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Thursday, June 2, 2011

5 Ways to Make New Blog Friends

You have a blog. You'd like people to read that blog. Or you'd like more people to read it.

But, you feel a little stuck. HOW do you get to know people in the blogosphere? It really doesn't work to just sit on your blog and wait for people to find you.

Twitter is one way, but we'll (mostly) save that for another time. Today, let's talk about commenting. And I mean REAL commenting: the type you want. When someone comments on your post, you want to know they read it, right? It's disappointing if their post is all about them and their blog. "Come visit me!" or "Visiting from XYZ linky!" or continuing a conversation started by a comment on their blog without mentioning what you wrote is just rude. But, leaving a thoughtful comment is a great way to start a blog friendship.

But, where do you find the blogs to comment on?  Where do you start? I have a few suggestions for you! Though, I do have to say before we even start the list that you should start with those who are already talking to you! The very first blogs I visit each day are the ones who take time to comment on mine. THEN, I'd go look for more friends!


1. Choose a blog that you like with an active community. Where people comment and join in.  Now, go meet those people!  Click on their profiles and go check out their blogs.

2. Choose a blog that you adore and check out their blogroll.  If you trust their opinion, you will probably like some of the blogs on their blogroll, too.

3.  Join in a link-up that interests you. Probably not one whose only goal is to get new followers. But, one like my Pour Your Heart Out or Mama Kat's Writers Workshop or Only Parent Chronicles' Post-it Note Tuesday.  If fiction is your thing, check out The Red Dress Club.  There are photography linkies, recipe linkies, craft linkies: chose something that you actually like!  And then YOU go visit as many of the linkers as you possibly can.

4.  Check out the blogs of people you follow on twitter. No, not every person on twitter has a blog, but if you enjoy talking to someone on twitter, check out their profile and see if they do have a blog.

5.  Ask on twitter- tweet out "Tell me your favorite blog that I might not know about!" Or you could even blog this and ask for suggestions.

Hey, I'll do this right now- when you comment, leave a link to a blog you love.

Come back next week for part 2 of Making Blog Friends: 5 Things NOT to Do

Labels:

123 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

I love visiting the blogs on other people's blogrolls. I have found amazing blogs by doing it.

June 2, 2011 at 7:14 AM  
Blogger Jessica said...

What a great post, I had no idea how to find great bloggers until I joined twitter, that is when I found other bloggers whose personalities I truly liked and then enjoyed their blogs too. The link-ups are a great help too. My latest favorite is sellabitmum but you already know her. :)

June 2, 2011 at 7:17 AM  
Blogger Simoney said...

Hey Shell, as always you are full of the wisdom :)

These are great suggestions for making new blog freinds.
An Aussie blogger I have recently fallen in love with (in a BLOG sense) did a post on a similar topic and said basically look for commenty people - people who are already commenting, go and visit their blogs and talk to them.
Which is pretty much what you've said.
So you know I actually READ what you write, aye??
Love Your Work.

xx

June 2, 2011 at 7:20 AM  
Blogger My New Normal said...

I absolutely hate it when the only comment I get is one of those "hey, visting from here, new follower, please follow me back at ..." It's annoying and rude.

June 2, 2011 at 7:20 AM  
Blogger my3littlebirds said...

Thanks for these tips. I have met some amazing people through the blog community by doing the things you've mentioned. When I started My 3 Little Birds I had NO IDEA about the amount of networking that had to be done to get to the point where a blog has a momentum of its own. I'm so glad I focused on networking, and not only because it helped get my blog "moving."

June 2, 2011 at 7:24 AM  
Blogger Heather said...

I love all these ideas. They were so important to me last summer when I was starting out.
I think it is so important to make thoughtful comments that showed that you actually read the post - really inspires people to check you out and start that conversation. After all that is what this blogging world is all about - making connections.

