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10 Ways To Make Your Blog Social

This post was most recently updated on August 6th, 2016

10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialI will give you “10 Ways To Make Your Blog Social.”

Blogging is, first and foremost, a key part of social media.

It is a platform for meeting people, engaging with them and building relationships.

Your blog is where people come to meet you on your own terms, and to converse with you on theirs.

If you strive to make your blog the social center of all you do online, then you will have a rich and rewarding business model.

To the extent that you use it for anything less, you will diminish its power and potential.

10 Ways To Make Your Blog Social

1. Be Conversational

People love to talk.

If you engage them in conversation they’ll enjoy visiting your blog and will do so often.

They especially love to talk about their favorite subject… themselves.

So, as you get conversations moving forward, try to slant them in the direction of your readers.

In other words, don’t make the conversations too technical, detached and boring.

Make them about your readers, what they do, how they think, how they behave and what their problems.

Give folks a platform to tell the world all about their triumphs and perspective.

The best way to do this is in the comment section.

Encourage people to leave comments.

Try to direct the conversation by suggesting what sort of things they should talk about.

Instead of just saying “please leave a comment,” you can say “please share your thoughts on this topic,” or “what things have you tried” and so on.

Two keys to this conversation…

First, ask people to leave a comment and then share your blog post on their favorite social media sites.

People are much more likely to share your posts on social media sites if you ask them to.

This will greatly enhance the social and viral aspect of your blogging because it will draw a great many more people into the conversation, or at least into spectators of the conversation.

Second, make sure to reply to everybody’s comments.

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Make your replies an addition to the conversation, not an end to it.

For instance, if someone comments… “yes, I’ve tried that plugin but it didn’t work for me,” you can end the conversation by replying “that’s too bad, I hope others have better success.”

Alternatively, you can continue the conversation by replying like this: “I know some people have had that problem.

Maybe you could try using this other plugin instead, it works for a lot of folks.”

The more open ended your conversations are, the more deeply involved people get, and the more social and meaningful the interactions become.

2. Immediate Gratification

People come to your blog to get information, entertainment, perspective… or something else.

Actually, I don’t know why people come to your blog.

But you should.

Give them what they want and they’ll be like your best friend.

And don’t make them hunt all over for it.

If you promise a solution to a problem, like “5 Ways To Alleviate Headaches With Natural Remedies,” then give people those solutions without making them fight off pop-ups and sign up for your list and stand on your head.

The longer you delay giving people what you promised, the less rewarding will their visitor experience be, the less likely will they be to share your articles, and the less they will value their reader-blogger relationship with you.

3. Introducing Your Friends.

Being social means to introduce your friends to your readers.

What other bloggers are part of the conversations you have with your readers?

Bring them onto your blog in one way or another.

You could host a guest article, or review other blog posts.

Round-up posts and expert articles are a great way to let your readers know who else is in your circle.

4. Meeting On Social Media Sites

Carry the conversation from your blog to social media sites.

Don’t isolate your readers by trying to force them onto your blog.

If they like hanging our on Facebook or Instagram, then you should join them there.

Let them know you’re there for them, whether it’s on your blog or on the social media sites.

This will underscore the fact that you want to build a relationship with them, not just build a business on your blog site.

After all, which do you think they’re most interested in… your relationship with them, or your business?

5. Meet On Email

Email is part of social media.

You may think it’s your own private little world, but it’s not.

But because your readers feel like email is more private and intimate than a public blog, there may be no better place to be social than on your emails.

When you write to your followers, do it like you’re writing a private letter to a friend.

That helps you build a closer bond with them in a very natural way, and in a very comfortable, familiar setting.

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6. Help Your Friends Out

Your blog content should be helpful if nothing else.

Friends look out for each other, right?

When you’re writing about things that can help, inform, educate or entertain your readers, you are sharing content designed to help your readers.

When you do, they recognize that you know what they want.

You know what their challenges and pain points are, and you’re somebody who can help them get past them.

The more related content upgrades and services you offer them, the more they are part of the relationship, and the more they come to trust you.

7. Be User Friendly

Use things like images, video, podcasts and infographics to make your point and share your information.

People like these things more than just text.

Don’t overdo it, though, or it looks like you’re just working too hard to gain people’s trust and be relevant to the conversation.

Just do it enough that people can relate to you on various levels, and become familiar with you like they would if they talk to the same clerk at the local corner store a few times a week.

8. Share Your Expertise

Don’t hold back.

Let people know what you know.

Let them know you are sharing your best content on your blog.

Would you tell a friend, “I know what your problem is, but I’m only going to hint at the solution?”

Of course not.

You’d do everything you could to help solve the problem completely.

That’s what need to do on your blog, too.

I’m not saying to tell people everything you know.

