Blogs

[Em]

When you create a blog how do you get people to look at it? any ideas?

[Camille Gooderham Campbell]

One thing you can do is strive for publication in ezines that will link to your website. I know that when I read a story and like it, I will virtually always follow a link if there's one given, to learn more about the writer and to hopefully find links to more of his or her stories.  The added benefit is that if readers have already liked a story you've written, chances are they'll like your blogging style too, and since they'll be coming straight to your blog from your story, they'll most likely be in a positive/receptive frame of mind (that is, predisposed to enjoy your blog post as well).

[Em]

Ta, a good suggestion flaud only by the small problem that my own mum wouldn't even publish my work

[Camille Gooderham Campbell]

Ta, a good suggestion flaud only by the small problem that my own mum wouldn't even publish my work

It will happen.  With the growing number of daily ezines looking for content, and especially since a lot of more experienced authors choose not to sub to non-paying markets, you'll be able to get those publication credits.  Some publications even state in their submission guidelines that they're looking to promote new and previously unpublished authors.  If you throw hundreds of submissions at dozens of markets, eventually something will stick.

I'm sure there are other (easier?) ways to get blog readers, though.  Maybe someone knowledgeable will jump in here and clue us all in...

[Em]

atch such a sweeti, your just trying to make me feel better I'm not overly bothered about getting anything published. I have a good day job and I think the general public's suffered enough without being exposed to my tripe.
My blogs kinda like a single ship mine, most of the boats sail past not knowing its there, but occasionaly a ship will hit it and get sunk.

[Alex B.]

Aside from getting published, social networking is the only other way, as far as I know. Participate in forums, hang out with other writers, etc.

And of course, write stuff that people want to read. 

[Em]

You have a fair point, If I hang out with writers does that make me a writer by proxy I'm not sure being able to string two words together really qualifys me to be a writer.

I'm not convinced writing stuff people want to read would be so much fun

[Henry Lara]

Here is simple tip I picked from a marketing guide. Most forums offer you the option of customizing your signature (look at mine below). That's a good place to advertise your blog. I know that if I read an interesting post by someone I often like to find some more information about them. Plus, the more places you post a link to your blog the more easier it's to find in search engines. 

[rhen2006]

Have to agree with Henry and Alex. Besides getting published, the best and easiest (easier?) way to get people to your blog is to stir up interest through social networking - interest in you. If you contribute to the social sites and people generally take interest in you, then they will check out your blog.

This might be best executed if you're not shamelessly promoting your blog, which can be construed as spam by most people. But always provide a way/link for those who wish to visit your blog, and you'll eventually see a bigger draw to it. It takes time, but what doesn't?