When I think back to just a mere two years ago, I knew NOTHING about blogs. I assumed that people who blogged were smelly, hairy, warty, horn-rimmed spectacles wearing men living in their parents’ basement. In these past two years, I’ve learned a lot about blogging and have come a long way from having no readers and no commenters to having more readers and commenters than I ever would have imagined. (Which, by the way, is WAY less than lots of other “big name” bloggers.)
I plan on writing these blog tips based solely about MY experiences promoting my blog. Some of these things I’ve learned go against things I’ve read on blogging at sites like Problogger and The Blog Herald. Conversely, many of these things are a result of reading those aforementioned sites and getting great ideas.
So let’s start talking tips, shall we?!
My first tip! Subscribe to Problogger and The Blog Herald. Read their tips, many are quite helpful. Of course, lots of the things talked about at those sites go right over my head. Also, read Jenny from Absolutely Bananas blogging tips posts at Seattle Mom Blogs. They are a MUST READ.
Second tip!
Write, write, write, write, write. Without a solid basis of at least decent writing skills, I would still have zero readers. Am I a great writer, probably not, but I am MUCH improved. Click here to read one of my early posts. **shudders at it’s horrendousness** (There are many, many, many more where that came from.)
I hate to sound like the movie Field of Dreams, but if you write well, they will come. And they will come back again. If you’re like me and write so-so, there are a few things to get people to visit your blog and maybe even return more than once. Here’s a list of topics I’ll cover in the coming weeks…
2. Blogging promotion sites (Some have been better traffic generators for me than others.)
3. Social networking sites (Another time suck or worthwhile traffic generator? Details at 10.)
4. Blog Design
Overall Blog Design
Sidebars and Pages
5. Being a member of the blogging community
6. Your brand
7. Feeds
8. Time Management
Last and DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY not least…don’t take all this blogging stuff so seriously. Don’t let the number of comments/hits/subscribers you have make or break your day. Really. Blogging for most of us is a hobby, and will always be a hobby. Just have fun!
If there is something that isn’t on the list that you’d like me to talk about, just ask in the comments, k?
Class dismissed.
Damn. I was JUST thinking about asking you to do something like this for AllMediocre.com. I’ll have to come up with something else.
Oh-and you forgot to tell people to join AM. Duh. It’s going to be huge and people are totally going to want to join…if they haven’t already. :0) Because we’re going to be the next big Bloggy networking thing. For Reals.
:0)
AMomTwoBoys’s last blog post..Surprise!
And hey look at that! First comment! Yay me!
AMomTwoBoys’s last blog post..Surprise!
Thanks for the info! You have great tips and solid ideas of how to go about this blogging thing. I’ve been doing it for a little over a year now, and I’m learning more and more everyday!
Oh and I second heading over to Absolutely Bananas. Been there and her tips definitely marry up to yours.
Kudos for your advice.
Jill’s last blog post..International Show
Don’t forget the part about emailing people you totally don’t know and asking them how to do stuff. Cuz, ya know, that’s what I did LOL
I look forward to reading more of your tips – and I’m heading over to Absolutely Bananas’ thing now
Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You’s last blog post..Photo Hunter – Shoes (again)
Oh and the 2nd link you provided to the blog herald doesn’t work – you used “theblogherald” when it’s just “blogherald”
Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You’s last blog post..Photo Hunter – Shoes (again)
Great tips! Can’t wait to see more
catnip’s last blog post..life’s little irritations #6
you got parts of my to do list in there, aw man! Seriously, I knew so little when I started last year and I know I have a way to go.
Jennifer’s last blog post..No words for this
thanks for taking the time to left the pathetic such as myself.
ellinghouse’s last blog post..rocks in her diaper
Wow! I so need this. I blog with a friend (Greta) and we started in January. We’re babes in the woods. So I’m going to stay tuned.
I love that you describe it as a “hobby.” It really is the first hobby i’ve ever tried that I actually think I can stick with. Every other hobby I”ve tried involves a hot glue gun and quickly degenerates into a gooey mess and quiting.
