I’m no blogging expert….but I have fallen in love with the blogging community. Blogging to me isn’t about making money or gaining a million followers. It’s about connecting with people, supporting one another, learning something new, and meeting friends from all across the country.
A few things have helped me grow my little blog.
1. Commenting. This is the easiest thing you can do to grow your blog. And it’s free! When you comment on someone’s blog, they notice you. The more you comment, the more traffic you’ll see. And I’m not talking about the “awesome post! come follow me!” type of comments. I’m talking about the sincere, I actually read your post, kind of comments.
2. Advertising. I’ve advertised with larger blogs and medium size blogs and it has been fantastic! I think advertising with medium sized blogs, like mine, is the most fun….because you really get to know the blogger and their followers. Also, it’s a crazy good deal. If you look at the cost per page view, medium size blog advertising is a great bang for your buck. If you are going to advertise with a large blog, pick one that has similar followers to yours and followers that are loyal. I’ve had great success advertising with I Wore Yoga Pants to Work (check out my guest post here), Living in Yellow (I’m giving away a free large ad on my blog here) and Crowley Party.
3. Have a blog mentor. A blog mentor can help you grow your blog, give you great advice, and encourage you! Alycia from Crowley Party has helped me grow my blog and has recently written a fabulous e-book called Blogging at the Next Level. Her book is a fun and easy read and is FULL of valuable information and tips to grow and improve your blog. I highly recommend purchasing a copy!
Check out Alycia’s intro below. She has also generously offered to give one of my readers a free copy of her book….check it out!
BLOGGING AT THE NEXT LEVEL
CREATE a community, GAIN a following, and make some MONEY along the way.
Take your blog to the next level through this eBook! I started out with a personal blog about my life and over the years have created a community online that has resulted in a variety of different opportunities to meet and work with some great people and brands. In this eBook I candidly share everything I have learned along the way.
The most common e-mail I receive is “How do I get more readers for my blog?” Or “How do I get more followers?” Most bloggers want to take their blog to that next level, and they want to know how.
I am going to share with you how I personally took my blog to that next level. That level where you can work with other bloggers, brands, and make money. And I am going to share with you how you can really create a “brand” for yourself.
What you can expect to find in this eBook…
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEFINE YOUR SUCCESS………………………………………….. 1
What, Why and “IT”!
LOOKS MATTER..………………………………………………….. 6
What makes a good blog design?
QUALITY IMAGES………………………………………………… 10
Quick tips for great photography
TREAT IT LIKE A BUISNESS……………………………………. 13
Want to make money off of your blog?
GETTING TRAFFIC……………………………………………….. 15
People are not just going to FIND you
SOCIAL NETWORKING………………………………………….. 18
Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, & Facebook
NETWORK………………………………………………………….
Giveaways, Guest posts, Link ups, Sponsors & Affiliates
NIFTY SERVICES………………………………………………….. 25
Some things you should know about if you don’t
EXTRA TIPS AND TRICKS……………………………………..… 27
When it comes to blogging…
This 30 page eBook is chalk full of valuable insight and information regarding taking your blog to the next level that I wish I had when I was first blogging. For only $5.00 you can get all this information, which is cheaper then buying ad space on someone’s blog, and it will be beneficial to your growth!
Purchase of this eBook will also get you a free copy of any additional materials I write as well as the ability to correspond with me regarding any specific questions you have about blogging from these materials.
Enter below!
I actually found your blog from you advertising on another one! 🙂 Thanks for these tips, I'm recently new to blogging (super new on the blogger platform) so I think I'll be referring to this post a lot!
<3, Charlotte
Love this post! My labour day plans include an outdoor concert and just relaxing at home with my husband and puppy!
I haven't been blogging for that long, but I've come to love it too! I found you thru a link up! Thanks for the advice! :o)
This is great Julie! I always love reading your posts, you are very honest 🙂 I agree, I love blogging because I LOVE meeting new people – it's an easy way to link up with other Momma's that understand all the crazy chaos that is our lives 😉
xx
Megan
http://hellonewlywedlife.blogspot.com/
What a fun giveaway! I'd definitely love to grow my blog. 🙂 And Labor Day weekend is all about College Football and the Tim McGraw concert! Wahoo!
