To the average reader, blogging may look like an easy thing to do.
It’s not. Running a successful blog is not easy.
In fact, when I first started blogging, I was shocked at all the hard work that goes in to being a successful blogger. I even wrote a whole post detailing what it takes to run a successful blog. Blogging is a great deal more than simply writing a post.
In addition to the hard work, to become a successful blogger, you must also have a passion for what you do. It’s that passion that keeps you going, and pushes you to soldier on when your numbers, or “stats”, are bottom-of-the-barrel low, when you haven’t shown up on any brand or public relations firm’s radar yet, and when you discover that less than 10 people have read your viral-worthy post.
Another piece of the successful blogger puzzle is making sure you surround yourself with other successful bloggers who can help provide you with great advice, support, community, sharing, and friendship. Because you will need A LOT of all of this when you blog.
ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER
Being a successful blogger, and leading the life of a solitary blogger, is an oxymoron. There may be some successful solitary bloggers out there, who rock the online world, but they are likely a rare type of (Twitter) bird.
In just over 2 years of blogging, I have been welcomed into an amazing community of Canadian bloggers. I have gotten to know well over 200 successful bloggers. Some are at the top of the blogging ladder, so successful they are known and loved by hundreds of thousands of people. Others are just starting out, and climbing their way up that blogging ladder. The one thing they all have in common is that they are part of a great network of bloggers who (for the most part), help and support one another. Most of us work under the adage “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”.
Many of my blogging friends are more than willing to provide advice when asked. Thank goodness they are so generous with their advice. I would not be where I am today without their help, advice and guidance.
So when I put the call out that I was looking for Bloggers’ BEST Twitter and Facebook tips, they answered my call.
Thank you my friends!
By the way you DO NOT need to be a blogger to heed some of this great advice. If you spend time on social media for any reason, here are some great tips to help you rock Twitter and Facebook.
BLOGGERS REVEAL THEIR BEST TWITTER AND FACEBOOK TIPS:
“Share your content, but make sure to share OTHER content as well; be sure to engage with your readers when they leave comments.”
Ashley ~ www.talesofmommyhood.com
“When someone subscribes, don’t auto DM them to “follow you also on Facebook”. It’s an irritating way to begin a new relationship.”
Jenna ~ www.snymed.com
“Make lists so that it’s easier to find tweets from people, especially when your following gets larger.”
“Try to share your content as well as others that have great pictures as more people engage when they see stuff visually.”
Jessica ~ www.4theloveofmommy.com
“It’s nice to share the love with retweets and favourites but, don’t forget to interact with your online community on a regular basis! It brings your voice to your brand, and a more personalized experience for the community.”
Alyssa ~ www.amotherhoodexperience.com
“Create engagement that works for both parties.”
“Negativity doesn’t belong in a tweet.”
Matthew ~ www.answerthetullyphone.com
“Never, ever, ever, auto DM. Period.”
“Unless it’s a troll comment, respond to all of your mentions.”
“Don’t announce you are cleaning out your friends list. Just do it.”
“Don’t bring any personal drama onto your page.”
Craig ~ www.bigdaddykreativ.ca
“Engage, engage, engage. Post often and respond to comments.”
“If someone retweets or comments, follow them. They are engaging, so you should too. This is how relationships get built.”
Kim ~ www.talesofarantingginger.com
“Let your personality shine.”
“Post consistently with high quality posts.”
Mary ~ www.theflyingcouponer.com
“Chat. Have fun with people.”
“Don’t worry about how many people follow you. Engage with your audience. Ask them questions. You will get fantastic advice.”
Kyla ~ www.mommysweird.com
“Your blog is your business. Be exactly the same person you are online as you are off.”
Trina ~ www.lifesablog.ca
“Get your mom to set up Twitter and Facebook accounts. Then you always have one person who is sure to retweet/like your stuff.”
Joann ~ www.womaninreallife.com
“It’s fantastic (and necessary) to RT and promote when you’re part of a campaign, but make sure you also tweet and engage when it comes to non-sponsored content too. No one wants to be a walking ad or to constantly see tweets that aren’t of you engaging in convo. People want to engage with you too smile emoticon I’ve always felt that Twitter (at least in my personal experience) is all about building, cultivating and nourishing relationships.”
Christine ~ www.lifeonmanitoulin.com
“Vary your content on Facebook. Post with a picture, without a picture, with longer text, with shorter text. Share other great content related to your blog topic.”
Bonnie ~ www.thekoalamom.com
” If you need to find a good restaurant, ask Twitter, someone will reply.”
“If you are going to a conference always join the attendee group page on Facebook. You’ll gain great insights on transportation, accommodations (including roomies if you need one), conference sessions, where to eat and where to go.”
Margarita ~ www.downshiftingpro.com
Still looking for more Social Media tips? Read my “30 Tips For Exceptional Social Media Engagement“.
What are YOUR best Twitter and Facebook tips? We’d love to hear them!
Bonnie Way says
Love these tips! What a great list. And I agree with you totally that blogging is hard work and having a group of other supportive bloggers makes such a HUGE difference. My group is literally the reason that my blog is where it is today (along with a lot of hard work implementing all their tips!). Thanks for sharing!
Sandy says
I love all these tips too, Bonnie! Thanks so much for sharing yours also. It’s a good one! Yes, until one starts a blog, you really have no idea the amount of time and effort it takes to make it successful. Thanks for stopping by!
Emily Marie says
Restaurant ideas from Twitter are always great. Every time I request suggestions I end up eating really good food :p
Sandy says
Me too, Emily! I once put out a call for best chinese food and I got a great recommendation…and loved it when I ate there 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Rhonda Massad says
Thanks for the tips. I am enjoying blogging and have had a tremendous response but often wonder what’s next. How to improve. Thanks for your help.
Sandy says
My pleasure, Rhonda! I wish you all the best with your blogging! Any questions, just ask 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Wendi says
Awesome article!!! Thanks for sharing!!! You have helped me a ton over the last year. 🙂
Sandy says
Thanks so very much, Wendi, for saying so! I’m thrilled that my posts have helped you so much. THAT’S the best kind of reward for someone like me – to hear that what I do helps someone. I truly appreciate you stopping by to share your thoughts – and thanks so much for reading my blog!
Theresa Bertuzzi says
This was so helpful. Just getting started blogging and it is a little overwhelming learning what to do!
Sandy says
Thanks very much, Theresa! Glad you found it helpful! Happy to answer any questions you may have any time 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!