Starting out as a new blogger is exciting. It’s a chance to share your knowledge, learn new skills and express your creativity.
It can also be a little lonely.
If you’re just starting out online, chances are you haven’t gotten to know other bloggers yet and probably haven’t acquired many readers. Even the most popular or well-known blogger was once in your shoes.
As with any endeavor, making connections is key to finding your footing and gaining momentum. You need readers, but you also need a tribe of friends who are going through similar experiences and can be a support system as you learn and grow. These friends are also essential to growing your blog through promotion. You’ll be amazed at the opportunities that exist for sharing each other’s content or collaborating on projects as your network increases.
To get started, follow these suggestions to discover where bloggers can find their networking tribe.
Embrace Community
There are online communities dedicated to bloggers of various niches. A Google search should help you on your way toward finding a group that fits your personality and interests. Blogging communities exist in the form of websites that provide informative articles, special interest groups, educational opportunities, calls for sponsored posts and more. Some sites offer forums where participants can ask questions and interact. You’ll also find communities that encourage members to submit articles and highlight members regularly.
Get Social
Social media sites offer wonderful platforms for promoting your posts, and they’re also great for networking. Do some research to determine where other bloggers in your niche and related topics hang out, along with their readers. You’ll burn out quickly if you try to be everywhere, so choose a couple that seem to be where you’ll find your people. Twitter is perfect for sharing information and having short conversations in real time. It can also work well if you plan to host parties with sponsors and prizes or if you’d like to engage your audience in a themed chat. Pinterest is optimal for image sharing. It’s great for crafters, DIY enthusiasts, educational niches and lifestyle blogs, among others. Facebook is a good place to set up a page or a group for your blog, as well as to engage individually from your personal profile.
Join a Group
Facebook groups can be a gold mine for meeting like-minded blog buddies. Some of the blogs you read regularly may offer a closed Facebook group. Check them out to see if they seem to offer the kinds of opportunities you seek. You can also enter a query into the Facebook search bar for the particular type of group you want to join. The beauty of such places is that you can always try another one if it turns out the first doesn’t meet your needs. Another place to find groups is on Pinterest. Group boards allow bloggers to band together in order to promote each other. It can be a far more effective method for getting re-pins than going it alone. You can search Google for group Pinterest boards in your interest area.
Be Real
Online networking is wonderful, but there’s nothing like meeting in real life to really enhance a connection. Blog conferences are an option you definitely don’t want to rule out, as they tend to be well worth the investment of time and money if you can manage it. Some research will provide you with a bunch of conferences from which to choose. Consider which offers topics of interest to you, seems to cater to people you find compatible and is in a location that is accessible. Then be sure to take advantage of the workshops, sponsor activities and social events to meet your potential tribe.
No matter which route you take, be sure to get involved. You can’t grow your network if you don’t participate in conversations and opportunities. Have fun finding your networking tribe.
Best Practices in Networking for Bloggers
Getting to know other bloggers and PR folks on social media and at blogging conferences is practically essential if you want to increase your readership. While that may seem pretty straightforward, you probably still have some questions about the best ways to go about reaching out to others within your niche or the community at large. It’s not as intimidating as it may seem, but there are some strategies that are more effective and appreciated than others. Continue reading for some tips on best practices in networking for bloggers.
Be Specific With Requests
It’s absolutely okay to reach out personally to folks within the blogging world with whom you would like to connect, though it is a good idea to connect on social media channels first in an attempt to make yourself known. Sometimes just leaving a comment on their blog or following them on social media isn’t enough to achieve your goal. However, do take time to prepare prior to reaching out to a blogger with your request. If you want to provide a guest post on a popular blog, be sure to provide the recipient with information on how you can provide value for their readers. When contacting a PR rep, don’t go straight for the ask on that expensive product you’d like to review. Explain why you, your blog or your readership are a perfect fit for the product and in what ways your review will benefit the brand. And never, ever contact a big-name blogger just to ask for general blogging advice. People take offense at being asked to give information they had to learn themselves and that you could Google on your own. Instead, ask a question about a recent post or something specific about that blogger’s journey. Do your research.
