tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post4677859421726022734..comments2024-03-29T03:42:04.742-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: How to Build a Blog Following From the Ground UpJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-82763878608393462232013-01-10T23:31:11.361-05:002013-01-10T23:31:11.361-05:00This is a great, I just started blogging and I am ...This is a great, I just started blogging and I am looking for all the info that is available to help me. My blog is called 50+ and of Exceptional Worth.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12772096299731427442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33083852233105315502012-08-07T10:33:35.183-04:002012-08-07T10:33:35.183-04:00I will start my new blog with your instructions! t...I will start my new blog with your instructions! thank you!generic viagra newshttp://www.genericviagranews.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-9993089054406574602012-05-29T22:19:16.583-04:002012-05-29T22:19:16.583-04:00Hi Simon! Glad you found the post to be useful! Wi...Hi Simon! Glad you found the post to be useful! Wishing you all the best with your blog relaunch! Yes, the scheduling definitely has many benefits one of which is keeping blog-hopping in perspective.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-83053374629624212992012-05-29T18:47:26.535-04:002012-05-29T18:47:26.535-04:00I found this to be really useful - especially sinc...I found this to be really useful - especially since I've recently relaunched my own blog which had been dormant for a while. Particularly like the idea of fixed time-period scheduling for blog-hopping and commenting so it becomes a habit - but which presumably also helps prevent it becoming an addiction!Simon Bucknallhttp://www.simonbucknall.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50711947398376168252012-01-15T15:04:34.613-05:002012-01-15T15:04:34.613-05:00Loved hearing your perspective, Kathryn! From what...Loved hearing your perspective, Kathryn! From what I've seen it takes some savvy to make a group blog work. And it looks like you have that! I also think that if a group blog gets too big, it could detract from each individual author. But from what I can tell, you guys at TKZ are still individualistic enough to standout, but also sharing the load. Wishing you guys all the best!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-60282233747849855052012-01-15T10:16:43.051-05:002012-01-15T10:16:43.051-05:00Jody, sorry to catch up so late to your question! ...Jody, sorry to catch up so late to your question! As individuals, I think we can either grow or "lurk" within the group blog setting. If I'm pouring a lot of effort into a new book promotion, the blog provides a good way to outreach. If I'm coasting along for a bit, my occasional blog posts sort of stand alone. I've done it both ways. I've noticed that each time we've added a new writer to the roster, our readership has increased, as one would expect. Nowadays many of us at TKZ are sharing days, so that we don't have to post as often. The nice thing is that the group blog keeps one's name active in front of many regular readers. The thing I really love about TKZ is that we relate to our readers very much as a community. When I decided to start the blog a few years ago, I reached out to a number of writers I'd met only online or through professional connections. I didn't know any of them personally at the time. Now whenever there's a big conference, we have a "TKZ Happy Hour" at the bar!Kathryn Lilleyhttp://www.kathrynlilley.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-36435916693798066902012-01-10T13:30:49.309-05:002012-01-10T13:30:49.309-05:00Great post, Jody. I'm building my following th...Great post, Jody. I'm building my following the same way you built yours, with the same goals in mind. The hardest aspect of building my blog, for me, has been time. I work full-time as a writer and media strategist for a company; I'm working on my novel; I'm writing shorter stories and essays to get published around the country; I write freelance magazine articles; and on top of everything, I publish one blog post a week. I wish I had more time to read others' work regularly, but in reality, I can only read one or two blogs posts a week. And I try to be loyal to those most loyal to me. So for me, it's time. Time, all the way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-40345109355932025812011-11-29T22:10:53.841-05:002011-11-29T22:10:53.841-05:00Good tips here. Thanks for sharing them. Most advi...Good tips here. Thanks for sharing them. Most advice for better blogging is pretty much common sense, but we all need to be told, and then told again.<br /><br />I think at the moment the one I struggle with the most is concistency, both in my own posting and in reading other people's blogs. It's just that time of the year when I barely have the energy to go to work each day, to say nothing of anything writing-related.Adam Collingshttp://collingszone.