Growing Your Blog The Right Way - Part 1: The Basics

I don’t write many blogging tips articles anymore because I really don’t see the point. However, I do have some things to say which are more about blogging philosophy rather than actual pointers. This is the first in a series and I’ll be turning out an E-book from it and many of my past articles. I dedicate this series to my good friend, Brown Baron, who recommended my doing this. He came up with the title a while back and it will also be the title of my E-book.

Social Networking Sites Do Not Beat Hard Work

There are so many social networking sites and new widgets that arise, it can drive a person to the edge of insanity. I get really bored with most of them and can’t seem to gain a real interest. The first thing I ever joined was MySpace and I no longer use it. I like Facebook more but I just can’t keep up with the thousands of participatory requests I get. I am just too lazy! They don’t really help your blog anyway but can be fun sometimes (they are good for specialized areas such as podcasting or video).

We often forget that it is the act of blogging itself that defines social networking!

Reading and commenting on many blogs and doing this type of basic hard work will take most blogs higher than anything else. This depends on why you blog. If you are blogging only for money, then you have much different goals than I do (making money is about getting, not giving).

If you are writing a lot of assorted subject matter like me or have more of a personal site, then working hard is the key! Working hard is the answer for any blog’s success but you must have some focus. I’ll get into all this in future installments of this series.

Joining every new thing is not going to help you that much. I know we want a quick solution to gaining some degree of success but building on excellence and quality comes from effort and perseverance. I recommend to forget shortcuts and just put in the hours.

Question: I write stuff I believe is important and I really need to get my information out there. I’m not interested in money, but more in getting my hard work read. How can I grow my blog in that way?

Answer: There is no single, easy answer. There are some things you must do to grow your blog:

1. Read lots of blogs - especially those with related information. You want and need varied readers - so don’t limit yourself to just one niche. You get tunnel vision and miss out on lots of new people. Become their real friends and stick by them.
2. Comment on all the blogs you read. Subscribe to all comment feeds and make sure you read every reply. Go back and comment again when called for. Conversational commenting is a powerful tool and no extra widget or social site can replace it. This builds friendships and dedicated readership.
3. For crying out loud…reply to your comments. When you leave a comment and the author just ignores it; it makes many people not want to leave any. However, I know many people who don’t reply and it usually doesn’t bother me; nor does it keep me from commenting. Many people do take it personally though.

I could write a thousand tips, but the above three are the most important!

My favorite Way to build Steady Traffic

To be perfectly honest, I do absolutely nothing for my own traffic. Actually, I purposefully reduced it as I had trouble giving all my readers lots of personal attention. I prefer to keep a manageable pace as I like to really get to know people. That in itself has it’s pitfalls and I have lost readers, but I cannot dwell on negativity and neither should you.

There are two sites that have provided me with most of my traffic: MyBlogLog and BlogCatalog. These two blog networking sites are by far the most powerful tools and nothing comes close in my opinion - especially for people just starting out. Work these two sites and you’ll build a base of readers. It is up to you to go seek them out and make it happen. I’m really just starting to get into BlogCatalog and it is truly fantastic. So get off your rear and do some real work!

Link Chains Provide The Worst Kind of Traffic

Participating in link chains are really a poor way to go (I used to think differently…it may be alright if you are suffering from no traffic at all). It may temporarily pump your Technorati authority up, but in the end, it’ll drop down to where it is naturally supposed to be. Besides, there are much better ways to make friends. Personally, I don’t want hundreds of readers hellbent on their own stats. I’ll be writing a scathing article about link chains soon and it should offend lots of people. Having said that, I am still not above it and may participate in one if I feel the need to.

That’s all I do for my blog…nothing more. I feel like I’m publishing redundant material in this article; however, when I go out and read, I see so many sites that don’t do these things. I’ve come to the point where I don’t think about expanding or gaining traffic. It is just a byproduct of my blogging efforts and community involvement.

The point is, blogging itself and community participation are the strongest tools available. This is why I largely ignore most new gimmicks and shortcuts. In blogging, the simplest methods are always the best.

