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As someone who only started blogging a couple of months back, I've been reading this thread with interest. Now, I'd love to be 'found' by some stamp company and asked to be a designer, but as I've only been stamping a couple of years and still learning, I realise that I've a way to go. So, for me, my blog is purely a fun leasure activity, a way to share my creations, join in with challenges and hopefully get a pat on the back now and then. I think it helps to link to where you have purchased a particular stamp, and maybe the owner of the shop might drop by and thank you I've found the best way to increase hits to my blog is to join in with the challenges and to leave comments on other blogs. And I think it only polite to leave a comment on the blog of someone who has commented on mine.
While I am enjoying just posting to my blog and talking to myself in cyberspace (not totally true....I do get a few comments), how do I increase traffic. Personally, I'd be ok with a little traffic; doesn't have to be a lot.....but I am trying to get on a certain design team and I think if I eventually have a more well known blog, my name will get out there more with people looking at this companies cards (posted on my blog).
So what do you do to get people to visit. There are sooo many blogs and I just started. So I know I have to be patient. But in the meantime, I am sure there are things I could be doing. I know have to get my badge for SCS bloggers (I need to e-mail Michelle Laycock).
Visiting other Blogs and making NEW "Blog Buddies" is a good way to get some exposure. Everyone LOVES comments! When you comment in another BLOG-it links back to your BLOG when anyone clicks on your Blog Username.
It is also a FUN way to see all the exciting & AMAZING creations others have posted to their BLOG.
join the blog-RAK group - I just downloaded everyone's names/addresses last week, myself.
The way I understand it, you send these bloggers a card with your name and blog address in it and then they post the card on their blog and direct people to YOUR blog as a RAK (random act of kindness). And if anyone sends you a card, you do the same.
I'm a blogaholic... love reading everyone's blogs.... (I'v even been visiting yours... ). But I'm one of the lurkers. I rarely will comment. I just enjoy seeing everyone creativity! There's lots of people like me out there!
Maybe do a tutorial, offer some candy, or do something different. There is a wonderful blog out there by Allison where she puts links to your blog daily if you offer these things.
Post comments on other blogs.
Blurf and comment. I find the most amazing blogs by visiting blogs recommended by other bloggers. I sometimes just read the comments from posts and go to their blogs.
Give it time. I don't necessarily think that if you have a popular blog you will be noticed over another to be on a design team. They will choose you for your talent, and you will be discovered. Just hang in there!!
Maybe do a tutorial, offer some candy, or do something different. There is a wonderful blog out there by Allison where she puts links to your blog daily if you offer these things.
Post comments on other blogs.
Blurf and comment. I find the most amazing blogs by visiting blogs recommended by other bloggers. I sometimes just read the comments from posts and go to their blogs.
Give it time. I don't necessarily think that if you have a popular blog you will be noticed over another to be on a design team. They will choose you for your talent, and you will be discovered. Just hang in there!!
Robyn,
Your blog is super cute. I have been trying to put video on my blog for a year. Is that an add-on or something that comes with blogger?
Hugs,
Gina K.
__________________ Be polite to those who are rude to you. Not because they are nice, but because you are.
Owner- Gina K. Designs
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I started blogging because seriously, I like to hear myself speak. My blog is about paper-crafting yes, but is really more about me and my personality and that's what keeps my core readership coming back. I don't have a humongous readership but what i do have and have had has been extremely loyal throughout the nearly a year I have been blogging. And I think that that is more important than having huge numbers, as of today my blog has 31,000 hits in almost exactly 1 year and even though that that is much lower then a lot of the famous blogs that started around the time I started or even much later than I started I still feel validated because they all care about me and I of them. It's about people getting to know people and that is the fundamental reason behind all varieties of communication and blogging isn't any different.
I Also Blog so everyone'll read my "Chicken Who Did It" Blaga *wink*
sorry for that shameless plug, but I really like telling that story it's so much fun and I think the primary reason I didn't quit blogging all those times I considered quiting, and believe me, there was plenty of times I thought of quiting, and I don't think that I am the only blogger that has. Blogging is hard work and takes a lot of time, and there are times when I'm in a slump and no one likes my stuff, but i get over it, because that's not why i blog so why should I quit because of it.
BLOGGING IS WORTH IT, makes you a better card-maker, makes you a better communicator and puts the spot light on you for once, because lets face it, there are a lot of cards uploaded on SCS everyday, and it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. But on your blog your card is the center of attention and your time to shine.....So Shine One Girls =D
Robyn,
Your blog is super cute. I have been trying to put video on my blog for a year. Is that an add-on or something that comes with blogger?