Go check out Annie from a Stone's Throw from Insanity. She is funny, sarcastic, and cute as a button, and loves Target. I love her. http://astonesthrowfrominsanity.blogspot.com/

I will be back later to check out some of the other links peole have added.

Oh and PYHO has been the best for finding wonderful blogs to read.

June 2, 2011 at 7:25 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Thanks! I am newer to blogging and I am slowly getting to know all the great blogs available out there. I found yours through Not so Silent Mommy! I will be using your advice for sure!
Thanks AGAIN!
Victoria
www.victoria-thefirstday.com

June 2, 2011 at 7:25 AM  
Blogger Liz said...

I remember back to the early days when I was actually searching for blogs to read - Ha! Now there are just too many! :)

June 2, 2011 at 7:26 AM  
Blogger Joann Mannix said...

LOL.

That and the "Love your blog, pls come visit me at my blog." Most of the time, they can't even be bothered to spell out "please." Infuriates me.

Those are great tips. Other bloggers are constantly asking me how to get readers, I'm going to nudge them over here.

And it's funny because when I first started blogging, I did just that. I sat on my ass waiting for the commenters, shocked that they weren't appearing out of thin air. I know. I'm incredibly bright.

Hmmm, as for another blogger. There are so many I love! Well, besides you, of course, I'll give a shout out today to Gigi from Kludgy Mom at http://www.kludgymom.com/ because she never ceases to make me laugh or amaze me with her fierce cooking skills or take my breath away with her beautiful tales of motherhood. Not to mention, she's quite technological and uses words I've never even heard of when it comes to the computer.

Great idea, Shell!

June 2, 2011 at 7:27 AM  
Blogger Stepping On Cheerios said...

You are so right! I check out the blogrolls all the time. One if my favorite blogs is the first one I ever read and still do...

http://sippycupsarenotforstarbucks.blogspot.com/

June 2, 2011 at 7:27 AM  
Blogger Ali - My Suitcase Full of Tricks said...

This is really great perspective. Good point about the link ups that only want to get new followers. Eeek. Yuck. Ewwww.

June 2, 2011 at 7:30 AM  
Blogger Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Great advice, Shell! I've also found that sometimes the most unlikely blogs end up being your friends. You might think you don't have much in common (different age groups, different blog philosophies) but you just end up meeting a very supportive person and appreciating the differences.

June 2, 2011 at 7:30 AM  
Blogger Kitchen Belleicious said...

Great tips and advice. I have done some and new to do more of them. There are so many great blogs out there just waiting to be found so this is a great way to get to them and help your blog visits in the process

June 2, 2011 at 7:38 AM  
Blogger therealhousewifeofoxfordcounty said...

Oh man I love your blog.. and I can't wait to see what you have to say about what not to do.. there are so many things for that :)
Here is one of the blogs that makes me smile

http://not-so-silent-mommy.blogspot.com/#axzz1O1WKLyux

Enjoy!! and Happy Thursday!

June 2, 2011 at 7:41 AM  
Blogger Shell said...

Okay, y'all- I don't usually reply in my own comments- I usually do via email if you have your email in your profile, but I had to say this.

Full of widsom??? Or full of.... LMAO

And yes, I do have a lot of blogs that I read. But, when you stop looking for new blogs, to me that means that you have your circle and you don't care to include anyone else. I never want to be like that. New friends are always welcome! :)

June 2, 2011 at 7:45 AM  
Anonymous Galit Breen said...

Love it SHell. Authenticity is key.

And as for my favorite blogger? Anymommy. She screams authenticity and hilarity. Perfect.

June 2, 2011 at 7:50 AM  
Blogger A Mommy in the City said...

These are great tips! Meeting new people in the blog community is one of my favorite things!

I love ready The Mommyologist! www.mommyologist.com

June 2, 2011 at 7:57 AM  
Blogger Secret Mom Thoughts said...

Great tips. I found you through someone's blog roll.

Here's one of my favorite blogs
http://thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com/

June 2, 2011 at 7:58 AM  
Blogger Natalie said...

