Build It, and They Will Come…

Every now and then I run across an undiscovered gem in the blogosphere - an absolutely fantastic blog with no regular readers. Most of us would blog even if we had no readers, but let’s face it. Our readers provide an extra incentive. Their comments give us support and encouragement to keep doing what we do best.

Does your blog suffer from lack of readership? Do you post great content that no one actually sees? Building a community is easier than you might think. Here are a few tips for finding your readers.

  1. Register with blog directories. Sites such as Technorati, MyBlogLog, and BlogCatalog are a fantastic source of traffic.
  2. Promote your blog on the social networking sites. If you have Facebook and MySpace accounts, let them work for you. Add your blog link to your profiles.
  3. Comment on the blogs you read. If you don’t comment, no one will know you exist, which could explain why you have no readers.
  4. Host a contest. Submitting your contest details to various contest blogs will send a stream of new traffic your way. Check my Recommended Sites page for a list of some great contest blogs.
  5. Set up a signature containing your blog URL for all outgoing emails.
  6. Do some offline networking. I carry cards to pass on those I discuss my blog with. The cards contain my name, blog details, and contact information. I recommend VistaPrint, as they often offer business cards for only the cost of shipping.

If there are any of the above tips that you’re not utilizing, give them a try. I’m sure you’ll see great results.

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8 Responses

  1. homemom3

    2008 Jan 20 1

    I also list contests/giveaways every Tuesday and Thursday. This week was a little crazy with furniture arriving. I love your list of places, technorati is a favorite of mine. Don’t forget about Cre8buzz.com that’s another one like facebook.

    homemom3’s last blog post..Snow Day

  2. Andrew

    2008 Jan 20 2

    Great post, Tish! And exactly what I need to help get some eyeballs on my newest personal blog. On my other blogs I haven’t noticed that much influx from Technorati, but MyBlogLog and BlogCatalog do seem to help. The best advice though (and the most impt lesson I’ve learned from your other sites) is to comment on other blogs and more importantly, reply to comments on yours. Building that community and relationships is crucial! Thanks for the tips!

    Andrew’s last blog post..Top 10 Websites I Want Built Now

  3. David Dunn

    2008 Jan 20 3

    I quite like the idea of the cards with your blog details on. Have you got a pic of one of those as I’d love to have a look see what yours are like - might implement the same for my blogs.

    David Dunn’s last blog post..StumbleUpon

  4. Blogging Gal

    2008 Jan 20 4

    HomeMom - Thanks for stopping by! I gave Cre8buzz a try for a short while, but I didn’t particularly care for it. I imagine it has grown since that time. Maybe I will give it another look.

    Andrew - Thanks! I’m glad you can use the tips. And you’re right - responding to your comments is another great way to build your community. Good luck with the new blog!

    David - Thanks for stopping by! It’s always nice to see a new face around here. :) I’ll consider getting a pic of one of my cards up. Have a great day!

  5. free business cards

    2008 Jan 21 5

    Another idea to create a buzz about your blog is getting some cool refrigerator magnets with your URL on them. I did some time ago and I’m always proude to see one of them on my friend’s fridge :). One place to make them is http://www.dcp-print.com. Btw, they also offer the 250 custom made free business cards…

  6. Sondra

    2008 Jan 21 6

    Another company that offers free biz cards is http://www.giggleprint.com. All you pay for is shipping. They have a ton of designs to choose from. If you visit their facebook page they are offering 80% off of their premium biz cards.

  7. Blogging Gal

    2008 Jan 21 7

    Sondra - Thanks for the tip! I haven’t heard of GigglePrint, but I’ll check them out. :)

  8. Free hits and Traffic Generators

    2008 Jan 23 8

    Free hits and Traffic Generators…

    Great article. I made it available for our readers too….


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