Part of the joy of being a blogger is the ability and opportunity to connect with people all over the world. Our readers and fellow bloggers can offer a lot of valuable feedback and motivation for our blogs so it is important that we spend time working on building those relationships. In this chat, we will revisit the topic of building our blog’s communities and the tools that help us do that.
Blog_Trends
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Q1 Why is it important to build a community around my blog? How important is social media in this process? #BlogTrends
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| TheAdoredLife |
@Blog_Trends There are days where your friends just don’t understand blogging issues and a simple tweet from a friend is amazing #blogtrends |
| blackblondeone |
@Blog_Trends A1 Blogging is all about communities. Without gaining meaningful connections, it wouldn’t be the same! #blogtrends |
| WokeUpPretty |
@Blog_Trends A1. In this day and age, social media is imperative to get more readers and also to learn more from others. #BlogTrends |
| blackblondeone |
A1 Social media is helpful in the initial connection, but I love emailing readers to thank them and truly find a commonality. #blogtrends |
| Her_Castle |
A1. I think the community is important for a blog, but I also think it sort of grows on it’s own. #blogtrends |
| gritandglamour |
A1 Building a community is makes blogging so much more meaningful. It gives you the chance to inspire, be inspired, and connect. #blogtrends |
| KurleeBelle |
A1. To get the conversation going. Make your subscribers feel involved. Understand what content your subbies prefer. #blogtrends |
| nouvelle |
A1 Community is essential to crafting a writing style, topics/posts, and sustainability for a blog. #blogtrends |
| blackblondeone |
A1 If someone asked me the best perk of blogging, forget NYFW. I love that I’ve made friends! #blogtrends |
| BarelyPractical |
A1 community is the reason why I blog. It’s no fun to talk to an empty room. Social media is essential for this. #blogtrends |
| OneWomansStyle |
A1 I agree with @shay1a I am a member of several communities now and that’s where I am drawing my inspiration. #blogtrends |
| clarabellum |
A1 Community is like having a table at the lunch room. It’s just a nice feeling. I feel like my commenters are friends 🙂 #blogtrends |
| pulpsushi |
A1 It’s easier to find more like-minded people through my blog, I don’t really have time to “go out” and make friends anymore #blogtrends |
| TheBlogWorkshop |
A1. Q1 I think it’s important to allow your readers to have one main place they can connect on a bigger level than just comments #BlogTrends |
| KpSittingPretty |
A1: Building a community around your blog helps it to grow & you to grow. Social media allows ppl to get to know you as a person #blogtrends |
| gritandglamour |
A1 Also, if you want to work with brands, they’re looking for reader/community engagement, and not just on your blog. #blogtrends |
Blog_Trends
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Q2 What are the best tools and methods to start building my blog’s community? #BlogTrends
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| thecuriouspug |
A2: Adding Disqus to the commenting system has made leaving comments feel more like a conversation. I love it. #blogtrends |
| OneWomansStyle |
A2 some of the communities have their own social media sites, but facebook has been the best “venue” for me by far. #blogtrends |
| clarabellum |
A2 I try to ask a question every time I post on my facebook page – I feel like that’s where most of my reader engagement happens #blogtrends |
| DigitalKaitlyn |
A2 honestly I feel like finding what value my blog brings to my readers and developing my voice is most important to community #blogtrends |
| gritandglamour |
A2 The #1 best way to start building your community is to respond to comments on your blog & visit other blogs & comment #blogtrends |
| KurleeBelle |
A2, GREAT Giveaways always encourage readers to engage and check out the blog regularly. @Blog_Trends #blogtrends |
| WokeUpPretty |
@Blog_Trends A2. I think Twitter is an essential for a blog. It’s a great way to advertise posts and connect with others. #BlogTrends |
| nouvelle |
A2 Engage with your readers. Ask questions. Respond to email. Reach out to them. Read other blogs. Be interactive. #blogtrends |
| pulpsushi |
A2 When I discovered that I can reply to comments via email, it made me want to respond to comments more #blogtrends |
| shay1a |
@Blog_Trends A2: I also engage genuinely with readers/commenters. Their stories, feedback & advice keep me going & give ideas! #blogtrends |
| gritandglamour |
A2 It’s not all about you! Share posts by others on Twitter and Facebook. Follow back if you like what someone is doing! #blogtrends |
| KatiePetix |
A2 Respond to readers as you would a friend, there’s no easier way to gain a loyal reader than to talk to them as a peer! #blogtrends |
| blackblondeone |
A2 I’m a huge believer in putting the real you out there. Be honest in your communication. If you say y’all, write y’all. #blogtrends |
| KatiePetix |
A2 Also, click through your commenters profiles to see if they have a blog, and if so find something to comment on genuinely. #blogtrends |
| BarelyPractical |
A2 I’ve like to pair twitter with live meetups or events if possible. Helps to solidify relationships. #blogtrends |
Blog_Trends
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Q3 How do I get my community to interact with me and my blog? How do I get more commenters? #BlogTrends
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| KurleeBelle |
A3. I end every blog with a question in BOLD. #blogtrends @Blog_Trends |
| OneWomansStyle |
A3 I try to leave a question at the end of my posts so people don’t just leave “fabulous outfit” on my posts. #blogtrends |
| gritandglamour |
A3 The more you comment and share, the more comments/shares you receive. After 6 years blogging, this much I know is true. #blogtrends |
| jomariemalcolm |
Q3 Social Media thrives on personalities so the best way to connect with your audience is to be as real as possible #BlogTrends |
| KatiePetix |
