I very recently reached 300 readers on my blog, and it was a heart-warming, humbling thing to see that number. It didn’t come from just sitting and waiting, though — I’ve walked around the blogosphere a bit to get my face out there.
So how do you get more traffic to your own blog?
If you don’t sell on Etsy or a similar venue, make a button on your blog that is clickable to your store. An example is on my own blog. I created an image with a picture of my jewelry and my company name and linked it to my own web site. I did the same thing for the other blog I write.
If you like to write a chatty blog (like I do!), put a signature line at the bottom that includes your web site address. An example of that can be seen by clicking here.
Use pictures! Too many words with no break tend to make a person’s eyes glaze over. Have a Wordless Wednesday, or if you’re stumped one day, list photos with short captions, like this (click here).
Finally, visit other blogs and leave comments. Most bloggers will take the time to visit the blogs of those who have commented on their own blogs, and if they like what they see, may become followers of your writing. Keep track of your favorite blogs via RSS Feed or by using a reader, such as Google Reader. See who else is commenting on your favorite blogs, and check out their blogs. Before long, you’ll have a network of blogs you love to read and readers who love your blog.
Barbara Lewis
February 19, 2010 at 12:05 pmGood info, Lori, and so many pictures of beautiful work!
Minky Magic
February 19, 2010 at 1:04 pmGood advice Lori! I've just found out how to have clickable links in the comments section, cool eh!
Jenny J-V
February 19, 2010 at 1:32 pmThanks, Lori. Great post!
EB Bead and Metal Works
February 19, 2010 at 1:34 pmThanks for the information. This will come in so handy for me because I am trying to do more on my blog. Love your work!
LynFoley
February 19, 2010 at 3:06 pmGreat suggestions! Thanks to you I'm following up on some of them already. Love the photos.
TesoriTrovati
February 19, 2010 at 3:47 pmYou forgot "host an international bead soup swap"!!! You have a great blog(s) Lori and we can all take a page from your tips!
I would definitely agree with leaving comments…I know it takes time, but leaving insightful comments is the way to carry on the conversation and have others connect with you. I can't tell you the number of times that I have left a comment on a blog, someone read my comment and came over or even emailed me to start that conversation. They then become followers. I make it a goal every day to read and comment on a new blog…I love the lists of inspiring blogs people post and have found some fascinating ones that way.
Thanks for sharing your inspiration! Enjoy the day! Erin
miramecreations
February 19, 2010 at 4:19 pmThanks for your suggestions. I could use any help at this point…but I am learning. Love the photos as well.
Pretty Things
February 19, 2010 at 5:51 pmThanks, everyone — I love to read and blogs to me are like book clubs, art salons, the corner bar, and the best friend's group all mixed into one!
Janet
February 19, 2010 at 6:10 pmGreat Post Lori! Its getting Out there and doing doing doing and not giving up! Trying to make one self visible takes time…thank~you!
ShoozieShoes
February 19, 2010 at 6:29 pmHi Lori
Thank you for the blogging tips – and the free advertising 😉 You're a star!
Tina-Maire
HeyMiemie
Joyce, Bead Bee
February 19, 2010 at 7:48 pmLori,
I agree with all your points, especially the one about using photos. As a creative person, I am very visual, so photos are very appealing when I read blogs. Also, like me, you blog about what you are truly passionate about and the quality of the content reflects this. Thank you, Joyce
Kella
February 19, 2010 at 9:49 pmGreat info as always I really need to up my blogging per week but a busy family life has been eating up my blooging time of late.
By the way how do you make a clickable link in the comments? I have been trying to master that for quite some time now.
Maria-Thérèse afiori.com
February 19, 2010 at 11:02 pmVery good advice!
♥ Maria-Thérèse blog.afiori.com ♥
Maria-Thérèse afiori.com
February 19, 2010 at 11:04 pmHow to make a clickable link:
< a href="http://the url you want to link to without spaces ">What the link will look like to others< / a>
(remove all spaces except the one before "href").
Whimsical Creations
February 20, 2010 at 12:36 amGreat advise!
Cindy
February 20, 2010 at 1:11 amAll great tips, Lori! We have a lot to learn from such a successful and interesting Blogger such as yourself!
Regina
February 20, 2010 at 1:20 amGreat suggestions for new kids on the block, like me. The challenge is posting often. Thanks Lori.
Loretta
February 20, 2010 at 8:00 amThat was great info, Lori. Thanks.
Dee
February 20, 2010 at 8:03 pmgreat article Lori!! Lots of helpful information.
elisa
February 21, 2010 at 1:21 amThanks Lori!
cleobytheseao
February 21, 2010 at 4:40 amLori, Lori, Lori – forget New York – so good I've named you thrice! Great post I had to include it in my 'Posts Of The Week.'
You're absolutely right of course, you only get out what you put in.
Loving your work as always.
Claycass
February 21, 2010 at 5:00 pmThank you for all the great advice.
Laurie
February 21, 2010 at 6:34 pmAll good, solid suggestions. I'm going to try out that signature line thing!
Boston Baked Beads
February 24, 2010 at 7:22 pmI'm new to the blogger world – writing my own I should say, I've been addicted to reading others' for years! Thanks for the great tips on getting potential readers to your blog – at the moment, I've got one follower – a good loyal friend – 785 followers, that's impressive!!
Softflexgirl
February 24, 2010 at 9:51 pmNice post, Lori. I love your blog!
Rose
August 25, 2010 at 7:05 pmI'm new to the blog world and really found your post helpful! Thank you and your work is beautiful!
Sandra Gonyea
October 15, 2012 at 3:03 amGreat advise that I am going to utilize. Thank you.
Sandra Gonyea
October 15, 2012 at 3:05 amTrying to get readers to my new blog. Good advise. Thank you.