Photo credit to tapasparida
Last July 7, I started a thread at Sitepoint forum asking the same question. To my surprise, it had an astonishing 2,382 views and 73 hot replies including mine as of this posting. I even asked Graham, the humble founder of Entrecard and you can find his answers on his Q & A Round 1. Although the result shows that that more are inclined to have more commentators rather than subscribers, here are some of the opinions from different bloggers as I only choose the best answers for me.
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Article Source: Humane Blogging Tips
Which do you prefer – more subscribers or more commentators?
How to use Kaizen to improve your Blog
Logo from Wikipedia
I have been working for different Japanese companies for over ten years and as I observed them, they are very workaholic. No wonder that they have a very stable career in terms of technology. One of their effective strategies in everything they do is Kaizen. It is a Japanese term which means improvement, or continuous improvement. Although the whole process looks complicated, it is the PDCA cycle that makes it simple and it can also be applied to blogging. Here it goes.
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Related posts:
How not to be a Prisoner of your own blog
How to fight your Insecurities in Blogging
How to motivate your self in Blogging
How to avoid burying your own Blog
You can also visit my latest blog - Father Blogger dot Com as it is being updated daily.
If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE, you can subscribe in a reader or by e-mail. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.
Article Source: Humane Blogging Tips
How to invite your Subscribers to open your Blog
Photo credit to Peggy Collins
Subscribers are loyal readers and it is good to have a lot of them. However, we must admit that sometimes our feed counters are not working well and we doubt that our subscribers are really authentic recipients of our posts. But if you have proven that the numbers are for real, you must cherish them. Besides avoiding them to unsubscribe, it is also better if we can invite them to open our blog. Here are my tips that you may find helpful.
Improve your blog looks
Our subscribers can only read what they receive, and they may get bored when they open your blog and see the usual looks again. I strongly advise that you also consider how your blog appears on the screen. Change your template or blog design to a more wonderful site to view, and ask for their opinion. Have additional widgets on your blog such as Top Commenters, Recent Comments and other rewards to your readers. However, changing it frequently is not a good habit.
Host something they can participate
Run a blog carnival, contest or a poll where your readers can participate. Post a sticky invitation so they will be magnetized at once. Convince them that they will not only enjoy the fun, but they will also benefit a lot when they join. However, be sure that you have enough time to accommodate them when they come in numbers. Valuable giveaways such as free e-books and tutorials are also a big help. Being a sociable blogger is a big advantage to have a convincing power.
Maximize your related posts
If you have related posts on your blog, include them at the end of your post with a highlight so they can easily be noticed. But be sure that these posts are really related to the current post. Do not worry about the age of the posts as long as you are making timeless posts. Related posts can also be placed in between the post but do not overdo it. They will be suspected as affiliate links. Be conscious when you are endorsing something. Subscribers are after our posts, not on our advertisements.
Make a summary post
If you think you have enough number of valuable posts, make a post with a link to each post and invite your readers to view them. This post is somewhat different from the sitemap in the sense that you will only choose the posts that will be included. Arrange them categorically and make them reader-friendly. Use an attractive title to identify that they are your best posts. You can also add your older but ageless posts. Your subscribers will then be curious about the posts that they may not have yet read.
Make your posts worth to comment
Comments are the result of an interesting post. Do not be satisfied with what you want to write. Write for your readers, not for yourself. They are our end customers, and their comments are important. Having regular commentators and friendly critics on your blog will spice up your energy, and if your subscribers will know about it they will be attracted to join the crowd. If you can invite your readers to post comments, your subscribers may also do the same.
To gain loyalty, build a character.
Related posts:
How to convince your Visitors to read your Blog Posts
How to Make Your Readers Post a Comment
How to avoid your Subscribers to Unsubscribe to your Blog
The Best of Humane Blogging Tips
You can also visit my latest blog - Father Blogger dot Com as it is being updated daily.
If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE, you can subscribe in a reader or by e-mail. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.
Article Source: Humane Blogging Tips
Welcome to Father Blogger
Logo from Angel Cuala
Hi everyone,
I am excited to announce that finally, my third blog is now live. Actually, I started this a month ago but I had some technical problems but now I am happy that it is over. Anyway, the blog title is Father Blogger which has the same URL and I decided to have a paid hosting service with Wordpress as the platform. I remember one time; I already mention this to you when I wrote that a part of being a professional blogger is to have your own domain. I must say that this is my most precious blog.
