People who read my blog are the people who keep me going. If it wasn't for those comments, I would have quit long ago. In fact, I did quit once (another post on that later) but the awesome people brought me back. I found out pretty quick how much I depend on my readers.
Now, I know yesterday I talked about how you should know what's best for your blog, and I still believe that. But, I also believe that listening to readers is going to help you become a better blogger. You don't have to ask your readers for a critique of your blog. In fact I strongly recommend you DON'T do that - opinions will be really varied and you might end up more frustrated than anything else.
What I mean by listening to your readers is figuring out what your readers like, judging by their comments. This is something that takes time. Eventually you'll start to see patterns in your comments. That feedback is valuable. Take a hold of it.
Personally, I view my readers as my single best resource. You guys are the best!
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18 comments:
Readers are a life force for a blog. Ignoring them is deadly.
Smart suggestion! Comments can guide you, both in what they say and the number of comments. They will tell you when you hit a home run and when you strike out.
Excellent suggestion. I pay attention to which posts get the most hits and most comments and try to remember that when I write future ones.
Also, glad you advised not polling readers. I can see that being disastrous!
Very true. It'd also be interesting to know why some followers quit coming.
I think more than the number, for me, is the content of the responses. I know that numbers can indicate a "follow me and I'll follow you" syndrome. But if the comments have content, even if they're fewer, than I know something I wrote had an impact or meaning, which for me, is important.
I love seeing the same people come back all the time- that is my gauge.
Good point. I need to do this more. I'm also curious if the time of the day/day of the week you post affects readers stopping by.
A lot of my readers just say something like "great post" or something similar. I think they're clicking through their feedly to move onto the next blog. But I hear what you're saying. Pay attention to the ones that aren't just driving by to say "Hi I'm visiting from the A to Z challenge...!"
Okay, I know we've brushed past each other in other forums, but how have I not been a follower of your blog yet? (It's super cute, by the way.) I posted on "listening" today too, but with a slightly different angle. ;) So glad I finally stumbled across your writing place!
Well good! I appreciate mine too, and without them we really wouldn't have blogs we enjoy! Good post. www.sandysanderellasmusings.blogspot.com
Thank you for taking the time to send me an email and make a suggestion. I tried it and I hope it worked.
Denise at Organization and Inspiration for Fellow Writers, participant of A to Z Blogging Challenge
Denise Reashore on Facebook
Your last blog and this one go hand in hand for me. Knowing your heart and listening for patterns is key to growth and reaching others. Thanks for the insight and being true to your heart.
I think it's possible to tell when people are just being polite and when they really are responding to something. I like having a variety of stuff on my blog though and still haven't quite decided what the central focus should be.
I've changed up some of my plans for my Saturday and Sunday bloghops based on reader response. I continued with excerpts from some books longer than I'd planned just because my regulars were liking them so much.
Readers are certainly awesome and very helpful. Never thought of analyzing comments though. Good idea.
Readers are not only your best friends for knowing how your blog's going, but also for your writing in general. I'm always open to criticism or suggestions which are constructive. Your blog's great, btw :-)
Well if you don't care about your audience, it could easily dwindle. Listening is good way. As Al Gore keeps arguing, the internet provides more two-way communication in news and entertainment than anything before it.
I was wondering about the time frame when posting. Is there a specific time that is more likely to attract more readers?
Writer In Transit
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