Now we know the secrets of how you got so many followers! :) Well besides the fact that you have an awesome blog :) Those are all great tips, and I need to check out people's blog roll more...I go through phases. I just found this blog the other day, and I am really enjoying it:
http://www.pampersandpinot.com/

June 2, 2011 at 8:00 AM  
Blogger What Now????? said...

You give the best advice!!! Thank You, it really helps to know that someone is willing to help, and not just give a bunch of useless information. You make the blogging world a little less intimidating :)

June 2, 2011 at 8:13 AM  
Blogger Holly Diane said...

Great post! Your blog is always one I check out when I log in because I like what your topics are and your blog is just so stinkin cute! :)
It's funny I just reached the big 200 followers number and only have a few faithful commentors..so either my stuff is not interesting enough to comment on or I've collected people that just follow in hopes that I will follow back (I don't...I only follow blogs that I find interesting to me)

I do try and leave comments when I find something I like just so they know someone out there is reading...I know I appreciate that!

Anyway...another great post. Thank you!

June 2, 2011 at 8:19 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Another important point is to ensure that your blog address signature is CORRECT! I just noticed mine is WRONG, LOL! Corrected!
Victoria
www.victoria-thefirstday.blogspot.com

June 2, 2011 at 8:21 AM  
Blogger Elena Sonnino said...

I love the idea of interacting with other people that like the same blog or community. I have started to do this more and have found some great blogs (and people!). Great tips!!!

June 2, 2011 at 8:24 AM  
Blogger angela said...

What a great post! I love reading the PYHO posts, even when I don't participate, and I've found some great people through The Red Dress Club and Mama Kat.

I don't know if you read Kir at http://www.thekircorner.com/
but she is fabulous. She has a lovely blog and is also just an all around cool person.

June 2, 2011 at 8:30 AM  
Blogger Barbara said...

What great advice. I wish I would have had something like this when I first started blogging! I agree that the blog roll is a great idea to find new blogs!

June 2, 2011 at 8:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great post, Shell! :) I've seen an evolution in my blog friendships over the last month or two ... I'm making some very cool new friendships through blogs (and twitter, of course) that I never expected. I think YOU are a fabulous bloggy friend because you always visit the people who participate in PYHO and you reply to comments made on your blog. You are on a very short list of "big" bloggers who do this and it's part of what makes you awesome. :) This "little" blogger thanks you!

Sidenote: I haven't been able to muster a PYHO in a few weeks. Again, I'm faced with the issue that my blog ISN'T anonymous because what I REALLY want to write about ... I can't.

June 2, 2011 at 8:40 AM  
Blogger Evonne said...

These are definitely wise words.

I've also used comments on other blogs to find new blogs to read. If I keep seeing the same name over and over, eventually curiosity will get the best of me and I'll click over.

June 2, 2011 at 8:45 AM  
Blogger Brandi said...

Great post!

And thank you for introducing me to The Red Dress Club. I'd never heard of that blog and their RemebeRED meme looks right up my alley. Thanks! ;)

June 2, 2011 at 8:49 AM  
Blogger Minivan Mama said...

Your post is right on. It took me awhile to start getting my grove (still working on it) but by finding bloggers that you actually enjoy and relate too...it just all starts to flow.

June 2, 2011 at 8:49 AM  
Blogger Julie said...

Good ideas - I'm trying to find more readers so I may look into more of those, I link up a lot already :)

June 2, 2011 at 9:03 AM  
Blogger Tracy Wilson said...

I always read other people's blogs, and try to leave a real comment if I feel moved to...great advice, thanks for taking the time to educate.
Tracy

June 2, 2011 at 9:03 AM  
Blogger Tina @ Life Without Pink said...

Great advice Shell! And I agree with you, even though there are so many blogs out there, I love meeting new people, reading new blogs and finding new friends! I think it keeps it fresh and that's how you actually grow!