Why it is very precious to me
Well, it is my dream to combine my craft as a father and as a blogger. As I mentioned in the welcome post, , this is quite confusing for my readers but at the same time, I will be hitting two birds in one stone. I have a very big plan for this blog but I want to do it slowly but surely. In fact, I am now starting to use this when I leave comments on other blogs as well as to forums I am an active member. I will also be doing some hardcore promotions and will read articles about SEO and try to apply whatever I will learn. I will consider this blog my baby.
What readers can expect
As I am trying to do with my existing blogs, I will submit fresh quality posts as well as re-writing my old posts. That is why you may notice that some of my older posts have been re-directed to my new blog, and I will also choose some future posts that will lead my readers there. In addition, I will do my best to submit a post everyday like what I am doing now. I will also submit posts that will not be posted in both of my blogs and that will be something to look forward. But of course, the topics will still be the same – Marriage, Parenting and Blogging.
Will I be leaving blogspot?
Blogspot is my first home and will remain my home unless Google will drive me away. Although others might say a lot of disadvantages over a free hosting service, it is still a peaceful place for me. I have now worries about technical stuff since it is very easy to handle, just copy and paste – Presto! Besides, I am already enjoying a small space in the blogosphere and I do not want to loose it and start all over again. For almost a year of blogging, I can say that blogspot is still the best free place in town.
Will I be leaving Entrecard?
Tough question! I must admit, I am receiving very high bounce rate for both of my blogs because of the drop-and-go bloggers. However, I cannot deny the fact that most of my regular readers and commenters are coming from Entrecard, as well as my now on-line friends. With this, I have decided NOT to leave Entrecard for now, and may stay quite longer. Anyway, I learned that Graham is doing his best to improve the service and to let his dream come true – a place for bloggers to have a community who visits and reads blog posts. But then, Father Blogger will not be a member of Entrecard.
My invitation
After all that has been said, I am now inviting you to visit my new blog – Father Blogger dot Com. You can browse my more revealing About page if you want to know more about me, as well to the posts that you may not yet read. I also would like to ask for some suggestions to improve it more such as Plug-ins, interesting themes and other Wordpress techniques. Please feel free to leave your comments there.
But of course, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Raden of My SEO Blog and Manilenya. Without them, I will be lost in my new venture and may be going crazy before I can launch it.
Lastly, I am now proud to introduce to you my real name – Angel Cuala. I will be using this on my new blog from now on.
See you there!
Angel Cuala
aka Guardian Angel
If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE, you can subscribe in a reader or by e-mail. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.
Article Source: Humane Blogging Tips
Why you should also read Blogs that are Different from your Blog Niche
Photo credit to chris spira
The title seems to be confusing but you read it right, we should also sometimes read blogs that do not really interest us. As an Entrecard member, I cannot help but drop by on different kinds of blogs from serious to funny, from realistic to fantasy, and others. But as I go along, there are bloggers who caught my attention and even subscribe to them. By doing this, I found some advantages which I want to share with you.
You can learn different strategies
Blogging about things that are not similar as yours has a different approach, but it does not mean it cannot be applicable to you. Sometimes, we wonder how they can attract readers when their topic does not look interesting. This is because they have mastered the art of self-advertising. You can also get other blogging resources from them such as latest templates and other sources of income that you cannot just find anywhere. The more techniques you learn, the better.
You will expand your knowledge
Concentrating on your topic too much is like isolating yourself in a dark room, and you will be ignorant of other things. One day, you will be surprised that you are being left behind with the latest craze in town. This will be a disadvantage on your part somehow. You will be lost in a blogging conversation during on-line social activities. Although there are blog posts that seem weird; you may also get something from them as additional attraction for your upcoming posts. In blogging, Learning is everywhere.
They can be your future readers
Have you tried leaving comments on blogs that have a totally different topic as yours? What was the effect to your blog? If your comment will be good enough for him, he may also read your blog. You never know, he may be among your future readers. A blogger about sports can also be interested in cooking or even parenting. Remember that every blogger is a potential customer. Nobody is a junk in blogging. This is one important lesson I learned from microblogging, like Twitter.
It will relax your mind
Blogging is not all about traffic and earning money. Sometimes, we need some entertainment and reading fancy blogs such as comic jokes and about showbusiness. They can help our mind pause for a while from the everyday pressure. Unlike before, I am now reading more blogs about daily experiences from different kinds of personal blogs. It is also fun to leave comments when someone asks for my point of views about life and other non-blogging related topics. Honestly speaking, I am enjoying most of them.
Goldmine can also be found in places where you least expected.
Related posts:
How to motivate your self in Blogging
How to avoid burying your own Blog
If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE, you can subscribe in a reader or by e-mail. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.
