No writer can be successful without a supportive group of friends. The reality is, when you start a blog, no one is going to go looking for you. You’ve got to reach out and start looking for those like-minded folks who want to go on a long ride with you—to get on the bus with you, metaphorically speaking.
The most common mistake most bloggers make is thinking they can simply turn out several clever posts a week and the masses will show up and greet you with open arms. Wow, that would be cool wouldn’t it?
In reality, especially in the early days of building your online presence—your community—you’re going to be doing a lot of outreach. I’ve been doing this since I launched this blog six months ago. Here are some things I’ve learned through trial and error about encouraging people to get on the bus with you:
• Be a reliable driver. Just starting a blog isn’t enough, you’ve got to be be devoted to keeping it lively by posting several times a week (at least). Trust me, they’ll forget you quickly if you turn into a lazy driver.
• Go for rides on other people’s buses. Find the like-minded bloggers who you can pal up with and ride on their bus from time to time. Comment and guest post on their blogs. Spend some time building relationships in forums dedicated to your niche. It will probably bring you a whole new group of friends.
• Find riders who tweet. You might be sick of hearing me extol the virtues of Twitter, but hey, I wouldn’t steer you wrong, would I? I’ve been on that bus for awhile now. I promise you, It’s the place of the moment to find like-minded pals.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Maria,
This is great advice. Blogging is not a case of “build it and they will come.” You have to decide to partake in the online community in a meaningful way.
I’m still new to blogging (newer than 6 months) and I’m just learning all this stuff. This post really helps. I would like to add that writing good content isn’t enough, but it is still essential. Follow these steps AND write great posts.
@IsaacSweeney
I just celebrated my 3 year blogoversary! My advice is to comment on blogs like yours, that you like — and like-minded readers will find their way to you. I think that the blog listing sites are good too, but not as fun or direct as just reaching out to others. Bloggers are unselfish – we link to one another and support one another and help each other along.
You’ve got the coolest bus in town, M, and I enjoy the company of my fellow passengers.
I enjoy how you have developed the metaphor. I have just recently begun to see the power of Twitter. My problem is my blog is somewhat eclectic. Is it important to have a niche?
Right on, Maria. Very creative, yet dead-on analogy.
I’m gonna be Ralph Cramden and take folks wherever they want to go!
Cheers!
George
I think of blogging as the 21st century’s ’salon’. I love being able to pop into my friends’ lives, leave a comment or two, then scurry to visit another. It’s amazing to consider how the blogosphere community has enriched and broadened my life.
It is work, though, and takes time. Sometimes too much time. Every decent blog has an admirable bunch o’ links to follow, and then another batch to follow, and so one. Time that could/should be spent writing and reading. A difficult balance. Peace, Linda
Hi, Maria!
I just found out that you aren’t the editor at WD anymore, so I came to visit you over here. Boy, am I glad I did! I just LOVE your blog, and the advice for today is very timely for me as I am just now starting a brand new blog for my “writing family” of friends. It will be dedicated to talking about my life as a writer, my struggles, the joys, great sites (like yours!) that I discover, and stuff like that. Thanks for all the great advice you give–you are the best!
Let me know how I’m doing after a while, would you?
Thanks a lot!
Sincerely,
Cynde L. Hammond
Thanks all. Cindy, so nice to see you here and thanks for your positive remarks. I’ll be sure to check out your blog. Have a wonderful time with it!
Okay, I just declared I would never tweet on my blog.
Can I take back that statement?
I will, I will, I will tweet…but first, a few other things in order.
These posts have finally convinced me to go over the edge and start my own blog! I now need to start mingling– this particular article was REALLY useful to me.
My blog is brand brand new, so I would appreciate any feedback and even constructive criticism!
howtobeisraeli.blogspot.com
Great tips, sound and useful. My problem is I’m a butterfly. I’m interested in so many things and not so disciplined about sticking to the ones which overlap with my blog topic – complementary health.
For instance, the only reason I’m here is because I follow you on Twitter and I do that because I love books and would one day like to write one (me and the rest of the world, I know!) Having said that, your tips and thoughts on writing in general are also useful when I write my blog so indirectly it’s relevant. Fear not, I’ll be back, though I really must rein in the time I spend reading food, fashion and design blogs – it’s making me fat and broke!
Best wishes
Kimberley