Thursday, May 9, 2013

5 Secrets of Highly Effective Bloggers


In the 4 ½ years I’ve been blogging, I’ve developed some strong opinions about what makes an effective blog. Although I  don’t visit as many blogs as I used to, these are the reasons I come back to your blog, and ways you can build your blog readership:

1.      Your posts interest me. Whether you share ways to improve my writing, what’s going on in your family, or a quirky hobby of yours, I read blogs that keep my interest. If you talk about sports, the latest TV show, or pop culture, I yawn and go to the next blog.

2.      You keep your posts short. Because I read as many blogs as I can squeeze into an hour a day, I tend to skim posts that are longer than five paragraphs. If you want to keep me coming back, share your wisdom in 500 words or less.


3.      You’ve proven you care about me as a person, not simply a number on your stats. You’ve responded to my comments on your blog, whether posting on the blog itself or through email. You’ve friended me on Facebook and Twitter, purchased my book, rejoiced at my victories and cried with me over my sorrows. Because of your genuine concern, I am committed to you.

4.      You share my values. I love God and His son, Jesus Christ. He is the center of my heart. When I see Him reflected in your posts, even if they aren’t overtly Christian, I know I’ve found a kindred spirit.

5.      I learn from you. When I read a post that helps me grow- as a writer, a wife, a friend, a mom, or a Believer, I will be back. I love it when I’m challenged to change my thinking and my ways. If you manage to do that, you’ve won my support.
 
 

What keeps you coming back to the same blogs? Do you blog less than you used to?

24 comments:

  1. Hi Jeanette! Thank you for your post. I have just come back from a long blog subatical, and this post gave me a view of what it takes to keep readers coming back. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

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  2. I think you are a very special person with great advice. Lots of followers doesn't mean they 'follow', you follow? So I think we pick those we feel have something in common with us or who care.

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    1. You're right, Parsley. And we have those fur babies in common, don't we?

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  3. Your 5 secrets are what keep me coming back to your blog.

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    1. Barb: You are sweeter than a pile of puppies! Thanks for your loyalty.

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  4. I'm a blogging debutante. I've been blogging since June 2012 @ Write Moments with God. It's much more fun than I anticipated, and also, much more work. But I love it! I keep going back to other blogs for just the reasons you listed--they offer something unique, charming, beautiful, or inspirational. I plan to blog even more in the weeks and months ahead. Come on over and see me sometimes...

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    1. It IS a lot of work, Rose, but worth it when you find lovely friends like I have!

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  5. I agree. This covers my criteria too. I love blogging, and the friends I've made through it, but like everything else, there needs to be a good balance. I am blogging less and concentrating on more writing. Good post, Jen!

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    1. Yes, Karen, I've had to make some tough choices lately, too. I'm so glad you haven't given up on me!

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  6. You've pretty much "hit the nail on the head" here, I think. Especially I find myself drawn to "kindred spirits"; people who sharpen me like iron sharpens iron.

    Since blogging isn't a business for me (or supporting a business) I'd have to admit a little bit of the "recreational element" for me, too...

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    1. I like to be sharpened, too, Rebecca. I mean, I need to--it's not always fun, but in the end, I'd rather be sharp than dull.

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  7. Wonderful points! I am not blogging right now but try to read some every day or so. I like blogs I learn from and that I see the real person behind the words.

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    1. So great to see you here, Terri! I've missed you!

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  8. These are terrific tips and just what draws me to you blog~

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    1. Thanks, Shelly. You are sweeter than a blueberry pie!

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  9. Jeanette:
    I choose to return to certain blogs for the same reasons you do. I have added some to my list that I don't visit as often as I do my regular reads. But there are some I try not to miss.

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    1. Quiet: You are one of my most faithful followers. I appreciate you so much!

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  10. Excellent tips, Jeanette. A client of mine is thinking about starting a blog, and I alerted her to this post. She can't go wrong if she heeds your advice.

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  11. Such great advice! Building a blog following has been very frustrating for me. I'll give these a try. Thank you!

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  12. Hi, Jen:

    I return to blogs that: (1) entertain and educate me; (2) are devoid of irreverent or condescending remarks; and (3) are run by bloggers who respond to my comments either on their blog or mine.

    Wonderful tips. Be well, my friend...

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  13. I think you did a good job covering the topic.

    A blogger who understand that relationship is two way gets my attention.

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  14. Your list covers most of my criteria, too, Jen. I keep all my blog subscriptions in one place (Google Reader right now, although that has to change shortly, since GR will be discontinued at the end of June). I'm interested in my cyber friends and what's on their minds and in their hearts. I don't comment as often as I'd like because I have to leave GR and go to the specific blog to do that, but I try to connect frequently in other places like Facebook and Twitter. If I'm in touch there, they know I've been visiting their blogs, too.

    I agree with Susan, that successful blogging is all about the relationships... two-way sharing. If blogs are mostly infomercials, and bloggers use their posts to bombard me with sales pitches, I quickly lose interest.

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Oh, it's YOU! I'm so happy to see you here today, and look forward to reading your comments.