Okay… so far we’ve discussed:
The Numbers Game in Blogging: Pageviews Win
The Numbers Game in Blogging: Social Media
Today we’re going to focus on how we can grow in this crazy numbers game. Are you ready? I’m sure some of you are on information overload, but that’s okay… you are the CEO of your blog. Take it one day, one task, one goal at a time. Focus on one of these topics for the time being and when your ready to move on to another, GO FOR IT! Alright, let’s get this party started…
We’ve talked a lot about numbers, some that are fabulous and others that are not so much. If you’re a blogger who monetizes their blog, you want to grow your readership and pageviews. In the Social Media post, I mentioned that some people work hard to grow through means of paid advertising, giveaways and some even pay for followers. Sadly enough, it’s true. I’m sure you’re now asking yourself, “Well, how do you grow your readership authentically?”
1) Know your Niche and Readers!
What is your niche? Are you are a lifestyle blogger, craft blogger, food blogger, mommy blogger? Build a relationship with your readers, doing this will ensure their trust and that you’re being heard. Find out what interests them! Do a survey to find who your readers are, what their ages are, what they enjoy reading, do they enjoy the sponsored posts, etc. If you’re not sure what your niche is — ask your readers! Once you’ve asked them and received some feedback, listen to them! Several brands said that sometimes if your pageviews aren’t where they might like them to be, but they see a lot of reader engagement — that means you have a voice with your readers, a relationship. That is soooo important! Do you know your readers? Do you have a voice?
2) Engage your Readers!
One word that consistently came up in conversation with some of the big bloggers and the brands — ENGAGE! Do you engage with your readers? Do you respond to comments on your blog with conversation? Do you engage with your Twitter followers? Do you engage with your Facebook followers? Do you engage with your Instagram followers? Engaging your readers and followers is critical. It tells your readers that they are important to you — and puts a personal touch to your virtual friendship with them. There are days where I spend hours responding to comments, but that’s because I love my readers and I want them to know that I’m present. I’m not just posting and running off. The only time I don’t respond to every comment is at my linky party and giveaways (that’s a personal decision I made). Ask questions in your posts, on your Facebook page and on Twitter? Engage. Engage. Engage.
3) Comment on Blogs.
Take time each day or each week to visit different blogs and leave sincere comments. If you love something — tell them and share with them that you love it so much you’re pinning it, tweeting it, etc. One comment can open a world of opportunities. Just be sure that you’re being authentic. We’re all guilty of leaving a generic comment here and there, but challenge yourself to set yourself apart in your comment. Don’t say, “New follower, would love for you to return the follow.” That’s not a sincere comment and rubs a lot of bloggers the wrong way. If you don’t like something, it’s better to follow the old rule of thumb, “If you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all.”
4) Network and Form Tribes.
I am a big fan of networking, as some of you know — which is why I host thee Networking Blog Hop each month. Developing relationships with other bloggers (bigger and smaller) will help you grow in your knowledge of the blogging industry. There is soooo much to learn. HTML, SEO, Advertising, Brands, Media Kits, Photography, Marketing, and so much more!! We can all learn from one another. Form a tribe with bloggers around the same size as yours and start to promote each others blogs, posts, projects and so forth! Utilize all of your Social Media outlets to promote members of your tribe — RT them, Google+ their posts, pin their projects, give them some virtual high fives through Klout. Grow together!
5) Consider converting to WordPress {100% my own opinion, but a successful opinion}
Here is where I’m going to put a plug in for WordPress. If you’re not on WordPress and you’re considering the conversion, do it NOW! It’s worth every penny of that $100-$150. The only other fee that you’ll have is the hosting fee and those vary depending on who you choose to host your blog. Why WP? The SEO is fantastic. There are a wealth of Plug-Ins to help you engage your readers and the list goes on and on and on!
When I left Blogger back in April/May, I averaged around 38,000+ pageviews a month. I’m currently averaging 150,000+ each month. Now, don’t get me wrong — making the switch will not guarantee you this growth. I still work very hard for my blog. Live Laugh Rowe is my business and www.livelaughrowe.com is my piece of retail space on the world wide web. Make the switch! You won’t regret it!