Thank you!
kiki’s last blog post..Back Feels to Traction Heals: Vol. I*
Cool! I look forward to hearing more.
I had to realize that I am writing my blog for me, it is nice to sit back and read how I was feeling just a few months ago. I don’t keep a journal for fear someone in the house would get a hold of it and read it, but I put my life out there for all….*snicker*
Heather’s last blog post..Awesomely Comfortable
Totally off topic – well not really – but are you going to BlogHer?
Maria’s last blog post..Tramp Stamped.
Yes I am going to BlogHer, how about you?
Can’t wait to get you your insight. I think its really interesting on how each blogger approaches the whole readership thng.
I one thing that I love abot your blog is it appears your doing it primarily for yourself and don’t need no stinkin ads. Atleast it appears that way.
Jean’s last blog post..Did You Really Think You Could Get Rid Of Me That Easily?
Well, I do have ads on my site, but I’m VERY realistic about the fact that I’m not going to make a living doing this whole blogging thing.
The way I look at my ads is that getting paid SOMETHING to do what I really enjoy is better than NOTHING.
And for those curious, I’ve never made more than $50 in one month from the ads.
Hooray! I’m really excited for this “class.” I’m especially eager to figure out where to turn to get some help fancy-ing up the design of my blog!
Thanks.
mep’s last blog post..Oui, oui, so fit will wii be!
Thank you for sharing these because there are an awful lot of us that need help. I can’t wait to read the future ones.
Mary Beth’s last blog post..GARDENING UPDATE
Don’t forget the flame-proof suit you’ll need to invest in when you *do* get popular for the people that comment or email you out of the blue feeling like they need to judge you for some offhand comment you make. @@
Thanks for the tips, both today and upcoming.
Brianne’s last blog post..Reason #5: Support
Thanks for the tips, I’m still a newbie (almost 3 months yay).
Jen’s last blog post..Heatwave on Bike Week
The twitter thing is taking soooooooo lonnnnnnnnng to load. So! long!
I think the problem is that teaching people to be good bloggers is like teaching people to be good actors or good writers or good ballerinas: the parts that are teachable are such a small part of whether it works or not.
Swistle’s last blog post..I Don’t Know What You’re Talking About
I love that all my info is already filled in down here
Sweet! Thank you so much for this post! I’m looking forward to more tips…Lord knows I need ‘em!
flickrlovr’s last blog post..I’m Joining Haiku Fridays!
Hey – thanks for the tips. Sometimes I think about trying to get serious about getting more traffic, but it seems like a lot of work. And really, I try to remind myself why I started this in the first place. Making “friends” from strangers has just been an added bonus!
And I’m glad you’ve changed Carson’s pseudo name from Peanut. (i was just reading through your old posts you linked to.)
Cathy’s last blog post..Just Trying to Make You All Feel Better
Ooh, Swistle is as usual so right. Some blogs are popular for indescribable reasons – they have something that appeals to people and resonates with them that is difficult to teach.
A lot of it really is about the writing. I’ve seen a few people who try their darndest to get into this crazy blogging thing by joining every social network possible or by leaving a ton of generic comments on other blogs. Sadly, the quality of the writing (or the entertainment factor of the posts) just isn’t there to keep a huge group of readers coming back for more. (And for the record, my dear, I do think you’re more than a so-so writer.)
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – not everyone can be a super-popular blogger. If you have a small community of readers and enjoy writing your blog for yourself I think it can still be fulfilling. It’s not always about the numbers (remind me of this next time I’m depressed by my stats).
Excellent tips! I look forward to the next installment.
andi’s last blog post..Dumbassery makes for excellent blog fodder
Can’t wait to hear more. I have a whole issue with responding to comments and reading other blogs. I simply can not get around anymore. Bittersweet, I suppose.
ohmommy’s last blog post..Caption Challenge
Good on you for doing this. I have subscribed to Problogger but rarely have time to read. So I just wing it.
