When you initially get into blogging, one of the toughest things can be developing an audience. It’s hard to get people to come to your site, or even be aware of its existence.
I would say that developing your readership is really a product of time; however, there are several things you can do to help expedite the process.
Today I will be sharing some of my favorite easy ways to grow your blog. In my time blogging, these strategies have made it easier for me to engage with readers and drive traffic to my site. Hopefully they can be useful to you as well.
#1: PROMOTE
Fun fact about me: When I first started blogging, I felt super awkward promoting my content. Like, so awkward that I refrained from doing it 80 percent of the time. Which is a big problem if you are trying to grow your blog, because if you don’t promote, no one is even going to know about it.
If you are new here, chances are you didn’t stumble upon this post by typing Currently, Lately into your search engine. Why not? Because Currently, Lately isn’t something that someone with no prior knowledge of this blog would randomly search.
So, how did you find this post? It could have been through the WordPress reader. But it also could have been from social media promotion.
Twitter. Instagram. Facebook. Pinterest. If you are on one (or more) of these platforms, you NEED to be promoting your blog on it. Don’t feel guilty about putting a little bit of self-promo on your feed. If it is going to help you in the long-run (which it will), then it is worth it.
#2: Twitter Chats/Comment Swaps
If you’re a blogger and you haven’t participated in a Twitter chat or comment swap before, you are really missing out.
Twitter chats and comment swaps are some of the EASIEST ways to get your blog out there, especially in its early stages. They are great ways for you to find your place within the blogging community, and they expose you to readers who otherwise wouldn’t know about your blog.
I would highly suggest heading over to Twitter and trying to find chats within your niche. It will allow you to connect with similarly-minded bloggers, as well as find readers who would be most interested in reading your content. It’s critical that you make sure you are writing to the proper audience.
#3: Connect with other bloggers
A good thing to keep in mind about blogging is that this community is pretty self-sustaining. In addition to writing blogs, most bloggers enjoy reading blogs. The support that bloggers offer one another really is what makes this community work so well.
That being said, it is important to connect with other bloggers. In my experience, most bloggers are looking to lift each other up and support one another. It is amazing when you are able to find content you love reading, and even more so when you connect with the blogger behind the content.
#4: Link back to old content
You know that post you wrote three months ago that you spent a REALLY long time researching and editing? Don’t let that post go to waste sitting in your archives when it could be getting you more views.
It is always a good idea to link back to old content when you get the chance. Ideally, you want people who are checking out your site for the first time to stay a while. And if you include links in your posts to other content that you have written, you will be able to increase the likelihood of that happening.
The best thing to do is include links to content that is similar in nature in each one of your posts. For example, at the end of this post, I have added links to other posts I have written about blogging. This is good because anyone reading this post is likely to be interested in this topic, so they may decide to read more about it.
#5: Use eye-catching graphics
If you don’t already have Canva on to your phone, I suggest taking a pause from this post, downloading it from the app store, and then continuing.
Canva is LIFE CHANGING. And I don’t say that lightly. If you are a blogger, you need Canva. Not only will it make your life 10 times easier, it can also help drive traffic to your blog.
Essentially, Canva is a free app that allows you to create blog graphics. Blog graphics are important to driving readers to your blog, particularly on Pinterest. If you have an engaging visual that intrigues viewers, they are going to click on your post.
As you can see here, visuals can really draw your eye and interest you in a post. It is key to make sure yours are doing just that.
#6: Post consistently
Overall, I would say that the thing that has helped my blog grow the most has been posting on a regular basis. I know it can be difficult to find the time (and motivation, tbh) to post regularly, especially when you are balancing your other obligations. However, posting on a consistent schedule WILL make a difference. It helps your readers know when to expect new content from you, and, most importantly, it keeps them coming back.
Anyway, thank you for reading!
OTHER BLOGGING ADVICE:
The Pros and Cons of Being A Blogger
What advice would you give a new blogger?
Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin | Pinterest | Facebook
Fantastic post. I’ve been using Canva for quite a while, but I’m not quite sure how to make the most of it for my content, as I don’t tend to do listicles/help articles etc. I write poetry… and I’m not entirely sure how to promote that on social media!
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You can create pinable images for Pinterest that will link back to your content!
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I’ll try test some things out. Tbh I’m still figuring out how to use Pinterest for a mainly text based blog. 🙂
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Mine’s the same to be honest! I don’t really promote on pinterest all that much. But I do use Instagram, Twitter, and my blog’s Facebook page!
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I don’t know how to promote on Twitter. I do know that my blogs link through to Twitter but I’m not sure where they go from there. Because I’ve never had any response or views. Any advice would be well received. Good luck everyone 🙏🏻
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Twitter is a platform that I don’t get many views from. At lot of it has to do with hashtags and such for that platform. If I’m really happy about the post then I’ll pin it on my twitter profile for a little while. I had a few reads from twitter when I posted about a podcast I reviewed. But it’s all about hashtags on twitter for some reason.
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I’m with you Isabella, I’m still trying to figure things out. Had no idea you could link Pinterest through to WordPress. I have no idea how to do it. I tried to put something from WordPress into my Pinterest account and it didn’t work. I will try again just like you. Good luck Isabella
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I love your advice! Canva was life changing for me when I started my business!! Definitely a must!!
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Thank you! And Canva really is such a life saver!
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These are all great tips- I cannot wait for summer so I have more time to engage engage engage!
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Thank you!
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Fantastic content! I’m a blogger and Professional Organizer, and you’re right, it’s very much a community that supports one another. Your tips and advice is valuable, and I’ll be taking a few pointers from it. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you so much! And you’re welcome!
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Wonderful tips! The blogging world is definitely one of the most supportive platforms out there. It’s great that we are all trying to build each other up. XOXO.
http://www.deltahoteljuliet.com
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Thank you! And I agree completely! It’s so wonderful!
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As a newbie, I appreciate all the tips I can find. My first post was May 15th and I’m really enjoying reading other blogs. If you don’t mind me asking, what is the purpose of Canva? I know it’s used for editing photos, but how is it different than what I’m using l from free photo library or my own photos? Thanks!
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Canva basically allows you to make graphics that inform potential readers what your post is about! If you look at the end of this post, I included a version of the featured image that I edited in Canva! I’ll use that image when I post this article on Pinterest because it helps draw in readers!
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Thank you for sharing this information! I took your advice and created a business account this morning, but will have to work on it more after work. 😊👩🏻💻
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so many good tips, especially reading & commenting other bloggers’ posts AND posting consistently 🙌🏻 I feel like that one’s kinda huge!! love this post 😊
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I feel like it’s a big one too! And thank you 🙂
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This post is gold. I’m a newbie and it definitely taught me something. Thank you
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what great blogging advice!!! just downloaded the app ❤ https://wordpress.com/view/magicalmaven.com
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Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
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❤
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This is really great advice! I just started a blog and I think this is all really important! I LOVE CANVA! It is so useful and you don’t have to pay anything! xx
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Thank you! And I know, right?! Canva is awesome!
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No problem! Canva is the BEST! xx
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❤️ These are fantastic tips! Thank you for sharing. As a new blogger, I would definitely read other blogger’s post, and reach out to collaborate. xx
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Thank you! And that’s such a great idea! 🙂
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Thanks great advice. I will take it I’m new too. I will say I do love reading other people‘s blogs. People are amazing. Ok I just tried a link. Hope that worked and you don’t find me rude. ❤️ I will be an avid follower.
https://wordpress.com/view/janettebendle.com
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I’m reading about your Canva. I downloaded it. I’m a little confused by that too. I have learnt link though ha ha. Lesson one tick Set up WordPress site, listen to text, write a blog lesson three master linking. Lesson four what next? I know follow your advice. 😜
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Great advice!! I’m still building courage to promote myself on social media! But I’m getting there !
