Starting out with a new blog is never easy; how to get followers to read your blog and how to get people to leave real comments. Sound like you? Whether your new or been around for a while, we all at some point have been through this and for some, you either figured out a different approach or created a niche worthy of traffic. That is not to say that your blog is no more relevant or worthy of a visit right, but you have to consider what you are not doing to drive traffic and getting people to leave feedback.
Traffic and comments go hand in hand when you are trying to figure out how well your blog is actually doing. There are all kinds of method of measurements that you can use to decipher what works and what does not, but does it actually answer your problem? Probably not, so what truly works and what actually does not? In this guide I will show you what works to get feedback and how to develop your blog one day at a time.
Traffic:
- Blog Design: you only get one chance to make a first impression. Whether you’re using Blogger or WordPress, select your template and backgrounds carefully. Do they make sense with your niche? Do the colors match? People are not crazy for powerful bright colors or something that will make their eyes hurt. Look at other sites in your niche to see how their template design works to develop ideas and inspiration.
- Fonts: Picking out some crazy font can scare off customers if it does not seem to make sense with your niche. Keep your font to the standard normal font that everyone is using to see and play around with it till you get the style you want. Brankica, from “Blog Like A Star“, has the best font on her blog and it’s easy on the eyes. Remember it has to work with your site or it will not make sense.
- Template or Theme: Think about your niche and the topics you will talk about on your blog; does the theme make sense with your blog? If you have a blog that talks about various subjects like food, try using a “Magazine” style theme to make your blog pop as this will help coordinate and manage the various topics around your niche. If you talk about Movies, choose a template that will allow for pictures and videos to let your readers to see and visualize the previews about each movie. You have to think outside the box with your topic or niche to decipher what makes sense and how well it works together.
- Categories: Are you utilizing your tool bar to create categories for other topics? I think some blogs that do not allow users to check out every aspect of a blog leaves other areas of your blog off the table. Add sub categories to keep your blog organized and easy for your readers or potential readers to get around your blog and add a site map or archives to keep it all together.
- Social Media: Are you utilizing these features to allow people to become a “fan” of your blog? Can people find a section on your blog to follow you? Do you use plugins that would make it easier for future readers to follow you? Do not make this easy part of your blog hard to find. Add social icons or plugins so you can reach fans with a simple click.
- Comment other blogs: I cannot say this enough on how beneficial it is utilizing this when you are starting out. Unless you have a product or niche that will go viral, no one knows who you are. By visiting other blogs and commenting, you get to leave a link to your blog if users want to click back to your blog. When they click on your name it will link them right back to your blog automatically so make sure when you fill out the form that you include your website url (not in the comment section).
- Set aside time: Pick a day during the week where you can consistently sit down and read other blogs and comment accordingly. If you write posts on one day, choose a time where you can devote some time to commenting on your favorite blogs. Check out Twitter for post ideas and new ideas. You will be amazed at what comes across your tweet stream minute by minute.
- Leave well thought out comments: Leaving comments like, “Follow me, I will follow you”, is lame and no blogger likes to see comments like that. If you see a post that actually resonates with you, leave a comment that showcases that. People want to see you actually understood their point and how you really feel about it. Your feedback is what lets them know they are doing something right and how they can work off that next. Most times, comments they see from their readers can trigger off another blog topic for a later post. When you make well thought out comments, you are adding “value” to the conversation already going on. From time to time you might see other reader reply to your comment in agreement and this can escalate into connecting with other bloggers you do not know based on how you both feel about a particular subject. Roll with it and network.
- Consistency: Don’t just visit a blog, comment and then never come back. Make it a point, if you genuinely liked that blog to revisit often as time allows, and comment more. Bloggers love when they get repeat visits from the same blogger and generate more candid comments. The blogger will take notice and you can create a strong connection with them in the future. I found this to work for my blog, where I was able to connect with experienced bloggers all the time. Bloggers will support you when they see the genuine support for them.
- Join Forums: Forums are an excellent place to start to meet new bloggers and network like crazy. You can learn allot from other bloggers on what to do and what not to do. Some people like Blog Hops (not a fan) and some people do not. Whatever works for you try and emulate what does work in your blog, but use a different way to get your blog to stand out? Forums are keen to ask questions on how to do certain things with your blog and find topics for your blog. Find like bloggers in your niche and network with them on a consistent basis.
- Have you ever left comments that were less then, only to improve that later?
- Do you get comments from other bloggers that you had to delete?
- What other tactics do you use to get comments on your blog?
- Do you feel leaving comments is more of a chore or fun?
- Do you struggle with time constraints that prevent you from doing this?
nylse
I like this post.
(dofollow)
anytime I leave a comment it’s well thought out and it has gotten me additional followers. then they are blogs that i follow and leave comments, but they dont return the favor.
I like leaving comments, esp if its because something i read resonated with me. i try not to leave empty comments.
Time is always an issue, but i’m working on it.
nylse recently posted..Don’t Know, Don’t Show or Don’t Care…….
Sonia
Hey Nysle, it’s very important to just let me other bloggers know you liked their work. People want to be acknowledged just like the next person and it’s great to see feedback, good or bad as well. I am glad you enjoyed this post and it’s always nice to see you. Hey by the way, did you ever go to Maggiano’s from that gift card I sent you?
Twitter: LogAllot
Steve
Sonia,
blog commenting is essential for success. Particularly early on a bloggers career.the important part for new blogger is knowing how to do it right.