For those considering the switch, here are a few frequently asked questions I receive:
Who are you hosting through?
bluehost. LOVE them. The customer service is phenomenal — and I have unlimited storage!What Platform are you using?
Genesis. This is what I was set up with when I converted. I wasn’t given an option, but from what I’ve heard — it’s the platform of choice. So, ASK!! I strongly encourage you use this platform… it’s fabulous!Who did your conversion blogger to WordPress?
Napwarden of NW Designs. Her name is Cynthia. She ROCKS! Tell her I said, “hi!”
In closing, at Bloggy Boot Camp back in March/April, Laurie Turk of Tip Junkie said that the small bloggers are our biggest competition. I honestly don’t like to think of blogging as a competition, but she made a valid point. Small bloggers have a hunger — a much bigger hunger to grow their blogs and do great things! I think she’s right. Do you know what? I’m one of those smaller bloggers and I have a hunger (more like a dream, a very big dream)… so WATCH OUT, Laurie, Jen and Desiree! {wink}
Happy Blogging, sweet friends!
Wishing you all the very best!
.
I’ll be partying {here, here, here and here}.
Home Stories A to Z, Craft-O-Mania and The Shabby Creek Cottage.
Subscribe to Updates | Like on Facebook | Follow on Pinterest
Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out says
WOW! These posts were SO helpful! Thank you so much for talking about this stuff. I think sometimes people are too nervous to discuss the numbers in blogging because they don’t want it to seem like they are taking away from the passion of what they’re doing. But sometimes the numbers ARE important, and I do want to know how to grow my pageviews and readership. I will definitely be referring back to these posts (and sharing them with my blogging friends)!
Kelly says
Hi Stephie! THANK YOU so much for stopping by and expressing your appreciation for this series. You’re right, there seems to be a stigma about talking numbers… those numbers empower me to be even more passionate about what I do. I hope everyone else realizes that. 🙂 Thanks again. Have a fabulous week. HUGS!
Linda @ it all started with paint says
Okay, this was the most convincing reason to switch to WordPress ever! I’m looking into it right now. Right away! Thanks for sharing the nitty gritty numbers …
🙂
Linda
Kelly says
Hi Linda! Thanks so much for sharing this FABULOUS news. Happy converting over to WP 🙂 Wishing you all the best. Hugs!
Tami Von Zalez says
I will be linking in to your monthly blog hop!
Popped in from TAYD
thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com
Kelly says
Hi Tami! Looking forward to having you join in on the blog hop — it’s a hopping good time 😉
Jenn says
This has been such a great series! I totally agree with everything. I still haven’t made the switch to wordpress yet – not sure if I am going to go that route or not. In terms of your pageviews, did you notice a big difference between google analytics and blogger stats? My google analytics page views are less than half of what bloggers are. {and I am looking at page views and not visits} I have already installed it wrong once so I am wondering if I am missing something. Anyways, thanks so much for coming out to the party at Clean and Scentsible. I’ll be sharing this on my Facebook page. Have a great long weekend!
Jenn 🙂
Kelly says
Hi Jenn! Thanks so much for loving on my little series 🙂 My google analytics are always much higher than my WP stats (they were on blogger too), so I’m thinking it might not be installed properly. What tutorial are you using to install it on your blog?
Thanks for sharing this post with your readers. I trust you’re having a fabulous long weekend as well. HUGS!
Sarah @ Alderberry Hill says
Hey girl! The response to this series is amazing, as it should be – you have shared so much valuable information to all of us!
I just shared this on my facebook page to help spread the word a little further!
Have a fab weekend Kelly!
Kelly says
Hi sweet, friend!! Thanks so much for your kind words — and for sharing on your FB page.. I hope you’re having a fabulous weekend as well (not to mention its a long one, yay). HUGS!
Shirley@motivatedmommyoftwo says
Thank you so much for posting this series, I learned a lot from the information you provided. I am slowly growing my blog, even though I join blog hop and link parties I want readers who are going to like my content. When I blog hop I look at at blog and if is something that I can relate to I become a follower if not than I do not follow.
Thanks again and have a great weekend
Kelly says
Hi Shirley! Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my series! AMEN on finding readers who like your content. I couldn’t agree more — and I’m the same way on blog hops. You really shouldn’t follow just to follow 🙂 Have a great week! HUGS.
