Back when I was thinking about doing my ‘first birthday’ blog post, I was wracking my brains for some interesting blog-type tidbit to pass on and darn if I couldn’t think of anything unique to add to the discussion.
But I think I have something new to add after all!
Because I have lots of lovely, engaged ‘followers’ (man, I hate that word!), I often get emails from new bloggers asking me how I built my community so quickly. I generally respond with the ‘big three’:
1. Enjoy visiting lots of blogs and leave comments when you can
2. Write at regular times so people know when to find you
3. Ask questions in your post if you are interested in a response
Like I said, the usual suspects.
But I think I have something new to add after all!
I had a little bit of time to browse on Tuesday and I did something I haven’t done for a long time. I ‘hopped’ from new blog to new blog to see what’s out there. I’m sure we all do this, usually clicking on links we’ve never been to in the blog rolls on each blog we visit. Standard stuff.
But I think I have something new to add after all!
Because what I did, and have always done without realising what it meant, was read the comments on posts that interested me and then I clicked on a comment that interested me and then I visited that person’s blog and if I liked it, I left a comment and if I really, really liked it, I followed. That’s how I built my community, you see, by finding out about the blogs of people who are already commenters.
You see?
We all know stacks of great people who read many, many blogs but don’t tend to leave a comment. Which is just fine (although I don’t know how they do it, I can’t shut up myself). But if you want some engagement and interaction on your site (which, I don’t know about you, but for me is the best bit about blogging) then look to make friends with the commenters.
That’s all. Probably not so revelationary after all now that I see it written down (which is so often the case, isn’t it!), but it was a big ‘jump in the air’ moment for me when I suddenly realised what I was subconsciously up to. Do you do things like that?
And now, in the true spirit of blogging, I invite every single person who is reading this post to leave me a comment to say hi. Even if it’s just a ‘hi’ or even a dreaded π and even if you stay Anonymous.
Just so I know you’re there.
[Image originally found here]
Adriel (The Mommyhood Memos) says
you… are a genius. love this idea.
and now… the dreaded π
and one more for good measure π
happy blog birthday. x
Rachel @ Little Bits of Lovely says
Hello lovely. Great post and I love your blog even if I don’t comment all the time π Congrats on your first blogging birthday! xx
Mama Mogantosh says
Hi!
Rhi@FlourChild says
Hi π (sorry)
I found some of my favourite blogs, and most loyal commenters, by using this exact same method, unintentionally though. It definitely helps grow a community, and it’s also nice to know that other people read your comments.
Love your blog, as always. x
Karen Wilson says
*poke* (just for something different to a ‘hi’)
Catherine says
Hi there:) I love hearing all your little tidbits of info and the way you write it all down. Cute picture too. xo
littlebetty says
Yep.
Christie - Childhood 101 says
Hi! Always here but not always time to comment =)
Amy says
Howdy (for something different to Hi)
Sammie says
I sometimes wonder when my ‘stats’ show so many page views, but then I only get a comment or two?
I wonder why a post I think is quite interesting doesn’t get much or no response (comments) and others which get heaps of comments are maybe just normal everyday to day stuff?
I can’t remember how I stumbled across your blog? I think I did something similar? you can get a little lost out there in blog land!
I don’t always comment on your posts, but I do throughly enjoy reading each and every one of them!
you have a great way with words!
I especially loved yesterdays!
MultipleMum says
o
Kellie says
Hurro π
Some great tips there! I try to comment where I can, sometimes I dont have much in the way of opinions on some posts but Im always happy to give support or share a laugh.
And Im making more of an effort to comment back to readers on my blog. Just to be awesome.
x
Petrice says
Hi! I love your blog. I came about it via another blog commenting on your ‘grateful for…’ series. Beautiful!
Tai Tai says
‘Sup?
(for something different)
x
ClaireyH says
I sometimes see in my stats that I have a huge amount of traffic from a blog, but can’t work out why, I then realized it is from comments I have left that people must have liked.
So reading comments you like helps, but so too does commenting with a decent comment, not just…good post.
