Many of us are striving to build a greater web presence through our blogging. And if you're not yet to that point in your career, maybe you will be someday. Why not start now building a successful blog?We're discussing 10 Common Blogging Mistakes that I've noticed during my time traversing cyberspace. For the first five click here. Let's delve into the second half of the Common Blogging Mistakes:
6. Not putting a Follower Gadget on your blog: When we put the follower gadget into our blogs, we're better able to know and connect with the people reading our blogs, especially those who don't leave comments. For those bloggers who don't have them, why not? It's an easy way to engage more people.
7. Not signing up to Follow other blogs: I'm not sure why some bloggers have a hesitancy in signing up to follow blogs. I can think of many benefits to posting our pictures in other Follower Gadgets. For one, we show support to the blogger we're following. And second, our tiny picture provides another link that others can use to reach our blogs. I don't see how it can hurt, in fact I think it's another super easy way to broaden our web presence.
8. Not leaving comments on other blogs: For most of us, blogging is a two-way conversation. If we want people to comment on our blogs, then we need to start commenting on theirs. It lets bloggers know we've read their post. It supports them. And it can build genuine friendships. This is one of the most important ways to start attracting others back to our blogs.
9. Not repaying a blog visit: If someone visits our blogs and takes the time to leave a comment or signs up to follow us, the most courteous blogging etiquette is to repay the visit if we can. I realize this is not always possible, especially when someone doesn't leave a link. But in most cases, we can easily jump over and at least thank them for the visit. Being generous with our comments and following is a sure way to begin building our web presence.
10. Not exuding genuineness and friendliness: A blogger may do everything else right and hop around cyberspace like an over-caffeinated bunny. But most of us can usually sniff out the difference between those who are genuine and those who are trying to build their numbers. It's not possible to read every blog, every day. But when we post our blogs or visit others, we can do our best to reach out with true friendliness.
That ends the top ten blogging mistakes I've noticed. Are you guilty of any of the ones I've listed today? Or have you noticed any of these mistakes on other blogs that turned you off?
Remember: None of us will ever have perfect blogs. And we should always extend grace to one another's imperfections and live by this principle: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Matt. 7:12
Remember: None of us will ever have perfect blogs. And we should always extend grace to one another's imperfections and live by this principle: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Matt. 7:12
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Great end to the list! I do have to say that when you are following TONS of blogs it does get a bit difficult to keep up with them all. But I sure do try! Even if I can't comment every time I visit. I do my best :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful list Jody! I hope it helps many bloggers.
Have a great weekend!
Jody, these two posts (this one and the first one you did) where so helpful. Thank you! I wish I had found you sooner. As a new blogger it is hard to work out all the unspoken courteous things to do. Most of them i felt where common sense and I really love jumping on other people's blogs to see what other's have to say. My writing has improved too since blogging. Thanks for jumping over to my blog as often as you do :)
ReplyDeleteI've been lax on a few of these, but because of time. I want to visit EVERYONE'S blogs that visits mine, but seriously, there is just not enough time. I try every few days go go through my list and at least read everyone's blogs, but Idon't always comment, again, due to time. (usually I'm doing so early in the morning as I'm trying to rush off to work!)
ReplyDeleteSo... for anyone that visits my blog and is disappointed that I haven't commented on theirs.... it's isn't because I haven't read it! I promise!
*hangs my head in timeless shame*
There has only been a few times I have not returned a comment and I will go and read the blog but it might be one of those looooong rambling posts and I try and try to think of a comment and can't! I should have just said thank you for visiting.
ReplyDeleteGreat series, Jody. With your posts this week and a few other blogs I've read, I've really been thinking about blogging goals and platform. Are these two issues separate or the same thing? Or does the answer to that question depend on your goals? I haven't quite finalized my thoughts on this issue, but it's definitely something I've been thinking about. Thanks for getting me thinking!
ReplyDeleteThese have been really great posts. I usually do all five of these - except maybe the following thing. I think maybe because all the blog posts in my dashboard already overhwhelm me and I can't imagine more.
ReplyDeleteAs I posted in my 3 C's, I'm nervous I won't be able to do a lot of these starting next week. I just won't have very much time anymore, not with work consuming nine hours of my day. I'll just have to trust God and live by my priorities: God, family, writing, then everything else.
You've got some good points, Jody. I think part of the problem is simply finding enough time for everything. To spend time reading a lot of blogs and then commenting something that's more than, "Hello! I'm here!" can be really time-consuming. So how do you balance the time blogging can take with everything else you have to do?
ReplyDeleteJody: Thanks again for this helpful post. You are like a gold mine for writers, always encouraging us to excel.
