Every now and again, I have friends ask me how I got started in blogging. How they can “live the life”, we bloggers live. They want to “pick my brain.” I know a lot of bloggers are shaking their heads right now—first suggestion: don’t use that phrase when you’re talking to a blogger.
We don’t really like to have our brains picked. Brains are a vital part of us, and picking brains is just gross. Many of those friends have already created their blog (if you haven’t, read Mom Blogging: How do I start? first). But now they’re stuck.
Things aren’t just happening. They want to know why people aren’t reading their words on the internet. They ask what I’ve done to make Just Precious more visible in the enormous internet world. With over 3.9 million moms blogging, what can bloggers do to put their blogs on the map? What should they do to take their mom blog to the next level?
I’m lucky; I got my start elsewhere. I’ve been working on web pages and social media since… hmmm… 1999? Which makes me… elderly. I moved into Mom Blogging when I became a writer with Mommies with Style in 2005. In 2009, I realized I wanted my own space to write my own thoughts. Writing for someone else definitely helps. It’s not easy to get a gig like that, although anyone can start a blog on Yahoo’s Shine.
Building a successful blog takes time
If you’re jumping in fresh, you should know that before you start to really gain a following, you’re going to need to do it, actively, for about a year, at least, for your site to be noticed and to have enough meat to begin to make a difference. You should also plan to write for others while you’re working on your blog, which will give you opportunities to get to know other blogs, link to your own site, and be introduced to their readers.
Join similar groups: online and offline
It helps to become active in local and national groups. In the Philadelphia region, we have Philly Social Media Moms. We’re very fortunate. Most cities don’t have an active group like this. Ask around, though. Almost everyone knows someone who knows someone who can help you get involved. Consider joining forums like those on Mom Bloggers Club and your local Social Media Club (for those serious about getting into Social Media.)
Get out and go. Sure, blogging is an online thing, but so much of blogging is networking that you really do need to get out there and meet people. If you absolutely can’t do it in real life at conferences or events, then become really active in Mom Blogging forums or on Twitter, where you should follow bloggers that you relate to, big and small. On Facebook, make sure that you “like” or “fan” your favorite blogs to keep up and see what they’re doing. Interact on Facebook using your page login to comment on people’s posts.
Attend conferences, workshops and webinars
Nearly every week, there’s another workshop or conference announced. Select a few and attend them, not just to learn (and you’ll learn a lot) but also to network. Some great starter conferences include Bloggy Boot Camp.
Read other blogs and engage
Create an RSS group of blogs that you aspire to be like or blogs that you like to read. Your blog will be your own because it’s your voice, but it’s a great idea to have role models.
When you read something you love, comment on it and say why. Most times that people comment on Just Precious, I’m prompted to visit their sites. Also, if something is good enough to share, do it. Decide if you should tweet or FB share or stumble, and give a reason you’re doing it. A simple “great read!” or “really made me think” is fine; even better is asking a question or giving a brief commentary because you’re engaging with the writer, which helps to build a community.
Tweet and Facebook for your blog
If you quote someone from your site, link to the post that you quoted, then share with a tweet. Sharing by tweeting with a link will guide them to your post and may begin an engaging conversation with that writer or, at least, an RT. Something like “I quoted @justprecious’ tips for getting somewhere in Social Media. [your link here]” works well. That would prompt me to reply, retweet, click through, read and comment.
Regarding tweeting, while retweeting (RT) someone else is very nice and recommended, conversation is SO important. Twitter is about forming relationships and engaging with others. Ask questions, but don’t be spammy. I’d much rather talk with you on Twitter without you sending me an irrelevant link. It’s much more personal.
Start a Facebook Page and post to that, rather than your personal account. The marketing reasons are limitless, for starters: it’s professional, and you can have fans on Facebook without having to be friends with them. Keep your personal account personal; your friends will appreciate that. Invite them to “like” your Facebook page and, every now and then, share your relevant posts on your personal page.
Further reading
My friends Colleen Padilla and Audrey McClelland co-authored a book that was released last summer, Digital Mom Handbook, which is full of excellent tips. (I’m featured in the book, too! So let me know what you think when you read it!)
The way you write matters. We can’t all be SEO gurus, but we can all have an understanding. Download an e-copy of Kelby Carr’s book, Mom Blog SEO – 30 Days to Boost Traffic, Readers, Influence, and Income. It’s a great step-by-step way to improve your marketing.
If you’re just getting started in blogging, read my post: Mom Blogging: How do I start? which will lead you through setting up your blog, leading you to writing your first blog post.
Good luck and enjoy growing!