Monday, April 22, 2013

Social Media Monday—Blogging, Do I REALLY Have To?


The answer to your question depends on your goals. Although blogging is a proven way of connecting to readers and clients, there are some options you may not have considered.

And beyond that, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all sort of world.

Here are some instances where you might want to ignore all the advice you’re getting. 

  • If you already have a HUGE audience on Facebook. By that I mean, several thousand followers (not your reach, but your actual followers). And you have regular engagement with the people there, spending a ton of time on your blog may not be your best choice.
  • You ONLY have time to work on serious writing. Meaning you work hours, or have family commitments that won’t allow you to sacrifice even an hour a week for blogging. If that’s the case, then work on your primary writing goals. 

If neither of these pertain to you, here are some blogging options you might want to consider: 
  • A group blog. There are numerous successful group blogs. While it’s not often possible to join an established group blog, don’t hesitate to start your own. Many of the now established group blogs didn’t start off with all published authors.
  • A micro blog. You may not have heard of a micro blog before, but here’s an example of one that’s excellent, from author Deanna Klingel 

The most important thing to remember is the purpose of a blog. It’s a regular place where you hang out and people can get to know you. If you’ve found a way to connect with your audience that doesn’t include blogging, don’t let the rule followers convince you to make changes that aren't needed.

But also remember, blogging is the best way for most to connect with their audience. Don’t let fear or lack of knowledge keep you from taking the plunge!

Now I’m curious, how do best connect with your audience? What part of social media frustrates you the most?

Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

24 comments:

  1. I love the idea of a micro blog! I can do that. Thanks for the idea, Edie.

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  2. Quick question that I meant to ask in the first comment: how often should a person blog with a micro blog?

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    1. It's my opinion that with a micro blog you should shoot for 2 times a week to begin. I don't think it's EVER necessary to move to everyday right off the bat. Blessings, E

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  3. Edie, your post has very interesting timing. On a writer's loop I'm on someone just posted an opinion that blogging is on the way out--that not many have time to read blogs. Yet, I responded back, my own blog has been blessed with an increase of both viewer hits and comments. Like anything else, it's work. And you get out of it what you're put into it. I believe blogging is valuable, but as you say, it's an individual choice and preference. It's not for all. I'm grateful there's an abundance of social media options to suit all needs. Yet, I've long ago accepted that it's not possible for me to keep up with everything.

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    1. Elaine, I'm like you. I've found nothing but growth with my blog. But I recognize it's MY sweet spot. And thankfully God made us all different so I'm glad that there are options as well.

      I wholeheartedly disagree with the argument that blogging is on it's way out. I believe our audience has gotten more savvy and selective about what they spend their time on. This has had the effect of weeding out a lot of sites.

      Thanks for stopping by! Blessings, E

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    2. Thanks, Edie. Evidently--LOL--I seem not able to keep up with my typos either. Please forgive :)

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  4. I'm still working out the kinks on how to connect with the audience. I guess titles seem to be my biggest obstacle. I wrote a post yesterday that frustrated me to no end. When I was done I slapped a ridiculous title on it and hit post just to be done. It posted this morning and has gotten the most hits any of my posts have gotten within the first two hours of posting. The computer didn't even show an appropriate pic with the post.

    Also frustrating is the time-consuming part of marketing. I guess I wouldn't mind so much if I saw "more" fruit of my labor.

    Glad you asked?? LOL

    Barb Winters
    P.S. Thanks for being my first follower on twitter. Still getting my feet wet over there. :-)

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    1. Barb, you have to give yourself time. Very few worthwhile things happen instantly. Building a following takes SMALL consistent bites of time. I think you're on the right path, just don't get impatient and don't over think the process. As your blogpost shows, your instinct is good. Blessings, E

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  5. I've had several "failed" blogs in the past, but now am part of two group blogs and I love it! One is a once-a-month devotional blog, but the other is a blog packed with information for writers and I post a good deal on it. Works for me...

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    1. Jennifer, both excellent choices! Thanks for sharing with us - Blessings, E

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  6. Thanks for all the good information. Because of your speaking at our writers conference, I now have a blog. I am still a little frustrated because I don't get any comments. If I am reading the stats correctly, it is getting read some (of course not as much as I would like.) I'm still learning and working on it, so hopefully the traffic will increase. Thanks a lot for all your input.