ReplyDeleteTime is a huge issue with me, too.
I usually make a list of who comments on my blog posts, then try to connect up to thier blogs that same day or the next. As Krista says, it's not always possible, but I keep trying. I love all my followers; i realize they are real people with busy lives who take precious time to connect with me, and I feel honored.
And, if you'd like to win a book, hop over to my blog today for an interview and drawing with novelist Patti Lacy. Thanks!
Jen
You be a better blogger info has been helpful and I'm going to admit to some guilt! As with others comments, it's a time issue, but I try to set aside time daily to read other posts and comment...sincerely.
ReplyDeleteI especially want to thank you for your comments on my blog. You've been wonderful, helpful and encouraging.
Hi Everyone!
ReplyDeleteBlogging effectively does take time. I'll refer back to my post from earlier in the week. Some of us may not be at that point where it's important to build an enormous web presence. Rather we need to focus most of our time on writing. And that's okay.
For those ready to broaden their web presence, blogging effectively takes time. I look at it as one part of having a writing career. It certainly shouldn't be my main focus, but it has to be part of it.
Thanks for all of your comments so far! I love the way everyone is thinking so deeply about this issue!
As you know, I follow most of my blogs anonymously, which I just started doing last week, I think. Why? Because I'm trying to write a book, I'm not getting published anytime soon, and feeling the pressure of following so many blogs publicly was just getting to be too much.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list!
Jody,
ReplyDeleteAll good stuff. A pet peeve of mine is trying to track down someone who leaves a comment on my blog, so I can thank them for visiting. My own profile lists my website (which has my email address), and I'm working on putting the email address directly into the profile. You've reminded me to get busy on this once more.
I'm sometimes reluctant to post a comment because I'm not always sure I have anything worthwhile to say. But I'm getting more comfortable posting now that I understand how happy it makes ME to get comments!
ReplyDeleteall good stuff. i'm big time into following other people. it's neat to see the variety of blogs on my dashboard to click on. :)
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed these posts, Jody. Great tips and reminders. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Jody!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for these posts! I'm going to be thinking/brainstorming on them in the next few weeks! Have a great weekend!
I didn't know any of these when I first started blogging but Glam did a post and it really helped me. Once I became a courteous and rule abiding blogger, my experience has really improved!
ReplyDeleteImportant info in these posts...thanks!
When I was blogging on another site people would constantly e-mail to ask how to get new readers. They didn't want to hear my advice. If you want to receive, you have to give. They wanted the easy path to success. They wanted to know they could just do one thing and get readers and never have to read anything of anyone else's. Doesn't work that way.
ReplyDeleteYour last point is an excellent one, Jody. I really appreciate sincerity. It's nice to know that someone stopped by, and it's nice to know when someone feels compelled to comment. But, be sincere.
ReplyDeleteI get so frustrated when someone doesn't have the Follow Me gadget on their blog. Yes, I could put them in my Favorites, but the truth is I don't have time to visit everyone every day. So, if I'm following you, your blog post shows up on my dashboard. If I'm interested in that particular post, I come over. Otherwise, I could spend my entire day visiting blogs. As a stay-at-home mom of 4 year old twins, I just don't have that time.
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com
Excellent. I love the way you ended your list. Extending grace is what it's all about isn't it? That's why I love blogging. Writing friends have done that for me and I love to share it ob my blog,too.
ReplyDeleteover-caffeinated bunny? Love this line!!! Now that's taking a cliche and making it fresh, Jody!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat list. The commenting one is so true but it is very time consuming. I try to hit most blogs that I follow at least once a week for a comment, though I tend to read them more often if the content catches me. But due to time, I limit the ones that I comment on every post to those who consistently comment on mine. It's that old time struggle thing when you've got editing and writing to do while still living too.
The last point is definitely the most important. Genuine friendliness makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteLove it! All of these points are so true.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your honesty. I've thought about blogging about the same subject but you did it so well. There are people I'd like to follow but they don't have a follow option. And there are people who don't have time to build a relationship and I do understand that. I do love having the connection with a group of writers I thank God for it because I know it's special and without this miracle I wouldn't be as blessed as I am today.
ReplyDeleteIf a blog topic turns me off I stay away (at least for that day) but then there are days when I'm unable to post because life gets in the way.
More great points, Jody. Like many, finding time to keep up with all my blogging buddies can be a challenge. However, we "make" time for what's important to us. I've given visiting blogs and leaving comments higher priority lately, and I've been blessed as a result. Not only am I learning from other bloggers, but I'm also getting to know some awesome people.
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling pretty good about myself after reading your list. I do understand it's an exchange, and I do my best to keep up with my end of the unwritten bargain. It's always good to be reminded, though, that we're on the right path.