I think blogging is such a strange beast. Some blogs that I think are amazing, generate no traffic, while others that I find banal have tons. It all comes down to getting out there and being seen without being a nuisance I think.
Looking forward to your social networking post. I have found it less than useless in bringing in new traffic.
Kelley’s last blog post..Damn. I wasted my wishes.
great advice Jennifer -sometimes we forget who we are blogging for – if we stop enjoying it we should stop.
I am excited to hear your views and hints.Bring it on.
Trish’s last blog post..Smiley Saturday – Peace Globe Project
Great tips! Thanks!
I never thought I’d be excited about summer school, but I think your class might be the bee’s knees!
wright’s last blog post..Haiku Friday – Lounging
So-so writer? Oh, please, don’t be so modest. You’re an awesome writer. Even during a holiday weekend you’ve got 27 comments so far. I’ve barely had that many visitors per day.
Great tips. I read Problogger already, although I didn’t know about The Blog Herald. Will have to check that one out.
Christina’s last blog post..Haiku Friday: Administrative Haiku
hmm…don’t know if it’s something that can be taught…but there are certain things that can help a blogger keep people from clicking that little “x” at the top…for example…i read exactly ONE blog that has white writing on a dark background. it’s painful for my eyes and therefore, i can’t stick around.
things that will grab my attention and keep me coming back?
1. if it’s funny, witty, clever, insightful. i read blogs to be entertained. unless you are a personal friend, i really don’t care what you do at every minute of every day.
2. it it’s got a nice, clean layout. doesn’t have to be fancy, just easy to read and navigate.
3. if it doesn’t have autoplay music. HATE that.
4. if the posts aren’t SUPERlong. i just don’t have the time or the patience. or, if you have a lot to say, break it up with pictures or SOMETHING.
that being said, i super puffy pink heart you and your site. you entertain me every day…that’s why i keep coming back.
GREAT post!
Cant wait to read more in this series. I’ve been blogging for years and years now but still feel like I have so much to learn, especially now that everyone and thier dog has a blog!
Erin’s last blog post..CGPA III
I might be a total computer geek… in fact, my entire career is centered around computers and the internet… but I have never been a blogging person. Dont know why…
As an older than usual blogger – 49 – I am in dire need of technical info how tos.
Example :
Tried to add kirtsy button. Followed the skimpy directions & gave up since there wasn’t enough info for me. Even tried to use the crtl F option to search for where I needed to input the code.
How can I find this info ? Would even be willing to pay someone to tutor me online.
Jackie’s last blog post..Large Gazebo with stage area …
Problogger is where I go for tips and inspiration.
Great idea for a post.
blogversary’s last blog post..windows
duly noted.
I do none of the above.
too motivated for me I think.
and time consuming.
I just write.
MizFit’s last blog post..(If youre in the USA) HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY.
Oh my goodness. Do I need this. I literally just started this week and am feeling a bit freaked out. Can’t wait to read more. Thanks.
One of these days I am going to move my blog up a step… thanks for the tips… I’ll be in class.
I must write horribly! I do have a small group of core readers, but I think they read me because they have come to know me somewhat personally. I am terrible at attracting and retaining new readers!
Devilish Southern Belle’s last blog post..Recovering from the weekend – and it’s long.
Thanks for the tips!
CourtneyRyan’s last blog post..4 hours of moving stuff, 3 hours to paint, 2 states and 1 new apartment…(not necessarily in that order!)
I look forward to learning a few things from one of my favorite bloggers! I remember when I fist started you took the time to give me some tips, that helped me out alot. Did I ever say THANKS? I can use a lot of help, heh!
justmylife’s last blog post..I’m Back, It’s True! WooHoo!!!
What a great blog entry, filled with a lot of useful tid bits!!
Tena’s last blog post..Thursday Thirteen and Music
[...] Part 1 is HERE. Bookmark It Hide Sites [...]
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I’m sorry I’m late for class. I promise to do all of my assignments on time. I’ve already added Problogger and The Blog Herald to my favorites on del.icio.us.
Maryes last blog post..FromTwilight to Breaking Dawn
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