One of my favorites is Mommyfriend...www.mommyfriend.com. Love her!

June 2, 2011 at 9:09 AM  
Anonymous tracy@sellabitmum said...

Love this. Finding a community I connect with by visiting blogs and through twitter has been amazing.

June 2, 2011 at 9:17 AM  
Blogger Lori said...

Great advice- I find some of my favorite blogs through clicking on people's blogrolls and checking out posts I think are interesting. Sometimes I even forget how I actually got there!

June 2, 2011 at 9:21 AM  
Blogger MommaKiss said...

Well look at you giving great advice!

Here's a blog I'll share. She's not an every day poster (which I kinda love) and her stories are awesome. Especially this intro:

http://confessionsfromapaperbag.blogspot.com/2010/06/bevmo-incident.html

I always wonder how some people find me on the blog, but love me some comments!

June 2, 2011 at 9:32 AM  
Blogger Cindi said...

Great tips Shell and you have an awesome blog!

Still being new to blogging next week scares me as I've probably already done the 5 things you're going to list for what not to do. (LoL)

June 2, 2011 at 9:35 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Really good suggestions - especially the commenting part. Honestly I hate it when people comment "I'm coming from XYZ blog" and add their link and then that's all they comment. What am I supposed to get out of it?!

I joined you on Twitter - just started that platform, not too sure how helpful it is/will be but...worth a shot!

Thanks for your advice!

June 2, 2011 at 9:39 AM  
Blogger Carol said...

Great suggestions! Sometimes I get so caught up in reading other blogs from my friends blogrolls that I don't get anything done! one of my guilty pleasures I guess!

June 2, 2011 at 9:41 AM  
Blogger Jenny said...

Shell - I always know I'll get great tips, ideas or even just a good read when I see a post of yours in my Google Reader. I think I'm the worst at commenting, but I'm working to change this fact. Your post today was just what I needed to jump-start my apathetic nature toward commenting. I can't wait to read the 5 what not to do's! Thanks for sharing.

A great blog that I found recently and love is written by an interior designer. Her posts and the images are wonderful. Go check her out if you are into coffee, design, or just want to see some awesome luxe photos. http://lifeinaventicup.com

June 2, 2011 at 9:43 AM  
Blogger Sara said...

This was (once again) great advice!! You're like a Blog- Yoda (except, you know, not green or frog- like!).

My new favorite right now is The Child. She write such beautiful posts, and leaves the kindest comments. Love her!!

http://thechild-kim.blogspot.com/

June 2, 2011 at 9:46 AM  
Blogger BNM said...

absolutely great tips! I hate when people come over and just say "come to my blog yada yada yada" I need something that tells me that you are interesting and I would enjoy reading!

June 2, 2011 at 9:48 AM  
Blogger Jennifer said...

I have been blogging for more than a year. I really dont get that many comments let alone comments about what i write. Its mainly following from a blog hop. I didnt realize utilizing twitter would help. Thanks for this article

June 2, 2011 at 9:50 AM  
Blogger Cheryl D. said...

My blog has really stagnated. This issue is my problem exactly: I only have time to visit so many blogs! Now that I'm working part-time, I'm at my limit. While I'll occasionally add a new blog to follow and comment on here and there, it's tough to keep up with all of them as it is!

June 2, 2011 at 9:50 AM  
Blogger Jennifer said...

I forgot to post my must read everyday blog. www.livingrichwithcoupons.com she does alot of coupon match ups to alot of stores and post several times a day with all sorts of coupon links and bargains

June 2, 2011 at 9:54 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I have always been a commenter and I loathe the blog hop follow me thing. Drives me BATTY! I have a ton of great blogs I read and friends I have made through blogging. One would absolutely be Jana..
http://www.boobiesbabiesandablog.com

June 2, 2011 at 10:02 AM  
Blogger Emmy said...

If I see someone that also always seems to be commenting on the blogs I comment on I will often go check out their blog as we obviously like the same things :)
Great tips

June 2, 2011 at 10:14 AM  
Blogger Di said...

