Many thanks to Kev (http://kevs-domain.net/about-my-blog/) for the below excellent post on successful blogging. I agree with Kev, its vital to build up relationships with fellow bloggers and remain courteous in one’s dealings with others. Thank you Kev, (Kevin, the other one)!
Successful Blogging
Successful blogging is not only about having good posts, although that does help, be they uplifting, informative, eventful, un-eventful or even if you’re sharing some unfortunate news; Rather, successful blogging is all about community. It’s about how you interact with your blogging community. It’s about showing appreciation and support to your followers and visitors. It’s not rocket science, folks. It’s simple, common courtesy.
For example, not everyone is comfortable with commenting, but they may like your posts and what you have to say… bear this in mind when someone likes your posts. Pay a visit to their blog, see what they’re about. If you like something; let them know in what way is comfortable for you.
Be mindful of those who take the extra effort to leave a comment, however short. It may be that they have a lot to do, somewhere to go and are in a hurry and therefore just leave a word, like “nice,” “beautiful,” or a smiley face. It could be they want to say something, but don’t know what to say. Either way, they have still made an extra effort to show appreciation. Jeez, I should know, I’ve done it often enough myself just before setting off to work or continuing with a project on hand! A return “Thanks/Thank you” or even a smiley face shows your acknowledgement of their effort and will in no way go unnoticed.
Some folks find they have quite a bit to say, use this as a great opportunity to establish a good rapport and even develop a solid blogging friendship. It’s these interactions that really bring your blog to life. Some of the great rapport I have between blogs started with just a simple like, a smiley face, and/or a “nice.”
Finally, be open-minded. Not everyone is going to think like you do. Learn to appreciate your differences and allow yourself to grow from your experience with the wonderful world of successful blogging.
(Now if I can just find a way off this soapbox without slipping…)
Happy successful blogging folks! J
K Morris - Poet 
Great points Kev.
I allocate half or more of my blogging time to visiting and commenting. I certainly try and follow and comment on all my regular commenters. That doesn’t mean every list, but the ones who appear consistently. Then there are the ones who say ‘I’m still reading, I just don’t comment apart from once or twice a year’. That’s fine too. Or the ones who email me with Christmas and birthday greetings.
Doesn’t matter how you do it, but an acknowledgement and reciprocation is always merited. Who knows, you may find a good friend as well as a good blogging contact.
If I’ve not seen a post from someone for a while I’ll often check back to see if I have missed something. Maybe they haven’t stopped following you, maybe wordpress has stopped you following them—it happens. Or they may be taking a break.
But as a blogger, if you don’t reciprocate, read, follow, comment, reply to comments on your blog, and only ever post on your own blog, you are unlikely to get a huge following.
Remember to give. It does no harm.
Thanks for your excellent comments. Kevin
Thanks for the contribution, Kate. You’re absolutely right. If we don’t reciprocate, we can’t expect to develop even a half-way decent following. Believe it or not, once a year, I actually attempt to visit everyone of my followers… this is becoming increasingly difficult now however. I think it took me about four to five weeks the last time. lol
Short, sweet, and to the point, and I totally agree.
Thank you for your comment, it is a well written post. Kevin
Indeed, it IS.
There is actually a lot more to it, but this is the basic foundation for success and everything builds from interaction.
Exactly. Interaction.
Thanks do much! 🙂
You are welcome.
Oops… *so lol
~(~_*)~~
Great points well made.
I agree absolutely. Thanks for your comments. Kevin
Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to be a guest on your blog, Kev. It’s truly appreciated and a great honour. 🙂
You are most welcom Kev. Best. Kevin
Pingback: Successful Blogging – Guest Post By Kev Cooper | Kev's Blog
Vital points very well made, Kev. Well done.
Some very good points Kevin. I totally agree, Blogging is about community.
Yes without community the blogosphere would be a lonely old place. Thanks for your comment. Kevin
Yep, I totally agree with this. And the sense of community is why I continue to blog – without that I probably wouldn’t bother.
The sense of community certainly acts as incentive to keep blogging. Likes and comments can make one’s day.
So true, I find that if I just open the comment box, in a second or two something genuine comes to mind.
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
Thanks.
Thank you for your comment and following my blog. Kind regards. Kevin