But tell them everything you know about solving one tiny, immediate problem they are having.

They’ll love you for it, and want to build a strong relationship with you.

They will always regard you as an expert and authority in your niche… besides having become a valued and trusted friend forever.

Special: [FREE] Learn To Blog… (My Video Inside)

9. Tell Stories

Bloggers often think that “sharing your story” is all there is to creating a bond with their audience.

It’s a good start, but it’s only a start.

You should “share your story” about who you are, why you do what you do on your blog, and why you should be trusted.

You do that on your “About Me” page and on your social profiles.

Did you know that your “About Me” page will probably be the most viewed page on your entire blog?

It’s true.

And there’s a reason it’s true.

Most people want to know who they’re visiting when they come to your blog.

They want to know the real person behind the ideas being spun out on a regular basis.

They want to know you.

People are more fascinated with people than with ideas, facts and strategies.

Their fascination won’t end with your About Me page either, if you continually update them on your story.

Try to entwine your information with interesting stories about yourself or others.

Use the stories to illustrate points you’re making in your blog posts, and to give them life and interest.

This is an excellent way to bond with your readers.

The more they get to know you through your storytelling, the tighter your relationship with them becomes.

10. Sell Stuff

Now, bloggers are usually shy about selling stuff.

They think it turns them from being a “serious blogger” into a sales monger.

That could be true.

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I’ve seen blogs where bloggers just always try to sell things.

Now, that’s okay if you have a commercial site.

For affiliate bloggers and e-commerce bloggers… that’s fine to do.

But for most bloggers, you cannot keep a good audience and following if you’re always just trying to sell them products and services.

So, I generally tell my students and clients… “don’t be a selling machine… give value.”

On the other hand, you can actually become a more valued resource to people when you sell them products and services that actually help them solve their problems.

They key here, is that it’s not so much If you should sell stuff, but WHAT you are selling.

If you have a juice diet blog and are trying to sell dehumidifiers and hiking equipment on it, you look like a sales monger.

If, however, on the same blog, you are selling and affiliating high quality juicers, your audience will probably consider that a valuable part of your blog.

It will enhance their visitor experience.

It will actually help foster an even better relationship between you and your readers.

My Blogging Mentorship Program

Are you social when you blog?

Do you make your blog an inviting place for people to engage with you?

What do you think are the most effective of these “10 Ways To Make Your Blog Social?”

I’d love to have you comment below, an d please share this article on your favorite social sites.

-Donna

 

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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68 Responses to 10 Ways To Make Your Blog Social

  1. Corina Ramos
    Twitter:
    June 14, 2016 at 11:23 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I’m playing catch up from all the great blog posts I missed while I was off last month. Once again, you gave us some valuable tips.

    I would like to think I’m doing all of these. At first I was a little reluctant to share personal things on in my life but then I thought if I’m going to connect with other working moms, I should share my side of the crazy – and it’s worked. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing this with us. You always have something valuable to share. Hope you’re having a great day!

    Cori
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Make Money From Home: #workfromhome and #blogger jobsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill June 22, 2016 at 2:34 pm #

      Hi Cori,

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. I hope your month was a good one while you were away. Playing catch-up is not an easy task. I know…been there and done it many times.

      What I usually do is just pick up the latest when I get back because people understand that I’ve been away.

      Sharing some personal stuff is great…but not too personal lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Piggy Back BloggingMy Profile

  2. Dr. Erica Goodstone
    Twitter:
    June 5, 2016 at 8:23 pm #

    Donna,

    You have shared so much of your own hard earned wisdom about how to engage people on your blog and on social media. Many people just mouth the words but don’t actually practice what they say should be done. I can attest to the fact that you always share your friends’ articles and posts. You are always available for your followers to lend a helping hand. And you only sell when you know it is something that can benefit the reader. What a great role model you are. So happy to call you my friend.

    Warmly,

    Dr. Erica
    Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..Do Your Clients Feel Sexually Secure?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill June 9, 2016 at 11:23 am #

      Hi Dr. Erica,

      Awww….Thank you so much. Sharing articles not only benefits the person who writes it, but for all to read if it is helpful. I love my followers too, and if they do need a helping hand that I can offer, it is my pleasure to help out.

      Oh yes…I only will sell something if I know can benefit others. I guess I am a stickler for that. I have to use it myself first many times. Or..if it is not out yet, I will ask the vendor to give me a copy for a test run.

      I am so moved by your wonderful words, I too am blessed to have you as a friend.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You A Blogging Zombie?My Profile

  3. Monna Ellithorpe
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2016 at 5:34 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    We always know we can get great information from you on your blog.

    I would much rather visit a blog like yours that is warm and inviting and encourages conversation, than a blog with sentence after sentence of statistics and graphs (yawn), I’m usually gone very soon.