Avoid Asking for Too Much
We’re all busy with various obligations in our lives. Keep that in mind when getting in touch with fellow bloggers. Reaching out is fine. It can often show initiative and genuine interest. You don’t want to ask anyone for too much, though. Remember that your goal is to make a good impression. It’s similar to making friends in real life. People aren’t willing to commit an extensive amount of their precious time to someone they don’t know. Ease into things with a friendly introduction and the reason for your contact or a short summary of your proposal. Then leave the ball in their court to decide what and how much they’d like to provide in return.
Be Professional
Your method of contact, whether it’s face-to-face, by phone or through written correspondence, should be professional. Your blog and your brand are an extension of you. Even if you’re not currently making money or don’t wish to, you should still treat blogging as your business. Speak or write clearly and concisely. Be sure to proofread if you’re sending an email or practice your elevator speech if you plan to talk to the person. A put-together presentation speaks volumes and can increase the odds that folks will want to work with you or help you out.
Use Facebook Groups to Grow Your Network
Facebook groups are an awesome way to network with other bloggers. These communities expose you to a more specific group of people than you would encounter on social networking sites at large. This type of learning and collaborative environment offers unique dynamics for bringing folks together in the most useful of ways. It’s important to be strategic in your use of these tools in order to achieve your desired outcome. As with other types of social networking, it’s easy to find yourself losing track of time checking for updates or devoting energy to platforms that aren’t compatible with your objectives. These tips on how to use Facebook groups to grow your network will help you to gain the most benefit from your pursuits.
Define Your Goals
The first step to choosing the right Facebook groups to join is to be sure you’re clean on your anticipated outcome. Taking time to define your goals will increase the likelihood of finding the right fit. Determine your primary reason or reasons for networking and then look for groups that can help you to meet those objectives. Some common motivations for networking with other bloggers include promotion, education, socialization, and support. Once you figure out which are most important to you, begin your research. Check out the content and membership of various ones. Bear in mind that you may actually have to request membership to join a closed group in order to gain access. If you discover a group isn’t the best fit for you, don’t hesitate to remove yourself and move on.
Look Within Your Niche
Joining groups of bloggers who are writing about the same or similar topics as you are offers lots of benefits. If one of your networking goals is to make friends, a niche group makes sense because you’re sure to find lots of like-minded people here. These are also good places for learning opportunities, as you can keep track of the latest developments within your subject area, as well as share newly acquired skills. Another advantage is the ability to assess what others are writing in relation to your topic; perhaps this knowledge will help you to brainstorm ideas or provide you with a foundation for adding your own unique viewpoint to a subject. Networking with bloggers like you can also be a way to learn about events or opportunities targeted specifically to your interests.
Follow Your Instincts
Of course, every group won’t be your cup of tea. One of the most important aspects of determining a good fit is comfort level. If you don’t feel comfortable or at ease there, you’re not likely to participate. Sure, you can read through the posts to gain useful information. However, you’ll gain the most benefit from a community by becoming an active member. That’s why it’s crucial to spend some time observing the dynamics of the group. You’ll want to consider whether the atmosphere is generally positive or if there seems to be a great deal of negativity within the posts. Another factor may be whether the vibe seems more formal or laid back. Some people thrive on structure, while others prefer to let loose and go off-topic once in a while. If the style contradicts your own nature, it may be best to find a different group. Use your own judgment and follow your instincts when shopping for your fit.
Facebook groups are great for networking. Taking time to assess your goals and research the possibilities will ensure you use your time efficiently and gain the most rewarding experience.
These tips are the foundation of the best practices for networking as a blogger. Following them will help you to put your best foot forward when cultivating your blogging tribe.
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