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Thank you! It’s definitely something that’s hard to do, especially at first!
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Very good advice! I always like your blogging tips 🙂
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Thank you so much!
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I really enjoyed reading this post and agree with your tips 100%! Though I have to admit I don’t have canva but I’m going to download it now 😁 thank you for sharing!
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Great post! Totally relate to the first point as I’m so shy about sharing my blogs even though that kinda the whole point!! Also, going to download Canva now! Thanks for the tip ❤️
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I gotta get better at all of these things! Especially the photos/graphics! Thanks for the advice! 😀
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This is great advice! Posting consistently and taking part in Twitter chats/comment threads would be my best advice! X
Ashleigh | ashleighwrites.co.uk
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Thank you! And those are great tips!
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Yes, I totally agree with all 6, especially twitter threads! I’ve met so many wonderful and supportive bloggers from around the world and I’ve increased my monthly blog views quite a bit!
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Brilliant tips! I definitely need to work on my consistency of posts and actually get around to using some sort of scheduling app as I do not remember to promote enough!
abbiejadewanders.co.uk
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Thank you for sharing your advice with this! I still find it a bit awkward trying to promote my posts even though I’ve been doing it for a year! But I agree, Twitter chats are amazing!!x
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Great advice given here!
Love the vintage feel of your blog!
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Thank you so much!
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Such fantastic tips, thank you! I’ll definitely do all of these things.
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Some great advice here! It’s so hard to find the confidence to promote yourself but once you’ve done it a few times it starts getting easier I think 🙂 Also Canva is a brilliant tool so many good templates on there so a great suggestion for those wanting new graphics
Jo | mindfuladventures.co.uk
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This is such a fab post with loads of tips to help new bloggers! I love Canva I always use it to create my blog graphics and Twitter comment threads are where most of my traffic comes from, I agree that they’re great to help promote your posts!
Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
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I love comment threads and always link to older content but I really need to put more effort into scheduling some promotional tweets. Great tips x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
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This post is so useful. Thanks for this amazing tips! Love your blog btw.
Much love,
Sima x | http://www.styleglint.com
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Thank you so much! And you’re welcome! 🙂
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Some really great tips here! I am just getting started properly so very helpful advice. Thanks for sharing X
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I like the tips you are suggesting and have found myself they do work. I find it interesting that methods seem to work for different amounts of time and then you have to do something different as the previous ones stop working. I do enjoy the whole process of blogging though so i do look forward to each new post. Love Iga Berry, http://www.igaberry.com
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Amazing tips!!!
https://tuxices.wordpress.com/
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thank yo so much, these tips are really helpful.
https://justanotherkindagirl.wordpress.com/
thank you xox
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You have given really great tips! I think being consistent, along with supporting others (which you have mentioned) is the best you can do. Some people get lucky, and loads of people end of following them, but the most common way to gain followers is by being patient and waiting it out. I don’t know why it doesn’t bother me to promote my latest posts, I actually find it normal, I schedule them on Hootesuite, and just let them automatically post for the entire week. Great post Paige xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
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Thank you for your advice. I am new to blogging, but so far have found the community very supportive! I am learning new things every day. I will definitely try out a few of these!
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Fab post! I agree, social media is so important for promoting our posts. After nearly two years I’m sure readers also find your blog by organic keyword searches via Google too! Something like 75% of my traffic is via organic search and it goes up the higher you rank, so it’s improving all the time! I have to rely on that a little more being self-hosted.
You’re right though, blogging is a lot of work, time and effort. I overheard two girls in a store yesterday absolutely slating bloggers for receiving free stuff and money for posts. Little do they know, we do it for the love and enjoyment too! Jealousy tends to come from a lack of understanding I find. Pretty sure given the know-how, they would start their own blogs!
Samantha x
Thebeautyspyglass.com
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