    Thanks again for sharing your expertise in blogging.

    • Donna Merrill June 9, 2016 at 11:18 am #

      Hi Monna,

      I am so happy to know that Monna.

      I know what you mean by that (yawn) when there are all those concrete things to read on a blog post. After yawning my mind starts to wander away. Guess I’m not wired for that kind of thing.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You A Blogging Zombie?My Profile

  4. Rachel
    Twitter:
    May 31, 2016 at 3:40 am #

    Hey Donna,

    As usual, I’m taking away a few handy tips. As I am getting closer and closer to my service becoming available I have been thinking a lot about the selling component. I’m watching closely where others put their ads. What I like and don’t like about certain ad placements. And of course the products I sell have to compliment my service and my blog. But I don’t want to be a selling machine. There will be no in your face tactics from my end.

    I have been doing a fair bit of learning in this area of late so I’m up for the challenge.

    When I first started blogging I wanted everyone to my blog. I did not understand that other social media sites were just as good to have conversation about my latest post as was my blog. That took a little while to get used to.

    Story telling is where I have had to be very careful, I am a great story teller but I don’t want all my lessons shared like that. I also love reading a good story as well. Thanks for the tips Donna.

    Rachel.

    • Donna Merrill June 4, 2016 at 1:30 pm #

      Hi Rachel,

      It is so common that when we start blogging we focus on people coming to our blog. I know I did the same when I started.

      Selling is important. If you are doing on your blog, it is great and I am with you…I don’t like to be pushy. (Only when I have a niche blog out there and selling a specific thing…yea..I can get a bit pushy lol) But not here.

      There is a balance that we need to reach. And you studying how others are doing it is a great start, but don’t forget the stats. Some seem like they are selling but there are crickets in their bank account. One never knows.

      You will find a fit and when you do, you will be successful …. I know because you are a great person that really cares for others.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  5. Emi
    Twitter:
    May 30, 2016 at 12:32 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    I would love to have a cup of coffee with you 🙂
    Excellent tips on making your blog social, be ‘you’ and relax.
    Chances are people are going to trust you faster.
    Thank you for sharing!

    • Donna Merrill June 4, 2016 at 1:26 pm #

      Hi Emi,

      I never say no to coffee! I would love to hang out with you too my dear.

      Indeed, once we are relaxed, it comes through our writing, and our videos when we do a blog post.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  6. Gurunath
    Twitter:
    May 30, 2016 at 11:42 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Happy to land on this post today and I loved the points discussed herewith. I love Social Media and I love making new friends. I am introducing my blog buddies in the form interviews and roundup posts that way building further relation. getting friends and readers to your blog is easy but in order to make them share your blog post you need to provide great content. otherwise, they don’t share.

    Thanks for this useful post and have a great day!!

  7. Kathryn Maclean
    Twitter:
    May 29, 2016 at 12:51 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Great tips, as usual!

    I liked that you said you wanted to build a relationship with your readers.
    Building a closer bond naturally in a comfortable setting, your blog.
    Also that your blog should be helpful and it should be friendly.
    All good points.

    Thanks!

    • Donna Merrill June 4, 2016 at 1:17 pm #

      Hi Kathryn,

      You of all people know all about this. You are so friendly and all your blogs encourage readers to comment and get into the subject matter.

      You rock girl.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  8. Sonal Talwar
    Twitter:
    May 29, 2016 at 5:48 am #

    Hi Donna

    All great tips!

    I liked two of the tips most. The first being conversational. Its important to make the readers feel hat we are talking to them rather than simply putting out the facts there.

    The second is to give the readers what they want. We should know what they love to read and give them that.

    Thanks for sharing!

    • Donna Merrill June 4, 2016 at 1:16 pm #

      Hi Sonal,

      Yes, we do have to write in a way that our readers feel that we are talking directly to them. There is nothing worse than going on a blog that has some kind of instructions like a manual he he he.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  9. ikechi
    Twitter:
    May 28, 2016 at 11:33 am #

    Hi Donna

    It is every blogger’s dream to make his blog an interactive community but must of them don’t have clue to achieve this goal.

    You post is just awesome and what fantastic lists that you have mentioned. These points are spot on.

    Sharing stories, being user friendly, engaging on social media and emails are just awesome ways to make a blog social. Thanks for sharing.

    • Donna Merrill June 4, 2016 at 1:15 pm #

      Hi Ikechi,

      Absolutely….it is a bloggers dream to have interaction on their blogs, But you know as well as I how it has to grow.

      When it comes to this, you are a master at it my friend.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  10. sazia
    Twitter:
    May 28, 2016 at 3:36 am #

    Hi Donna Merrill mam, Wonderful post about how to engage and maintain good relationship with people on social media. Thanks for sharing

  11. Pranay Khatri May 27, 2016 at 6:00 am #

    Hello Donna,
    Again wonderful post, I too follow most of the points mentioned above, and yes all are really practical way to engage audience on our blog.

