To create a successful blog, you must build platform. And the best way to do that is by becoming an active networker. Feeling reticent to get started or improve your networking skills? Read today’s post by freelance writer Beth Bauer (@JourneyofBethB) to get some online and offline networking tips and inspiration.
Have you looked at Your Google Analytics lately? Is your blog audience growing, or do you feel like you’ve reached a plateau?
Don’t get frustrated. It’s not quick or easy to build your blog and author platform. It takes time and energy. Plus, blogging is a competitive field. It’s tougher than ever to attract readers.
However, if you implement the five networking strategies described below, you should see your blog audience start to grow again.
Join Facebook Groups
Facebook has approximately 2.4 billion daily users and is the most-used social media app in the world! Today, you can do just about anything on Facebook from finding a date to buying a car. Facebook groups are an excellent tool for expanding your blogging audience. Spend time on this social media site, and watch your blog audience grow.
Open Facebook and use its search engine to search for a key phrase and the word “groups.” See what groups come up. For example, if you blog about motorcycles, type in “motorcycle groups.” A list of various groups will pop up as search results. Underneath each headline, you will see how many members are in the group. Choose ones with lots of members, and then ask to join that group. Always make sure you read the rules and regulations though before sharing one of your posts there. You may not be able to promote your work, but many groups allow you to do so or to share them in response to a comment.
Attend Conferences
Conferences are not only fun and educational, but meetings pertaining to your niche topic are a fantastic way to make new friends and grow your blog audience. Take a giant stack of business cards, and give out as many as you can. When I attended my first couple of industry events, I made the grave mistake of not taking enough business cards with me and ran out quickly. So, take way more than you think you’ll need and be assertive. Talk to anyone and everyone—and don’t forget to leave them with your card!
Of course, the URL of your blog should be on that business card and easily seen. You can include language that directs people to your blog’s lead magnet, or free gift. They will then be more likely to visit your site and get on your mailing list.
Join Networking Groups
Most metropolitan areas and even some smaller towns have merchant associations or chambers of commerce. Get involved in your local community, and your audience will slowly expand. You also can join groups like “Take the Lead” or other entrepreneurial groups that help members grow their businesses. After all, you’re a business owner too. By attending these types of events, you’ll also learn more about how to effectively network with other business owners.
Post Your Blog Articles on Public Forums
Are you aware that over three million blogs posts are published every day? In addition to publishing on your own site, you can publish your posts on many other sites for a free. Medium and Reddit are probably the most popular and are an effective way to increase your following. LinkedIn is an excellent site for posting your articles as well, and this site also has groups you can join, similar to Facebook.
Reach out to Other Bloggers
If you read other bloggers’ content, they will likely read yours. One good place to start is on Discover. The site is owned and managed by WordPress, and they collect the best content and publish it there. Scroll through the posts until you find ones you like. Then read, comment, and invite the other blogger to check out your content. Who knows, maybe once you get to know each other, you can do a guest post for their site, which is another excellent way to grow your blogging audience.
Teach Classes
It’s been said many times, “If you want to learn it, teach it.” I’ve picked up all kinds of new followers by teaching classes on the subject of blogging, travel, and my lifestyle niche. Students are eager to learn and naturally supportive. They appreciate your insights and want to see you succeed. You might even become a mentor for a rising star in your industry.
Ask Your Followers to Share Your Content
At the bottom of each post, you can add a blurb, like “Did you enjoy this article? Click the share button below.” It’s a simple call to action that can be very effective. Your fans are your fans for a reason. If they enjoy your content, their friends probably will as well. The pure power of suggestion can be mighty powerful, so ask them to share.
Be realistic about your growth goals for your blog. It takes time to build a big audience. The most important thing is that your audience is, indeed, growing, even if that growth is slow and steady.
Review your numbers regularly, and implement these seven tactics thoughtfully and strategically. Then, watch your fo
What networking tips for growing your blog audience can you share ? Tell me in a comment below. And…if you found this post valuable, please share it!
About the Author
Beth Bauer is a freelance writer, travel blogger, yoga instructor, and entrepreneur currently working on her third novel. She has traveled to over 20 countries in just the last two years and enjoys life as a digital nomad. She is originally from the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.A., and when she’s home lives on the Long Beach Peninsula with her dog, Ozzie.
Photo courtesy of Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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