How DO people get huge numbers of followers of their blogs?

**myzzterri** · 04-11-2011, 08:30pm

Not that mine's particularly interesting mind!!

But I am curious as to how some bloggers have hundreds of people reading, while others seem to be talking (typing?) to themselves....

**Day_Dream_Believer** · 04-11-2011, 09:24pm

I think it's a word of mouth thing, and it massively helps to go and read other people's blogs, and leave a comment. Also link to them from your blog. That creates a 2 way traffic situation and it gradually builds up. It takes a fair bit of effort to get numbers up. I have done it, then let it slide, not blogged for ages and lost them all. I don't know if I've got the energy build them back up again!

**parkejm** · 04-11-2011, 10:03pm

I agree that it's not just a case of writing something and then expecting people to come and read it. You definitely have to work at it, commenting on other blogs, working other social media, guest posting and raising your profile and can be quite a lot of work. I think that frequent posts help a lot as there is then more material out there IYSWIM.
I often marvel at some blogs just thinking of the outlay the blogger makes to get so many projects done/buy some many products to test (I know a lot are donated) and how much time they must spend on it.

**Chocolate Lips** · 05-11-2011, 09:35am

Have you installed Google Analytics on your blog - that will give you a better indicated as the "followers" on your blog aren't necessarily reading if you know what I mean. I know from the stats that more people read my blog than follow so it might be that whilst people aren't following you they're definitely still reading?

**myzzterri** · 05-11-2011, 09:41am

how do I install that?

**Chocolate Lips** · 05-11-2011, 09:42am

It's quite simple, just a case of putting in some code. All the instructions are on here http://www.google.com/analytics/

It will tell you more about who is viewing your blog posts, how many readers, how they are finding you etc

**myzzterri** · 05-11-2011, 09:50am

cool thank you.

I love your blog btw! Wish mine was that interestingly written (& looked that good too!!!)

More effort needed me thinks!

**Chocolate Lips** · 05-11-2011, 09:53am

Oh thanks!

There's lots of websites out there with free templates on that you can use to jazz up blogs a bit. That's all I do really!

**LucyDee** · 05-11-2011, 10:52am

Originally Posted by myzzterri

cool thank you.

I love your blog btw! Wish mine was that interestingly written (& looked that good too!!!)

More effort needed me thinks!

I've bolded the bit I think is relevant and you have essentialy answered your own question! I've looked at your blog and I don't think there is anything wrong with the look of it. Blogs are about what is written as opposed to how it looks. A few pictures look good from time to time but the content is what always grabs me.

The blogs I have followed in the past have one common theme, they are added to regularly. At least once a week is something that will get me returning. I look at the stats on my website often and something I notice is returning visitors. Every month the average number of visitors goes up but returning visitors, those that come from a bookmark or favourite, are over 50% of the visitors. I have had a number of emails saying that they like the fact I update every weekend and the stats also show that a lot come round Sunday and Monday just after the update.

The content has changed over the time I have had it. I had a comment recently that it has become much more friendly and intimate. So it's a case of persevering.

Hope this helps, I've gone on a bit!

**nickimacrae** · 05-11-2011, 11:33am

Really interesting thread!

I am basically quite rubbish at updating mine, and I know that's my big downfall!

I am super-good up updating FB and it's shown there in the number of people following and interacting there, so it does go to show...

**myzzterri** · 05-11-2011, 11:44am

my problem is I always think of things to blog about when I'm nowhere near my computer! In my head I'll have it all written out wonderfully & then I'll forget all about it by the time I'm actually online....

**LucyDee** · 05-11-2011, 11:47am

Originally Posted by myzzterri

my problem is I always think of things to blog about when I'm nowhere near my computer! In my head I'll have it all written out wonderfully & then I'll forget all about it by the time I'm actually online....

I can fully relate to that. However I have found because I do mine once a week on a sunday, I can think back through the week I have just had and write about what has happened and my thoughts and feelings on all of it.

**Skibunny** · 06-11-2011, 03:30pm

Take a notebook and jot it down! Problem solved.

I definitely agree that updating regularly is a must - when I was in full flow I was aiming for at least three times a week. Sadly since I started teaching full-time I've just not had the time to do anything which is just gutting as I was finally making inroads in my audience!

Also, follow and contribute to as many other blogs as you can - it's a community - you comment on someone's blog and chances are they'll come and contribute back - build relationships.

I really must try and squeeze time in for mine as I miss it!

Skibunny
xx

**Sadie** · 06-11-2011, 05:13pm

Networking, a little more effort reading and commenting on others blogs.... It does take time to build up followers, but i have way more reading my blog then i have followers, so it goes to show that people do read them, just not everyone follows.