account for my blog last week! I’m still not too sure how it all works, but I’m slowly learning!!
If anybody is looking for another Twitter friend — I’d love to be her!
~ Jenn
What a great post!!
I have sadly fell behind in my commenting with everyone these days. Life got in the way. I have missed your blog (and you especially) SO MUCH!!!
Again, great post. Great tips.
Thanks so much for the positive feedback on this post ladies!