Hugs,
Gina K.
Thanks Gina!!
Just go to www.photobucket.com and add your video and then you can paste the html code right in your message. It is very easy. I have some fun ideas coming up that sprouted from my video candy. Aren't blogs so much fun???
I've been adding to my blog daily, but with very few comments. Of course, my site was just put up a few days ago. ;) I finally got my blog roll put up, a site template that I love and hubby has been working with me to get it where I want it to be. I have to say that I'm enjoying writing for it and coming up with new ideas too! As for traffic, I'll give it time.
Here's a few blogging tips (I'm not one with a huge following, but I've read alot about blogging and know what I like in a blog)
-Easy on the eye. Use white space. Long narratives are tiring to read on the computer.
-- have your pictures clear and big enough to see easily. I'm not very good at taking good pictures but there is a lot of advice out there on how to take good pics.
- You need to have something to contribute -- either your stamping or your words. When you post a card or other item, explain how you made it. Name the supplies.
-blogs that are updated frequently do get more traffic, but some of us simply don't have the time or don't have enough stamping or ideas to write every day. With google reader and other subscription services I don't think this is as big an issue as before, but still the more you blog the greater your readership will be.
-let your personality shine through. some readers are only interested in stamping. others love to hear about the stamper's life. do what you want and are most comfortable doing. There are some blogs I love because of the stamping. There are others I love because of the stamper's personality. Once in a blue moon you get both!
-- look around at a lot of other blogs. what do you like about them? comment on them.
-- blog candy is optional. I do it occasionally and not to get readers. I do it to thank folks for reading my blog.
-- if you worry about the number of readers, it will ruin the fun. It is normal to want folks to read what we post and write, but it shouldn't cause you anxiety. that's one way to ruin the experience.
And to answer Cindy's question, why blog?
Since I'm not a professional and not looking to join design teams, I blog for fun. There is a small, but real, world of readers that comment and come back and I like connecting to other stampers this way, as my close friends are not crafty at all. I've made some nice stamper friends this way. Also, sometimes it is a bit of a public diary and it feels good to get out some of my thoughts.
What an excellent way to put it joan! I initially started my blog just for the fun of it - but it has now turned out to be so much more than that. I have met so many amazing and wonderfully talented stampers who I am now proud to call my friends. I have also had the wonderful privilege of being on some amazing design teams!! I enjoy sharing my cards, tips and a few personal tidbits along the way. I never in a million years thought I would have any kind of "following" in blogland. I am grateful to everybody that peeks in and hope that I can at least inspire somebody to sit down and create. I don't agree with one of the previous posters about people deleting or not reading blogs that don't post every single day or don't give blog candy. I haven't been an avid poster for several weeks d/t some family issues and also camera issues - but I still get just as much traffic as I did before and still get tons of emails about stamping.
I'm wondering, those of you with very successful blogs, what advice can you give to those of us that would like to get to that point one day?
P.S. This is not a ploy to get traffic at MY blog, it's so new that I'm not surprised that I don't have much traffic yet. ;)
I never thought of a blog as a way to get noticed for a Design Team...maybe because I have no interest in being on a Design Team! I blog cause I love to yada about this stuff, and I hope someone out there might find some of my chatter useful. I'm always grateful for comments from readers...they let me know if I'm on the right track, so to speak.
Getting x number of hits a day isn't my main thing. Posting daily also isn't my main thing. Blogging is fun for me, and I intent to keep it that way. I planned from the get-go that when blogging stopped being fun, it'd be time to stop.
I have a ? about blogs. Please forgive me if it sounds dumb in anyway and I probably won't be able to phrase my words as innocently as I mean them to sound. I'm really just don't know the answer. What is the reason bloggers want people to visit their site? Is it for self-validation, monetary gain, professional gain or something else. I guess I was curious why bloggers would offer pay the expense of blog candy just to get traffic on their site. I know I enjoy when I get a comment on my little gallery here on SCS. It sure seems like keeping up a blog is a lot of work and I was wondering what blogger motivation for habing a blog is in the first place. Boy, I spend enough time on the computer as is! And now I have flagged some good blogs into my favorites so now, not only do I have to check SCS everyday but now I find myself checking my fave blogs everyday!!! It's not a good thing for my & my housework!
