I’ve been thinking a lot lately about blogging.  What we post, why we post, what draws in the most readers.  This particular post is my opinion and it doesn’t mean it’s true or works….or whatever….it’s just thoughts I ‘ve had.

These are things I think people like to read about and also things that draw in the most traffic to your blog:

1.  “HOW TO” POSTS

I love to read tutorials and “how to’s” on how to do things.  Whether it be crafts or hairstyles…people not only want to see pictures, they want to know HOW to get it done.  For example: Kate over at The Small Things Blog started posting about hairstyles and tutorials.  Her blog has not been around long, but I’ve watched it jump from a meager 100-something followers to over 12K followers in what seems like overnight. 

Thanks to Pinterest, we now have a great tool to showcase our “how to” and tutorial posts.  People gravitated towards her blog because it was something they could relate to and something they could possibly do themselves. 

Now, I do have to say that just because you see a hairstyle/hair color on someone it DOESN’T mean it’s right for you….trust me I know this!  But they are fun to look at and get inspiration from!

2. PICTURE & VIDEO POSTS

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again.  People are very “visual”.  I love to read good writing as well, don’t get me wrong.  But when you get down to the nitty gritty people want to “connect” and by seeing photos and videos of the person they are reading about really helps connects the author to their audience.

3.  GIVEAWAYS & REVIEWS

Who doesn’t love a good giveaway?  I do!  It’s fun for you and your readers.  It increases your traffic, especially when you promote via Twitter and Facebook.  When I do a giveaway or a review I really try to think of things that belong on my particular blog.  I wouldn’t be doing a review or giveaway for video gamers because it’s just not something I’m into.  Think of things YOU like and want to share.  It never hurts to contact a company directly, I mean the worst they can say is “No” right? I’ve sent out so many emails requesting giveaways or review sponsorship….and some say no…some say yes.  You never know unless you give it a shot!  Everyone LOVES free stuff! 

4.  LINK UPS

Link ups are a great way to meet other bloggers and promote your own as well.  As you may recall from yesterday’s post I recently participated in a coffee mug swap.  By participating in this link up it gives me a chance to put my blog out there on someone else’s website and I get to read about bloggers I would have never found otherwise.  It also increases YOUR traffic because they will click on your linkup and lead them to your site.  It’s also a lot of fun 🙂

5.  ASK QUESTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, & TIPS

By asking questions or getting recommendations, and tips from other bloggers it draws your audience in.  It allows readers to participate in a conversation.  It also allows you to respond to them!  (Please go and connect your email to your Blogger acct! It makes it so much easier to respond to comments!) By engaging in issues/asking questions/or whatever it may be it makes you seem more personable and approachable.  I’m not just a blogger, I’m an actual person…with feelings and opinions too.  Keep that in mind and try to be kind folks 😉  Even if you don’t necessarily agree it’s always good to put a voice out there and you never know who you may help or influence!

Whelp….that’s it for today! 

I thoroughly enjoy blogging and everything it has brought to my life.  I feel like it’s a blessing and so many good things have come from it and I hope you enjoy it too!  I’ve been blogging since 2006 and that’s a long time in bloggy land.  My blog has never “hit it big”, but I do enjoy it.  Blogging should never feel like work and it should be something you enjoy.  I can truly say I enjoy it.  And if you don’t have a blog….it’s never to late to start!

I’ll leave you with my sugar booger and his new shades 🙂