Thanks
Sharon for having me as a guest on your blog. I’d like to share ideas that have
worked for me in growing my blog audience. I’m not an expert, but these things
have worked for me.
10
Ways to Grow a Blog
1.
Follow a variety of blogs, not just
other writers. It will expose your name to an entirely different audience
2.
Always provide links to help others
find some interesting content.
3.
Return comments. If some comments
on your blog, visit theirs in return. They were interested in you so show you
feel the same way.
4.
Keep your posts short. Most
bloggers are looking for quick, interesting posts. They will skim your long
post and not really get the point you were trying to make.
5.
Do more than shout, ‘buy my books.’
That leaves them no reason to comment or come back for the next post.
6.
Be yourself so people actually get
to know you. If they know you, hopefully, they will like you. I’ve made some
true friends through blogging.
7.
Add pictures to your posts. Book
covers, the snow-covered tree, your cat or dog, make it a little bit personal.
8.
Host guest on your blog and hope
their friends follow them to your blog. (Thanks,
Sharon).
9.
Promote your posts on other media
such as Twitter and Facebook.
10. Participate
in blog hops. I’m administrator in two big blog hops. Insecure
Writer’s Support Group had been around for more than three years. We
blog the first Wednesday of every month and share our woes, successes and offer
support and advise. The even bigger blog hop I help run is the Blogging
From A to Z Challenge. Last year over 2,000 bloggers participated. For
26 days in April, we post blogs where the content starts with a letter of the
alphabet. Letter A on April first, you get the picture. I highly recommend
both.
These are a few ideas
that have helped me. Can you add a few more ideas in your comment? Any blog
hops you recommend.
Susan Gourley writes high fantasy and also writes
science fiction romance as Susan Kelley. She is the author of the bestselling
science fiction romance series, The
Warriors of Gaviron and The
Recon Marines series. Her latest release is The
Warrior and the Governor. You can find her at Susan Says or
follow her on Twitter and like her page on Facebook.
These are all great ideas for growing a blog. I agree with them all. I tend to write a longer post myself (I can't keep it short, LOL) but I don't post every day, maybe once a week. I do though try to visit blogs that I follow whenever they post and leave a comment based on what they have written, trying to encourage if I can. Blogging to me is building relationships/friendships, that's why I enjoy it so much :)
ReplyDeletebetty
You're so right, Betty. My best online friends I met through blogging. Thanks for stopping by and adding to conversation.
DeleteThose are all great ideas! I think hosting guests is a good way to grow a blog, too! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been doing more of it lately. There are so many talented people who add good content. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteWow, Susan, you're right on the ball this morning! Wonderful tips to keep blogs fresh and bring awareness to bloggers! You're more than welcome to guest anytime on my blog! Great content! Cheers and best wishes!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you having me, Sharon, and making last minute adjustments because of the disaster which shall not be named.
DeleteSuper excellent list, Susan. Yet it still amazes me how many bloggers don't visit other blogs. They've even whined because they don't have followers. I think they misinterpret what blogging really is. It's not the same as the old newspaper columns where you had readers you never had to interact with.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good comparison to the newspaper columnists. You have to work to build a following and be a follower yourself.
DeleteGreat advice! Blogging can be a chore - or it can be enjoyed if you follow these tips.
ReplyDeleteMost days it's fun but there are days when I feel like I spend too much time with it.
DeleteI agree with your tips Susan. You have been a busy bee and I'm seeing you everywhere putting proof to items on your list :) I need to add pictures to my blogs. LOL. I do keep it short though and try to visit others and comment. I LOVE getting interactions on my posts
ReplyDeleteYou are a consistent blogger. You hardly miss a day, Michelle. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThese are definitely some fantastic tips. I'm terrible at #1 though. Writers writers and more writers, that's who I follow.
ReplyDeleteI do follow a lot of writers but a few other sorts too. Some people just produce interesting content.
DeleteThanks for the great tips, Susan! I need to work on following more people and using other forms of social media.
ReplyDeleteI think we're best off concentrating on only 2 or maybe 3 forms of social media. Obviously, blogging is my biggest one and then twitter.
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