Every time someone asks me about my blog, I’m quick to explain how much I just really love writing, sharing information and building a community. When they begin to ask about the technical bits of blogging, my mood change becomes almost visible. And that’s because I quite dislike the latter. I really look forward to days when all I have to do is write, while other people worry about technicalities. From editing, to photograph sourcing, to SEO & plugins, design and functionality of the blog etc. Oh and of course, the toughest of them all – growing your blog and building an audience.
I recently unsubscribed to a couple of email lists that constantly claim to have the tips on growing your blog – multiplying your email list from 1 to 1000 in a week, building your Pinterest and using that platform to grow your blog, offering services, freebies & products to incentivise people. While it’s all good advice – and absolutely a great way to build your following, it’s really not up my alley. And for many bloggers who just start up and are looking to gain some following, it’s unlikely to work for them as well.
First, there’s a difference between traffic and a community. You could have just one post which ranks absolutely top on Google such that it drives people to your blog regularly. But then after reading it, they bounce away. This applies to offering freebies in exchange for a subscription to a mailing list. Many times, once I receive the freebie, I’d likely unsubscribe, except there’s something else keeping me back.
Building a community however is different! And that’s what l (and I assume many bloggers want). A true community is such that even if you had to take a break for a while, these people will hopefully notice, and be right there when you get back! I want to attract a group of people that genuinely love hanging out on this cyber space – for what they gain from it: Inspiration, information or just good ol’ laughter. A group of people who inspire each other through their comments and interactions. A group of people I can perhaps get to know as individuals and share in their stories. I probably say it too often, but connecting with people here has been one of the best parts of this journey. I love how at the moment, I can spot new commenters on the blog and I genuinely have an idea of the personalities behind many of my readers (who leave comments!)
All of this however, stems from organic growth, and as even the biggest bloggers will tell you, these things often take time and it’s a process. Very few people really start a blog and get to 100,000 subscribers the next day. To be honest, you’re likely to grow such a community through referrals from your readers and putting yourself out there.
So these are some ways I (in my little experience) think we can increase our exposure and readership.
1. Post on larger platforms
I know a lot of bloggers and creatives who have gained traction and created their own following by posting frequently on many large platforms. Just recently, I got a message asking if I’d be willing to share original articles on a certain platform. They have quite a large outreach and I know that if I do go ahead to accept that proposal, I’m likely to get a few new readers. I was tempted to ask if this was a paid opportunity. But should the answer come back in the affirmative (which I doubt) I didn’t want to be swayed to accept, because I honestly don’t think my personal brand vibes with that platform in particular. And so, when posting on larger blogs or platforms, there are a few things to bear in mind.
First is the kind of brand you want to build and the kind of people you’re hoping to attract. Not all large platforms will be a good fit for you. It’s okay to be selective. Also, consider the content you put out there. Remember that unlike your personal space, you have little or no control over what you put out and any subsequent comments. So be careful, and perhaps develop a bit of tough skin for criticism. Finally, just because you posted a blog post on a platform with 10 million daily views doesn’t mean you’d get a whole lot of readers. So manage your expectations and know that a few loyal people who will find you and stick around are extremely valuable!
2. Allow Guest Posts / Interview Features
Guests posts are a great way to reach out to a larger audience. By allowing other bloggers or authors guest post on your blog, you’re indirectly reaching out to their own network, as in many cases, they will seek to share with their followers. It’s often a two-way relationship that works. Just make sure the post is relevant to your platform and of course, one your followers will like to read.
In addition, I personally love getting into peoples heads and knowing what they think. And so it didn’t take long to incorporate fun interviews on a wide range of topics on my blog. These have come to be many reader’s favourite. Although I had no hidden intentions, I’ve realised that interviewees, just like guest posters often re-share their features – again spreading it to a larger crowd. But don’t go into this hoping everyone will share – you just might be disappointed!
3. Connect with other bloggers / blogging networks
In the blogging world, connecting with other bloggers is very useful. And as a growing blogger one of the easier ways to get yourself out there is to regularly leave useful comments on other blogs and your web link as well. As long as you’re not leaving spam comments, those bloggers (and ultimately their readers) are likely to connect with you. Think of it as dropping your e-business card. But – and this is a huge but, do not feel that you have to connect with every single blogger just to gain exposure. Or even leave ‘nice’ comments that you really don’t agree with or believe.