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-1995400946790332192011-11-29T22:07:56.353-05:002011-11-29T22:07:56.353-05:00Kathryn, Thanks for swinging by! I enjoy your grou...Kathryn, Thanks for swinging by! I enjoy your group blog and think you guys have done an exceptional job at it. At the same time, I've seen some group blogs that flounder. I'd be curious to see if you think the group blogging effort puts enough spotlight on each individual author so that you feel it's been beneficial enough to grow your platform. Or do you sometimes get lost in the crowd, so to speak.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-35846174249212496932011-11-29T21:53:20.951-05:002011-11-29T21:53:20.951-05:00Great post! Starting a group blog is a great way t...Great post! Starting a group blog is a great way to build a following. I started the Kill Zone a few years back with a handful of authors. We've been slowly expanding and gaining readers ever since. It also helps to have a defined theme and general topic area to one's blog.Kathryn Lilleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05701558750790059307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-84043236539944796432011-11-28T10:59:11.126-05:002011-11-28T10:59:11.126-05:00I'm a new blogger-just testing the waters. Tha...I'm a new blogger-just testing the waters. Thanks for a informative post! I found many of the follow-up comments helpful as well. Definitely find visiting other's blogs and building relationships the most helpful in any endeavor.<br />Cheers!Jeff Curriehttp://www.jdcurrie.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-17253428169968133122011-11-27T22:18:46.308-05:002011-11-27T22:18:46.308-05:00deidraalexande asked: When building an online plat...deidraalexande asked: When building an online platform, what kind of numbers would be needed to define a platform? <br /><br />My thoughts: It sounds like you have a fairly good start to your platform. I don't think there is any consensus as to the numbers a fiction writer needs to have a "good" platform. Numbers are slightly deceptive anyway. But obviously the bigger your following the more potential you have for building a team. But the social aspect is still the most important.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-66622512410669991832011-11-27T02:22:48.196-05:002011-11-27T02:22:48.196-05:00The thing that gets me is that I have great number...The thing that gets me is that I have great numbers (not astronomical, but enough to surprise me) but hardly ever comments. For whatever reason, my posts do not seem comment worthy and I guess that's something that bugs me that I always need to work on. <br /><br />I was telling another blogger friend the other day, that I'd give up blogging in a heart beat just to have an interactive community. That's why I started in the first place and that's what I desperately wish for www.ChristianHistoricalFiction.com to be. But I guess only time will tell.MJ @ Creative Madness Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11074773468388327610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13729725547410951872011-11-27T00:55:27.339-05:002011-11-27T00:55:27.339-05:00When building an online platform, what kind of num...When building an online platform, what kind of numbers would be needed to define a platform? My twitter account has 12,000 followers, my blog 2,000 hits per week, but it's difficult to know when you've actually built a platform without knowing the thresholds.<br /><br />Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7028740763418452082011-11-26T06:41:25.671-05:002011-11-26T06:41:25.671-05:00I Spy Animals, I post the days so that readers kno...I Spy Animals, I post the days so that readers know what to expect from me. I think the more specific and consistent we are the better we'll be able to retain our readers. Plus, if we put the dates out there, then we give ourselves accountability. However, I do understand your concern. And I think one of the best things is to schedule your posts the weekend ahead. Then they go "live" no matter what else is going on in your life. But that's just my take!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56995698001448046332011-11-25T16:38:57.574-05:002011-11-25T16:38:57.574-05:00Those are great tips. I have a question, though; I...Those are great tips. I have a question, though; I also post Tuesday and Thursday for the most part. But I fear proclaiming that on my blog in case something happens where I can't post. Would stating that I post twice a week be as effective? What benefit do you see for naming the exact days?I Spy Animalshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16093998721489685921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-21865340112062029272011-11-24T02:24:55.592-05:002011-11-24T02:24:55.592-05:00No matter what your topic, your posts are always w...No matter what your topic, your posts are always worth reading because you let your readers into your world. I think that personal connection is what draws readers to keep coming back. For me, the relationship-building is more important than the numbers, but in all honesty I have to admit the posts that draw a good response always make me feel as if I've done something right.