Article Source: Humane Blogging Tips
How to Post on Forums and Increase Traffic to your Blog
Photo credit to Burning Image
Forum posting is one of the oldest techniques to increase traffic to blogs, and it is still very effective until today. It is not only about socializing with other members, but also to share valuable information and learning from others. However, there are some bloggers who find it hard to maximize its usage and think that forums are only for expert webmasters and SEO gurus. While you may already read some forum tips before, I will try to make a different approach here.
Read and follow the rules religiously
Do not be lazy to read the rules carefully, and follow them religiously. Different forums may have different rules and it is their prerogative. The best technique to avoid being suspended or banned is to visit the Search box first before starting a topic. Forums are very strict to spammers and repetitive posting. There are also forums that require a certain number of posts before you can put a signature. Be patient enough and you will benefit in the long run.
Be a convincing thread starter
Before starting a thread, think if you can convince others to reply. One of the effective ways is to provide a convincing thread title and do not just post a link to a post. Add some inviting words that would describe the links. Some forum topics may be repetitive in nature, but can be interesting to follow if you tickle the minds of the readers. If someone replies or oppose your post, you must be prepared with your defense. It will be better if you can make your threads longer.
Ask an interesting question
Ask a question that looks interesting and can invite different point of views, as well as personal experiences. But of course, you must submit it with your honest opinion and explain them in full details. In addition, you must monitor the flow of comments and reply to them. I recently ask a question at Sitepoint that goes like this - Which do you prefer, many subscribers or commenters? For only 5 days, it had almost 600 views and numerous replies, and still increasing.
Be a good Samaritan
If someone needs help very badly, provide immediate assistance and with humility. Never be self-centered and do not act as if you are the best provider of answers. Imagine that there are also other members who can provide a better answer. Moreover, be sure that your answers are correct. Otherwise, the poor guy might be misled and other members will humiliate you. There is nothing better than projecting a good image.
Do not be greed in posting
It may be obvious that the more you post, the more exposure you will have. However, being greedy in posting will annoy others as well as forum administrator. Avoid short and multiple replies that are not valuable, unless you are in the General Chat section. In short, reply only on topics that interest you just like you are doing on blogs. Anyway, you can highlight your signature and make an attractive description of your blog.
I know you are waiting for this. Here is a great list of forums courtesy of Raden of MySEOblog. You can see on his sidebar how many forums he joined and how much traffic he is benefiting from them.
On my succeeding posts, I may make a review on a particular forum where I am very much active.
If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE, you can subscribe in a reader or by e-mail. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.
Article Source: Humane Blogging Tips
How not to be a Prisoner of your own blog
Am I a prisoner of my own blog? If this question never came into your mind, then I can conclude that you may be one but you do not realize it. This is because right now; you may be rushing to drop Entrecards as many as you can or spending excessive time thinking about your next post. Similarly, you may also be among the bloggers who pressure themselves too much just to meet their targeted monthly income. So before making your next move, here are some important reminders.
Free yourself
I bet one of the reasons why you want to make money on-line is because you do want to be free from an unfair boss. Ironically, you may be making yourself the boss that you hated so much but you do not notice it. Although success in blogging is about making yourself ahead of others, you must not be ahead from yourself. Feel free to rest, eat and sleep anytime. After all, nobody is controlling you but yourself. Blogging is freedom and there is no good reason why you should not free yourself.
Make posts that interest you
Do not use your blog as a complain report about the negative things around you. Instead, make it like a happy diary or an attractive business proposal. Blog about the things that make you happy and readers will also be happy too. Blogging is about entertaining yourself, before you can entertain others. Although you can use high paying keywords, they will be useless if you are not interested about them. You cannot convince others to read your post if you are not happy when you read it.
Enjoy your blog
Are you blogging just for the purpose of blogging or because you heard that you can make good money out of it? What ever your reasons are, you must enjoy your blog. Are you happy with the looks of your blog? How many times a month do you change your template? Or worst, have you ever tried changing it because you are not satisfied with it? Readers want to enjoy when they see your blog, and they can sense when you are not really enjoying it.
Expose yourself
Are you putting too much time on your blog, and not visiting others? Are you aware that there are a lot of good forums you can join to? You cannot promote your blog alone as much you cannot learn by yourself. Do not allow yourself running around in circles because you think you are not capable of exploring unfamiliar communities. You must not focus on what you want to have, but rather on what you can share. Even prisoners need to socialize with each other.
Be the master of your blog and not the other way around.
