We've all been there. The beginning of a blog. Thoughtfully planned. Looking Pretty. Lots to say. But...
NO.... ONE... TO... LISTEN...!
Starting a teacher blog takes a lot of courage, especially with so many talented and creative teachers out there. The good news is there is room for everyone, as no two blogs are alike. Each blog is unique and has something wonderful to offer.
I was reading a post earlier today from Jess at I {Heart} Recess. At this writing, Jess has 24 followers. Jess had posted the following New Year's Resolution for her blog:
To get at least 200 followers :) PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS GOAL! THANKS!
I remember feeling the same way when I first started blogging. I became especially anxious when my friend's blog (we started together) was nearing 500 followers while mine didn't even have 100! I almost hung up my keyboard for good! Instead, I decided to blog for fun and the followers will come!
Here are a few additional tips that will be sure to bring the followers your way:
1. Be yourself. Share yourself. Be friendly and positive.
2. Follow others and they will follow you.
3. Help your fellow blogger(s) when you can.
4. Throw a freebie in now and then.
5. Give credit when credit is due.
6. Participate in the Blogging Community.
7. Observe successful bloggers. Many have some sort of a niche
that draws followers to them.
And so, my fellow bloggers, as you are perusing all the wonderful blogs during the holidays, be sure to take a peak at a blog's "number of followers". If the blog is new and you are feeling the holiday spirit, give it a boost by becoming their newest follower.
If you are looking for a place to start, please check out Jess at I {Heart} Recess! I know she would be thrilled!
Well I am Jess' newest follower! It is easy to get discouraged with the lack of followers especially when you go out of your way to join linky parties or comment on other blogs but I have stopped worrying about the number! I also feel guilty that I am not regular enough to be a "dependable" blog for followers!
ReplyDeleteSent From My iPad
I found her a couple of days ago. :) The linky parties help me to meet so many new people. I love it! As for myself, it seems that I try to have some kind of picture in each post that makes it easy to pin. I have way more followers on Pinterest, so by pinning it gets the word out of what I'm doing in my classroom. Thanks for being a wonderful resource!
ReplyDeleteLove that you posted this. Thank you for the words of encouragement & for introducing me to a new blog :)
ReplyDeleteSara
Miss V's Busy Bees
ventrellasara@gmail.com
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteI cannot thank you enough for promoting my blog and goal on your blog! You and all my new followers are the best!
Having support and encouragement from others is always wonderful and helpful!
Jess
Thank you all for commenting!
ReplyDeleteEmily, LOVE your Pinterest idea! That should definitely be on the list.
Nikki, what is the name of your blog? I want to make sure I am a follower.
Sara, it's always great to hear from you! I love your new blog design. Megan is currently working on mine. I can't wait.
Jess, you are welcome! I'm happy to help!
Diane
Thanks for posting this. Good words of advice about growing a blog and gaining more followers. I started following I (heart) recess and your blog through this fun linky party.
ReplyDeleteGood advice-I find especially commenting on other blogs helps. I also never judge a blog by the number of followers-everybody starts somewhere! :)
ReplyDeleteNotJustChild'sPlay
Diane,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post! You are so sweet! I found you yesterday through the linky and then you found us, somehow. Thank you so much for commenting on our post and for following us!
I, too, get worried about that little number over there, but everyone starts somewhere, right? I agree with Emily, Pinterest is a huge source of traffic. I also think that comments are so encouraging. It's hard when you write a post and see it has been viewed a lot but no one has commented. That one comment can keep a new blogger going! We've only been blogging for 2 months, and I worry, but we know we just need to give it time. :O)
Amanda
Collaboration Cuties
Thanks for the blogging advice. I am trying to get 100 followers & I sure some of your tips will help.
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet and encouraging always. Thanks for being you!
ReplyDeleteEncouraging words! It's what you do best.
ReplyDeleteMegan
I Teach. What's Your Super Power?
Well said....and very thoughtful! I have only been blogging since July so I can relate to all you said and appreciate the tips! Also, grabbed your Sandy Hook button to share on my blog....thank you!
ReplyDelete~Traci
The Bender Bunch
Diane--this is so true and so thoughtful of you. Supporting one another is so important!
ReplyDeleteWow Diane! What a sweet thing to do to help a fellow blogger :) I am so thankful for your tips - I do get a bit intimidated seeing others with thousands, but I am just so thankful to have my 23 :) I am both Jess and your newest follower! Thanks so much for sharing and happy new year!
ReplyDeleteI had to pop in when I saw your blog name . . . MOXIE is a million dollar word! After reading your post, I realized that you are a million dollar gal. Your big old heart really shows in this post. I am so happy to have found someone like you!
ReplyDeleteKelley Dolling
Teacher Idea Factory
You are all too kind! Thank you for commenting and visiting Jess's blog. She has more than doubled her followers thanks to all of you! That just warms my heart!
ReplyDelete((HUGS))
Diane
Thanks for the tips and encouragement! There are so many blogs out there and I do learn something from all of them.I hope someone can learn from mine. I visited Jess today and sent some ♥! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteGina
Beach Sand and Lesson Plans
Thank you so much for the advice. I am new to blogging and very excited about the opportunity to join such a great community. I am now a follower and your site is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year,
Christine
These were so good I put them in my 5 on the 5th for January!
ReplyDeleteMegan
I Teach. What's Your Super Power?
Thank you so much, Megan! It was a spontaneous post...written from the heart. I'm glad it has resonated with so many.
DeleteDiane
I am yours and Jess's newest followers :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post - I'm always looking for blogging advice! Thanks :)
This is so well-writen! As a newbie blogger, I appreciate your kind words! :)
ReplyDeleteKatie
Smiles from 2nd Grade
Thanks for the advice. I can totally relate!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you linking up!
groovyeducator.blogspot.com
Hi Diane,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Newbie bloggers need love too! I just started about two weeks ago. I'm not worrying about followers for now, just enjoying the ride!
Thank you for being supportive :)
Karli
Creating a Thoughtful Classroom
I just came across your blog as I was googling tips for bloggers and how to gain more followers! I am new to blogging so any advice is fabulous! I love how you started your post with, "We've all been there..." It's nice to know everyone feels this way at first. The "No one to listen" is definitely where I'm at right now hahahah! I find it hard writing posts sometimes when I know no one sees it! But I will definitely take your advice and just write for fun! Thanks for the motivation!!!
ReplyDeleteTricks of the Trade in First Grade
Thank t you for your kind post, advice and follow.♡
ReplyDeleteCleo @ Teaching in a Bubble.