Cate says
yup – I’m here!!
xxxCate
thatblogyoudo says
Hi, Your blog is cool π
Caz (The Truth About Mummy) says
Oh geeze, didn’t realise π were dreaded I leave them everywhere π
Cazxx
Anonymous says
Long time “follower”, not the commenting type but thought I’d respond to your challenge and say hello
Kerry says
Crumbs. So simple. Now how to find another few hours in the day to comment on all those fine blog posts out there! Oh, and you left out point 4…probably due to modesty…you always have something interesting to say :))
Loz says
Hellllooooo! and a mighty big wave! I need to get my comment groove on..I am uber slack in this dept. Which is strange..considering the high I get when I see a little comment appear on my bloggity blog. My excuse..I’m usually mutitasking while Ninja Wrangling..and reading blogs on my phone!
I love, LOVE your blog xx
Alice Becomes says
interesting point, i do like to visit people who i know comment back…it is part of the connection, isn’t it? In real life we maintain relationships that work both ways, it is the same in the blogging world.
i think kerry also makes a good point, your posts are always engaging
Gill xo
A Farmer's Wife says
Well hi there.
flowerpress says
π
(sorry, couldn’t resist)
Vic says
π
(…you asked for it!)
Me 'N My Monkeys says
Hey!
Love reading your posts.
xx
Michele says
Hi. And you forgot to add the fine print. The downside of this blog hopping – its twofold. In the short-term hours spent like Alice down the rabbithole going from one comment to another to a great blog and back again. Whoops its past my bedtime and the house is still a mess. and then the big problem of ending up with so many wonderful blogs to read that it is impossible to keep up with them all.
But I just ant bring myself to cull.
And still have that little niggle that theres more out there I have yet to read and follow.
Hmmmm….addicted much?
Brenda says
Hi you.=)
MissPosy says
I spend way too much time blog-hopping – I get started and can’t stop… Especially bad if I start at work on my lunch break!
Jen says
Hiya, sorry I can’t help myself π
Adriana says
HiYa.
I’m always reading along, enjoying your blog.
And always ‘hopping’ to new blogs too… just not always commenting.
I know it’s slack.
I tend to leave a whole lot of comments one day, then none for the next few days…
Depends on how chatty I’m feeling, I guess.
I’ll try to make more of an effort from now on. I know how nice it is to hear that someone is interested in what you have to say!
Diminishing Lucy says
30 comments in a tiny short space of time has got to be a winner…xx
Miss Mandy says
I love it.
And further more I love when people comment on my blog posts. It makes me feel happy!
And your maxabella grateful link ups are full of fun and friendly people!!
Glen says
I stopped reading months ago. So I can’t comment today I’m afraid
MomAgain@40 says
Of course! Did not think of that! Thanks for making us aware! π
IAMJOROSS says
Your SUPERB! π
Max says
I just bloghopped here now, kia ora! Right, off to continue reading your blog now, happy bloggy birthday!
Sam-O says
Thumbs up! Love Your Work! Sx
Daisy, Roo and Two says
I love to comment and get comments, and reply to commenters, but am always worried about writing something really mundane and boring. Even when I don’t have much to say I always want to just say “hi”. I think I’m going to from now on – thanks for inspiring me to do so!
LionessLady says
Hi! I find I dont do the smiley faces in my comments but I tend ot overuse exclamation marks in all my comments!!!
Whoops!!! Did it again!
Tammi says
H E L L O !!
This is how I actually found a lot of the blogs that I follow…I would continuously see the same commenters and started clicking over to see what they were about…I kinda just assumed that this was the norm…but then maybe it’s just my noisy nature π
x
Cat from Raspberry Rainbow says
Hi ya!
Ali says
Hello! *waves*
I don’t often comment but I’m always reading!
katiecrackernuts says
I know what you’re thinking… will she just shut up. I am a bit of a gab in the comment box too.
Frog, Goose and Bear says
I read every post you write. Just don’t always know what to say. You’re very good at that. I’m going to make more time to do so from now on. Not to get more followers but because I know how much I love to get comments regardless of how small. As you said, conversation and community is one of the best parts of blogging!
Salamander says
As my Phoebalina would say, I lub you, Maxabella!!!
You are a bloggy guru. That’s why I read you every day – even when I don’t have time to comment because there is yoghurt in my hair, a dog licking the baby’s fingers, and I’ve just opened the front door to the post man with my nursing bra unhooked…
Mama of 2 boys says
I’m with you all the way… find it too darned hard NOT to comment… unless the post really doesn’t take my fancy.