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Tags: article marketing, blogging, social networking

March 5, 2008 · Filed Under blogging tips

Comments

39 Responses to “Growing Your Blog The Right Way - Part 1: The Basics”

teeni on March 5th, 2008 12:42 pm

I’m glad to see your opinions on these things. I am starting to feel too much pressure and am going into overload mode from all the social networking sites. There really are so many of them and I can’t keep up with them all - some just seem like black holes that suck up my valuable time and really do nothing for me. And even if my blog were my business I don’t think anyone would need to know what I’m doing all the time, even less require hourly updates. I do think there is such a thing as being TOO plugged in. However, some of the sites are useful, as you mentioned, and it can be daunting to find ones that work and disregard others. I totally agree though that conversational commenting is the way to build relationships. And I’m afraid it’s becoming a lost art in this age of texting. But it really is the next best thing when you can’t speak face to face with someone (and for some it is easier because they have a hard time socializing in real life).

teeni’s last blog post..Its Tea Party Day!!
Revellian on March 5th, 2008 7:50 pm

Hi Teeni! I think people do get so caught up in using other solutions for their blogs - all the while, the blogs themselves are the answer. I love when everyone joins something new and different and tries to get me to join…hahaha…I am at a loss for words! I’m still pondering whether or not to add entrecard to my site as I am so lazy.
dcr on March 5th, 2008 11:12 pm

Link chains can be effective, so long as you don’t do them the same as everyone else. In my experience, you don’t really get any decent traffic from having your link on all those other sites, as no one reads through and visits all those blogs.

But, if you do something creative with it, you can get the attention of the bloggers you are linking to, especially if the incoming link text they see in their admin area stands out from all the other link chains.

Another way to do it, which I’ve seen used on Into the Inkpot is to have a scavenger hunt of sorts where people actually have to visit those different blogs to find things or answer questions.

dcr’s last blog post..Link o the Mornin
Revellian on March 6th, 2008 9:06 am

I agree DCR, but many people seem to depend on them to be their main thing. Who knows…I might participate in one before long as long as there’s more to it than just utilitarian linking. I was going to participate in Erina’s project but was too late. I haven’t heard anything from her in quite a while - I hope she’s alright!
EuroYank on March 6th, 2008 11:08 am

Know thyself has always been my motto. So I speak to myself, then answer myself with blog posts. This form of insanity works for me, and I am developing a good following of other insane bloggers.

I thank you for your wisdom and will expand on your points, as I am beginning to learn more from you.

Blogging like anything else is a continuous learning process, and insane blogging while trying to stay sane is a great challenge.

EuroYank’s last blog post..Murdered For Challenging Big Oil
Bush Mackel on March 6th, 2008 12:04 pm

“Actually, I purposefully reduced it as I had trouble giving all my readers lots of personal attention” That’s the most interesting thing I’ve heard all day. Speaking personally, I guess I’ve been lucky that the pace my site has grown has always been manageable but I know what you mean, every now and then I get a little stressed trying to devote the time to it that it deserves. *nod*

Bush Mackel’s last blog post..All Wii Are is Dust in the Wind
Genie Princess on March 6th, 2008 2:26 pm

Hola Bobby! Looks like I have to work harder too. I just noticed that BlogCat has a recent activity widget he he.. is it new or has it always been there? Great post Bobby, I’m sure u enjoyed writing this one!
Genie Princess’s last blog post..American Idol 80s Week!
Revellian on March 6th, 2008 4:28 pm

Hi Euro! Your blog is such a uniquely defined niche and I think you’re doing a great job. You work MyBlogLog like a madman, so just keep up the good work. Staying sane in today’s world is a tough! I learn just as much from you too my friend!
Revellian on March 6th, 2008 4:32 pm

Hi Bush! After only one year of blogging…it’s getting harder, not easier for me. I do believe that we must stick with it for years to gain anything of any magnitude. I support you 100% and will be there for you anytime!
Revellian on March 6th, 2008 4:35 pm

Hi Marzie! I noticed that you are working harder than ever before…putting out many more posts than you used to. Your friendly personality and loyalty are go great! You still inspire me and I am so glad we are friends!!!
dcr on March 6th, 2008 4:40 pm

I had planned to participate, but got sidetracked by other things and never did get back to it. I haven’t heard anything from her either. Hopefully, she’s just busy with real life and taking care of herself!