I remember the day you created this blog! 4 years ago now? Who knew its turn into something so amazing, big, and something you love!! I'm totally claiming longest follower 😉
great info julie! i loved it all! and yep, i connecting is the best part 🙂 so grateful for all of your help too!
Thanks for the great advice!! I've been blogging for a couple of years now but it's pretty small. I'm looking forward to spending time with family this weekend! 🙂
Stumbled upon your blog from your post on I Wore Yoga Pants to Work. I absolutely love it, and you definitely have a new longtime follower 🙂
I love finding new blogs through blogs I already read, and I think that's how I found you Julie! 🙂 My number ONE favorite thing about blogging is the community of woman I have met through it. It's amazing!
PS Our Labor Day plans? Hubs is volunteering his DPT expertise at a 5K and Owen and I will likely hang with my family during the day until he's done 🙂
great post!
Thanks for these tips! I just started blogging a week a d a half ago and love it so far, it's so fun!
Great post! New to blogging also and loving it from a personal and social standpoint! Thanks Lady!
My labor days plans are just relaxing with my boyfriend, puppy, and family 🙂 I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend! PS: I just found your blog and I love it! Can't wait to keep reading.
Brandi
http://injohndeeregreen.wordpress.com
Celebrating my son's birthday and lots of relaxing!!
Definitely my favorite part has been the community! It was absolutely priceless to have this little community during Owen's first year and entering motherhood. Great post, and giveaway! XO
This has been on my mind a lot lately. I really want to expand my blog but don't even know where to start!! Thanks so much for sharing. I would love a book like this to help.
New follower to your blog via Whit's….LOVE your pictures.
I agree with so many tips! I've been blogging for 4 years now, what?!, and t times have "grown" my blog and others been happy with my community, but whenever I tried to up my outreach, it's been right about on par with your advice.
What a great giveaway!! Labor Day will be full of FAMILY time! I am a teacher and will be returning to work next week so we are going to soak up the sun and fun (hahaha I'm so clever) one last time! What are your plans?
I totally agree blogging is about sharing what you are passionate about and connecting with other people. I am definitely going to check out that ebook! Looks like there is a lot of uselful tips in it. Thanks!
Thanks for such a great post! I found you through Yoga Pants (it worked!) 🙂 and I'm glad I did. Your blog seems right up my alley, so I imagine I will be stopping by pretty regularly.
As for this post, very helpful. I love blogging and the blogging community and have just gotten serious about how I manage my blog online and grow my readership – so this information is excellent and very helpful!
Thanks again!
Katie
Yellow Mango Life
http://yellowmangolife.blogspot.com
I just wanted to leave a comment and let you know that I loved your post on Whitney's blog … I usually skim through sponsor posts, but yours was super funny, showed your personality, and made me want to learn more about you!! I'll be back for more 🙂
An e-book on blogging tips and stories sounds like the perfect book for me today! What a great idea! I am so happy I found your blog and am not excited to be following the Crowley Party, too!
Looking forward to connecting with other women and sharing my story in the future as well. 🙂
http://www.creatingcarter.com
Thanks for the blogging advice! I feel like I've connecting with some amazing women in the last couple of months!
This e-book sounds awesome! Can't wait to check it out. We plan to just hang out this weekend at home and catch up on some much needed sleep and home projects. Hope you have a great long weekend!
Your blog is amazing.
kisstime.co.uk
I'm definitely going to check out this book, you know you're one of my favorite blogs to read!
I love reading posts on how to grow your blog! I just made one within the last month and they are super helpful! This labor day weekend I am moving back to school for junior year! Ah scary to be almost dont with undergrad.
Thanks for this info. I am definitely going to have to check out her book. It sounds just like what I've been looking for!
keepitsimplesha.blogspot.com
I'll be in Virginia Beach all weekend with 12 girlfriends. We'll be spending Saturday morning running the Rock 'n Roll 1/2 marathon!! Have a great weekend!
Thanks for the great tips! I never considered advertising on another blog. I can't wait to check out the book!
My Labor Day plans include: planning my son's birthday party, home renovations, and sleep!
I loved this post! I started up a new blog this year and would LOVE any helpful tips on the blogging. 🙂