    Replying to every comments is best way to re-engage them, because when we reply our readers may re-engage with the following comment.

    Asking them to leave their suggestion/feedback or experience can also be a fantastic way to get engagement, because it can be excited for users who wanna share their experience related something to the post.

    Really thanks Donna, for the outstanding list indeed.
    Regards,
    Pranay

    • Donna Merrill June 4, 2016 at 1:13 pm #

      Hi Pranay,

      Indeed, we always have to remember to ask our readers to leave their suggestions or feedback in some way to encourage them to comment. It is amazing how some people are too shy to comment. I have communicated with avid readers of my blog via email or Facebook and when I asked why they didn’t leave a comment it was because they were either to shy or didn’t have a blog.

      Sometimes we just have to remember to spell things out to others lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  12. Manidipa Bhaumik
    Twitter:
    May 27, 2016 at 3:07 am #

    Hey Donna,

    Though I saw the post couple of days back, but somehow was not able to make a comment 🙂

    As I said while sharing the post, I truly love how you discussed about being conversational. The ending lines are really important to make people feel the urge to comment.

    As you said, people wants to talk about their most favourite topic – themselves (no doubt in that). So they would surely love to share their experiences and queries about the topic of the post, if asked in that manner. Thanks for sharing all the ideas. Take care and have a lovely day ahead
    Manidipa Bhaumik recently posted..TeslaThemes Review – Brilliantly Designed Premium WordPress ThemesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill June 4, 2016 at 1:08 pm #

      Hi Mandipa,

      Hmm…. I think you couldn’t comment because I was adding and removing some plugins lol.

      Indeed, we have to keep giving people the urge to comment. Otherwise, they won’t. Encouragement is the best thing we can do.

      Thanks for coming back!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  13. Michael
    Twitter:
    May 27, 2016 at 12:08 am #

    Hi Donna,

    You are on the money #9. The “About” page does get a lot of hits – people want to know you.

    Sharing stories and mixing the post with personal experience and facts make some of the best posts and it does bring in a lot of readers.

    –Michael
    Michael recently posted..Verizon Wireless PrepaidMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill June 1, 2016 at 2:39 pm #

      Hi Michael.

      Indeed, that ‘About’ page will get many hits if you track it. Many people won’t comment and that’s fine, but they want to know who we are.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  14. Stephanie Faris
    Twitter:
    May 26, 2016 at 10:29 pm #

    Great tips! So often we can feel as though we’re speaking to ourselves! Through reading other blogs and leaving comments, I get people to comment mine. Over time, you start to get to know each other. Following each other on sites like Facebook and Twitter can make a difference, as well.
    Stephanie Faris recently posted..Living in a Clickbait WorldMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill June 1, 2016 at 2:37 pm #

      Hi Stephanie,

      It is so true, when we blog leave a comment on someone’s blog, they go to ours. Eventually we get to know each other. I’ve made so many great relationships doing this.

      From business partnerships to just being friends…it is amazing.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  15. Stella Chiu
    Twitter:
    May 26, 2016 at 10:20 pm #

    Hi, Donna

    They are fantastic lists. I loved they were all down-to-earth and practical tips. I liked the way you presented them in such personal way.

    Your list reminded me that I really need to play attention to certain areas such as make the blog in more conversational and engaging styles. I am also starting to sell stuff in my blog – only taking small step. Just take one day at a time to learn the skill in doing that.

    Enjoy the rest of the week

    Stella Chiu
    Stella Chiu recently posted..No Health/Wellness Program can be Completed without FastingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill June 1, 2016 at 2:32 pm #

      Hi Stella,

      I am so happy to know that you are going to start selling stuff on your blog. Blogging takes time and energy. If one decides to be a ‘hobby blogger’ that’s fine…but think of all the ways to make money. We don’t have to chase after millions, but start off with a little at a time and work our way up.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  16. Mark
    Twitter:
    May 26, 2016 at 10:51 am #

    Big congrats Donna!

    once again, you’ve managed to hit it out of the park!LOL!

    I definitely love all ten of your extremely solid tips!

    And I really love the fantastic way you articulated your opening paragraph!

    It really makes our mission and our potential rewards crystal clear!

    And your tips #’s 2,4, 6 and especially # 8, really strike a chord with me! But for sure
    all ten tips you shared are spot on!

    And that’s why I will definitely be sharing you excellent post! Thanks Coach! Another outstanding post for sure!
    Mark recently posted..Who Says Effective Lead Generation Strategies Can’t Involve A Really Great Tasting Dinner?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill June 1, 2016 at 2:24 pm #

      Hey Mark,

      Thank you…that opening paragraph really outlines it all doesn’t it?

