One incredibly important component of how successful your blog will be is reader engagement. If your audience is actively involved with the content, they will likely return again and again. When people are able to make a personal connection with a blog, brand or other online source, it makes them feel more invested. This personal investment is attractive to an audience. Therefore, an effective strategy to reach your blogging goals is to turn your blog’s readership into a community. Building a network is essential to bloggers these days, and there’s really no more dedicated group of folks than the ones who enjoy reading your content. Keep reading to learn ways to transform your blog readers into a community.
Get Them Involved
Find ways to invite your audience to become actively involved in your blog, rather than passively reading a post and moving on. Again, it’s this feeling of belonging that allows people to come back to your site. Personal involvement also motivates readers to spread the word about your content, inviting even more people to become part of your growing network. One way to invite folks to engage with you is to ask direct questions at the end of your posts. You can also periodically request input through surveys on the types of content your readership most enjoys or what they might want to see in the future. Be sure to act on the provided information for best results. You might also wish to solicit guest contributions from your audience on a regular basis. Allowing people to share what they know is a surefire way to get them involved.
Venture into the Real World
Meeting folks in person can have a tremendous effect on the engagement of your blog’s audience. Again, it has to do with increasing that feeling of personal investment. Humans logically feel more invested in those they feel connected with on a personal level. Getting together with folks in real life is one of the best ways to build that type of bond. Joining local blogger groups is a terrific way to introduce others to your blog. These bloggers will be inclined to read your content and share it among their own networks. If you have a sizable local readership, why not consider creating meetups to bring everyone together? You could suggest engaging in an activity related to your blog or simply encourage everyone to come together for dinner and discussion. Attending blogging conferences is yet one more way to make those real-world connections that so often lead to the creation of community. Conferences also provide wonderful learning and professional growth opportunities.
Contribute to Other Communities
You’re far more likely to draw interest in your blog if you show that you are a person who is interested in others. No one wants to give their time and energy to someone who is self-centered and only interested in what they can receive. Demonstrating that you are a joiner and are actively involved in the communities of others adds to your authenticity. You’ll soon develop a reputation as someone who is worth personal investment. Plus, it’s fun and educational to find communities of like-minded people with lots of information to share. Community membership can generate a cycle of growth in which everyone benefits.
These suggestions should help you to get started in taking your blog’s audience from passive readership to vibrant community. While it can take a lot of time and work to create an involved group, the benefits are well worth the investment.
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