On the Practice of Blogging

Last week one of my all-time favorite bloggers, Melissa from the Inspired Room, posted a great video about how to increase web traffic. She welcomed her readers to "de-lurk" and introduce themselves in the comments. I comment all the time. So much so, that when I look at where my readers are coming from a good proportion are directed from her site. 

I told her that writing Cosy Carolina gives purpose to my days, but confessed that I get a little discouraged when there are no comments. (I am happy that at least there are never any mean comments. Let's keep that up, for sure, people!)

Here's what she replied:

I can imagine that would be discouraging starting out right now. Comments are way down for everyone in the last year or two, I think because of the volume of social interaction online and amount of bloggers and social media sites available now, people take less time to comment and find new bloggers. It is hard for a blogger to not get any feedback in comments, I know I need that conversation to be able to talk TO someone when I write, not just myself . The only thing I can think of is to maybe choose to comment regularly on others blogs and build some relationships with bloggers who are newer as well and want that same interaction. Usually newer bloggers will reciprocate and share comments on your blog too so I encourage you to find a group of pals to interact with and maybe build each other up a little bit so it isn’t as lonely! xo

Before I go any farther, I have to say that I am super thrilled that of my nine followers, the majority are here for reasons other than family loyalty (not that my family shouldn't keep reading; you are my loyalest supporters and I'm so glad for it.) I'm happy that some of you have chosen to get the posts by email; thank you very much! And I love it when I'm out somewhere and one of you whispers "Great post! Keep writing." 

But, I just wouldn't be me if I wasn't trying to improve somehow. So I'm going to keep trying to grow this thing. Make it better. Go big or go home, right?!

Part of that development will be connecting with other bloggers. If you've got a blog, let me know! Let's form a little posse! In fact, I just read about some bloggers who met by doing a blogger gift exchange. How fun would that be?! 

I also think developing local relationships is a pretty amazing idea. Just because blogs make it possible for me to know what a house in the Pacific Northwest looks like on the inside, doesn't mean that we couldn't have a mitten network for bloggers of all sorts from here in Michigan. 

So if you are reading this, please make today the day you leave a comment. Introduce yourself, leave a link to your blog if you have one, or just say "hi".  :) Because your comments really do make my day!