      Good to know you liked the ten tips my friend.

      And #8 is very important. Sharing our expertise is sometimes hard to do. We don’t want to blurt it out and chase people away. But I see it as others following our actions. We can talk the talk, but have to walk the walk for others learn.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging NicheMy Profile

  17. Kim Willis
    Twitter:
    May 26, 2016 at 7:15 am #

    All great points here, Donna

    But if I had to choose my favs:

    1. Be Conversational. Avoid stilted, formal language like the plague. Write (more or less) as you talk)

    2. Share Your Expertise. Demonstrating competence is mandatory

    3. Tell Stories. The ability to tell stories, and tell them well, separates the best from run of the mill bloggers.

    4. Sell Stuff. Oh yeah. But why are so many bloggers hesitant about sales and promotion?

    Another gold star post, Donna

    Kim
    Kim Willis recently posted..How to Use Authority Positioning to Give Your Competitors NightmaresMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 27, 2016 at 2:01 pm #

      Hi Kim.

      Thanks for your awesome feedback.

      We do need to be conversational and write just as we talk. Sharing our expertise will help gain authority in whatever niche we are in.

      Oh telling stories…people just love that!

      And of course, sell stuff….don’t be shy…just do it I tell them all the time. But it has to be done in a way that comes from us. Affiliates still get confused and to an opt in that goes straight to the “other guy” no one knows. I always tell them to “lead in with a video of themselves first then introduce the “other guy” I know it is a double opt in, but if people are really serious, they will do it.

      Cheers!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  18. Lisa Sicard
    Twitter:
    May 26, 2016 at 6:43 am #

    Hi Donna, wow, I have some more work to do after reading this. I think it is important to respond to comments within 24-4 hours. I need to get a little more personal though in the comments. I also need to do more posts which includes other bloggers, people, etc. I haven’t done one like that in a while.
    I also need to work on the storytelling type of posts – I haven’t done one in a long time. I’m too focused on sharing what I know, the expertise type of post.
    Thanks for sharing these tips Donna and I hope you enjoy the rest of the week and long weekend ahead!
    Lisa Sicard recently posted..See How Realtors Can Absolutely Benefit From TwitterMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 26, 2016 at 12:03 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      Sometimes someone will go to an old blog of mine and I catch it way after that 24 hour period. But it is so true…we need to be on top of our comments quickly.

      I haven’t done a round up or guest post for a long time. I believe it is because I’ve been a guest and/or contributor to many blogs these days and it’s keeping me busy.

      Storytelling is always a hit with people..

      Enjoy your week and this weekend coming up. It’s a long one and the tourists are in town, so I’ll be hiding lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  19. Shamsudeen Adeshokan
    Twitter:
    May 25, 2016 at 6:08 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I think one of the best ways to make your blog social is to open up the comment box like you already doing here so your readers can have a space to voice their opinion.

    I see some authority blogs doing the opposite (closing comment section on the blog), the blog no longer a place of engagements or debates. It is now a one-way classroom where the teacher just talk and the student listen with no option to say something.

    If you have something to ask or contributes, do so by filling a report later.

    That takes away the traditional purpose of a blog.

    Thanks Donna, your 10 points are valid.
    Shamsudeen Adeshokan recently posted..Website Traffic HandBook: 14 Smart Ways to Increase Your Website Traffic TodayMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 26, 2016 at 12:47 pm #

      Hi Shamsudeen,

      Indeed, having the comment box open is a must in order to get your blog social. Our readers need to voice their opinions and that’s how we get to know each other.

      He He…yes those closed comments are like a one way classroom where the teacher is talking to a student who just has to sit there listening.

      I like the traditional purpose of a blog. Trends may come and go but the traditional way will always be there.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  20. Sherman Smith May 25, 2016 at 12:32 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    Being conversational and helping your friends out are the two most important tips I believe out of the 10 you mentioned.

    The goal is engagement and this leads to authority, trust and a loyal following.

    When you have this combo you build strong relationships, a support group when you need it, and ultimately improved conversions.

    Consistency is key to accomplish this!

    Great post Donna!
    Sherman Smith recently posted..Conquering The Fear Of Publishing Your New Blog PostMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 26, 2016 at 11:59 am #

      Hi Sherman,

      Helping others out is number one! Indeed our engagement with others does lead to trust, and authority.

      And…of course consistency is key. Put them all together and one cannot loose!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  21. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    May 25, 2016 at 11:48 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Your post shows that one sure thing is that just writing a little blog post here and there while doing nothing else won’t get you anywhere.

    I was shocked when our dear friend Adrienne told me that many of her clients weren’t doing the things she told them to do to improve their blogging experience and success. This tells me that too many people who are doing this thing online think that’s going to just happen out of nowhere.

