- Include a profile picture on your about page. When I visit a new blog, I typically check out the "about" page. I want to see who is writing. Do they have any credibility? Do they look like a nice person? It is not to judge, it is simply to put a face to a name.
- Include your credentials. If I am reading a site about social media, search engine optimization, or entrepreneurship, I want to know that the writer knows what s/he is talking about. If you are selling products online, cite your sewing experience or crafting resume...that way your reader will have more confidence that you are skilled at your craft.
- Write well. There is no bigger turnoff that a site with poor grammar or spelling. My theory is if the writer doesn't have a basic elementary level understanding of grammar, how could she be an expert in her field?
- Reference other places you can be read online. If you've written guest posts on other blogs, or articles on professional websites, cite them. It adds to your credibility.
- Don't portray yourself with the "If you follow me, I'll follow you" mentality. It doesn't come across well, and it leads people to think you are not building genuine relationships, rather just building your numbers for the sake of appearance.
- Watch what you write. A co-worker once said "be careful who you piss off, because you never know who will be your next boss." Now, he wasn't saying this to me (I would never piss off anyone...of course!). However, there is much truth to it. If your online persona is one which is vulgar, crass, or whatnot, fine. Just remember anyone down the road can look up what you write and will judge you accordingly.
- Make worthy comments. When commenting on another's blog, don't simply write "great post!" This comes across as being very disingenuous. Make a thoughtful comment. It really only takes a few extra seconds, and shows you actually read the article.
- Carefully consider the services you offer. I have seen many sites pop up that will give you a "shout-out" on Facebook for a small fee. I'm always leery of sites like this. What are their true intentions? Do they really want to help you, or are they out to make a quick buck? Be sure to research their audience and engagement levels to see if you would get your money's worth.
- Don't over-inflate your ego. I have seen a couple very small start-up businesses where the founder uses the title "CEO." Perhaps this could be a proper description, but it comes across as a bit pretentious and egotistical (in my humble opinion).
- Respond to comments. I read somewhere that you wouldn't call a friend, then hang up once she answered. The same goes for comments. When you get a comment on your blog, respond. It shows you are present, you care about your readers and their comments, and you are engaging.
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13 comments:
This is great information!! I am new to the blogging world and never knew blogging manners! Thanks!
I just submitted my link to your hop..but I can't find a place to comment?
These are really great tips! I would like to add putting contact information out there. Even if it is just an email address, it really helps if people can see a legitimate way to contact you. If you are difficult to reach or act anonymous, it may send up red flags to the reader.
Yes, I completely agree with having contact info. available. It shows you are not trying to hide! Momto8, thanks for joining us. I don't think I have comments enabled on my hop page, but I'm glad I got your comment here!
great list and I agree 100%.
Tracy, great post! Lol! I know...I know...I'm not supposed to say that, but it really is a great and informative article. The other suggestion I would offer was actually suggested to me months ago by a big time personality in Twitter. Add your first name into your Twitter description so people can connect with you as a person. That way they don't have to refer to you as "Hi Mama-Press." It's more personal and helps build relationships.
*Always love your site!
Blessings,
~Rosann
Tracy I always like to read your suggestions and tips! I totally agree, especially with taking time to write a good comment back. I personally don't comment back on every comment I get on my site but I do make sure I visit everyone on their own site. I will do a few comments to keep the conversation going or to just let everyone know I'm reading them and that they are important to me. I also make sure to really support those that support me. I visit, I read and like there FB posts or retweet something I like. I find that keeps me connected as well. That is what I like about blogging the opportunity to not only share your own voice but to make connections and learn from others. Thank you for being someone I love to learn from!!
Rosann, you are funny! I think having your name in your twitter description is a great idea. That way, we're not only a business or blog, we are a real person! Kathy, I actually don't always respond after every single comment either. However, I try to address each person who comments (see...I got both you & Rosann in this one!). We all have lives and families, and can't possibly sit here waiting for comments, ready to fire off a response!
This is so very well put and SO true.
I agree with the "If you follow me, I'll follow you" point you made. I find that often, and then I wonder they aren't going to read my blog or interact with me. Numbers are nice, but then I want REAL people, ones who enjoy my blog and TALK with me. :)
I agree with all of this. Such GREAT info!
Thank you for posting! :D
These are such valuable tips! It's so important to build that online trust... a relationship with your readers.
I would also recommend sincerity. Be true to your personality. Your readers want to know you, not a facade of you. Not being sincere usually shows in one's postings... eventually.
Good tip Jennifer. I also think insincerity comes across pretty quickly to repeat readers. No one wants to be duped, so if they sense it, they won't return. Thanks for visiting!
Great points! I don't currently have an about page on my blog, but I am working on getting on together.
great post! I'm a new follower, a newbie blogger actually.. you can see my blog at www.poshappetite.blogspot.com.. Pls come check it out and lemme know how mine is.. thanks!
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