A3 the more vocal I am on others blogs and social media platforms, the more vocal people are on mine. Reciprocation! #blogtrends |
| jomariemalcolm |
#A3 A daily reminder of your blog link, mandate and creative ways to mention what you do is always best #BlogTrends |
| KurleeBelle |
A3. Controversy is KING when it comes to getting blog comments. @Blog_Trends #blogtrends |
| pulpsushi |
A3 Sometimes all it takes is leaving comments on your regular blog reads and they may start returning the favor #blogtrends |
| LisaMackay |
A3 I try to ask questions, but I get the most comments when I ask for ADVICE! #blogtrends |
| alexshook |
A3 Be an active member of the blogging community in general! #blogtrends |
| blackblondeone |
A3 I started a weekly discussion post. No fashion or beauty. Just life and my real commentary. Readers seem to respond well. #blogtrends |
| blackblondeone |
A3 I think it’s important to know the blogger and not the facade of the blogger. #blogtrends |
| OneWomansStyle |
A3 I also try to intersperse (is that a word) real world situations with my outfit posts. I just want to be a little different. #blogtrends |
| pulpsushi |
A3 the truth is I don’t mind if I don’t get comments in a post. Sometimes I read a post but I’ll just have nothing to say #blogtrends |
| blackblondeone |
A3 On another note, I get loads of comments on outfit posts rather than my essay type posts. #blogtrends |
| KpSittingPretty |
A3: Go to forums that relate to your blog. Carry the conversation from there to your blog. That definitely increases interaction #blogtrends |
| LisaMackay |
A3 be consistent and timely in responding to people, if you let replies lag, it kills the conversation #blogtrends |
| gritandglamour |
Haters do make you relevant, but not everyone has thick skin. Think about what you post & whether you can handle the static. #blogtrends |
Blog_Trends
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Q4 How do I manage and keep up with my community when it grows? #BlogTrends
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| gritandglamour |
A4 THAT is the toughest part. You want a gazillion followers and comments; let me tell you the grass isn’t always greener… #blogtrends |
| KpSittingPretty |
A4: Create a schedule/schedule your interaction on your editorial calendar. Balance is key in blogging. #blogtrends |
| WokeUpPretty |
@Blog_Trends A4. If you get a lot of the same questions/comments, address them in a place where everyone can see. #BlogTrends |
| gritandglamour |
A4 I’ve had to scale back my comments on other blogs, but I try to keep the connection via Twitter and Instagram. #blogtrends |
| blackblondeone |
A4 Block out your time. Don’t fiddle around online shopping when you’re supposed to be doing blogging. #blogtrends |
| jomariemalcolm |
#A4 It’s important to make yourself accessible and show appreciation for the growing community by acknowledging their presence. #BlogTrends |
| pulpsushi |
A4 I must say Hootsuite is AWESOME for scheduling tweets in advance 🙂 #blogtrends |
| BarelyPractical |
A4 hootsuite has been helping to keep track of twitter. I’ve been starting to make lists. No perfect answers though. #blogtrends |
| jomariemalcolm |
A4. Ensure that no matter how big you get you always give your audience that personal touch so they feel special #BlogTrends |
| KatiePetix |
A4 it’s all about scheduling. allot some time to do it and stick to it! You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish. #blogtrends |
| blackblondeone |
A4 I like to randomly tweet followers/readers to see how they’re doing. Don’t let too much time pass! #blogtrends |
| blackblondeone |
A4 I have a routine: Write post(s), Hootsuite schedule tweets, Read blogs & comment. Then repeat. #blogtrends |
| chymereanais |
@Blog_Trends A4: time management and editorial calendars are vital management tools, as well as personalized automated emails. #blogtrends |
| jomariemalcolm |
A4. When people mention you, ensure you carry on a conversation as well and not just ignore it #BlogTrends |
| jomariemalcolm |
A4 It’s also easier to live by the philosophy make as much time for your audience as you would want them to make for you #BlogTrends |
Blog_Trends
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Q5 Other than Twitter, what are some ways to stay connected to my community and become part of other blogger’s communities? #BlogTrends
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| OneWomansStyle |
A5 two of the communities I belong to have meetups or have blog assignments where we meetup. Trust me it helps to meet in person #blogtrends |
| KpSittingPretty |
A5: In the same city, go to lunch. Host a blogger get together. Offer to collab with another blogger. Endless possibilities #blogtrends |
| alexshook |
A5 Meet in person if you can! Blogger meetups are fun! #blogtrends |
| jomariemalcolm |
A5 Mailing lists are good but sometimes are greeted with resistance. Making a post strictly for communication is good #BlogTrends |
| shay1a |
A5: Comment & read consistently! I try to add all my readers blogs to my RSS reader & check in on them as often as time allows. #BlogTrends |
| BarelyPractical |
A5 Instagram, Facebook, and trying to find local blogger meetups #blogtrends |
| LisaMackay |
A5 iFacebook can be great for keeping up with people, the combo of content fills out a personality #blogtrends |
| gritandglamour |
A5 I still think Instagram is tremendous for staying connected & getting to know others. Plus, you can like & comment! #blogtrends |
| FoxyRevolution |
A5 Agree with much of what’s been said, offline face-to-face is golden! Networking, events, seminars, meet-ups #blogtrends |
| pulpsushi |
A5 I follow some bloggers on Instagram too but Twitter is my primary tool (& blog comments) @wokeuppretty: @Blog_Trends #BlogTrends |
| blackblondeone |
A5 Well…I just started on @poshmarkapp selling my clothing/accessories. It’s been a great way to meet new readers! #blogtrends |
| blackblondeone |
A5 Help a blogger out! If you get pitches that don’t work for you, recommend another blogger that might have a good fit. #karma #blogtrends |
| DigitalKaitlyn |
I am trying to create a local blogger community here in the #Berkshires in #WesternMA, it’s slow going but coming together #blogtrends |