Great question Cindy, I have a blog with pretty regular traffic...not a lot, but some that visit daily. The reasons for blogging have changed for me...I started as a demo who wanted to stay in touch with long distance customers. When I quit demoing, I just wanted a way to stay active in writing and stamping. Then it was a way to "gain credibility" in the stamping world. Now it is going through another change and will be a way to increase interest (I hope) in my new on-line teaching venture. I will be using it as a way to advertise classes I offer and showcase my artwork. By having more visitors, I hope to increase class size. So it went from a business venture, to a fun "me" thing, back to a business venture...
I think everyone has a different reason for blogging and wanting traffic...for me...even though it will be more business minded, it still has to be FUN or I won't do it!
__________________ Colleen Schaan - Education Specialist at Imagination International Inc.,/Copic Marker
Blog - Distinctive Touches;My Copic Books!
When you log into Google Reader, there's an option somewhere to add a "quick subscribe" link/button, that you can put on your bookmarks tool bar. When I stumble across a blog I'd like to add, I just click on that Subscribe button, and it let's me add it on instantaneously.
The only problem, is some blogs don't have "feeds"--such a bummer when that happens.
Google Reader is AMAZING!
The only problem, tho, is some blogs I have subscribed to, do "extended" entries, which means you only get a smidge of the blog entry in Reader, and not the whole thing; you have to click on it, and then go directly to their blog to get the full monty.
I realize that with many readers using GR, it can mean traffic reduction and fewer hits to the actual blog. So, it's possible that this may be a means of getting the reader to actually go to the blog so the hit count remains high/accurate for statistical reasons.
BUT, as a reader myself, I have discovered that I am actually faaaaar more likely to visit the blog to leave a comment, if I can read the entire entry in Reader, than I am if I only get a few lines, and have to visit the blog to get the rest!
Interesting, eh?!
I TOTALLY agree with this - I have GOBS of blogs on my Google Reader - and actually put all the ones with partial feeds into a separate folder that I check only once a week or so. I still like those blogs but I don't have the time to always be clicking to go to their blogs to read the whole post - I wish that the whole feed was enabled so that I'd visit more often!!
I thought I would reply to this blog, bumping it up. This is a great thread and really helped me out with my new blog. Looks like I have some work to do!
BUT, as a reader myself, I have discovered that I am actually faaaaar more likely to visit the blog to leave a comment, if I can read the entire entry in Reader, than I am if I only get a few lines, and have to visit the blog to get the rest!
Interesting, eh?!
'
That is an interesting point...I had set my settings to send the entire thing but then I realized that it also included the pics and I was concerned it would take people with slower connection speeds longer times to load their email so I changed it to just a little snatch....hmmm maybe I should switch back?? So many things to think of...
Getting x number of hits a day isn't my main thing. Posting daily also isn't my main thing. Blogging is fun for me, and I intent to keep it that way. I planned from the get-go that when blogging stopped being fun, it'd be time to stop.
yes, I think that hits the nail on the head for me....I love to share what I do but if it gets to be a stress rather than a joy that is the day my blog will no longer be in existence....
... BUT, as a reader myself, I have discovered that I am actually faaaaar more likely to visit the blog to leave a comment, if I can read the entire entry in Reader, than I am if I only get a few lines, and have to visit the blog to get the rest!
[/b]Interesting, eh?!
ditto! I'll glance at the paragraph that's showing and if something catches my eye, I'll visit, otherwise, I don't go. I love the full feed!
I'm not so great at leaving comments ... I'm trying to be better at it, both here (SCS) and on blogs.
Like others have said, blogging is something very personal. YOU decide what you want to do, what you want from it, and how you'll get it. I just like to share my stuff. My family lives far away from me, so this is a great way for my mum and sisters to see what I've been up to, craft-wise. That's the predominant reason I began to blog. I soon became a Stampin' Up demo, and then my reason for blogging expanded, to customers. Now, it's still about family, frineds, and customers, but also just something for me. I am a SAHM to 4 kiddoes with the 5th on the way (end of Feb/early March-ish). My hubby has a busy schedule (pastor), and so stamping is something I do for me and I like to share that with people who have the same habits/hobbies as I do! Blogging fits!!
I, by no means, have a high traffic blog. I would said it's middling to moderate. It doesn't concern me. I'm happy that anybody enjoys my blog, not how many enjoy my blog!
* I never post daily. I don't have time.
* I have never done blog candy. Perhaps I will, perhaps I won't. My choice.
Something I noticed that turns me off just a bit is if the author has a music feed playing when I click on the blog.
While I love music and often find the selections are to my taste, my DH leaves the audio turned way up on our computer because he loves to listen to LOUD blues music. So when I click on a blog, I get a blast immediately of whatever is playing on the music feed. And if I am reading at night, my family all yells "TURN IT DOWN!" because our computer is in the same room as the television. And if I am reading when I am at home alone, it pretty much knocks me over backward.