Related posts:
How to motivate your self in Blogging
When Blogging can be an Honorable Career
How to fight your Insecurities in Blogging
How to Make your Post a Masterpiece
If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE, you can subscribe in a reader or by e-mail. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.
Article Source: Humane Blogging Tips
Notification of Limited Account Access - A Fake Warning E-mail Message to all Paypal Users
Screenshot by Guardian Angel
I would like to reserve this post to warn all Paypal users. I have been receiving this message for almost a month but when I discovered it is a suspected scam, I just delete it. Upon receiving this again yesterday, I think that it is time to share it to you. I am afraid some bloggers has already been fooled because the scam identity cannot easily be noticed.
Attached here is the screenshot of the message, and you can click it to enlarge. Here are some of the details of the message that you might get carried away if you do not read them carefully.
We are being reminded that our Paypal account might have been hijacked by a third party since they noticed multiple attempts have been done. They want us to verify our account. – I was surprised and thankful for their reminder. Well, almost!
We are being advised to log in to our Paypal account and provide required information on a certain link so that they can further provide us a safer and risk free environment – I was really touched by their immediate assistance. Nice try, sucker!
We are being warned that if we ignore their message, they will have no choice but to suspend our account temporarily. They are requesting that we give them 48 hours to investigate and recommend us not to change any information about our account. – What a very supportive customer service! I do not think so, weirdo!
Now here is the catch!
Did you read the email address when it came from? I did not realize that paypal can also be paypall with a double l and they are both the same? Do you think the wrong spelling is just an honest mistake? Think again, wrong spelling is considered wrong when we are talking about links and email address.
Anyway, to further increase my suspicion, I click the link they provided but it did not went there directly. My browser advised me to be careful in sharing any information because according to them it is a Suspected Web Forgery.
Moral lesson - Check first if the spelling of the email address is correct, before opening it. If you find something suspicious, do not open it and delete it immediately.
To verify your account now, visit Paypal here. You can slap my face if I gave you the false link, and you do not have to thank me if the link is correct. However, I think it is better if you share what you have learned.
By the way, I am a Paypal user and I do not have any problems with them. I think it is still the best outlet for our on line money account. So if you are not, you can check them out here.
If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE, you can subscribe in a reader or by e-mail. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.
Article Source: Humane Blogging Tips
How to Post Comments on other Blogs to Promote your Blog
Photo credit to Butterflies-R-Free
Although there may be tons of tips on how to promote our blogs, posting comments on other blogs is one of the simplest way. This does not require technical skills or a lot of time, and there are thousands and thousands of blogs to choose from. However, some bloggers are not gaining from them because they are taking some important factors for granted. Spam comments are everywhere, and you may not notice that yours are among them. Here are some of my observations and I would like to thank Lin personally for bringing some of them to me.
Post valuable comments
Valuable means you do not only say “Nice post, or great list, or worst, I just drop by to say hi” This means you have to contribute interesting facts about the post, or sharing your experience related to the post. If there is a question on the post, answer them with all you can. Read and understand the whole post carefully before you leave a comment, especially if you want to add something. You might be adding something that is already there. If you don’t, chances are your comments will be disapproved.
Post related comments
Your comment may be valuable but if it is off-topic, consider it as nonsense. If you want to promote it, find a proper place where it cannot hurt you or other bloggers. If you are selling something or offering a paid service, you can always use the contact form. Leaving comments may look like a forum thread but you will not be careful, you will overdo it and it will annoy other commenters and the blog owner as well. Show some respect for the blogger and who knows, he might also visit your blog. You will be hitting many birds in one stone.
Do not do the obvious
Although you may have similar topics on your blog, avoid mentioning it unless it is being asked. In addition, do not show numerous links to your blog posts. The link from your name is actually enough if your comments are interesting to read. In addition, never provide a link to you blog post that is obviously irrelevant just for the sake of promoting your blog. On the other hand, it is better that you direct the link from your name to the blog URL you want to be visited instead of your home page. Visitors will find it easier to get to your post.
Be consistent
The more consistent you post comments on the same blog, the greater chance you will have in succeeding in promoting your blog. This is because the blog owner or other commenters can easily notice you. However, you must be conscious about it. Although being the first commenter can help a lot, it can also be a disadvantage not only to you, but also to the blog owner. Sometimes, you can think of a better comment if there are other comments ahead of you. Consistency does not only mean quantity but also quality.
How we promote our blog reflects our identity as a blogger.
Related post:
Why some Bloggers Disable their Blog Comments
If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE, you can subscribe in a reader or by e-mail. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.
Article Source: Humane Blogging Tips
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