Friday, May 21, 2010

Does my blog know I am blogging about blogging?

Would you believe that one of the courses I took at university was Neuroscience? I found it fascinating - all the parts of my brain that instruct all the parts of my body to do all the unique things my body does. I loved it. I remember telling my boyfriend at the time that my finger doesn't actually feel 'pain' if I put it in a flame - that a signal is sent to my brain via my neural pathways and that part of the brain sends a signal to another part of the brain telling me to move my finger urgently because it is being damaged, and I perceive that as pain! He looked at me...paused...then asked, 'Does your brain know you're learning about how it works?'

That...that did my head in.

And so I lead into the message of this blog - how to blog and get people to read your blog.  My first stop for info about blogging was books. Ironic. Books about blogs. Written by the converted for those seeking knowledge on conversion. Luckily for you and I, most of the information held in the 73 books I got out of the library can be summarised into the following masterfully summarised points:

Number One. Go to other blogs and engage in the discussions happening. Not just 'Oh, I also make great hand-embroidered cushions. You should have a look and buy one at www.blanketstatements.co.nz'. One blogging hero, from the book Blogging Heroes, parallels it to a party. You can throw a party and hope that because you are throwing it, people will show up. Not a good strategy, he says. First, we should go to other parties, with great bottles of wine, engage in the conversations taking place, mingle, smile, laugh, dance well (if able), actually be a great guest. In doing this you become popular, other guests enjoy your company, find you interesting and when you throw a party, they'll probably show up. I love that analogy - it totally makes sense! As another of my blogging heroes told me, it's blogging karma. We want people to read our blog and leave great comments, so we should be reading other blogs and leaving great comments.

Number Two. Have a point of difference - if aiming to attract more followers. I certainly enjoy blathering on about my day and my opinions, I am very interesting after all. But it may not attract followers as much as sharing something I am passionate about and expert in (as this blog obviously does). Part of this, as well, is using your own style and way of communicating.

Number Three. Be professional. This applies when trying to sell a product or not. "Think about a potential shopper and how they will feel about buying from you after reading your blog" (also from Blogging Heroes). Fair enough. I guess this goes for replying to comments as well - statistics tell us not to tell people to flop off and keep their opinions to themselves. Which leads me to my next point...

Number Four. Reply to comments left on your blog. I love that about Design*Sponge and Seattleite Imagery.

Number Five. Post as often as possible - but not too much. And keep the posts a good length, but not too long. Confused? Obviously, I'm happy for you to follow my example - write enough to keep people looking forward to your next post, and not overwhelmed because it blocks out the sun.

Number Six. Ask questions for your readers to answer and run competitions from time to time.

Number Seven. Pretty photos. We like pretty photos.


So lovely, loyal readers...what do you think about my blogging blog? I promise not to tell you to flop off.

Day 7: Thursday 20th May, 2010
Tip 2: Please see above...

11 comments:

Dee said...

Thanks for the tips Melissa-Jade! & I'm in LOVE with that Tui cushion!

Dee said...

P.S-where did you get that crate (in the top photo)? I'm after some.

melissa-jade gregan said...

Ha! Thanks Dee! That crate I got for free when i bought about 4 million terracota pots at GI hospice...but, I also happen to know that a fab shop called Super Trash has quite a few. They are at the top of New North Rd, just before the mt eden rd traffic lights...enjoy crate shopping!

Dee said...

Thanks luv! x

alisha said...

Ooh, thanks so much for reading all those blog books and giving us the best bits in such a clear and helpful format! :) I love the idea of a party strategy to gain readers...And thanks for your sweet shouts.

I think I need to work on my point of difference, but it can be so hard, especially since I have such interesting opinions and days as well. :)

melissa-jade gregan said...

Alisha, your opinions are very interesting!! I actually love your point of difference - I really enjoy reading about your perspectives on places (physical and metaphorical) since moving away, travelling through, going back to...I also think the idea of weekly inspiration segments is brilliant - who does not need inspiration on a regular basis?!

John Brown Rose said...

I love your hot tips and I also just love your general blathering!!! Hehe...keep it up!

John Brown Rose said...

And did I mention how much I love you work??? It's so cool! I'm in love with it!

melissa-jade gregan said...

Thanks babe!! I am totally inspired by your work bex, really. You got me into this at the very beginning xx

that kate said...

Those cushions are wonderful. And great tips there! Thanks for your comments on my blog! i would definitely recommend a day trip to Brighton when you are over!

melissa-jade gregan said...

Thank you Kate!! I will do - simply from having looked at your blog. Can't wait to catch up on all the other stunning posts you will have put up since I looked a couple weeks ago.