dcr’s last blog post..Grrr Thursday
Andy Bailey on March 6th, 2008 4:59 pm

i agree totally Bobby, traffic is a by product of blogging. if you blog to blog then you get traffic as a matter of course.
I have found if you blog FOR traffic and do all the other time consuming things that take you away from visiting other peoples blogs and participating in discussions then the traffic will only be temporary and like you say, will drop down to what it would be anyway. might as well blog for blogging sake and visit and join in the fun with others that are blogging for bloggings’ sake.

if you blog it, they will come
Andy Bailey’s last blog post..Mazza Indian Restaurant in Kettering - a fine family restaurant
Revellian on March 6th, 2008 5:31 pm

Hopefully, she’ll come back. She is such a great writer and I really enjoyed her writing. Between working and blogging…I need to get a life…hahaha
Revellian on March 6th, 2008 5:43 pm

So true Andy! Just getting out there and simply meeting people is the best way to go. Spending the time on someone’s blog and really reading their posts seems to be something many people don’t do! I blog because I like people and really enjoy getting to know them…that’s what blogging is all about!
Square1 on March 6th, 2008 6:27 pm

It seems ironic to me, bobby that when I stopped caring about traffic is when it started coming to me. You offer very sound advice.

Square1’s last blog post.. Of Life In General
Haney on March 6th, 2008 8:38 pm

But somehow I don’t really like MyBlogLog’s new make over. Quite hard for someone to get noticed…hmmm…I don’t know. Perhaps it’s just me
Haney’s last blog post..Smelling Your Way Thin
Revellian on March 7th, 2008 12:41 am

Hi Square1! It’s a result of your fine writing and the wonderful way you treat people. I think blogging is such a natural thing for you and you are great at engaging your readers in conversation!
Revellian on March 7th, 2008 12:44 am

Hi Haney! I agree 100%, I don’t like the new setup either…that’s why I tend to use BlogCatalog much more now. I don’t really do much with either anymore but I do try to add folks who add me and when I meet someone I like…I’ll go out of my way to meet them!
Sean Rasmussen on March 7th, 2008 3:14 am

Hi Bobby. Once again, your post rings true. I haven’t personally used link chains. My opinion is that we want true traffic to our sites. (one that gives you a Technorati Authority of 500+) Keep up the good work, mate.

Sean Rasmussen’s last blog post..The Hand To Mouth Habit
Nick Phillips on March 7th, 2008 3:35 am

I have to agree with you Bobby. There’s nothing like actually going out there and really reading someone else’s blog. Nothing beats that. If you want traffic, then go out and make it I say. Those shortcuts just don’t cut it.

And as for link chains, I share the same opinion as you. It’s a waste of time. I only participate because the bloggers who tag me are good friends and I’ll feel bad letting them down and that’s the only reason.

Happy weekend Bobby!

Nick Phillips’s last blog post..Something The Cat Dragged In!
Revellian on March 7th, 2008 4:46 am

Hi Sean! I would say that Alexa rank is a much more accurate standard of traffic than both page rank or Technorati. Really…if a site can have an authority of only 30-150 (completely naturally) it is doing very well. There are sites consisting of nothing but awards posts that have authority of 2000 or better without a single valid post; while sporting a PR6! Personally, I think that really hurts the web in general. However, I have used link chains in the past and they did boost traffic and authority. I think it’s ok to do one occasionally…but it is cheating, no matter how you slice it!
Revellian on March 7th, 2008 4:51 am

Hi Nick! Very true…just blogging, reading and commenting are and will always be the best way to go. Most extracurricular sites, etc. will only temporarily make a blog seem more successful. In the end…it will crash down. That’s why I just spend my time actually blogging rather than worrying over stats.
Madhur Kapoor on March 7th, 2008 5:59 pm

Right words there Bobby. The best thing about Blogging is reading other blogs and there views on a topic.

Madhur Kapoor’s last blog post..Razer Salmosa - Entry Level Gaming Mouse
Nancy on March 7th, 2008 8:21 pm

Hi,
I have been reading and reading. Everyone says that if you work hard at first and get things set up that it will get easier. You say even after a year, it is getting harder. Maybe I should quit before I put in all the time and find out I have to put in more and more - that would just not work. That’s why I have tried to start making a living from the internet…so I could have more time off. Oh well, guess we’ll see. Thanks for the insight anyway.
Revellian on March 7th, 2008 11:12 pm

Hi Madhur! People seem to forget that and join 300 different services trying to find the most effective “secret weapon”…all the while, it’s right under their noses!
Revellian on March 7th, 2008 11:18 pm

Hi Nancy! For making money, it probably does get easier; however, I only write original material not based on other sites, blogs or reasons
Brown Baron on March 8th, 2008 9:22 am

The ebook has started! It’s great to see practical advice for bloggers. I can tell this ebook is going to be a hit. Thanks for the fantastic dedication
I’ve been a little busy with some family matters which is why I haven’t gotten around to replying to my comments. I should be back full time in a day or so.

