I'm so proud of you!!!! If you've read the comments from my previous post about starting your own blog...you will see how many love this community and are so very glad they finally took the plunge and started blogging! And yes, I will be the first to tell you that blogging can be very addictive and all things are best in moderation but when your laundry is falling out the front door and your family is begging to be fed something besides Ramen noodles....it might be time to take a break!
I find too that there's a fine line between being inspired by everyone's wonderful creations and posts and then ACTUALLY taking the time to create artwork myself! You can be inspired all day long but you have to take the time away to make that inspiration work for you in your home or artwork. But I'm sure all of you already know this :)
The best way to put yourself out into the blogging world is by visiting other's blogs and reading what's happening in their lives and leaving a thoughtful comment. By introducing yourself and commenting on their blog....you will soon become recognized when they see your name!
Another wonderful way to have blogger's find your blog is by holding a small giveaway. Not anything huge, heavy or expensive....maybe just a little something that you've made or something decorative, a small book, or it could be a little gathering of small things. Just ask other bloggers to leave a comment with an email for a chance to win. THEN ask if they would like TWO chances to win, to please post on their blog about your giveaway with a link back to the giveaway post! You will end up with several new visitors! Draw a name at the end of the week and mail your goodie out to the lucky winner!!
You can also enter swaps or participate in themed events that you can be involved in and your blog name will be listed as a participant. Usually all the others involved will end up visiting and meeting you before the event is over.
Post regularly. No, you don't have to post every day, or even every other day....but just take a little time to post enough so that everyone knows you're still around ~
I would love it too if any of you have any additional ideas to increase visitors to your blog to please leave your ideas in my comments section. Sharing ideas.....sharing information.....sharing inspiration ~ these are just a few of the things that make blogging such a wonderful cycle of friendship.
Wishing you a great Tuesday dear friends ~
xxoo, Dawn
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35 comments:
Participating in Tablescape Tuesday, Blue Monday, Pink Saturday, Home Tours, Trim a Tree Parties, and having someone passing along an award helps also!
Hi Dawn - I'm just now catching up on all your recent posts - all great by the way!!
Yes, new bloggers can soon be recognized by doing all the things you suggest. Isn't it amazing how far we've come in a couple of 'blog years'!! An addiction, yes, but of the good kind because it bring friends together to share all the beauty and interests of life. (My 500th post is looming so I must plan to celebrate with a giveaway soon!).
A very happy, healthy and creative new year to you and your family Dawn.
Fondly, Mary (ACROSS THE POND)
Love the tips today. I'm a new blogger also, and sure enjoyed your thoughtful ideas about beginning bloggers. I would only add that the blogs I most enjoy are the ones who offer great photos along with their post. I am becomming a much better photographer because of my blogging.
Blessings ~ Eileen and the Beautiful Starry Girl
Dawn,
who would have thought 10 yrs ago that we would be writting on blogs and telling about ourselves and our art.
I for one have no tips you have covered it I do believe. I have to change my blog addy and that will be loads of fun. but I will get it done sooner or later. Ha ha
Have the most wonderful day my sweet friend.
Hugs,Pea
Very good post again Dawn! I have only been blogging a very short time but have made so many sweet friends! I do think blogging is much like other socia situations in that you get what you give! You just have to get out there and say hello leave comments and do regular post so people have a chance to get to know you. It has worked for this girl-I'm having a blast!Maybe sometime we should have a "let me introduce you to my blogging buddy day" where we can do a little mini post about a blogging buddy with their link. And then do some blog jumping.I also have found the awards are a great way to learn new things about everyone in blogland!I especially like the tip you gave about you can be inspired all day but you have to leave the computer and go create-use that inspiration! Boy that is sooo true!
Glad to have found your blog my friend! Have a wonderful day!~Tam:D
P.S. I would love to hear any tips you might have for starting your own etsy shop-if you have any to share? As I am hoping to start my own very soon.
i think you covered everything Dawn!!!
I have wanted to start a blog for so long & had no idea how to start!!! Thank you for posting where to go & how to start! I LOVE your blog & go to it faithfully! Hope to see you on my blog soon!
Dawn, one thing I've found when visiting other blogs is that I lose interest when the fonts are too small to read easily and when there is too much text - especially with long paragraphs. I like clear fonts in a nice size, pictures and enough creative words to pique my interest and keep it there.
I think having two blogs might be a good idea for people who really, really like to write long stories - have one for that and another for short quips and pictures. Then they'd have two followings of readers and not "chase away" those who prefer just one or the other.
Hope this helps anyone considering a blog. :-)
Diane
Very good ideas! Your blog is always helpful! Thank you!
Participating on facebook and twitter are bringing readers to me :) Of course that requires more ramen noodles for my kids...
I'd like to see a list of your new recruits so I can take them a virtual casserole!
Good morning, Dawn! As you know, I'm new to blog land and because of your encouragement and the encouragement of Nikki (Blah, Blah, Blah Blog), I started my own blog a few weeks ago and am having SO much FUN! It is addicting but in such a good way. I was concerned that it would take too much time to post, but it really doesn't. And I've discovered that I'm taking a lot more pictures of things - which is so good for our personal history.
I personally prefer blogs with lots of pictures and some text. I like to read what others have to say and love to get ideas for new projects or see where folks live. The big bonus, though, is that blogging is fast becoming another part of my social network and I just love that.