I've done a few blog hops but I usually end up deleting the blogs I started following because they don't interest me at all. With so little time for reading now I need blogs that actually do something for me!

I will say I love reading Sara's blog - http://www.lifes-recipe.com/ - her sense of humor never fails to get me smiling!

June 2, 2011 at 10:21 AM  
Blogger Heidi said...

I love looking through peoples blog lists. That's how I found you!

June 2, 2011 at 10:42 AM  
Blogger Darlene said...

You have some great words of advice, Shell. I always appreciate your comments and email responses. Honestly, I don't know how you find the time to do it! Very impressive. I'll be sure to check back for part two, crossing my fingers that I'm not guilty!

A recent blog that I've found, and is quite hilarious is:
http://facing50withhumour.blogspot.com

June 2, 2011 at 10:47 AM  
Blogger Kristina P. said...

Funny, because I think Twitter has actually been part of the demise of actual comments on blogs. My comments are half of what they were a year ago, and I've heard that from a ton of bloggers.

June 2, 2011 at 11:16 AM  
Blogger Alison said...

Great tips, Shell!

I find that Twitter has given me many new friends and new blogs to read (and obviously takes up way too much of my time!)

My must reads? I love www.mommynanibooboo.com and www.mommyshorts.com

June 2, 2011 at 11:20 AM  
Blogger Lisa said...

Thanks to you and PYHO, and I fully accredit you for this, I've gained at least 15 new followers in two months. :) Thanks Shell.

June 2, 2011 at 11:29 AM  
Blogger Jen said...

Great tips, Shell!! You are such a good blog friend!!

June 2, 2011 at 11:29 AM  
Blogger Jennifer said...

#1 and #2 were the main ways I found blogs when I started out. I figured if we liked the same people then it had to be good, and I was right. I've never been a follow for a follow person. I like to read/follow blogs that I find interesting and that I think I'll actually like the person in real life that I'm reading.

June 2, 2011 at 11:34 AM  
Blogger Elena Wollborg said...

That really is great advice! I always check out blogs that I read daily's blogroll and see who they are reading. Like you said, if you like what they say & trust them, you'll probably like the linked blogs as well.

June 2, 2011 at 11:46 AM  
Blogger Heather said...

I love befriending people who leave humorous comments on other blogs. I have met some cool folks that way.

(I really hope I am not guilty of the any of the FIVE things. Now I am worried.)

Am I going to have to give in and learn to Twitter one of these days?

June 2, 2011 at 11:48 AM  
Blogger Jayme said...

I totally need to update my blogroll, so many of my favs aren't on it!

One of my favorite bloggers is Alicia- http://bethsix.com/

June 2, 2011 at 11:53 AM  
Blogger Stasha said...

Twitter has totally helped me find some of my favorites.

People having guest posters has helped me find a few favorites too.

One of my current faves?

Kris @ http://www.prettyalltrue.com

June 2, 2011 at 12:04 PM  
Blogger Miss Em said...

Hey, Thanks for the advice! Twitter here I come!

http://insightoftheshore.blogspot.com/

June 2, 2011 at 12:10 PM  
Blogger Courtney K. said...

People seem to completely forget about Blog Rolls. Isn't that what they are there for? Blogs I love... hmm. I could name dozens, but I'm loving "The Mom Diggity" lately. Such a sweet gal. www.themomdiggity.com

June 2, 2011 at 12:22 PM  
Blogger Kir said...

this was fantastic Shell, I hope I am doing all of these things and I can't wait to see the list of what NOT to do.

I would love to have more traffic on my blog. :)

June 2, 2011 at 12:25 PM  
Blogger Elizabeth said...

What a great post! I think everyone wonders how they can create more traffic on their blog. Oh, and I love your blog! You have a great sense of humor!

xoxo
Blogging Blondie

June 2, 2011 at 12:28 PM  
Blogger Hutch said...