Also, there are quite a number of blogging networks/ groups which help connect with other bloggers, share tips and resources and promote content. Whether on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, it’s helpful to pick a couple of these and participate.
4. Consider giveaways / social media ads
Giveaways are a good way as well to attract people, as it leads them to you in the first instance. But then again, there needs to be more to retain them after they’ve participated or won. You may also have noticed more sponsored ads on your Instagram timeline. These are now pretty easy to pull off (and affordable). So you can choose to boost an Instagram or Facebook post in a bid to reach more people.
Finally, consistency they say is the key. But, only second to great content of course. So be sure your content adds some sort of value, and strive to keep improving at it. Then be consistent. If people know you post often, it’d register in their heads and they’re likely to return. In all of this though, we need to decide why we really want a million followers. Because as I’ve realised, you can still make an impact, start a business or create value with the few hundreds that you have. So don’t wait for that massive following. Be bold enough to take little steps, and leverage on your existing networks – your Facebook friends, Twitter following, BBM & Whatsapp contacts and so on. These are the first set of people likely to read and share your content, so don’t ignore them!
Let’s talk. Are you a blogger? What are your favourite and most effective ways to increase your following? What are your challenges?And what blogging network do you associate with and belong to?
Love,
Kachee… xx
pS: I took my own advice and initially published a similar version of post on a larger platform here
You should also read:
Uju Asika
July 10, 2017 at 09:04Hey there, I’m a newbie to your blog and have really enjoyed having a browse and discovering a fellow Naija blogger in London 🙂 I love your attitude in this post, it’s so refreshing to read a ‘grow your blog’ post that isn’t stacked with impossible to follow tips on boosting traffic and visibility from every source known to man! As a blogger, and also through my blog collective, we really focus on micro-influence and organic growth. You don’t have to have 1 billion hits or followers, simply creating really strong content that connects with readers is what it’s all about. Thanks for sharing your insights x
Grace Smart
July 10, 2017 at 13:36Hi Uju. You look like frances okoro in your avatar.
Kosiso Asomugha
July 10, 2017 at 09:58Hi KacheeTee, Been a while since I left a comment on your blog although I’ve been coming around. I can really relate to this post. I started blogging recently and it has been challenging to work, write and meet my responsibilities at home and personal development. I had overrated expectations and the “how to blog” blogs don’t help either. What I gained from your post is taking things one step at a time. Get content and consistency right and other things will follow. Thanks againP.S Do you still remember me?
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 10, 2017 at 10:02Hey! Ofcourse I remember you – my giveaway winner (lol!). Blogging can be a lot of hard work. But great content, consistency and not forgetting promotion as well! Other things will follow in due course.
Kosiso Asomugha
July 10, 2017 at 10:22That’s great to know…
Eniola Lofindipe
July 10, 2017 at 10:13I really like this post. Very helpful too. You are quite right on the motive behind wanting so many followers.Well done girl
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 11, 2017 at 05:34Thanks Eni!!
Grace Smart
July 10, 2017 at 13:35Yea. I saw this post on Bella Naija and I was screaming ‘This is kachee o!’. Lol! Great tips!www.liveinibadan.blogspot.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 11, 2017 at 05:34Hahahaha, thanks!
Christiana Ojo
July 10, 2017 at 16:35Yaaaaay. Kachee, this blogging something is all true talk. see those SEO something, good God, it gets me tired. Sometimes , i feel burdened when i am trying to blog on topics that don’t resonate with me. Great tips ma’am.