I have lots of "hobbies" and get quite grumpy if I don't make time to craft or garden - all are such a huge part of who I am and it makes me so happy to be creating something. I am constantly designing in my mind, which sometimes makes it difficult for me to focus on a very important thing - my job! Got to earn the $ to pay the bills! :)
Thanks for your encouragement and your wonderful generosity. I am so glad I found your blog and am getting to know you.
I'm new to blogging and think I'll give it try to do a giveway. What a nice way to meet and make new friends. Thanks so much!
Hugs,
Lisa
All great tips. I have one more that helped me. I've only been blogging since Aug., but I wouldn't have done it at all If not for Theresa at Garden Antiques. She provided an "introduction" and a link. I think having someone so well known attached helped me tremendously. She has helped "launch" so many blogs she should get a medal. Debbie
These are wonderful tips Dawn! I have missed my blogging friends so much. It really is such a supportive community. By the way, I love the tutorial site:) Love, Jamie
As always you have hit the nail (nails) on the head. You have covered the BASIC ABC's of Blog. As you & everyone who reads your comment areas or my Blog know you are one of my best mentors for Blogland. Thank you for all you do for so many of us. Angels do walk among us & we can't always see the wings yet, we know they are there.
Dawn,
I enjoy checking your blog daily and getting good ideas. I haven't been blogging for very long but I am reaching my 100th post and I am going to host a giveaway. Stop by and enter the giveaway. It will be something that I have handmade. Your tutorial on the vintage gift tags was very helpful.
Nancy
I'm fairly new to the blogging world and really started to enjoy posting. My photo skills still need to improve though! I really enjoy having access to art, crafts, and creativity at all hours as locally there isn't much. It's amazing how much of the world you get to know. Thank you for your beautiful photos and tutorials.
Kris
Dawn , what great ideas -- you always share so many ways to help - hearts and hands -- you inspire !!!--
Still trying to play catch up --
many irons in the fire now -- x O -kathy ♥
Wow, I've learned a lot here this morning! Thanks Dawn (and all of your posters) for all of the great ideas. I hope to be able to post more regularly on my blog this year.
I had a great Christmas! I got an Ipod! I am sooo happy. How was yours?
I had a great Christmas! I got an Ipod! I am sooo happy. How was yours?
Hi Dawn, I so enjoy your blog. It has been a real inspiration to me to start my own blog which I have done, but in my computer ignorance, I don't know how to get my posts to and flow from top to bottom. They start at the bottom and read up. Help! I'm creative, I just don't know much in the computer world! My blog is Desires of the Heart on Blogger. I would love to hear from you. Congrats on your coming little Clara. It's a whole new world you are entering. We have seven and counting grandaughters! It's heaven. Linda
I have a new blog where i write short stories! The address is http://teenage-writings.blogspot.com/
I hope you check it out!
You've given some great tips, Dawn. Blogs that have light type on black or dark background can be very difficult to read for those who have less than stellar sight. I see well, but I still don't like those blogs and tend to avoid them.
Lorrie
Dawn,
You've hit the nail on the head for me, about not just sitting and being inspired, but actually gettting up and doing something!!!
Maybe it's jsut a short phase I am going through. Let's hope anyway.
I'm just as addicted to my 'crafting' when i do start something.
Oh to have some 'moderation', but then, I have always been sort of an extreme person! ;0)
Here's hoping I get busy, and make something!!
Blessings,
Barbara jean
Well! I am laughing out loud here! I have missed reading your blog for a few days - because I was busy...setting up my First Ever Blog!! How's that for synchronicity! I have put a link to yours in my sidebar, Dawn, but very soon I would like to post something with some of your artwork that I have incorporated into a project on my blog, and give some details of your blog and what you do. When I do, I will let you know! If you had any upcoming events or give-a-ways etc, we could try to coordinate? I have so much to learn, it's an exciting time...
juno
xx
You hit all the main ideas! I, too, dislike too wordy of a post unless it is interspersed with lots of pictures! I don't get bored that way:) My posts are always quite short but would love to incorporate newer interests in with the old and I find that hard to do. I want to start adding vintage touches but not sure how to go about getting there. Your blog is always a pleasure to read!! Keep it going, friend!
Hi Dawn. Thank you for commenting on my blog. And thank you for being so sweet and helpful and encouraging. I appreciate it.
Hi Dawn - You're site is beautiful and I can't wait to spend some time looking around! Thanks for the blogging tips. I started my own blog this past weekend and am anxious to get some visitors as the desire to share ideas and inspire others was the reason I started. Thanks again!
Thanks so much for the info! I also just started my blog and so far so good. I have enjoyed the photography aspect of it and believe it or not I thing my husband is going to buy me a new camera!
Your site is just lovely!
The pictures and photos and tutorials are so interesting.
Am so glad that I stumbled upon you.
I specially like the black and white picture of the birds on the branch. You always share the best artwork. Do you, by chance, have the birds on a branch picture which has a more birds, longer branch, and is in color?
I feel silly asking about it, but thought YOU would be the ultimate source. THanks.
I just think comment, comment, comment and get out there and make good blog buddies! Participate! Join in on the fun with all of the parties, but don't let the pressure of bigger and better get to you! Be yourself!
Dawn, thanks for the encouraging words for new bloggers. I've just started mine and so far I'm just talking to myself, but that's okay - I'm making plenty of mistakes, but learning! For the last couple months I've been inspired by everyone else's amazing creativity. But you are so right - that's not enough - I have to make time to discover my own. Thanks!!
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