Hi all- I need some help. I'd really like my blog to be one that people turn to regularly and leave comments on. I have the numbers via GFC, but most of those are from contests. I'd really like to have followers that follow because they love books and/or are writers themselves.
So- What should I do? What kind of posts would you like to see and follow? What can I do better? What can I do to make readers come to my blog?
If you have a blog of your own- any advice?
Thanks, Dorine
I just wanted to say I am a reader - and often it is the image attached to the post that pulls me into clicking the link from my reader. I'm still working on driving traffic towards my own blog - I think being passionate about your topic and either specialising in something or having super huge amount of variety is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteBecause I am constantly looking for new books to read, I look for new titles when I scroll through my browser. You post a fair number of books, but you run the range from picture books to YA, with more YA than middle grade, which is what I am looking for. Perhaps if you had a more specific focus? That said, I haven't been all that successful getting traffic to me own blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI think that's a hard one Dorine. Many of the popular book review blogs like Mundie Moms and The Story Siren do not get that many comments without contests.
ReplyDeleteOne of the keys is having a group of bloggers that you follow and comment on regularly. Because people tend to follow and comment if they see you doing the same on their blog.
You're right. I need to improve my own commenting.
DeleteI like blogs that really review a book or interview an author, not just do giveaways. I don't care if the books are new ones or books that have been around, and all genres are fine from picture books to YA, but I want a real review by someone who loves reading these book. I think you will begin to attract followers who are also interested in that and not just getting a free book.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I do try to make my reviews true reviews, I hope you enjoy them.
DeleteThanks everyone. That is some good advice. My main focus is the world of kidlit publishing, which is why I run the gambit from PB-YA.
ReplyDeleteI dunno, Dorine--I've been doing this five and a half years, and I still don't know how to build my own audience, without devoting hours and hours to it...I can't comment all that much, because of computer access and time issues, but I think that's a huge part of audience development, like Natalie said!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI am always interested in authors writing about what inspired them to write whatever they are working on or even titles from their past. It seems there is a lot of focus in YA on fiction, yet there are a number of excellent non-fiction being published. It would be nice to see someone pick up the flag for those titles as well.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your interviews.
Thanks, I like fiction based on real life stories.
DeleteFrom the looks of this post, I would say good questions brings in comments!
ReplyDeleteI'm new to reading your blog, and relatively new to blogging so I don't really have suggestions on this, but good luck.
Thanks Christy!
DeletePersonally I'm drawn to bookish discussion posts - I've noticed I get more comments on those than on reviews myself! Oh and let's not forget that many followers will read your posts but only few will actually comment. It's the blog-reader-laziness-syndrome (and I too am guilty of it more often than not)*sigh*.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I read so many blogs, but don't always have time to comment.
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