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    1. Barbara, one of the single biggest things you can do to promote comments on your blog is to end your posts asking open-ended questions. People don't think to comment unless you prompt them. Check out my blog posts. All of them end this way. Just be patient, you're on the right track. Blessings, E

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  7. For this season in my life, I consistently blog once a week, use facebook to refer readers to my blog, and use twitter a few times a week.
    Blogging has definitely helped me improve my writing and my audience is growing steadily. I don't know how to boost the "subscribers" though.
    Facebook ranks #1 as the most effective outreach tool for me as a writer.
    My twitter followers is also growing steadily which surprises me since I only tweet 5 - 10 times a week, total!
    I'm also seeing people repin info. about writing and writing conferences from my Pinterest site, which I find interesting.
    My greatest conflict is the time it takes to go through emails. How do you manage your subscriptions to helpful resources? I feel like I'm filing away a lot that I may never have time to read.

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    1. Sally, you're doing a great job! As far as email, I used to file away ones that I wanted to get through, but then I never went back. What I do now is delete the ones I can't get to. If I absolutely want to read it today I'll leave it in my inbox, but if I haven't read it by the time I shut down at night, in the trash it goes. I've found that good information keeps rising to the top. If it's something I need, it will show up again. Blessings, E

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  8. I've been blogging for over a year now. I started out with WordPress which is included with my website package. Hosting fees are expensive, so I decided not to renew and opened a Blogger account instead. Now I have to start over getting followers. For now I do at least two posts per week and use Hootsuite to announce the posts to my Facebook profile, Facebook page, Google+, LInkedIn, and Twitter. I also announced my new blog via email marketing and posted the move on my current WordPress blog. I even offered to give away a copy of my book. After three weeks I still have no followers and get very few comments. I tell ya, getting followers is like pulling teeth.
    What else do I need to do other than joining more social sites and blogging more often?

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    1. Linda, it's almost as difficulty to regrow a blog as it is to regrow one. The first thing you need to do to encourage comments is to end every post with an open-ended question. This will prompt your readers to comment. Without that, most readers don't know what to say in a comment other than a, "Gee, I like your post."
      Also, on social media, make certain that the majority of your updates are about someone else instead of you or your blog. I use the 5 to 1 rule. For every 5 social media updates, I only allow myself to talk about myself 1 time. The more you promote others, the more valuable you become. Also, if you promote someone else's blog, they're way more likely to promote yours. Also I notice on your blog you don't have any of your social media links. If I did want to promote you on social media, the only thing I could do is mention your name and link to your blog. It's better if you have your Twitter and Facebook and any other sites listed on your the side of your blog.
      I hope this helps a little. I subscribed to your blog and followed you on social media. I encourage the rest of you who read this to give Linda a boost as well. Here's her blog address: www.lindastrawn.blogspot.com
      Blessings, E

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  9. Facebook is my favorite place to hang out and where I get the most interaction. My blog does okay and gets some comments on almost every post. Twitter frustrates me. I don't understand what's happening over there. Thanks for asking, Edie.

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    1. Kim, as I said, we all have our own sweet spot. Give hootsuite a try, I think that may tame your Twitter monster. Or at least make it something that makes sense. Blessings, E

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  10. Edie, the tonnage of what I don't know about writing and social media could sink a ship. Your site is a tremendous help. Because of your knowledge-sharing site, little by little, I can start throwing my ignorance overboard. Thanks!

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  11. Edie, this was helpful. Being new in the blogging world, it's good to hear from someone MUCH further along the journey some things to consider. I find that I enjoy blogging. I just wish I had more time for blogging and writing. :) I'm curious, this untrained eye couldn't tell obvious differences between a microblog and a regular blog. Would you mind elaborating a bit?

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    1. Jeanne, a microblog is just a tiny blog. Usually no more than 150 words and may or may not even have an image associated with it. I visited Deanna's site today and see that her microblog has grown out of that category, at least for this series. If you visit previous posts you'll see what I'm talking about. Sorry for the confusion! Blessings, E

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  12. I'm glad someone asked the difference between a micro blog and a regular blog. As a newbie, I had no idea.

    I've been blogging a couple months, once a week. My blog is usually short and simple (a reflection of my brain?) with an image, but it hovers around 250 words. I'm with Linda, I do get a few views but rare comments. I'm probably expecting too much, too soon. Your best advice is to be patient!

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    1. Sherry, one of the single biggest things you can do to get people to leave a comment on your blog is to ask open ended questions. If you'll notice, every single one of my blog posts asks at least one question. People don't think to comment unless you prompt them. And of course, like you said, be patient! You're definitely on the right track! Blessings, E

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