Incredible work as always Bobby. Very nice indeed.
Brown Baron’s last blog post..Monday Time Waster: Sushi Go Round
Revellian on March 8th, 2008 10:19 am

You’re welcome and thanks to you also for your friendship and support!!! I will tell you that there will be much in the e-book which will not be in my blog - I must have some surprises! Take care of your family matters Baron, you will always have support from me and all of your friends
nimrodjo on March 8th, 2008 10:31 am

This is an epic post on blogging….very authentic…I love every single words that you wrote…you are a really good writer Bobby…I incredibly agree with your last statement especially the last line…”simple methods…”…c ya around bro…
nimrodjo’s last blog post..ToW 8
Revellian on March 8th, 2008 10:47 am

Thank you so much Nimrodjo! I think you have very original ideas and you’re a natural born blogger!!! Keep up the great work
JaMiLLa on March 8th, 2008 11:53 pm

Bobby …

I really love the post when you wrote about blogging ethics….it empowers blogger like me …..Yeah always do the best in my blog ….that’s me! I always get my head to think wat ideas shd i apply to get people in my blog ….recently one is about my contest. I really think hard. I dont mind how much i spend on it …but its under my ability …how much i can do ..i jus do it ….that’s it …

Kinda busy nowadays ….din stay bloghopping in my blog and others …I got a new job!!!

JaMiLLa’s last blog post..Jamy Happy Moments No.1
Revellian on March 9th, 2008 1:02 am

Thanks so much Jamilla!!! It’s so great to get comments from you To get lots of blog traffic isn’t easy and does require one to spend lots of time blogging. I don’t have nearly as much time to spend here like I once did, but I do try to stay somewhat consistent.

I’m so glad to hear you got a new job…I hope you write about it!
Sueblimely on March 9th, 2008 6:00 am

The fact that I have not been here often lately is one unfortunate consequence of me not taking your advice, which I know to be true. I spend far too much time with social networking applications and not enough time getting to know those I would like to know better despite believing that the community aspect of blogging is the most important part.- not for backlinks or personal gain (although many use it for such) but to connect people in an increasingly lonely world.

Social networking sites have not brought me close blogging friends, commenting has. My problem is more one of not being able to resist checking out anything new, so I sign up for anything and everything just to take a look
Sueblimely’s last blog post..Ultimate Blog (Party) Menus
Thai on March 10th, 2008 10:31 am

What great timing! Just as I start to think about how to increase traffic to my site and am lookign at all the ways people are telling me to drive it, along comes your post and lays out a more sane strategy. I can tell you I was getting a bit nervous about having to keep up with all the social networking balls in the air at one time.

Thank you for the post!
Tim on March 13th, 2008 8:24 pm

I used to get involved in those link virus thingies on one of my other blogs. Looking back, it all seems kinda silly!
I like to just pop in on blogs and see what they are about. I like your writing style.

Tim’s last blog post..Red Deer Swap Meet March 15 at Westerner Park
Revellian on March 13th, 2008 9:15 pm

I know just how you feel Sue. I like to check new things out and it can be fun. I think I just got a little burned out on many new fads and it takes a lot for me to try new things now. I just spend my time reading blogs and writing. Really, my good friends on Facebook and other sites are all blogging buddies too!
Revellian on March 13th, 2008 9:17 pm

Hi Thai! If you put effort into really getting to know other bloggers, success will follow!
Revellian on March 13th, 2008 9:18 pm

Thanks Tim! Yeah, they can be fun in moderation but should never be the base to build upon!
Billy on April 4th, 2008 7:44 am

Hi Bobby,

Nice read, I’m trying to get into blogging and you cemented some ideas nicely for me. I have not tried mybloglog or blogcatalog yet so will be having a look at these.

Can you recommend any good resources on how to effectively use either of them?

Thanks

Billy’s last blog post..Campfire Grills - Choosing The Right Grill