New To Blogging? Where to Start Your Social Media Journey
By AllieRambles
Social Networking Can Be Overwhelming
So you decided to start a blog. You've written a few posts. Visited and commented on other blogs. Maybe even have gotten a few comments. But you are wondering what is next.
You have heard of social media. Places like Facebook and Twitter are not unfamiliar to you. But what about Google + and StumbleUpon? And should I join Redit or Digg? And then, of course, there are 100's of other bookmarking and sharing sites. And your new blogger head is starting to spin!
Stop. It is not as hard as you think.
First, take your time.
Yes, there are 100's of sharing and bookmarking sites you can turn to for your social media needs. But I would suggest starting with the easiest and most popular ones first: Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon and Google +.
These are the biggies. You won't get better quality and quantity anywhere else. If you are a blogger you are on these sites.
So stop thinking about any of the others just for now and become familiar with the BIG 4.
Second, think this out.
Before you actually engage with anyone as a representative of your blog on social media you need to have a few things in place.
1. Your profile avatar. AKA your photo.
2. A write up about your blog. A few sentences that describe why you blog.
3. Your blog's link.
4. Some keywords for your blog. The words that best describe what your blog is all about.
Keep these handy and never loose them. They should be constant throughout all your social media profiles. This brands you and your blog and certain way.
Third, engage.
Social media is social. You shouldn't rush in and run all over the place. Find people like you, in the same circles and groups. How do you do this?
Check out your favorite bloggers, who comments there? Find them on Facebook and Twitter.
See who is friends with who you like to read and socialize with.
When you find others with the same interests, you up the chances of them coming to your blog and liking it.
Start conversations. Ask questions. Get into chats. Answer questions. Be intelligent but brief with your answers.
Share links. Be sure to add your own words to the Tweet, Share or Stumble.
The more you socialize, the more people will remember you, the more visits you get to your blog. It really is that simple.
So Why the BIG 4?
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and StumbleUpon will give you the most chances of being viewed because they have the most users. And most likely users in your niche.
POLL
Which Social Media Site is Your Favorite?
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Comments
Great tips Allie! I am a big fan of both Facebook and Twitter. Those two always give my hubs a big traffic boost. Very useful - voted up :)
Having recently started a new blog, I need all the help I can get! Thanks for the tips. One of my problems is just getting to everything. A good blog is time consuming. You need to be dedicated.
@kikalina I think you should join FB even if you want to make Hubber friends. They are out there. You can also follow HubPages on FB, http://www.facebook.com/Hubpages.com to get the latest news and read awesome hubs.
@alissaroberts so true. Both give me great traffic to my hubs and my blog.
@Dolores I have been blogging for a year and I still feel like I never get to everything. I had to make a priority list and stick with it.
Thanks everyone! I love your comments!
~Allie
Great post, Allie. I tend not to think of StumbleUpon as being relevant, so I need to be more active on it.
kikalina 5 months ago
Hmm I could not vote because I am not a member of any. However, I have been contemplating joining facebook for a few years.