Georgina says
What wonderful advice that has me seriously considering making the switch to WordPress! I am visiting from the SITS hop and just wanted to show my support as your newest follower. I look forward to more informative posts 🙂
Kelly says
Hi Georgina! Thanks so much for stopping by via SITS. Good luck on (potentially) making the switch. xo, Kelly
Julia says
I found your post on SITS Share fest and I’m so glad that I did. This post really got me thinking about making the switch to wordpress and gave me some networking idea. I really appriciate when bloggers share their knowledge. Thank you!
Kelly says
Hi Julia! Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m tickled silly that you found some useful information 🙂 It’s my privilege to help where I can. Have a fabulous week. HUGS!
Hilani-Handmade by H says
This is so great Kelly! I’m so excited to see I’m already doing many of the things they encourage to help grow your community. Much like you, I live, breathe, and sleep my business not so much for the sales, but for the community. 🙂 Have an amazing day…
Kelly says
Exciting to read this Hilani. Community is so important. GOOD FOR YOU! Have a fab week, Hilani!
misssrobin says
Wonderful tips. I don’t monetize, so I don’t worry about numbers in the same way. Of course, I’d love to have more followers. That is why we blog instead of just writing in a journal, right?
Thanks for sharing. I got some good ideas.
Happy Sharefest. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Kelly says
Hello missrobin! Thanks so much for stopping by. So happy to hear you found some good ideas. Have a fantastic week 🙂 Hugs.
Maggie says
Thank you for this post! I just started a new blog this summer and I need all the help I can get!!
Mel says
Hi Kelly,
Can I say as a new blogger who has recently come out of the workforce, your blogging tips have made the most sense to me. I plan to grow my blog. I read this 2 months ago when I first started blogging. I now have 75 gfc followers, & on fb also. Happily I have never asked anyone and they have genuinely become friends. I know it’s a small number but its a start & I love each if them for choosing me.
Paying for follower, to me, would be like paying for real life friends. It sounds insane to me. I’d rather 15 people who actually care than 1500 I paid to like me.
Thanks for the tips
Mel xo
Cre8ive Charly says
Thanx for he words of wisdom, Kelly! It’s very kind of you!
Marcy @ day2day SuperMom says
I just got done reading your series and I wanted to tell you THANK YOU! A wealth of information. I’m a newbie (and hungry LOL) and have enjoyed how many wonderful women are willing to help each other. Kinda nice for a change! Thanks again for sharing all your great insights and knowledge =)
Kelly Rowe says
Hi Marcy! Thank you so much for your kind words… and there’s nothing more exciting than meeting a ‘hungry’ blogger {wink}. I’m thrilled to hear that you found some useful information. Wishing you all the best in your blogging endeavors! Hugs.
David says
Hi Kelly,
Great series and beautiful blog! It’s my first time to visit. A
As a hobbyist, I do love the numbers, but for various reasons.
You are absolutely correct regarding niches. I have about 1,500 visits a month on my OCD support blog since they are so rare.
I have about 8,000 pageviews a month on my main garden blog here in Houston since there are only 5 or so really active Houston garden blogs in an area of 6 million people.
It’s much better than I would ever expect.
Back in 2007 I read about a very successful garden blogger who was excited about 200 pageviews a week! Times have changed.
Best Wishes,
David/:0)
Ebony Lauren says
Absolutely loving this series so far – just signed up to Klout, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how I can tweak about with that to improve my blog. Can’t decide to be disheartened or doggedly inspired reading you refer to your blog as ‘small’, when my views don’t even meet a fraction of yours – but I’m loving the information and feeling the drive to boost my blog to the maximum too! Thanks!
Alex says
I told a friend about BlogHer 2012 but she wasn’t too keen on paying. I’ll tell her to read your helpful summaries as the next best thing. I didn’t go. I’m a guy.
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
I’m finding this two years after creation, but regardless, I’m thrilled to have this post AND you!! Your blog is fantastic!! I’ve added you to my bloglovin’ feed, I’m pinning your post and I will be using it for a reference point later.
Thanks for sharing such great information!