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Want to know the secret to growing your blog?
You have to get off your blog.
Networking is the key to growing your blog. Whatever type of work you do or business you run, the community around you is part of your success story.
If you come from a corporate background, networking can be a dirty word. I remember attending some seriously boring networking events but it’s not like that at all in the blogging world. It’s way more fun and always surprising who you’ll meet.
How to build your blogging network
To grow your blog you need a blogging network around you. This isn’t a clique, but rather a friendly and open group of like-minded bloggers who are on the same path as you.
The key to authentic networking is to focus on what you can do to help the other person. Who do you know that can help them reach their goals? What can you do to assist them in their work? Whatever you put out in the world will come back to you.
Comment on other blogs
Blogging is a conversation. Build relationships with bloggers at a similar level to you by commenting on their blogs. It’s the first step to creating a real connection with other bloggers when you leave a thoughtful comment on their post or Instagram picture.
Feature other bloggers
Shine a light on bloggers you admire by interviewing them and featuring them on your blog. This is a great way to connect with bloggers with a larger influence or audience than you. Share their posts on social media with your audience too.
Go to meetups and events
Connecting online is good but meeting up in real life is where the magic happens. You never know where those connections can take you.
If you’re nervous about going to meetups, here are my 10 tips for networking at blog events.
Every major step in growing my blog has come from connections I made at blogging events. That’s why I’ve teamed up with one of my blogging besties, Carly from Smaggle, to create workshops for bloggers. We first met at a blogging conference back in 2011 after connecting on Twitter.
If you’re in Australia, I’d love you to come to our Little Blog Big workshops! Join our facebook page to find out about future events.
What’s your best tip for networking with other bloggers?
Thanks for this! I’m building a website now, working on a beauty blog section. The networking tip makes total sense. <3
good luck with your new site!
Great tips, Christina! Having a blogging network is so important but it does come with a word of warning though: it’s not just to beware of forming cliques (it can happen very naturally) but also to keep the blogging network a positive one. There’s always a high chance that the meetups turn into a gossip fest instead of focusing on building our blogs.
I think that’s why I would love to be part of a mastermind group more than just a blogging network because there’s no time to talk about other things but our blogs! 🙂
Great point Tine, I don’t have any room for gossips either. A mastermind is a fantastic way to really focus on your business with a motivated group x
Thanks ever so much for these tips. I am a newbie blogger so am trying to soak up all the info I can find!
Thanks so much Claire. There’s so much to learn when you start blogging but don’t forget to make time to create first. Good luck with your blog! x
Such good tips for bloggers of any niche! I’ve found link ups are a great way to connect with other bloggers, put your blog out there and be part of a blogging community. I can’t wait for Little Blog Big!
Me too Sammie! Link ups are an excellent way of connecting with other bloggers and finding new readers. Your Rabbit Hole link up is awesome! x
Brilliant advice! I totally agree that you have to “get out there” in the interwebs – read, comment and share other people’s blog posts you genuinely enjoy and also like and comment on social media posts.
My other tip would be to form a mentoring group of sorts. Gather together a small group of bloggers (you don’t have to all be in the same genre) and create a private Facebook group. This way you have a spot to hang out, ask each other questions, offer support and advice, and share the blogging journey together.
Fantastic advice Sonia! Having that support network is invaluable. It really is all about surrounding yourself with awesome people xx
Thanks for sharing your tips, they are all great ideas! I’m looking forward to hopefully getting out there and attending workshops and networking with other bloggers.
Lennae xxx
http://www.lennaesworld.com
Thanks Lennae! Bloggers I used to read are now some of my best friends. It’s amazing the connections you can make online x
I have heard such great things about Little Blog Big that if it comes to Brisbane I will be sure to be there.
Thanks Karin! We’ve got Brisbane and Adelaide in our sights next xx
I love this post, really helpful!
I wish I could attend your workshop, but the price kind of scared me 🙁
Thanks Christy! Our workshop is a full day of training sessions as well as networking. Keep an eye out for free blogger meetups, or why not start your own? Instameets are another way to meet up with local bloggers too 🙂
Great suggestions! Definitely looking forward to reading more posts 🙂
With love, Hayley x
http://thelifestylemenu.co.uk/
http://thelifestylemenu.co.uk/