    But like anything that we want results with it’s going to require some serious involvment. And that from someone who believes very strongly in the law of attraction, but even that, if you’re not working on it, you’re going to attract crap.

    So, change, requires “work” which is a word I don’t like, so I call it “involvement.”

    Thanks for your great tips, Donna.
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..How to Create Captivating Business Blog PostsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 26, 2016 at 11:56 am #

      Hi Sylviane,

      As you well know, blogging has to be about consistency and good content. I like the way you chose to use the word involvement instead of work because it does take time, but time well spent.

      We can teach others, as Adrienne did, but cannot expect all of our clients to do that involvement. Only a small percentage will. This is why when I do a one to one with clients, they do have to fill out a lot on a Q & A I send them. I also say to them, if you don’t have the time and commitment, please do not work with me lol.

      People have to know what it takes, plus that LOA too because it is an important part of the whole.

      Great seeing you and loving your pictures on Facebook in France.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  22. Mi Muba
    Twitter:
    May 25, 2016 at 8:23 am #

    Hi Donna

    What you have suggested in this post does reflect from your every act be it writing your blog post, commenting on others blog, helping other bloggers or bringing new ideas to offer best blogging solutions.

    Without creating very helpful contents it is useless to share them on social media. People may notice them but would never notice them again after getting disappointed on first time clicking them.

    I noted your each post does have a very strong message that guides your readers to either resolve a problem, enhance their one of the activities, speed up their journey or something else that directly helps them. This is called awesomeness of the contents.

    In this age of commercialization it is good to share everything that has any value but sharing them without any strategy would waste the time of readers and also our time as well. So it is good to first make a plan and decide what benefits we are going to give to our readers in our next blog post.

    Interacting with our blog community on our blog only is not sufficient to make stronger ties with them. Our sole objective should not be to sell something to them. It must be beyond that. It must be a regular stream of help and guidance that whenever they need some guidance or help they must look at us. So our interaction should be closer and frequent with them.

    All the points you mentioned really helped a lot to make our blog more social and make it more familiar with a wider level of audience. Our purpose should be to help more and more people and keep increasing the number of people who easily can get help from our skills and experience.

    The basic spirit of blogging is now more than just doing a business. It now aims to do business on long term basis and for this purpose one needs to establish the foundation of his brand on strong footing to continue serving people as much as they want.

    Many thanks for sharing this very informative and helpful post and I do want to share one important sentence that I read quite recently.

    This is an era where more important is not what you know but the main thing is who you know.

    Hope you are successfully wrapping up the beginning of your week.
    Mi Muba recently posted..How to never quit blogging by achieving genuine success?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 25, 2016 at 9:21 pm #

      Hi Mi Muba,

      It’s great to have all your deep insights here.

      #1 most important thing to do with your blog it to have top notch content. That means, content that helps your readers solve their problems and improve their lives.

      Without that, like you say, why bother share your posts and get people to view your content if it will only disappoint them.

      Once that’s in place, you need to find ways to share your content… in other words, marketing your content.

      Then, like you say, just “continue serving people.”

      Blogging is a very simple concept, right? But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t take a lot of work, effort and heart to pull it all together on a consistent basis.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  23. Enstine Muki
    Twitter:
    May 25, 2016 at 5:11 am #

    Beautiful tips Donna 😉

    I see you in that café spot and one of the reasons you are there is the cleanliness right?

    Say Hi to Dave 😉

    I think one factor is the aesthetics. If the virtual look of your blog is not appealing, it will keep some people away. People like to see beautiful images, graphics, fonts, etc. That’s why it’s important to get a premium theme.

    Yours is top and can keep people scrolling for as long as possible. Your graphics and image quality is attractive and that’s what I’m talking about.

    You know social is about people mingling and feeling comfortable with each other.

    You mentioned pop ups and that pulled an aha out of my belly. What’s even more annoying is that on some blogs, you see the popup each time a page loads. If you click 5 times, you see the same popup 5 times.

    To make it even more annoying, the tiny X close button is hidden somewhere. You have to waste a few more seconds trying to locate it.

    While some people think these popups are effective in building their list, most of them completely don’t understand how to configure them 😉

    I love this post Donna so I’m off to sharing on social platforms
    Enstine Muki recently posted..Scarcity Marketing: What is it? How does it increase conversion?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 25, 2016 at 7:30 pm #

      Hi Enstine,

      Yes…that restaurant is clean and simple lol. You know I wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t.

      Thanks so much for the feedback of my blog…how it looks and works. So far so good until I get around to change things…there is always room for change! I have to say I will get around to that Thrive theme one of these days and I’ll be contacting YOU. I’m just loving the look of your blog these days. But with so much on my plate right now marketing, I haven’t got a chance. David and I talked about it and once we get out of our marketing wave….we will be talking to you.

