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.
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Linda says
Love your post as usual – I really look forward to these posts in this series! I agree with you totally on the bloggers leaving a comment “..new follower, follow back..” sometimes there is not even a please or invite – just a “demand”. I have stopped linking up with some of these parties hosted purely to gain followers as I started getting comments of so-and-so being a new follower (same people every week!) and I am to follow back. When I checked, I couldn’t find them and left them comments to please let me know via which avenue they are following me, as I’d like to do the same .. mmm, they never answered. But, since your first post in the series, I understand the follower and pageview point more clearly. Thanks Kelly- have a great week!
Linda
Kelly says
Hi Linda! Thanks so much for loving on this little series of mine 🙂 Do what works best for you and never feel obligated! Have a fabulous week. HUGS!
Jill @ Create.Craft.Love. says
Great points and advice! I have a couple of great online blog groups that I belong to which have helped me out TREMENDOUSLY! Thanks again for putting so much hard work into this series! We appreciate it! (PS – saw that you were featured at Today’s Creative Blog yesterday! Congrats!)
Kelly says
Hi Jill! Good for you — those networks/groups are HUGE resources. Thanks for sticking with me through the series -and- for seeing my feature over at Today’s Creative Blog. I did a happy dance, ya know? *giggle* HUGS!
Mindy Harris says
man if you are a small blogger i have so much work ahead of me. thank you for sharing your knowledge, kelly, and for all the times you have made me feel valued/responded to my comments/emails.
best wishes. you deserve success!
Kelly says
Hi Mindy! You are too kind. Good things are in store for you, sweetie! The key is pressing on. Trust me, we all have our days in blogging that we get a little discouraged — but at the end of the day: WE CAN DO IT! Go kick some blogging butt! I’m here to help when I can. HUGS!
Jessica @ Dear Emmeline says
lol. I thought the same thing! I can’t even imagine what numbers the “big” blogs are posting if you consider your blog small! Thanks for another very thorough post. I have so much fun chatting with my readers and answering questions and am super surprised and happy when “bigger” bloggers like yourself take the time to respond to me! 🙂 thanks for being present.
Dana {crafted niche} says
Great information girly! Lets do lunch and you can give me ideas on how to grow my weeeee little blog. This girl needs help and I think you just might be my inspiration! 🙂
Kelly says
Thanks, Dana! Lunch it is 🙂
april says
Love this series girl! But I so don’t understand the moving to wordpress part…..do you still keep your blogger followers…
thanks
april
Kelly says
They’ll go with you — but you need to start giving your readers a heads up when the move is going to happen. You lose the GFC followers, but that has no impact, I PROMISE! Switching to WP was a business decision for me. It’s better to do it sooner than later too! E-me with questions. HUGS!
Rachel @ Architecture of a Mom says
Kelly, I have really enjoyed this series! I just joined up with Klout because of your pointers (still trying to figure that one out, though!). I’m not ready to move from blogger, but I’m definitely working on all the other pointers. If you are a “small” blogger, I must be microscopic…and super hungry! Thanks for all the encouragement and this whole series.
Kelly says
Hi Rachel! Thanks so much for your comment love and appreciation for the series! You are not microscopic, I guess our size is all a matter of perception 🙂 Hugs!!
Bobbi says
I am really enjoying this series, this post in particular. I’m a part time blogger with a full time job, so good, genuine ORGANIC growth is what I’m interested in…I don’t have the time or resources to spend hours doing linky parties and blog hops every day in order to “troll” for readers…I have been able to get some growth from linkups, but for me personally, I don’t have the time to make it work effectively—unless I want to risk getting fired from my job. :). I do want to find a readership of those who are truly interested, and I’ve realized that won’t happen overnight. Thank you for sharing!
ChiWei says
Amen to that. I couldn’t have described my situation any better than you did! Thanks, I don’t feel so alone 🙂
Kelly says
Ladies! You’re right, organic growth and truly interested readers is the absolute best way to grow your blogs! Thank you both for being so transparent and honest. I appreciate you both stopping by and reading the series! Don’t be strangers 😉 Hugs!
Carrie says
I love this post, Kelly. You also confirmed what I’ve always suspected… that WP offers amazing SEO benefits that Blogger doesn’t. I work very hard on my blog and it’s hard to see such slow growth. I’m hoping the switch will be just what’s needed to help with that!
Kelly says
Hi Carrie! Thanks so much for loving on my post — good luck with the switch/conversion. You’ll love it 🙂
Teresa Anderson says
Hi Kelly, I just found your blog through Made by You Mondays over at Skip to my Lou and I am so excited!
I began about a year ago through blogger and made the switch to WP.org maybe um…2 months ago. love. in complete love.
I’ve done it all myself {through emily’s amazing class over at Jonesdesigncompany.com} and am a proud mama of a beautiful shiny new blog.
I’m thrilled to start following you and learn how to really make a go at it. God has blessed me so much this far and am excited what He does with it!!
xo
Teresa
http://www.hugsandpunches.net
Kelly says
Welcome to Live Laugh Rowe, Teresa! I’m tickled silly to hear how all of your blogging has fallen into place 🙂 Your blog looks great and kudos on doing it yourself 🙂 Wishing you the very best and hope to get a little better acquainted. HUGS!
Carole says
It is so good to see other people’s views on stuff like this. Have a great week!
Kelly says
Thanks so much for stopping by, Carole! I’m glad you found that you’re not alone 🙂 Have a great week. HUGS!