So pleased I now know you hate the :o) I’ll be careful not to leave any of the blighters on my comments in future.
( . ) ( . ) Maybe a set o’ these instead!
Tas says
lol What did the good old π do to deserve a bad rap?
If there were only a few more hours in our days to explore the blogging world more thoroughly, I’d be there. But really it is on the laps of the gods of fate as to whom I come across. Or else I’d never have any time to knit!
Anita says
Hi, I’m here π
Vanessa says
I do that too. I am often inspired to check out commenters’ blogs. I loved your courtesy to respond to my first comment by visiting me and commenting.
I have become a follower for several blogs. Can anyone tell me how I keep track of who I am following? I mean, I know I follow you, but if I had forgotten I am not sure I would feel energitic enough to look through 899!!!! thumbnails.
Kerri says
Hello from Kansas, USA! I found you through Greatfun4kids’ blog, and I am enjoying yours!
Ms Styling You says
I’m here – just late to the party today.
Rachael says
That’s one of my favorite parts about blogging myself! I love leaving comments!
Stacia says
Happy Blogiversary!! And here’s to many more!
MissDMarie says
I blog-hop when I get bored (which is how I stumbled upon yours =])in the evenings to see what all is out there. It is still fun to see how wrapped you can get and how fast the time flies.
Happy Blogiversary!
Hi I'm Rhonda. says
I can’t shut up with the comments either!
mini coach says
She looks great in the pic.
Kristy says
I always feel like something just isn’t right if I have been around spreading some comment love. I love reading blogs on my breaks at work. What a great way to spend time AND be entertained or learn something new.
The KitchenMaid says
Ah, that’s exactly what I do re comment-following (and often I get so distracted by it that I forget to leave a comment on the original blog – and why I am still here in my pjs, breakfast unmade, house in chaos, small child needing to get up…argh) So I am often lurking here, Maxabella, but being dragged away by one of your other ‘friends’ (nicer than followers, don’t you think?) before I get to say hi and ‘wow you have hit the nail on the head, as usual’. Given the rambling nature of this comment, maybe that’s not such a bad thing!)
Have a great weekend x
Babymama says
π
What a fab pic!
And great advice, which I have followed…
xo
babymama
avagracescloset.blogspot.com
Flaming Nora says
I’ve had quite a few people drop by and leave me a comment or two saying they came to me by seeing the (usually quite random) comments I leave all over the place. Good bit of advice!
trudi@maudeandme says
By the amount of comments and followers you must be doing something that is right, or I should say is appealing! Happy to be apart of it now.
Yesterday I got my record amount of 9 comments and it lifted my day!
Mrs Average says
Bonjour (thought you might want something continental!?)
Your post has really encouraged me to read outside my usual ‘Blog box’. I have decided not to put any posts up myself this weekend, but to spend the time visiting everyone who has commented on this post. It will take me a few days but I shall get to you all….
Renee says
I love finding time in my day to sit down with a cuppa and read through the latest you have to say. You’ve done so well building this super piece of cyber space in such a short time – go you! Thanks for the tips – perhaps by my ‘1st Birthday’ I’ll have 899 people interested in what I have to say too!!!!! xxx
Rebekah says
I’m with you on this one I cant help but comment. Im sure some people have thought, who the heck are you but after reading someones blog for so long you almost feel like you know them hey?
Some of the best blogs I read I’ve found through comments on other blogs. I’m a serial follower lol – and love when I get a new follower on mine, sad hey?
TammyJ says
I’m almost always here and one of the engaged ones but I don’t always comment.
Selina says
I’ve found myself getting a lot lazier lately, and not leaving many comments at all. So, hi :). I’m usually always reading, very rarely commenting, must rectify that.
xx
Kt says
What wrong with :-)??? π
Kidding!
I love clicking through blogs and their comments. If I get on a roll I can find I’ve re-surfaced on the opposite end of an evening.I love getting comments myself so I always try to leave a note with others. Thanks for the birthday wishes by the way. The cocktails were fab!
Amy xxoo says
It looks like i’m waaaaaaaay late to this blogging party but – hey everybody!
Andrea says
You are a clever one. No wonder you have some lovely commenters here. Anyhoo, I am off to take your advice and go check out some of your commenters blogs! π (Hi People!!)