      Oh those pop ups.. I was on a blog and as I scrolled down to read it the darn thing popped up several times and I lost track of what I was reading. And the other ones where the hidden x is…sometimes I just have to leave!

      Glad you enjoyed the post!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  24. Robin Khokhar
    Twitter:
    May 25, 2016 at 12:59 am #

    Hi Donna,
    It’s been a long time that I haven’t visited your blog but today I got a chance and found this fantastic post of yours.
    And I must say that personal interactions increase trust and value. Moreover. I will be keeping in mind some of the tips you have shared.
    Thanks for the share.
    Robin Khokhar recently posted..Multi-Niche blog vs. Single-niche Blog: Which is Better and Why?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 25, 2016 at 7:19 pm #

      Hi Robin,

      Great to see you again.

      Indeed, personal interactions do increase the trust value. Once we have that, we are on our way to monetizing our products and/or services.

      Glad you liked it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  25. Jennifer Giacoppo
    Twitter:
    May 24, 2016 at 10:16 pm #

    Hey Donna,
    I absolutely love your blogs. I can feel you in them. I love what you write about and always enjoy the read.

    What I love mostly is that you are trying to tell people to be a person. Be someone you would like to be served by or sold to. Even though you are not sales-y, you have sold me on who you are.

    I love your style and your personality always shines through your blog.
    I also love that you are trying to convey to people that relationships are everything first and foremost.

    Thankyou for your sharing of this topic you covered it well-Jennifer

    • Donna Merrill May 25, 2016 at 7:11 pm #

      Hi Jennifer,

      Thank you for your feedback. It means the world to me. Because I have had extreme success years back with offline businesses and apply the same concept online…it comes down to people.

      That’s what needs to be in everyone’s mindset if they are entrepreneurs. Serving others, being truly interested in the welfare of others is the seed that will build just any business at all.

      If someone is in it for the money, they just won’t last. I’ve seen it for many years offline and online. Chasing the dollar is not business. Servicing others is…and the money will follow.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  26. Bren Pace
    Twitter:
    May 24, 2016 at 1:54 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    Super awesome tips as always. I like to think I do these things, but what do I now. I try my best to be engaging, non-confrontational, and an open-mind. I like to keep both of my sites they same way, although sometimes I may stray a bit on my hobby blog. Selling is something that I’m not sure I’m good at. I don’t like to be pushy and will help a friend in need before myself.

    I think these are great tips that all bloggers and entrepreneurs should consider. Passing it along.

    B
    Bren Pace recently posted..Monday Musings #3 – Get the Funk Out!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 25, 2016 at 7:08 pm #

      Hi Bren,

      You are so engaging! Your blog is always entertaining for me to visit! As for selling anything, as long as we ourselves have used it, see it is working, it is A-OK to sell and pass it along to others.

      Your services on your blog are amazing. You are an open and loving person, so I wouldn’t think twice before purchasing anything I needed from you.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  27. Cararta
    Twitter:
    May 24, 2016 at 1:44 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Imagine, since I have several blogs…know on one in particular…to much Sales info and on the other nothing much to buy.

    Life is still a mystery.,..learn and experiment as you go !

    Finding a middle ground…where what you give is worth as much or more than
    what you are peddling is a puzzle to many of us.

    As for email, working diligently even without
    responder glitches it is still a JOB!

    ~Cararta
    Cararta recently posted..Underground Greenhouses or a WalipiniMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 25, 2016 at 7:05 pm #

      Hi Cararta,

      It sure is a peddling puzzle to many of us. We need to provide good information, but also need to monetize our blogs.

      Indeed, if we keep learning as we go, we will never be bored nor old. lol.

      Email is a job with or without an autoresponder. It needs to be cleaned out constantly and we need to talk to our folks on the list all the time….still balancing.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  28. Dana
    Twitter:
    May 24, 2016 at 1:32 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    It’s an awesome list – and I’d like to think I do all of these things…
    …except number 10.

    I’m the first one to admit I’m skitterish about selling.

    I do have my services and book on the blog, and of course I’ve written about them in posts, etc – but I have some deep rooted fear of selling in and of itself.

    It’s rediculous too because I know that what I have to offer is valuable, so by NOT being comfortable selling, I’m probably stopping people from obtaining some helpful things. Just something I have to keep working on.

    Great info here. Passing it along.
    Dana recently posted..People Who Inspire MeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 25, 2016 at 6:54 pm #

      Hi Dana…

      Girl…we gotta talk! You have such great information for others. You inspire people. Now, the services you offer are worth it.

      Think of this; You may be skittish about selling, but what you are really doing is depriving others of help. (Sorry…I had to slap you around lol) But it is so true. I know you well enough to say it. Your story inspires others. Your expertise is a healthy way for others getting to wellness.

