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I've written before about how supportive and inspirational the blogging community can be, but have I mentioned that it can also be a little ... competitive?
I am. So. Not. Into. That.
Sure, I'll have an occasional peek at my post views and try to increase my Facebook following (if only because I like to share funny photos of American bald eagles superimposed onto the American flag), but I'm not into competing for campaigns, amassing over 5k Twitter followers, or being at every single blogger event that's happening in London.
Not really.
I'm kind of lazy. So I'd rather sit in my fleece robe, with my trapezoidal feet shoved into a pair of UGG slippers, slathering peanut butter onto a toasted sesame seed bagel and writing about family heirlooms. Which doesn't get very many page views.
That probably means that my blog isn't very "successful", but my definition of having a successful blog is much more than simply reaching a wide readership ... it's about the quality of engagement and encouraging existing readers to, well, you know, keep on reading (so thanks for coming back!).
In the spirit of competitiveness, there are bloggers who feel like blogging tips are their secrets to keep. Nuh uh. Blogging tips are my secrets to blab. I learned this from my blogging friend and idol, Runawaykiwi, who didn't hestitate to share everything she's learned about pitching, photography, social media, and more. But then again, Rebecca's incredibly generous.
So, in the spirit of sharing (and since I've newly embraced the title of "blogger"), I've compiled my top 7 tips for growing and maintaining your blog readership and shared it with the Bookmachine publishing community. Take a look at what I have to say here.
Because I believe that sharing is caring.
Did someone say fleece, peanut butter, and family heirlooms? That's much more my speed than a "blogger event" – the phrase alone makes me shudder and run for my thermal socks.
ReplyDeleteHaha, we're a match made in blogger heaven, Robin. ;)
DeleteGreat post Jaime. It took me forever to call myself a blogger... when I first started in Brussels, a friend of mine warned me not to tell anyone at work I was blogging because they wouldn't "get it" and might not take me seriously. Then at a work cocktail, a guy came up to me from across the room saying "Hey! You're JessInBelgium!! (old blog name). He's now a friend. And I've embraced the blogging. Funny how your perspective changes once you take it a little less seriously.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jess! And you're totally right about your perspective changing when you take it a little less seriously - I feel like that's a life lesson too!
DeleteReading your blog is one of the highlights of my week. Mainly because I haven't heard the word trapezoidal since primary school and I love a good nosey into real life (not fake, 'for the blog' life), family heirlooms and UGG slippers included. It's readable and refreshing and that's what makes you a certified successful blogger! Polly xx
ReplyDeleteYour tips are also excellent!!
Wow, Polly - I read your comment a few days ago, but I just didn't know how to respond. Thank you. So much. I know I've said it many times before, but it means the world to me to read a comment like that and really inspires me to keep writing. xx
DeleteSome great tips there, thanks. And I'm typing this while dressed in a fleecy dressing gown, with my feet in UGG slippers (aren't they just the best?).
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruth! UGG slippers ARE the best. I love mine and keep forgetting that I need to buy Mr. Angloyankophile a pair as his non-UGGs are getting a bit threadbare ...
DeleteThese are really useful tips! Especially the last about getting someone else to guest on your blog. That's a great alternative to the usual social-media-frenzy way of gaining readership. I'm horrible with social media. Despite the barrier of a screen, I'm still pretty shy about it all, so asking a blogger you're already familiar with to pen something for your blog is a great idea!
ReplyDelete