Abbie says
I enjoyed this post. So true. I read blogs but I rarely comment. I will make an effort to do so. Starting with yours.
Miss Pink says
That’s actually really really clever. I tend not to read comments in others blog posts because i feel like i’m eavesdropping. But i might just have to start doing that!
Mel says
I have started to do the same, click on the person who has commented on my blog, then check out their blog, and blogs they’re following, have found some great blogs that way π
zigsma says
Yes! That’s how I’ve started to make blog friends. Like pen friends. I’ve received and sent little things in the mail and email some of them frequently. And even met them in real life (bit like a blind date). Love this blogging caper. Let’s see if you can get 900 comments on this post.
Georgie says
I’m always here! Not always commenting though as I’m normally 12 hours late to the party. gxo
Anna Bartlett says
I’m here too! Great post lovey.
B says
I really enjoy your blog.
I found it when another blogger recommended joining your blog hop.
I was very impressed that you took the time to comment on every single “grateful” post I read and that the comments were thoughtful and showed that you read the post. I was delighted to read the comment you left me.
Life In A Pink Fibro says
π
Melissa says
Wondering if I will be the 78th person to leave you with π
biancawordley says
* waves * hello gorgeous!! was so wonderful meeting you the other night you are a fun woman!! xx
sassandspice says
Thanks for the tips. You must spend a lot of time commenting since you have so many followers! You always write witty and interesting posts…so I think that is what makes us all keep coming back!
Becky says
I have done this, too, and found so many wonderful blogs! I think it’s my favourite way to find new bloggers because it can take you well out of the usual circles (over blog hops and so on).
And just because I can π
Julie says
Not sure if anyone has mentioned comment intimidation. I just looked here and saw that you already had 81 comments. This generally makes me LESS inclined to comment, as I feel my comment isn’t “needed”.
I usually read blogs in google reader, so unless I feel I have something really important to say, I can’t be bothered to click to comment.
Thanks for the advice anyway. Wondering whether you mainly comment on the smaller (less popular) blogs, or whether anything goes?
Sannah says
Congratulations on your first blog birthday! I have only just come across your blog through frog goose and bear blog, but started following this week and am really enjoying the read. I think comments are wonderful! And one way that us mum’s can actually have a conversation with each other without interuptions mid-sentence from little people! I look forward to the next year of your blog!
-- SARAH -- says
Hello! I found your blog in just the way you described. I was looking at frequent commenters on some of the other blogs I follow and, well, here we are!
When I joined the world of Bloggers a month or so ago I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into! I didn’t know what a blog hop was, I didn’t know that people who don’t know me may be interested in what I say, I didn’t know that, as another blog put it recently, ‘The Great Wherever’ I was sending my thoughts into would write back. And.. well, here we are!
Sarah … π
Simoney says
Wow.
83 comments! hows that for a response?
Love that idea re finding the “commenters” and getting to know them.
Very cool tip.
Oh and I am now confused… is the linky for GRATEFULNESS up somewhere that I can’t see? Just wondering? Cos I thought I had to wait til SAturday but then you got all lovely and commenty on my post and now… I’m just confused. So I’ll probably come back tomorrow and link up then. When there’s a linky.
♥
x
Danielle says
you couldnt be more right x
Sandra says
Hi!
Always read your Grateful posts through Diminishing Lucy…
π
About Last Weekend says
Hi nice to meet you, Jody here. Love your blog. Came through Deer Baby. You honestly know what you’re talking about because it’s rare I visit anyone who has so many comments! You should write a book!
Sissy Sparrows says
You are exactly right about those blogging tips!
You know what I tend to do which I guess is something that I have done without realising UNTIL I read your post, that is.
Is, I read the comments on blogs I love but I think the artist in me is always drawn to COOL, QUIRKY Avatars. I can’t stop myself from clicking them.
I’m so glad you stopped by because we love your blog too!
Michelle says
Hi there , just wanted to say thanks for the lovely comment on my blog , have a lovely weekend
x michelle
Nikki says
Hi!!! I’m new to blogging so these tips are going to be useful! I love interesting blogs, and yours is one so once I’ve sent this I’m clicking the follow button!! x
jody says
Hello hello! I am new to the blogging scene also, so these tips will come in very handy! I love reading all your posts and think you are very inspirational!