So I would really prefer that it's left up to me to play any music on offer, not to have it start automatically. Lots of times, I'll just hit the back button so the music shuts off right away and I don't end up reading.
Something I noticed that turns me off just a bit is if the author has a music feed playing when I click on the blog.
While I love music and often find the selections are to my taste, my DH leaves the audio turned way up on our computer because he loves to listen to LOUD blues music. So when I click on a blog, I get a blast immediately of whatever is playing on the music feed. And if I am reading at night, my family all yells "TURN IT DOWN!" because our computer is in the same room as the television. And if I am reading when I am at home alone, it pretty much knocks me over backward.
So I would really prefer that it's left up to me to play any music on offer, not to have it start automatically. Lots of times, I'll just hit the back button so the music shuts off right away and I don't end up reading.
ITA with this as well - if music blasts right off the bat I close the window and don't bother to read it - if it's a little sidebar thingie I may chack it out!!
When I have time to surf, and find new blogs that I'd like to add to my blogroll, I email the blogger and ask if I may, OR, I'll add them on, and, and tell them that I have, but, if it bothers them, to please let me know and I will gladly remove it immediately.
Here's my shyness: I personally don't like anyone to feel obligated to reciprocate by putting mine on their blogrolls, so when I ask to include them on mine, I usually add: Please don't feel obligated to add mine to yours, just because I asked you--I'm pretty easy going and don't mind one way or the other.
Anyway, sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't, and it's all good as far as I'm concerned--because I really am pretty easy going over such things, and it truly doesn't hurt my feelings if someone doesn't put or doesn't wanna put my blog on their roll. :grin:
As, Beate mentioned, commenting on others' blogs is a great way to get your blog out there, and oftentimes new readers will find you that way, and add you on to their rolls. Networking. Very cool! And, a no pressure way, UKWIM?
The majority of people I have on my list are there because they have left comments. I have to admit though, that I am terrible about doing the same. I tried to remedy that a little bit this morning by leaving a few comments I also put a post on my blog just this morning for people to let me know if they visit my blog regularly and have a blog that I don't have linked to let me know so I can add them!
While I am enjoying just posting to my blog and talking to myself in cyberspace (not totally true....I do get a few comments), how do I increase traffic. Personally, I'd be ok with a little traffic; doesn't have to be a lot.....but I am trying to get on a certain design team and I think if I eventually have a more well known blog, my name will get out there more with people looking at this companies cards (posted on my blog).
So what do you do to get people to visit. There are sooo many blogs and I just started. So I know I have to be patient. But in the meantime, I am sure there are things I could be doing. I know have to get my badge for SCS bloggers (I need to e-mail Michelle Laycock).
Something I noticed that turns me off just a bit is if the author has a music feed playing when I click on the blog.
While I love music and often find the selections are to my taste, my DH leaves the audio turned way up on our computer because he loves to listen to LOUD blues music. So when I click on a blog, I get a blast immediately of whatever is playing on the music feed. And if I am reading at night, my family all yells "TURN IT DOWN!" because our computer is in the same room as the television. And if I am reading when I am at home alone, it pretty much knocks me over backward.
So I would really prefer that it's left up to me to play any music on offer, not to have it start automatically. Lots of times, I'll just hit the back button so the music shuts off right away and I don't end up reading.
Good point! The volume is usually turned all the way down on the home computer but at work it isn't, and it's not something I want blaring from the speakers at my desk.
Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions! This was an excellent read on my lunch break today!
I'm with Julie...I prefer to get the whole feed in the window, especially if it has photos. If I open up a feed in Google Reader and I just see a short blurb with no photo, I don't bother to open it up. I get the feeling that a lot of these folks just want to add hits to their counter. ;)
Of course, if it's a really FANTASTIC stamper, like Debbie Olsen, I'll gladly click it open because I know whatever I see will be worth the bother. ;) And I know that these types of stampers have been blogging a while and their photos are optimized so that they don't take too long to load.
If you're wondering how to do that, Photoshop Elements has an option called "Save for Web" that allows you to change the size down to 480 x 640 (or any parameters that fit within that size) and it will compact your photos and make them web friendly...and that way your blog will load faster for those on dial up.
Re: music. I keep my mute button on all the time on my PCs (one work, one personal). I only turn the mute button off if I know there is something I want to listen to (an SU! new demo DVD , or a video with audio I know I want to hear.)
I really hate noise so this saves me a lot of aggravation and it's not that hard of a habit to create!