SPammy and useless comments are…Spammy and useless.
Anyone new who follows your steps outlined here will be well on their way to greater blog success.
(dofollow)
Steve recently posted..6 Eye-Catching Graphics that ALL Blogs Need
Twitter: stevescott1
Sonia
Welcome Steve! It took a while before I got how important this was and the more I started visiting other blogs the better my writing skills had become. All the reading you do really helps hone in your own blog skills and what areas you can improve. It’s very important and very beneficial to any blogger starting out. Thanks Steve for the visit and I hope to see you again!
Twitter: LogAllot
HaitianPhoenix
I have seriously slacked on commenting on others’ blogs and I have to resume, because now it’s apparent in receiving comments. I guess it’s really true that in order to receive you must give. Thanks for the reminder!
(dofollow)
HaitianPhoenix recently posted..Elevator of life
Sonia
Hey how have you been? I haven’t seen you in so long. Glad to see that your back and I look forward to seeing you more.
Twitter: LogAllot
Eddie Gear
Sonia, Nice blog you have here. For me comments are all about engaging readers and I know that readers are finding something useful with the content or building a link to their blogs. I am happy my blog can help them.
(dofollow)
Eddie Gear recently posted..UPrinting.com Business Cards Giveaway, Winner Announced
Sonia
Welcome Eddie! How are you and thank you for the compliment. Commenting is everything and it helps people understand who you truly are. We get to walk away knowing we left our mark on their blog. Thanks for the visit and I hope to see you again!
Twitter: LogAllot
Radu
Hello Sonia,
I’m using some of your tips already whenever i’m doing blogcommenting. To be honest, you get more success when you read a little and you’re polite. At least for me these 2 tips are working like a charm.
Sonia
I agree it helps to treat others good and be polite.
Twitter: LogAllot
Larry Lourcey
Great point about setting aside time. You have to schedule it or you will spend waaay too much time on it. At least, that has been my experience.
(dofollow)
Larry Lourcey recently posted..Differences Matter: Out Yourself and Celebrate
Sonia
Welcome Larry! Setting a schedule totally made life so much more “sane” for my blog posting. I was dying trying to find time and it was making lose concentration worrying on when I needed to post next. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and visit.
Twitter: LogAllot
Vivian Kendricks
Thank you for posting this tips. I totally agree. Starting to build your own blog is difficult but maintaining and managing it is not easy as well. You have to know a lot of ways to promote your creations.
(dofollow)
Vivian Kendricks recently posted..Vivian published an article: Creating Loyalty Through Branding.
Sonia
I agree Vivian, but for most, they have no clue where to begin. It’s truly a learning process and I really appreciate the comment and the visit. I clicked over to the site you’re on and will have to join.
Twitter: LogAllot
Fawn
Great post! I am an avid blog commenter and set aside time each day to go to other blogs and comment. And it is absolutely true that doing so always reaps a similar return. The only thing I’m not a fan of is when other bloggers promote their blogs in the comment section on my blog. I’ve not had that happen much (thank goodness) and I think most bloggers know that isn’t the best way to network. But it’s great that you pointed it out in your article for all those who may be new to this and not know.
(dofollow)
Fawn recently posted..How This Club Came to Be
Twitter: HappyWivesClub
Ameena Falchetto
Interesting as always Sonia!
I have HAD to identify a few blogs to frequent because my time online is limited to I have to make time for it.
My biggest thing is to remember that comments are not a business model. Writing comments and replying to them on my own site can be a really laborious task (One I’ve been neglecting recently) – it’s a double edged sword – I want comments but I don’t have time to reply … then when I don’t get many comments I sit and question why! LOL!
I’ve had to put a commenting policy on my blog just to stop people linking to themselves – I have commentluv like you so that should be enough link love! But other than that I let the comments fly .. I guess I’ve not “arrived” yet as I have never had a bad/abusive comment.
I do know that there are few sites I can go and comment on and will get comments back in a few hours but does that bring me business? No. Does it help build a community? Maybe. Some are more diligent than I am and 1 comment received is one given back. I don’t apply that rule – maybe I should?
Signing off before I write a post in reply to yours!
(dofollow)
Ameena Falchetto recently posted..Which Social Media Channels?
Twitter: ameenafalchetto
Sonia
Hi Ameena! I think quite honestly, people have to do what they can with their blog and comments. I would say reply when you have time. I for one completely understand not having a ton of time and having to balance out a full time job (not the parenting part) and trying to multi-task all at once and run your blog. You do a great job with your blog and you’re very consistent. That says allot more than what others do.
Twitter: LogAllot
Ameena Falchetto
Thanks Sonia! That means a lot!!
(dofollow)
Ameena Falchetto recently posted..Which Social Media Channels?
Twitter: ameenafalchetto
Peter Lee
Sonia,
I like your idea of setting aside time for reading blogs and commenting. I sometimes spent too much time reading and commenting on other blogs until I didn’t spend time doing things for my own blog
Peter
(dofollow)
Peter Lee recently posted..How To Stay Safe Online
Twitter: com_howtoguide
Sonia
Welcome Peter! It took me awhile to get that and I am glad I learned early on. Although it’s a great practice, leaving any type of comment is lame, but a well-thought out comment goes a long way. Thank you for your visit and taking the time to read this post. Thanks Peter!
Twitter: LogAllot