Happy 1st Birthday!
x
Being Me says
Euwwwww you are TOO good! And now when I visit here, I have this picture of you and you are just so smiley and gorgeous and….
Okay, I’m gushing.
This was a great post. I never realised, but this is what I do too (granted, not regularly). And it is invariably where I get new followers from. Perhaps once a commenter, always a commenter. Blimey, tell me you haven’t responded to all 92 of these comments on this post? Otherwise, I shall be in more awe of you than I can bestow.
Tara @ Mum-ments says
Why haaaaiiiii there
Love this post thanks for the advice
i love that im building some wonderful interaction from my lovelies
Im even noticing which posts they seem to enjoy more
who knew you could learn so much from just comments xx
Naturally Carol says
No.96…Funny..usually I don’t have to vie with 95 other people to bend your ear!! Your advice has been what I have done too..albeit unwittingly. It does make sense though that as you follow commenters that they are more likely to comment on your blogposts..well observed.
Amelia {Weddings, Babies... Everything} says
Great advice! π
And hi! x
mamabook says
I believe I am in the remedial stream for blogging! I had never looked at it quite that way. Actually, I only just clicked tonight that this was exactly how somebody had come to my blog – via my own comment 6-months ago on another blog.
And that question thing at the end – I don’t do that. But I will.
Michelle
Cat says
Always here though not as regularly ( I tend to visit and read in blocks now). I can’t believe you’ve only been blogging for a year. I believe that comment thing is how I came to meet you too. I do the opposite too…what I mean is there are a few commenters around who comment regularly at blogs I visit & I really don’t much like what they have to say so I avoid them and reading their comments whenever I see their avi’s. That sounds mean now I see it in print. Anyway, happy 1 year!! Look forward to much more! Xx
Megan Blandford says
Hi!
Love your tips, Ms Blogger Extraordinaire!
DanielleQ says
Hello!
Photographer Mum says
What good advice. I’ve popped over here a number of times and join in on the grateful posts occasionally.
Hello π
A Keeper says
Well, hello there. I read a lot of posts and I comment on a lot of posts. But unfortunately, I struggle to really keep up with all the blogs that I enjoy reading. Right now, my Google Reader is telling me I have 460 posts to catch up on. This does not include the blogs that I have emailed to me or networked on FB. I also like to comment. A lot π So, I’m pretty sure I’m never going to catch up π
Anonymous says
Is it OK to comment on a blog that you like. but you actually don’t have a blog of your own to share?
Maxabella says
Anonymous – Oh my goodness yes! You can even have an anonymous blogger profile (you could call yourself The Anonymous Commenter if you like) and make it easier for yourself. Many of my fave comments come from gals who don’t blog themselves. Maybe comments become their outlet just as a blog is for me? x
CurlyPops says
π You dared me to do it!
Louisa says
I am not here
π
xx
Kellie says
That is such a fab idea! Only problem is this post has over 108 comments!! Now, which one to click on….. hehe!!
Anonymous says
Thankyou for your reply..I feel much more comfortable now being a
‘blogless’commenter…you are very sweet!
Jane says
Loving your work, Bron (my 50th follower and I’ll never forget it!). You know what I think. J x
Caz Makepeace says
Totally agree! But now working in two different blogging niches leaving comments on other blogs is really killing my sleep time. It is so worth it though!
There were many new people I began following as every new post I commented on they had already been there. They were always positive and encouraging so I had to follow them back to their place just to see what they were all about. I’m now an avid reader!
Mum on the Run says
Love it!
And your blog.
π
Madame Marielle says
“I woz ere” π Thanks for sharing your tips. I’ve read about the question thing before, but I find it really hard to do without sounding desperate for comments. Silly really, as I never think that way when I see someone else do it.
Very belated happy blog birthday to you!
Melanie says
I think that is the problem with subscribing through email. I read your post every day and think, “I’ll get over there to comment when I get through my emails.” But do we ever really get through with those???
Anyway, I always have a comment in my heart for you, Maxabella, even though you don’t always get to know what it is!