Re: music. I keep my mute button on all the time on my PCs (one work, one personal). I only turn the mute button off if I know there is something I want to listen to (an SU! new demo DVD , or a video with audio I know I want to hear.)
I really hate noise so this saves me a lot of aggravation and it's not that hard of a habit to create!
I actually love reading blogs that combine crafting and personal life, esp. if they are funny and have a flair for writing. One of my fave blogs, Daily dose of Spazz, shares random ramblings that usually crack me up!
I prefer bloggers that update daily or every second day. If a blog I visit and comment on NEVER comes to mine, then they get deleted from my faves. If someone comments on my blog, I go to theirs and do the same...that is just a curtessy IMO.
I actually love reading blogs that combine crafting and personal life, esp. if they are funny and have a flair for writing. One of my fave blogs, Daily dose of Spazz, shares random ramblings that usually crack me up!
I prefer bloggers that update daily or every second day. If a blog I visit and comment on NEVER comes to mine, then they get deleted from my faves. If someone comments on my blog, I go to theirs and do the same...that is just a curtessy IMO.
can you imagine the number of blogs that some would have to comment on every day?
I have my favourite blogs and it's not dependant on whether or not they visit mine. I think that's an unfair way to demand comments on your own blog. I will comment on something I like, not just because I ought to because they commented on mine. Good artwork always deserves a comment.
can you imagine the number of blogs that some would have to comment on every day?
I have my favourite blogs and it's not dependant on whether or not they visit mine. I think that's an unfair way to demand comments on your own blog. I will comment on something I like, not just because I ought to because they commented on mine. Good artwork always deserves a comment.
Just my opinion.
btw, you have a very nice blog!
I do not feel as though I am 'demanding" comments.
If someone takes the time to visit me and comment, I feel they deserve the same consideration. Not visiting would be like ignoring them.
I do not comment ONLY because they came to mine, I comment on something I truly like.
Does this make sense?
As someone who just recently started blogging myself, these are GREAT comments!
I try to post every day a new card, scrapbook layout, or sketch or something...but I very rarely get comments. I'd also like to know how to get people to visit I guess. I have my blog posted from a few different message boards that I frequent, so I'm hoping someday someone will click on the link and come visit! LOL
I never understood the whole blogging thing. I was like...me blogging? NEVER! LOL
Then Daven needed some guinea pigs to try out blogs for splitcoast. He first approached Jenn and me, then the moderators and dirty girls for the job.
My downline was excited. Since Rick is in the Air Force and we move every three years or so, a lot of my customers and downline are long distance. In fact, since I moved to Florida, most of them are.
The blog is a great way to stay in contact with them, give hints and tips and just to share my artwork.
I had a hard time adjusting to living here in Florida. This was the hardest move for me yet. I missed San Antonio like crazy. I had no friends here, shopping sucks, Rick's job was super stressful and time intensive...the only good thing is the beach! We do love that. Let's just say I was majorly bummed.
Starting the blog was therapy for me. I made me stamp every day. I got me out of my gloomy mood. I feel like I communicate and have contact with stamping friends every day! I LOVE it.
I do give blog candy away quite often. I am still amazed how much traffic my blog is getting. I like to celebrate my milestones with my readers.
Another wonderful benefit of starting the blog is that I made new online friends.
Here are some things that I think work well for my blog. Most of the pointers have been named already though:
- Detailed description on how you make a card. Include sizes of cardstock and write step by step instructions.
- If you get a lot of questions about a topic, write up a quick tutorial.
- Good pictures are essential.
- Try adding a challenge to your blog as a weekly routine. I LOVE challenges, so do a lot of other people.
- Have fun with it. Let your excitement show!
Very well said Beate!! I totally agree with the part of making new online friends. I have made some awesome ladies through my blog
wow, some great ideas. I've been thinking of starting a blog but I'm so afraid to just "do it". I want ot be committed to posting often, preferrably daily but I'm worried that life will get in the way... mmmm to blog or not to blog... that is the question.
Well, one of the reason I love comments is this: it's more like a conversation than a monologue. I like to see what people have to say about what I am doing and they tell me stories about what they are doing and it's just...just...
I do not feel as though I am 'demanding" comments.
If someone takes the time to visit me and comment, I feel they deserve the same consideration. Not visiting would be like ignoring them.
I do not comment ONLY because they came to mine, I comment on something I truly like.
Does this make sense?
yep, this makes more sense. I didn't mean to make "demanding" sound like a bad word, although it does have negative connotations, doesn't it? I should have been more careful with my words :( . Sorry