<br /><br />Complementing blog posts with Facebook comments and Tweets helps to keep in touch with a larger number of friends than I could manage by only blogging. It's impossible to comment on every post by every friend or follower and I think most people understand that and are forgiving. At least, I hope so!Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-12825945120745550582011-11-23T23:48:31.808-05:002011-11-23T23:48:31.808-05:00All great advise to go by. But I don’t know how yo...All great advise to go by. But I don’t know how you ever got through the blogs in 30 minutes. I find hours can quickly disappear if I’m not careful. <br /><br />I’m just getting started and I allowed myself time to build up that following. But the time I used to have for my MS has greatly diminished. I hope to find a better balance soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-83366655686582363152011-11-23T20:21:25.435-05:002011-11-23T20:21:25.435-05:00Fantastic advice, Jody. I'm like CD Meetens, i...Fantastic advice, Jody. I'm like CD Meetens, in that I find it difficult to come up with ideas for blogging. What's left to be said? I wish I had your knack of offering great advice about trivial-sounding things, it really is helpful.Graeme Inghttp://www.graemeing.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-73911528322152758252011-11-23T16:44:08.220-05:002011-11-23T16:44:08.220-05:00Thanks so much for that really helpful post!
I th...Thanks so much for that really helpful post!<br /><br />I think I have most trouble with figuring out what to post about, which is why I settled into some posts linked in some way with writing or reading, and some muddled up with more everyday things anyone can relate to. I'm still very much a blog novice.C D Meetenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18185285028025647307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-86777191148098514852011-11-23T14:23:52.994-05:002011-11-23T14:23:52.994-05:00Awesome blogging tips, Jody. Thank you for sharing...Awesome blogging tips, Jody. Thank you for sharing them!<br /><br />I find the blogging community friendly and helpful. People in general like to reciprocate, so the best way to build those relationships is to frequently visit the other people's blogs and comment. <br /><br />Sharing the links on Twitter and Facebook works wonders for me too. Twitter hashtags are invaluable as well :-)<br /><br /><br />Sharing the links on Twitter and Facebook works wonders for me too. Twitter hashtags are invaluable too :-)Author A.O. Pearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09522726537375775560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-90394892457972627302011-11-23T12:44:45.310-05:002011-11-23T12:44:45.310-05:00Wise and concrete advice, Jody -- thank you!
I&#...Wise and concrete advice, Jody -- thank you! <br /><br />I've made some mistakes along the way (did you read my post on the Water Cooler about how I emailed Jon Acuff once to ask him if I could guest post at his blog? No lie. I am mortified...but I still learned a good lesson from the whole humiliation) -- blogging is always a work in progress for me!Michelle DeRushahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359712465784943599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-73448830275519652082011-11-23T10:19:33.137-05:002011-11-23T10:19:33.137-05:00I so appreciate your tips. I am a new blogger- and...I so appreciate your tips. I am a new blogger- and loving it. I think at first I felt shy to comment and reach out, but working on that.Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00571636870719877998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-67649434580353523582011-11-23T07:17:22.448-05:002011-11-23T07:17:22.448-05:00I'm really enjoying all of your feedback and t...I'm really enjoying all of your feedback and tips! Thank you everyone! As Lisa mentioned, even when we do everything right, building a blog following involves some tough stretches. At times it really is a rough road, and it has been for me too. So take heart!<br /><br />Donna, so glad that you stumbled upon my book and that it looks like one you would enjoy! I hope that you truly will!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-62701642024164098392011-11-23T06:02:48.536-05:002011-11-23T06:02:48.536-05:00Hi Jody .. great post - an essential read for all ...Hi Jody .. great post - an essential read for all who wish to have a faithful following and friendly readers .. as well as conversational commenters .. thus keeping the professional published author happy in their work .. thanks - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.com