Brenda @ Mira Narnie says
look at all those comments deary me! well, seeing as you started commenting in my blog so long ago when, dare i say it, you were fresh and new to this blogging caper i feel that you hit the nail on the head with your approach. i must say i do very similar things to you. follow the commenters or i check other blogs links to see who they like and so on! it’s a lovely bloggy community to get lost. i’m just glad you found me (or did i find you) oh who cares anyway! xx
neesay says
I’m still a newbie in the land of blogging. When I began I did just as you described with the aim of sourcing ideas and tips on building a community. What I actually found was an inspirational group of women who (probably unknowingly) always add a little sunshine into my day.
I, like you, find it hard not to comment when something strikes a chord π
yaga says
Hiii! ^^
And thanks for the tipp, that’s an interesting thought. I think I might be doing both, but of course pretty pictures (aka buttons) get more attention (at least that’s how it works for me), so yeah. I also make it a habit to look at an comment on at least five other participants of any ‘grateful’- or similar thing I participate in. I can’t spend hours looking at them all, but at least I can check out a few new ones each week which is great.
MummyK says
Hi π Happy blogirthday!
Kelly says
Oh my goodness that’s a lot of comments xx
Chantelle {fat mum slim} says
Hello. Hi. π
This is great advice for beginner bloggers. When I started blogging I did the same, hopping from blog to blog. I wish I had more time for i – if only for the reading of other blogs and seeing what everyone else is up to. For me content is my priority. Comments aren’t my currency – but I understand everyone has a currency (comments, hits, browsers, posts, fans, followers etc) – it’s only natural.
I hope you’re well. Feels like forever now since I saw you. We have to do it again (and again and again and again and again). x
Kate - Our Little Sins says
Hello! I’m one of those new people trying to figure my way up this very steep learning curve to blogging and do exactly this… I have to admit that I spend more time fossicking around the blogosphere, reading comments, clicking on people with cool names and poignant/funny/intelligent comments, than I do writing and constantly berate myself for it but am hoping to find that balance soon. Thanks for the prompt for all these comments – now I have another 100+ people to discover π
nadinewrites108 says
As far as a comment goes, how does “I love you” rate? And what if I follow it up with a dreaded
π ??
Cath says
Of course… how obvious. As you can see, I don’t read my blog roll every day – too many other things to do, like clean said house, run a biz, get my own blog momentum. Can’t wait until I get this happening, because I soooo want to do your Gratitude thing, but trying to take one thing at a time.
Thanks again.
Christina says
I’m terrible and always scatter things with :), because sarcasm is not always detected in literary formats.
So, here is another sarcastic π from a long time reader but time poor commenter.
π
Lauren says
π Hi xx
DancingInTheRain says
Hi! I do like to pop into Maxabellaland when I find myself with a moment to travel into blog world!! Thanks.
Sarah @ Momalom says
And that’s exactly how I got here. First time here and the first link from a comment of yours was actually broken. For some reason I kept trying…I must have intuition that you have something genius to say. π No pressure or anything.
Now excuse me while I browse. π
Mrs BC says
Ok ,I just got here. Hi! Am I too late? What is wrong with a :-)?? (with double chins?)
x
Lisa jay says
I was directed here by ‘everything is edible’. Great post. Make friends with commenters! Makes sense.
Jess@Diary of a SAHM says
What a great idea! Such a clever way if doing it!
Tash says
Hi! Ha!
Just had to scroll down for ages to comment! Good prompt to get people doing it!
I too jump around on blogs, a lot more during NaBloPoMo, which I love the community feel of people posting everyday and the discovery of new blogs. This month is usually when I comment the most. And add the most blogs to my Reader!
I usually keep an eye on my stats, and am usually delighted with any traffic to a particular post, say, that is reviewing a music gig I went to and loved – I feel like people are then discovering a band with me! Maybe they are not, but that’s the sense of joy I get from my blog!
Serena {Pretty Fluffy} says
I just came over from Everything is Edible and had to comment – this is a fabulous tip!!
It always makes me wonder why some people are commenters and some are not. I’m fairly shy in real life and wouldn’t call myself opinionated, but I enjoy commenting on blogs as I feel it shows the writer you’re engaged in their posts. But one of my best friends who is super extroverted says she’s never dream of commenting even if she had something to say.
But this tip really makes sense because if someone is happy to comment, you’re halfway there π thank you!
Mum's the word says
great idea! I love people commenting and interacting on my blog.. I really like getting to know people who read my blog!