Quick Intro

If you recall, a few weeks ago I posted that Blog Tips were coming back.  Stay tuned as I introduce you to the team, we build out the content and the calendar.  You can expect that Tips will be in your inbox or live by end of day on Thursdays.  The next few weeks will be a mixture of introductions to the team, cleaning up of old tips, publishing new ones and providing some great resources.

But now on to today’s tip!!!

Build Your Network

Grow Your Blog

Blogging can be a lonely job, so it is key to Network!

However, its not just about being lonely!

If you want your blog to be successful…meaning you want something more to come out of it other than just the joy of writing or sharing…then you have to network.

Let me tell you…there are multiple ways to network!  This list is not inclusive at all.  But these are what have worked for me thus far!

Link Parties

There are link parties for just about any type of blog.  And if there is not, you can create one yourself.  But a link party is one in which a blogger or multiple bloggers host an online party.  Parties are held weekly, monthly, seasonally or as a promotion.  At a link party, you find a post you have written and link it up.  There are instructions to link and there are general expectations.  The expectation is that you will visit all the hosts blogs and Pin, Follow, Like, Tweet and/or Comment on their post or Facebook page.  In addition, you should visit at least 3 others that have posted to the Link Party and do the same for them as you did for the host(s).  It is a great way to meet other bloggers and have them meet you and your work.  The more you can participate, the better off you are.

Facebook Groups

Facebook groups can provide various types of help.  Most groups are specific, even in their title, as to how they can be of assistance.  There are groups that you can find giveaways to team up with, request posts to create your own roundups, Pinterest Group Boards to join, help promoting your posts, basic blogging help and the list goes on (even groups based on where you live such as Houston Bloggers).  The recommend would be to reach out to a blogger, build a rapport and ask them what groups they belong to and either ask them to invite you (if they are ones that you are interested in) or seek them out and Request to Join.

Google Communities

Google Communities are very much similar to Facebook Groups.  There are enough to choose from, both specific to your Blog Niche as well as just blogging in general.  Again…do a search, ask to join and engage.

Blog Memberships

Any blog group that you can join that has Membership benefits as well is very helpful.  Groups that provide you resources, webinars, networking opportunities, monetary partnerships, etc.  There are several out there such as SITS Girls and BlogHer.

Blog Conferences

There are so many more available out there than I even knew existed.  Not only is it great to meet fellow bloggers and network, but it is also a great place to learn A LOT of new things that can help you elevate your abilities and success.  Conferences include those such as BlogU, BlogHer, Blissdom, Blog Elevated and many more.  When you attend one, be sure to pass out your business cards and collect others.  Sit by a few women and get to know them.  The goal is to start to build a tribe.  We will talk about tribes later, but suffice it to say, they are a group of women that are your support system.  They usually come together after a blog conference where they have spent time with one another and all have a common goal.

Results

You will see your Blog Grow once you start to Build your Network.  The more you can engage, the more others will want to engage with you.  It takes a Team!!!

Your Challenge

Get out there and find one new group to interact with, a conference to attend and a group of women that you can lean on.  Let us know what you did to meet the challenge by commenting below.

Be sure to Check out more as you plan out your Blog Conference Calendar: