When I started blogging, I had no followers, just like the rest of you. I just started off by making a post that said “Hi, I’m new to blogging!” then by posting whatever I wanted to blog about. For the most part, that’s writing-related posts, but I don’t limit myself to that. I also posted thoughts on other matters such as Barbie dolls and the Alex Day scandal, as well as blue Sour Patch Kids and the title of “Basic Bitch.”
While my followers mostly look at my writing posts, which is evident in the comments and views following the day I post it, the broader topics are the ones getting my blog on the top of Google. People come here looking for basic bitches, Alex Day, and motivational posts. Overall, those viewers contribute very little, never leave comments (or when they do, they’re ignorant ones like BITCH HOW DARE U SAY DAT bleh bleh blah that I filter out) and never have an account to like or follow me, but the truth is that those views are the ones we need.
I published a book in September and I’ve posted links to it EVERYWHERE. I put it at the end of my most Googled post, put it in the sidebar, have a link in the menu to my author blog… basically, if you come to my blog, you’re going to see it. I check the stats page every day and there are always clicks on my Amazon and author blog links. That means that some of the people who are coming to my blog are looking at my book! That’s great! It doesn’t matter that it’s only 5 people a day and they don’t buy it. Considering that I’m still new to blogging, I think it’s a pretty significant accomplishment.
Tips to make your blog more visible:
- Give every post a good title. Don’t make it “This is how I do it” before going into your workout routine. “This is how I do it” means nothing to most people. “Tips For a Great Workout Routine For Lazy People” is obviously better.
- Repeat yourself. See how I have my title for this post and then the title of this list? Both phrases can be used by Google to find me, rather than just one.
- Vary what you post, but not too much. If your blog has no theme, you’re not going to get as many followers (unless you happen to be funny). I post mostly about writing and self-publishing, as well as book reviews, but I don’t hesitate to post something else that’s on my mind. My followers see that most of my posts are relevant, and people from Google find the non-relevant ones.
- Comment on other blogs. Not just a “Alright!” or “Congrats!” I admit that I do that, but only when I genuinely want to congratulate the person. When you want someone to check out your blog, do NOT post “Oh hey check out my blog.” Add to the discussion with a similar problem you’ve been facing or with a polite opposing view. Not only is the blog owner more likely to check out your blog, but if it’s a bigger blog, their followers may as well.
- Don’t be fake. You don’t want meaningless followers. Sure, it looks good to have 500 followers, but does it mean anything if they never comment on your stuff? If they don’t care about your book or your life, they’re just a number? Don’t sell your blog as a fashion blog and then critique feminism. Don’t title your blog “My Witty Ramblings” and then complain about college the whole time. Market yourself correctly so that the right people will see you.
- Make each post the best that it can. Lots of people are turned off by bad grammar and spelling. If I click on a blog that looks interesting but they have a mistake in whatever post happens to be on the top, I click away and never return.
- Don’t spam your followers. Have a book coming out? Then yes, feel free to mention that in ever post. However, don’t just post six posts saying, “MY BOOK IS COMING OUT.” That’s how you lose followers. Make a post about editing, then marketing, then how you’re handling your nerves. If you’re selling something, let everyone know that by making it visible, but unless it is the sole focus of your blog (as in, no blog posts, you’re just here for a business website) you need to make people want to come to your blog in the first place to see what you’re selling.
On an unrelated note, I almost died last night because the interstate turned to ice and I had no idea until I saw the other accidents. For those of you in the north, remember to drive safely!
Great tips! I must admit, I should be commenting on posts much more than I do now.
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I have the same problem, I’ll read a post and exit before I think to share my thoughts on it.
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Great tips! Thanks for sharing 😉
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I really like these tips!
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I’m having trouble finding time to post, follow, like, comment, etc. and produce the art that originally inspired me to start a blog in the first place. I’m a bit overwhelmed, although I’m trying. Thanks for an insightful article.
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I think it’s probably a form of writing block. Just try to remember what got you excited about blogging in the first place.
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Thanks! 🙂
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Thanks for the tips! I seriously need to work on my editing. I usually type a post, save it to drafts, read it a couple hours later fixing the minor bugs I find then publish. I’m not sure I’m critiquing strict enough. I’m good to leave comments. And thanks to Dream Big, Dream Often, I’m finding new blogs to read 🙂
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We’re always going to miss errors in our own work. As long as you get most of them I wouldn’t stress over it. You can always fix them later 🙂
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Thanks for the tips! Getting a real and engaged audience is the most difficult thing when blogging so learning new tips for getting your blog noticed are always something I look for. Great post!
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Thanks 🙂
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I enjoyed your tips. One of the most frustrating things for me as a blogger is to have people hit the like button, but never leave comments. The same is true for Google + where they +1 you but rarely comment. I don’t know, maybe it is my writing but I do have followers that just don’t comment. I’m going to pin this on my Blogging Tips board on Pinterest. Thanks. 🙂
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I know I am guilty of that but when it happens I always feel like someone walked past me at work at said “that was great!” then ran away before I knew what they were talking about.
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This was a great read and I’ve noted down a few of the points you made. Every little helps, right? So, thank you x
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Glad I could help 🙂
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Lovely tips! Came across your blog through Danny’s blog 😊
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Insightful and very useful tips…thanks for sharing :). I am a newbie and have been blogging for a few months so it is nice to meet you 🙂 and learn from you too. I will be checking out your book as well…all the best with your marketing efforts for it.
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Thank you so much, glad I could help 🙂
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Great tips! I need to work on some but have been mostly doing some of them from the beginning. It’s all a process, mainly a learning process… but also a process in making sure we’re reliable and consistent.
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Very good advice.
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