Getting Readers to Your Blog

I very recently reached 300 readers on my blog, and it was a heart-warming, humbling thing to see that number. It didn't come from just sitting and waiting, though -- I've walked around the blogosphere a bit to get my face out there.

So how do you get more traffic to your own blog?

First, show readers what you're all about. If you have a shop, list it on your blog. If you're on Etsy and your blog allows for a mini-Etsy of your shop, set it up. It will show people at a glance what you do and get you click-throughs. I always check out people's stores out of curiosity, no matter what you sell, and I remember bloggers by their products. I also spend a lot of money that way, but that's another story entirely!


If you don't sell on Etsy or a similar venue, make a button on your blog that is clickable to your store. An example is on my own blog. I created an image with a picture of my jewelry and my company name and linked it to my own web site. I did the same thing for the other blog I write.

If you like to write a chatty blog (like I do!), put a signature line at the bottom that includes your web site address. An example of that can be seen by clicking here.

Use pictures! Too many words with no break tend to make a person's eyes glaze over. Have a Wordless Wednesday, or if you're stumped one day, list photos with short captions, like this (click here).

Write often. How often is up to you, but at least two or three times a week is a good rule of thumb. Once you develop a following, they'll come back to your blog and expect to see new content. If weeks go by with nothing new, they'll forget about you and go for other bloggers. Grab a notebook and write up some ideas for those days when your brain just does NOT want to work.. Take random photos. You can always post an eye candy day -- your jewelry or beads! Or post beautiful photos of things that inspire you.

Interview other bloggers. Not only is it a great way to help a fellow artist get their product out in the public eye, but it will get their readers to come over to your blog. Perhaps arrange with the other shop for a giveaway, or agree that they will interview you at a later date. Here's an example of a shop interview (click here).

(Hey MieMie on Etsy)

Finally, visit other blogs and leave comments. Most bloggers will take the time to visit the blogs of those who have commented on their own blogs, and if they like what they see, may become followers of your writing. Keep track of your favorite blogs via RSS Feed or by using a reader, such as Google Reader. See who else is commenting on your favorite blogs, and check out their blogs. Before long, you'll have a network of blogs you love to read and readers who love your blog.

Written by guest contributor Lori Anderson, http://www.prettythingsblog.com/.