Most of us start blogs both because we want to write and we want to connect to others — if you weren’t interested in the connection piece, you’d just keep a private diary. But unlike other online communities like Facebook, where we go to connect to friends and family, most of us hope our blogs will reach beyond those immediate circles to the wider world.
While I like to cultivate the secret fantasy that the sheer force of my genius will propel my blog to viral fame, a three-book deal, and a recurring correspondent role on The Daily Show, my realistic blogger self knows that it takes time and effort to build an engaged readership. (Some genius doesn’t hurt.) (Also: Jon Stewart, call me. I’m totally available.)
The most effective way is to engage with others; being part of the blogosphere is being part of a community, which means you need to do more than just publish in your little blogular corner. If the scope of the blogosphere is a little overwhelming, break it down into manageable chunks: Five a Day.
Five whats a day? Five comments. Whenever you sit down at the computer to bang out a post or spend 15 minutes futzing on Twitter, commit to leaving five substantive comments on five different blogs. You can find them in a number of ways:
- Spend a few minutes serendipitously surfing the Reader, clicking on whatever looks interesting, or take a look at some offbeat topics.
- Click through the blogrolls or visit the commenters of bloggers you already enjoy, or of bloggers who’ve been featured on Discover.
- Encourage your readers to leave links to their favorites in your comments, so you can broaden your horizons.
Once you find a post that sucks you in from beginning to end, leave the blogger a real comment. Toss out a “Thanks!” or “Great post!” if you’d like, but be sure to take it further. Be specific about what you enjoyed, ask a question, offer a counterpoint, or share a related experience — anything that moves the conversation along.
The beauty of the blogosphere is that others are doing the same thing, and they’ll see and click on your interesting/witty/erudite comment, ultimately bringing you more traffic and more readers. If five a day feels like too much, then try four a day, or two a day. Heck, even one a day spreads your searing insights across seven new blogs a week.
The Five a Day method is not a path to overnight success; only an Oprah endorsement can do that. But it is the best way to build a community of engaged and loyal readers, commenters, and ultimately, friends.
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The five comments a day sounds like a great idea to not only get views but build a community as well. I will follow by your advice and see how it goes.
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Thanks for the words of encouragment.
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This is a really great tip. I have been blogging for a few years and have been making improvements. I am ready for blogosphere. Thank you for educating me and I wish you all the best.
Evelyn
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Thanks for this article! I’m new to the blog world so I like I’ll try this!!!
🙂
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Superlike! Thanks.
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Reblogged this on kidkave's Blog and commented:
Just like exercise…added to the list of things I should be doing:)
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Great article. Thanks for the advice. As a new writer, I am trying to get all the advice available.
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Thank you for the advice. I think people are afraid to comment. I am a newbie so every ounce of knowledge from others!
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That is the same as me!!! Virtual high five???? ✋???
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Great idea!! I myself am trying to balance blogging with my busy life!!!! Thanks for this great idea!!!
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Great post! Thanks for the 5 tips 😉
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Thank you for some great advice!
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1st comment of the day: Thanks for the tips, just what I was wondering about!
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Good advice!
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better to give five elaborated comments a day than to upload five new own posts!
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this is Great! Thanks for the tips, looking forward for more.. 🙂
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Thank you for your info!
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It’s a great idea. I’ll admit that I’m not browsing blogs every day (most, but not every). I will try to engage with more comments though! Oh, btw, if you DO get a call from JS, I want in too!
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This is a really great idea! I’ve recently started my blog and I’m struggling a wee bit with the traffic element and I think this will really help 🙂
Thanks for the ideas 😀
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Great advice on making 5 comments a day, Michelle. What I love about the blogosphere as opposed to other social media is people frequently leave thoughtful, witty and wonderful comments. Not just “lol,” “smh,” and other text talk.
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Thx Michelle,
I’m new at blogging so need all the help I can get. Keep well.
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Great post! Very clear and to the point yet a pleasure to read.
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Thank you, I am new so your advise is very helpful.
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Giving meaningful comments requires work and effort. But it’s well worth it. I love it when someone enjoys what I write and takes the time to tell me so. By all means, just leave a ‘great post’ or “Thanks’. It all feels good to the blogger.
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This is wonderful! Love reading your posts!
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Discipline. That’s the only way to get readers (well, that and writing interesting content). Thanks for the tip, I’ll try it.
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I love to write. I especially love responding to posts. I love to post questions and get responses. I love that people view my blog from many countries. My joy is in the giving. I have never written for profit.
I have not done any ministry for profit. I have never needed to. Most times I have to try and make it to the end of the month for giving. I don’t let any institution do my giving for me.
Most people want something free of cost, with no strings attached.
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really grt
http://interviewblogs.wordpress.com
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great post
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Oh this makes good sense! And let me make my first substantive comment of the day: If ever possible, comment or supply engaging multmedia when commenting or adding any content online. People pay attention. If you learn to make fancy gifs, you’re Golden.
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coll post
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Thank for the advice. I’m new at blogging and I thinking I have too many blogs!
Why does spell check not recognise the words ‘blog’ and ‘blogger?’
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