      -Donna

      P.S. Thanks so much for including me in your last post of people who inspire you. You know…you inspire me as well.
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  29. Renard Moreau
    Twitter:
    May 24, 2016 at 10:37 am #

    [ Smiles ] I would have never guessed that selling stuff helped in the area of making one’s blog social.

    As always, thank you for sharing your expertise!

  30. Rachel Lavern
    Twitter:
    May 24, 2016 at 7:15 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I do a lot of the things you mentioned (just not regularly). One that I will start doing a bit less of is sharing my expertise. Although most of my posts are quite short, I tend to have diarrhea of the mouth when I’m sharing something I love.

    I know that an important part of getting people to trust you is to share your expertise. That’s the beauty behind blogging. It doesn’t seem that many entrepreneurs, though, don’t consider blogging as part of their personal branding strategy. This is a mistake because they are missing out on making valuable connections with their audience.
    Rachel Lavern recently posted..Calendaring : Clustering and Clumping TimeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 25, 2016 at 6:51 pm #

      Hi Rachel,

      Oh girl….you can give information but never give away the entire farm! That information has to be put into a product…something people will pay for. Your information and time is well worth it.

      I know some entrepreneurs that I teach that never have blogged. Now they are all trying to get on the band wagon lol. They are seeing that it is a strong part of a business plan in today’s world.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  31. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    May 24, 2016 at 4:25 am #

    Hi Donna,

    You said all that we need to make our blog social. Increasing circle on social media also helps. The best tip you have given is “give what the readers want”. Yes, when you give something that your readers are actually looking for, they are naturally provoked to share your blog post with their friends who may need the similar information.

    For example, if I am searching for “how to do podcasts” and if I get an awesome content by some blogger that really helps me, i would love to share that content because that is what helped me, and it may help others who have the same query.

    Thanks for writing such a good post. 🙂
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..10 Apps Like Spotify You Should Give a ShotMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 25, 2016 at 6:49 pm #

      Hi Atish,

      Yes, our blogs are social. It is where people come over and comment…we go to theirs and round and round we go.

      Giving good content needs to be number one. Yes, I do feel the same way as you when you illustrated getting good content from a blogger. We automatically want to shout it out to everyone we know because it has helped us…and we know it will help others.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  32. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    May 23, 2016 at 11:23 pm #

    Well said, and I love your comment,”… give people those solutions without making them fight off pop-ups and sign up for your list and stand on your head.”

    I do most of these, especially replying to comments. I used to completely suck at email so the past couple of months that’s where I’ve focused my attention and I’ve been encouraged by the results. I saw that as laying a foundation leading into my next priority which is guest posting. I will maintain social media, but with a new book and course coming out I need to tap into new and larger audiences so lots of writing and networking ahead of me over the next couple of months!
    Marquita Herald recently posted..Are You Using Fear as an Excuse?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 25, 2016 at 6:47 pm #

      Hi Marquita,

      So true…I rather have solutions to a problem than fight off pop ups of splash pages any day!

      Good to know that you are having good results with your emails. They are important to keep up with because those are the people who took the time to sign in and in just doing so, they are interested.

      I do believe that guest posting will be good for you especially with your new book and course coming out. Indeed, tapping into a larger audience will be worthwhile.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  33. Mitch Mitchell
    Twitter:
    May 23, 2016 at 9:27 pm #

    I have to admit that I do all of these in some form or another except for email. That’s kind of funny because I used to be all about email. These days it’s kind of a necessary evil, to the extent that I fall way behind on addressing it or using it. That’s not a good thing, but luckily since I use Mailwasher I always catch the important stuff.

    Storytelling… I seem to have seen that somewhere? 😉
    Mitch Mitchell recently posted..Do You Have The Creativity To Blog?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 25, 2016 at 12:59 pm #

      Hi Mitch,

      When it comes to email…it is a blessing and a curse lol. I love it, but need to always clean it up at least once a month.

      As for storytelling…you are the best at it!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

  34. Muhammad Tabish
    Twitter:
    May 23, 2016 at 8:47 pm #

    Hello. Sis, I’m Back 😛
    Wow Sis,
    This is Fantastic & Interesting Article Thank you! I struggle to find my main idea, so I am working on a few categories to see which I like the most. I will try all these Great Tips, though. Keep Sharing Good Night 🙂
    Muhammad Tabish recently posted..What is MLM Software India? And what should you know about it?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill May 23, 2016 at 10:38 pm #

      Hi There again 🙂

      So glad you found this article interesting. We have to understand that our blogs are a social network per se…. We have to keep things interesting and try to have people comment. All the best to you finding the category you like the most.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A StoreMy Profile

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