Every day, without fail, there is a thread on the Blogger Help Group, asking for ways to promote a blog. Sure, there are ways which will do this, and do that, get your blog seen here, and there, but, without a doubt, the most important feature of blogging, and gaining readership, is to have interesting content - and to visit other blogs, comment, and show YOUR interest in THEIR blogs! A two-way street is a better way to communicate, and, afterall, that's basically what we're doing, isn't it? Communicating!
That's where 'Following' is a major tool. It allows you to simply 'click', or be 'clicked'! How much of a boost to your confidence would it be to see more and more people - fellow bloggers - linked to your blog through the Followers gadget - each day, or week?
I have been fortunate. I have a large range of blogs on different topics, and although I don't have 50, or 100 'followers' yet, it's starting to grow. I have some followers who have very interesting blogs, and I have some followers who don't have blogs - they're just readers - but, as important as any. Where possible, and of interest to me, I follow their blogs, in return. I also look at the blogs they follow, too. That's how it goes.
With the Following gadget on my blogs, I open my blogs up. Yes, people could go to the trouble of adding a site-feed to get updates of my articles, no worries there, but it also takes up space on their sidebar, or they have to use a reader, like Sage, or Google Reader. But, now, they have more choice! I like that!
Be warned, though, as my friend Nitecruzr says; " ...You are judged by what blogs you follow."
Do you have any choice in who Follows your blog?
- Yes, you do. It's called 'Block'. 'They' have the same choices as you do.
- Then, Follow 'anonymously'! Easy.
- No! You don't. It's your choice.
What I am saying here, folks, is that Following gives you the choice to increase your readership, increase your knowledge on blogging, increase your circle of friends and maintain a high-peak of interest. Yes, interest. After three years of blogging, I have often asked myself; "What's it all about, Alfie? Is this all worthwhile? Why haven't I got as many readers as that blog - mine is just as good?" Then, someone, or something, changes my direction, and the interest is re-generated. Such a catalyst, for me, is Following.
Click, or be clicked. It's YOUR choice! It's also your choice to use this feature intelligently, and properly!
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