Zinny
July 10, 2017 at 17:00Blogging isn’t as easy as I thought it would be honestly. Needs a lot of dedication, but I actually enjoy it and I think that keeps me going. Building a community is also something that needs a lot of work, but I always tell myself that if I’m able to impact one person a day, then I’m indeed growing the community.Thanks for sharing these tips.www.zinnyfactor.com
Demilade
July 11, 2017 at 07:47I’m the same! I really don’t enjoy all the technical parts of blogging. Great advice Kachee, building a community on my blog is what I’m really striving to do. I don’t just want lots of comments but I want to connect with my readers. Connecting with other bloggers is also really important! xxCoco Bella Blog
jennifer ijeoma
July 12, 2017 at 04:35Thanks for sharing really practical tips. The struggle to promote is real. But connecting with other bloggers has been helpful. seems like the easiest of all..lol
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 16, 2017 at 01:46I agree! Plus I really love connecting with other bloggers.
Lara Oseni
July 13, 2017 at 15:37I started my blog about five months ago and the views have not been quite encouraging. I don’t know maybe because I’m using a free website or I don’t do enough promotions that’s why it’s like that.All the same, nice post as usual and thank you for sharing your blogging tips.www.laraoseni.wordpress.com
Chi-Chi
July 15, 2017 at 23:03Kedu Kachi, found your blog via In My Sunday Best!These are great tips; i’ve actually been using twitter to extend my readership. I have around 90 followers via GFC and much less via bloglovin……of those followers, only about 5 comment on my posts!I have taken to using twitter to promote my posts (when I actually do them lol), using hashtags and @BB_Bloggers which is a community for Black British Bloggers. There hasn’t been an increase of followers, but website views are higher. my twitter following has increased too.it was great to have read your article on Bella Naija; hopefully there will be more posts of yours on larger platforms!!www.lifeofchi.co.uk
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 16, 2017 at 01:45Hi ChiChi, Odinma! and thank you for stopping over.I’ve heard of gFC, but not entirely sure what that is – I’m so new to blogging!I think Twitter is also my best promotion platform although i rarely use hashtags. Interestingly, I just discovered @bb_bloggers and have been tagging them in the last couple of weeks.I’m looking to post on larger platforms, but not exactly sure which. Lol!Thanks again for stopping by and I hope we see more of you. Xx
Fola
July 17, 2017 at 22:30Just started three months ago with plenty energy! But now ehn, I’m just writing in my head…lol.To think that i don’t even know how to use twitter.. sigh.BTW I prophesy newyork times for you *wink*Thegraceadventures.com
Funke Koleosho
July 20, 2017 at 11:35I thoroughly enjoyed this post… and I agree,its not about getting traffic but by building a community…thanks for sharing your tips.https://funke-koleosho.blog…
Jamila
July 23, 2017 at 03:59Interesting post with helpful tips. Yes, building a community or a tribe of followers who love what you do is so key to success in the blogging world. Another thing is that it takes patience… I am telling myself over and over again to be PATIENT with my process!- http://www.jamilakyari.com
omotundesther✨
July 24, 2017 at 07:33Thank you for this post! Blogging definitely requires hard work and consistency! I usually do guest posts and have larger platfroms take some of my original posts. I’m also hoping to start featuring interviews from successful millennials around the world.mottyinspires.com
Tola
August 1, 2017 at 15:38Wonderfu article, I happened to stumble upon your page on twitter and I have to say I am loving your blog and this was such an helpful post for someone like me just starting out.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
August 1, 2017 at 15:42Glad you liked it – it’s a bit hard when you just start out and are so concerned with the numbers. ps: You caught me in good time, as I’m just rounding up tomorrow’s post which is on blogging. You could subscribe to the blog, so you stay up to date! Xx
Ayebakuro Treasure
August 2, 2017 at 09:33Blogging hasn’t been easy at all, a friend shared your link and I love your blog.For me I find it difficult to reach out to bloggers who blog about ladies health issues, as I blog on that platform onlyNeed more advice thanks.Ayistories.blogspot.com
Amakamedia
September 26, 2017 at 12:49Lovely tips. I could use one of those. Thanks.amakamedia.com
Rae Talks
March 26, 2018 at 19:53Great post!I must ask how do you get featured on a larger platform?
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
March 26, 2018 at 19:54Hi Rae! You could identify a platform you’d like and email them with a pitch or ideas. Xx
Rae Talks
March 26, 2018 at 19:59Thank you for such a speedy response. Thank you for this I will do! 😀