ReplyDeleteMore great tips. I can relate to so many of the others about the time it takes to read and comment on other blogs.
ReplyDeleteBut, I'm reminded of something I've read once or twice. ;) He who wants friends, must show himself friendly. Works in the blogosphere too.
So, I'm signing off here to go visit a few more. :)
Another blog to learn by!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jody. Very helpful tips.
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting! I make many mistakes, some that I am aware of but unable to fix and some that I don't realize. Like seeming friendly enough. I think I might lack there. I am just learning as I go the whole etiquette in the blogging world thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty! Eeek *hanging head in shame*
ReplyDeleteI follow everyone anonymously. I probably won't change that for now, even though it is good for my face to pop up all over. LOL But I have my reasons for anonymity.
As for the others, I do try to be polite and repay visits, plus I love commenting. :-) Great list Jody. I think it's very relevant and right on.
I hop over to every who comments on my blog the first time they post a comment, and post a comment to thank them. I try to follow as many as I can, but as someone else, there's just not enough time.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been doing the "follow" thing because I'm not sure how that works, to be honest. I subscribe to blogs through Google reader, well over 50 of them so in my mind, I'm "following". But maybe not???
Thanks for all these tips!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great weekend!
Karen
Hi Jody -
ReplyDeleteI try to connect with the bloggers who visit my blog. Unfortunately, I'm still having problems with the comment format on several blogs.
Please forgive me if I don't comment. You'll find me in your stats and as a follower.
Blessings,
Susan :)
It gets harder and harder to comment on others blogs. But I love seeing what everyone is up to.
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally agree with #10. You can sense when someone is being genuine or just trying to win a popularity contest.
I had a senior moment... I didn't remember your name. Came here and clicked to follow you. It said I already was! Well, that tells me I thought twice about it and still decided to follow you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and following my 'becoming an author' blog. I am just a little over half way finished with the writing. Then comes the 20 years... LOL
Hi Jody!
ReplyDeleteOh geez...gulity but only slightly. Trying to manage my own work while visiting my virtual friends is challenging as you know. You do such a good job. Thanks for taking the time to remind us of what to and not to do.
xo Stephanie
Very cool list!!!
ReplyDeleteI think the one I am most often guilty of is writing long paragraphs.
I will admit that I like reading the short paragraphs, and at times do aim for the short and easy to read ones, but sometimes I just want to get into some details. That's what I just did on my latest blog post. Feel free to email me if you feel like you are running into a brick wall when reading those long paragraphs. I figure that if someone is into the info they might want to take it in, rather than just skimming through it hoping to find something good.
Sometimes I skim and sometimes I ponder. More often than note I keep returning to the blogs that make me stop and ponder. What's the point if they don't?
Great post! I'm just getting started in the blogging world and trying to learn how to gain followers. So this post was very helpful.
ReplyDeleteSome of the things about blogs that turn me off is if the blogger hasn't updated in months, or if I can't follow them. Some people have it set up so there is no following icon, even across the top of the page.
These Top 10 mistakes are great. I'm, thankfully, not making too many of the mistakes you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteBut one thing I wanted to add to the one you listed about posts being readable: One of the mistakes I see a lot is having crazy/hard-to-decipher fonts or too many images or videos or flashing thingimabobs.
Oh, and I really don't like it when bloggers have playlists that start automatically.
But then, I'm probably just being picky.
Jody,
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog today by clicking on a blogger in another blog's comment section. Karen's(just above me) as a matter of fact!
I've been blogging for a very short amount of time but I'm already feeling compelled to get my readership my broad based. Not that what I have to say is so spectacular but it's nice to have a feeling comraderie. Your Top 10 blog mistakes I found extremely helpful.
Thank you for taking the time to compile the list...
Sincerely,
Heather
asprinkleadayfromheather.blogspot.com
I've found the opposite extreme at a few blogs I've visited--rather than droning on, the writers post only a 100-200 word post. Probably a good exercise in brevity, but really, how much can a person tell you in such a short sample? It starts to get annoying when it's a daily thing, too. Painfully obvious that the blogger is just trying to post every day regardless of content.
ReplyDelete- Liz
Sincerely very useful. I am new to this, and there is so much to learn. Please, teach me more! I am not necessarily looking to get published off of this, but I do enjoy having conversations with the online community. It makes whatever I write more fulfilling.
ReplyDeletehttp://ragsbysockmonkey.blogspot.com/
This was such a fantastic post! Exactly what I needed to read today. I've been thinking of how to improve my blog, and now I have some ammo to attack my template with! :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog, by the way. Love the colors.
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