Blogs. They're everywhere and it seems like everyone is writing one while
trying to find a "new angle" to gain your attention.
But what if you have a blog and no one comes...or comments? Does that mean you should give up? Try a new approach? Do more promo to gain interest?
At RB4U, we tried doing a contest a month, asking people to comment. We found that we had the same number of views whether or not we offered a prize. And, the comments numbers were still low.
But what if you have a blog and no one comes...or comments? Does that mean you should give up? Try a new approach? Do more promo to gain interest?
At RB4U, we tried doing a contest a month, asking people to comment. We found that we had the same number of views whether or not we offered a prize. And, the comments numbers were still low.
We offer to do interviews. We offer guest blog spots. What are we not doing?
Have blogs become too numerous, making it difficult to decide which ones to
read? We try to stick to romance/writing material, and sometimes some personal
thoughts. What makes you decide to read this blog as opposed to thousands of
other ones? How can we entice you to keep coming back and reading new blogs
here?
I notice that in the past, when I've posted photos of "hunks" with blogs, I've gotten greater views numbers. Is that the answer? Always have a great-looking guy or guys with a blog?
I notice that in the past, when I've posted photos of "hunks" with blogs, I've gotten greater views numbers. Is that the answer? Always have a great-looking guy or guys with a blog?
So...what else can be done to gain readers? Suggestions?
Do you see a PURPLE HEART in this blog? Leave a comment (not just hello) for a chance to win a prize. See our contest page at http://www.romancebooks4us.com for more details!
Photos: Flickr: alamodestuff, Kristina B., Sean MacEntee's photostreams.
Marianne Stephens
9 comments:
Since you asked, IMHO there are way too many blogs out there. With all the sodial media authors feel they have to have, plus websites, blogs, etc...it is just too much. As a reader I have learned to be selective with what I read. I really don't like Facebook except for keeping up with my extended family and friends. There are only a few authors that I follow daily...maybe 2-3 and that's it. Everyone else is just a like and if I get swamped, I unfriend them. I actually prefer websites and newsletters for info from my favorites. I like blogs such as your to discover new-to-me authors. That may include giveaways, which are always nice, but not the main reason to follow. Might have been the carrot to lead me into your blog in the first place. So there you have my early morning thoughts on the subject. No earth shattering resolutions as to how to fix the problem of low readership...just one reader passing along why I read and if I come back.
PS: I forgot to mention...I prefer to follow blogs that specialize in the genre(s) I like best which just happens to be historical romances and historical mystery/suspense. I also like some thriller/mystery/suspense contemps.
didn't know you had a blog; interesting articles to read help
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
Interesting question, Marianne. I've noticed fewer responses lately, even when I offer a prize. There is a plethora of social media and only so many hours in the day. What subject matter will entice readers to interact is a question many of us are asking and not finding answers to. I find myself focusing on blogs helpful with organization and time management in relation to my business. I doubt most readers will be thrilled with that type of discussion, but authors who visit might be. Karen mentioned finding new-to-her authors and that's something I enjoy also.
BTW: Like Karen, I love historical mystery/suspense and found Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Gray series on a blog:) If that's your cup of tea, they're wonderful. She had a couple of books set in the twenties (Africa!) that are wonderful.
I tend to comment on a few blogs every day when I can. I do know people have told me they have read the blog. I watch the numbers to see and yes, mine have dropped. Personally, I don't read long ones.
What a great subject! Hmm...what draws me to a blog page is the topics, but mostly how well they’re written. I don’t mean the person has to be an accomplished writer, I just mean is it written from the heart? Does it sound like they’re talking to me as if we were both hanging out and she/he was gushing about this wonderful book? That really speaks to me. Usually gets me to want the book too!
As far as drawing in new readers...it’s the old adage that you take an interest in them and then they will take an interest in you. So you need to take the time to read, like and comment on other people’s blogs. After a few times, they will most likely reciprocate. I have gained many of my blogging friends that way. BUT the problem is that it get to be pretty hard to keep up with bloggers, all the social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google Plus and so on. BUT again, the social media when tagged onto your blog and kept up to regularly also helps you to get more attention to your blog. Before long you will be so swamped with attention, it becomes a full time job. I have a hard time keeping up with things myself, but I really try. I fall a little behind sometimes, but I catch up.
So it all comes down to how much time and energy you want to dedicate to your blog. I have chronic conditions that no longer allow me to work, at this time. So this is what I do. I can’t even imagine doing this with a full time job. Then maybe make blogging more of a hobby for you.
I visit a few blogs a day... I would have no time if I visited every blog I wanted to... but the blogs I steadily visit are ones that have daily posts... something new each day whether a guest post, a fun activity, news on books and releases, and giveaways. I have them locked in on my favorites list... some stop posting for a time and I give up on them... hate going to a page and seeing nothing new... other times I am unable to comment with the format they use... I have learned of some blogs through some newsletters and give them a peek every now and then to see if it is a fit for me....
Good post and questions, Mariannne. And I have to agree with some of the other commenters, too - with all the social media outlets and blogs out here, it can become overwhelming. I try to drop by and comment on several blogs a day but also agree it's time-consuming so can understand why the numbers may drop.
Mine have gone down some, too, which is both sad and frustrating since I post a variety of things - inspirational/motivational thoughts, fun stuff, writing news, book clips, guest bloggers, etc., etc. (For example, I had to smile when I read the comment from Paris about organization, as I'm currently doing a series of posts on the subject!)
I don't have any answers about how to draw readers to a blog, but I love to chat at mine (and on social media) so will continue to post there to keep it fresh for when readers do drop in.
Thanks for sharing such a thought-provoking topic.
Sorry, Marianne! I am not keeping up with answering comments on my own blog, let alone going by and visiting all of the ones I normally enjoy. I tend to take a quick peek at the subject of the blogs that post and send me an e-mail, and I rarely comment because I am often skimming my e-mail on the Kindle and I hate typing on that (no, I don't text on a phone, either, lol). Unfortunately, I am signed up for way too many author newsletters and blogs and I don't have the time to read them. Usually a joke or a pretty picture will catch my attention, or a subject line such as those posted by Linda Mooney (who has the most intriguing pictures) or Caris Roane (who does an in-depth post on a different subject several days of the week). Now, I will mention that those blog posts that take a while to load are frustrating, especially since my Internet gets finicky.
Great post, Marianne. It's a difficult question. I say keep on keeping on. I think the blogs that keep adding good content are the ones that eventually rise to the top.
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