Shannon says
Another very information post, Kelly. Thank you for sharing. I admit I am scared of the wordpress transition, but I will get there eventually…
Kelly says
Hi Shannon! Thanks so much for stopping by! The switch to WP is scary — no doubt! However, it’s worth it. One day 😉 Have a great week! xo, Kelly
Liz @ Lizzie Jane Baby says
Thanks again for all the good information. I don’t mind blogger for right now, my only complaint is the comments in blogger. I too like to respond but some people are no-reply commenters and I feel bad that I can’t respond to them. Often times I look for their blog and try and comment there, but sometimes I can’t and I hope they don’t think I’m a big fat jerk! 🙂 I think I do need to try engaging more with my readers to find out what they like and don’t like about my blog. Slow growth can be so depressing. Off to read the social media post. I don’t know how I missed it!!!
Kelly says
Hi Liz! Thanks so much for stopping by! Stick with what works best for you… and don’t play the comparison game, that’s where is can get very discouraging. Hope you found the social media post as helpful. HUGS!
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says
I’m following you – follow me back!! Kidding – I hate getting those comments! But I love getting sincere comments and love leaving my own! Time consuming? Yes. Worth the time? Absolutely.
As usual, you hit the nail on the head!
Kelly
Kelly says
You’re the bestest!!! Thanks so much for loving on this series, Kelly! Have a fab week. HUGS!
Debbie says
Thanks for this series Kelly! I am on blogger, only began in January, and don’t know about moving to Word Press. I don’t have sponsors, but think I would like to get there one day. I have seriously thought about buying a domain name, is WP better? So much information, so many different points of view, so many decisions on what will be best for me! I have a long way to go and a lot of research to do.
Thanks!!
Debbie 🙂
Kelly says
Hi Debbie! Thanks so much for visiting with me for the series! You can buy a domain through anyone, mine is through 1-and-1. You wouldn’t buy is through WP. There is a wealth of information and decisions in blogging. Take it slow and enjoy the ride! Happy Blogging. Hugs!
amy says
Thanks again for your awesome advice!!! Love reading these. I have been on the fence for MONTHS about switching to WP too. You are so convincing and I especially want to reply to my readers too.
Kelly says
Hi Amy! Sooooo glad to hear your almost convinced to make the switch… just take the plunge. GO FOR IT! You’ll love it. Hugs.
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
These are really great tips! I think engagement can sometimes be one of the hardest things to do. I know I try to spend a lot of time visiting other blogs and responding to comments. Sadly, that sometimes leaves me little time for social media channels which are super important too.
Thanks for the information on WP. I have definitely be considering the switch figured I would make that a “reward” for my 1000th follower or similar.
Oh, and I would totally kill for 150,000+ page views per month! Great job 🙂
Kelly says
Thanks so much for such an honest comment. Blogging is a lot of work — and finding the right balance can sometimes be VERY difficult. Make the switch sooner than later, I wished I had 🙂 Wishing you the very best. HUGS, sweet friend.
Danielle @ 2 Little Superheroes says
Thanks so much for this post! My blog is brand new (only a month old) and I so needed to read this. I think I need to make the move from blogger to wordpress now. Wish I had started with blogger. But now I’m so nervous about switching!
Kelly says
Hi Danielle!! Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging!!! Don’t be nervous about the switch, especially if you’re a newer blogger. It’s a much easier conversion when you first start out. Wising you the very best! Have a fabulous week. xo
Devan says
Thank you so much for this post. I’ve been struggling lately with my follower number. I know I’m getting a ton of views, but my follower count is still holding steady at 32. I’ve tried the link parties and commenting on other blogs (sincere comments, might I add), all to no avail. I think a move from Blogger to WordPress is in order, but I’m so scared of the change. I’m not exactly tech-savvy and all the terms you used (hosting, platform, conversion) totally lost me. I need a class on making the move and learning about WordPress!!
Kelly says
Hi Devan! Thanks so much for your comment! You CAN DO IT! Making the move is a bit scary, but worth it!! I may start offering some video chats to answer some blogging questions for a minimal fee. Stay tuned. Might be a great opportunity to ask about some of your confusion, etc.. HUGS!
Tamika says
Awesome post, thank you so much. You have been so helpful to me. I appreciate your willingness to share1
Kelly says
Awww, thanks so much Tamika! It’s a privelege to help where I can. Have a fabulous week. HUGS!
[email protected] and More says
Thanks so much for all three posts. So much good information, I’m still trying to process it all. I agree on the finding your niche. I”m mainly a desserts and sweets blog. When I share mine or others wonderful dessert photos on Facebook, they get big likes, but when I share someone’s lovely fish dish, it’ll get maybe 4 likes. My fans expect sweet, chocolaty sinful photos and respond to those. The same happens with my blog, I will occasionally post something healthy and the response is low.
I’ve made the decision to switch to WP but I’m waiting till Jan to do it, then I will go full throttle on my blog, both monetizing and full engagement. This was on the advice of my accountant so I could write off the expense against earnings for a full year. I’ll be sharing these posts with a few groups I’m part of, like I said, great info, just a lot to digest in 1 reading. Thanks for making it available to the rest of us.
Kelly says
Hi Joan! Thanks so much for visiting with me for this series and its a joy to read how helpful it’s been to some of the readers. I also appreciate you sharing it with some of your groups. GOOD LUCK to you in the New Year as you make the switch and begin monetizing. Happy Blogging…. and sweet treat making! Hugs.
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!
[email protected] 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!