Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Chris Brogan Challenge : Ways I Embrace My Audience

As I was sitting in a lonely hotel room, waiting for my husband to get out of work, I was searching the web for new ideas for my blog. During my search, I came across a guy named Chris Brogan, author of Social Media 101 and coauthor of Trust Agents. Mr. Brogan had made a list of 100 blog topics that he hoped “I” would write about. Many of his ideas fit me perfectly, while others I’m not really sure what they are. In all my boredom, I decided to challenge myself to write about all 100 of his topics. This won’t be easy, since some of the topics are a big question mark to me, but a little research never hurt anyone. Figuring in the fact that I don’t write real posts on the weekend, this challenge will be 100% successful if I complete it in 20 weeks. So let’s begin…Day Two – Topic Two (still on track)!


As a blogger, you always want to find a way to connect to your audience. At the beginning of your blogging career, it can be a little touch and go. But if you truly listen to your readers’ lovely comments, you can begin to see a pattern of what types of posts they enjoy. When I first started blogging I tried a variety of things. Some ideas that I thought were fun (i.e. Quote of the Day), didn’t get much response. Since my readers weren’t enjoying them, I cut them out. I did discover that my fabulous readers love recipes and trivia, so these two topics are posted daily. On top of that, I also try to have a daily main post that discusses topics on my mind or that attempts to share information. I try to embrace everyone by posing a question at the end of my post and by inviting them in to join the discussion. I also think that it very important to answer comments and return the favor. If my fantastic followers are taking time to read my blog and respond with love, suggestions, or critiques, I think that it is only fair that I do the same. Thankfully, they always have great posts waiting for me to read. By reading other blogs, I not only get to learn more about my audience, but I’m also starting to make online friendships with many wonderful women. What do you do to embrace your audience? Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

4 comments:

Sugar Bear said...

I agree I think reaching out and trying to pull your reader in, asking a question writing off something one wrote in a comment....
but I also try to embrace my audience by being real, being true to myself and being honest. I like to feel a connection, some sort of "I can relate to that". If I can get that to keep happening with my readers I'll be extremely happy.

Wendy said...

Wow, good word picture--embracing! Well, I'm hopefully a really warm person in print, as I am in person. I hope my comments back, and posts in general, reflect the heart issues, questions, and interests of my readers. My goal, though, is to write what the Lord wants, so I may not know all the time how it is being received by my readers, and none of us may like reading it, but like medicine, it may be good for us:) Embrace...I love my readers, and I love the idea of giving them a big hug, so I hope they feel loved through my communication!
Blessings, Kel!
I'm going to be thinking more on this one!
Wendy
Faith's Firm Foundation
www.wendygunn.net

Andrea Kruse said...

A call to action, or question at the end of the post is what I use to illicit comments. Don't forget participating in Linkys to help interact with your readers to. I love Aloha Friday as an easy way for readers to leave a quick comment.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I would have emailed you, but your blogger profile is not public & I can't find a contact on your page. I would love to guest post a recipe. Just email me!
andrea.kruse at gmail dot com

Debbie said...

Some posts do resonate more with readers than others. And I always love a good recipe:)