Numbers – how do you build them? A woman in one of my writing groups recently asked that question – how do you get more people to your blog? Because, let’s face it, getting people to visit is a big deal. Once they read, they’ll stick around … but how do you get them there?
I’m not going to call myself an expert here – I’m still learning. But I did share some of the techniques that I’ve used in the last 12 months. Here’s what I suggested to a novice blogger:
1) You need to have a THEME.
A Walk In My Shoes and Where Romance Meets Therapy are two excellent examples of themed blogs. I would avoid the instructional-themed blog. If people REALLY want to know how to write or what’s going on in the industry, they’ll look for Rachelle Gardner or Chip MacGregor. As a non-best-selling-author it’s important to have a consistent theme that’s also PERSONAL. My blog is basic – I’m going to post on it and share what I’m doing on my journey to get a novel published.
2) Visit other blogs and leave comments.
A GREAT way to get your name out there is to comment on other blogs (and not just, “Hey, come see my blog!” comments – really read and respond to the posts). This lets other people know you have a blog, and they might just stop by.
3) Make it interactive.
Invite people to comment. Ask questions. Chatterbox Chit Chat put up a fun puzzle.
4) GIVE SOMETHING AWAY!!
People love free stuff. It doesn’t matter what it is (I gave away a journal and pen that I picked up at a home builders expo!). My friend at Audience of One gave away a HUGE gift basket for her anniversary, but in order to enter you had to be a follower. I don’t require that on my blog (and she doesn’t with her smaller giveaways).
5) Invite others.
My followers started picking up when I started inviting other writers to contribute to my blog (if you’re interested, email me at kvbwrites(at)gmail(dot)com!). Twice a month I post things from other people. They will usually advertise it to their friends/family/followers, so people who never even knew I existed start reading my blog. Linda recently shared on my blog…one of her friends is now a follower.
6) Keep a schedule.
You can count on these things on my blog:
First day of the month – book giveaway
15th – “Your Story” – other writers’ stories about their journeys toward publication
Last two days of the month – published author interview (it’s this author who gives away a book on the first of the next month)
Also,
Monday/Friday – personal post (what’s happening with me)
Wednesday – writing prompt
Sometimes other things happen, so I’ll post on Tuesday/Thursday or the weekend. REGARDLESS of what is going on, however, there will ALWAYS be posts on those days. Katie has 3 Cs Mondays – Cares, Concerns, and Celebrations.
7) Make it attractive.
Sad but true (and I’m guilty of it) – people judge books by their covers. If it doesn’t LOOK interesting, people are more likely to skip it. I love Sherrinda’s style so I started following…then I fell in love with her posts!
8) Link it to everything.
I have a personal blog (my family lives in Vegas and I’m in northern Michigan) and a Facebook page. When something exciting happens on my writing blog (giveaways!) I always link it.
So … what do you guys think? Any other tips to share? What attracts YOU to a blog?
First, you have to have good content or people won't stick around (content is king!). But to attract readers, I've found that commenting on other blogs and participating in weekly "themes" or "memes" has brought the most traffic to my blog (Menu Plan Monday; Made By You Monday; Works for Me Wednesday, etc). My #1 post that has received the most hits: my recipe for Walking Tacos (of all things!) because I've linked to it on multiple memes.
Also, the more you link to yourself, the more you show up on websearches (SEO points).
I don't think attractiveness of a blog is all THAT important. I read all my blogs through Google reader so I rarely go to the actual blog. Yes, it's nice if it's pretty, but not necessary.
Check out savvyblogging.net and problogger.com for two great blogs on how to blog!
Thanks, Cam!
I love number 1! I think it's helped me out a lot and I choose other blogs based on how unique they are. I love that writers writer about their journey to publishing and some of the other things they enjoy, like shoes or being a parent. 🙂
Great wrap-up! And I love the look of your blog. Very cute!
Articles that point me to God. I really enjoy connecting with the writers and getting to know them better. It's hard to put a formula on it. Just those bloggites who want to journey hand in hand, I guess.
patti
http://www.pattilacy.com/blog