I wish someone was around to tell me this when I first started...it took me a couple months to figure it out!

Gotta link to my girl Ally @ 400 Wake-ups, formerly of Magnolias & Mimosas. She has a way of making me laugh AND cry within seconds.

http://400wakeups.blogspot.com

June 2, 2011 at 12:28 PM  
Blogger Tammy said...

The comments are so important. I get so many that are "I follow you, please follow me"....drives me crazy! They are all about just getting followers and not developing friendships and following great blogs!

I am still trying to get use to twitter...it moves so fast so will be looking forward to that post "someday."

June 2, 2011 at 12:31 PM  
Blogger Melanie said...

This is so helpful. It just confirms one of the things I love about blogging is the communities you can be a part of. Yours being one of them, Shell.

One of my favorite bloggers who I believe is new to the scene and so cool is http://mamatrack.com/. Check her out!

June 2, 2011 at 12:39 PM  
Blogger The Home C.E.O. said...

Or you could just go out and find yourself a pimp right?
I really like
www.lolais40.com
she's blunt, funny, sassy and so cool.

I agree with you 100% about blog rolls.
That's the way to network.

I also think that promoting your "competitors" is a good way. And be sure to give love to all your favorite bloggers, they'll return the favor.

June 2, 2011 at 12:54 PM  
Blogger Natalie said...

Shell, I love this! It's all spot on and great info for new bloggers!

June 2, 2011 at 12:55 PM  
Blogger Oka said...

I think you forgot to mention that you share great blogs on your BFF posts weekly too.

June 2, 2011 at 12:59 PM  
Blogger Jen said...

Fantastic advice!!!

And here is a blog that I LOVE
http://astonesthrowfrominsanity.blogspot.com

June 2, 2011 at 1:06 PM  
Anonymous christine @ quasiagitato said...

I do all those things and they do pay off...but not fast enough!! At some point we may need to talk about patience ;) Why, as a mom who constantly wishes for more patience with her kids, did I start a BLOG for pete's sake! (Just kidding. Mostly) I love Her Bad Mother along with the rest of the world.

June 2, 2011 at 1:07 PM  
Anonymous Jessica Anne said...

I love these ideas! I've been being a little hermit-y lately, this is just what I needed to see to get back out there. I really don't like those follow me back linkys either. They don't seem to work very well for me.

June 2, 2011 at 1:24 PM  
Blogger Poppy said...

Great advice and you're pretty too.
come visit me at www.funnyorsnot.com

June 2, 2011 at 1:56 PM  
Blogger January Dawn said...

Shell you're awesome and I love that you're so generous with us (little) bloggers and take time to comment regularly. It's very rare indeed. Thanks for sharing all of your tips...there are so many awesome blogs out there but one I recently found that is not well known but very well written (and funny too) is: http://www.thedailydoty.com/

June 2, 2011 at 2:21 PM  
Anonymous Jack said...

Sometimes I miss blogrolls because they used to make it really easy to find new blogs to read.

I like Motherese (http://mothereseblog.com/)

As a father I relate to a lot of it but there are things in there that are outside of my experience. I know what it means to have a pregnant wife, but not to be pregnant etc.

June 2, 2011 at 2:52 PM  
Blogger Rebecca Dot Com said...

when people comment on my blog saying " Im following from such and such", I dont ever follow them back! - partly its because im a horrible new friend blogger because I never take the time to read new blogs - I just read the ones already in my blog roll - like yours :)

June 2, 2011 at 2:56 PM  
Blogger Rhiannon said...

great ideas! Im such a twitter-dummy.

June 2, 2011 at 2:59 PM  
Blogger Rach (DonutsMama) said...

Thank you for saying this! I love it when you bigger bloggers spill your secrets! And yes, the comments that say "Hi, I'm your newest follower" drive me NUTS! Not one of them has ever come back to my blog.

I really like http://stephanieinsuburbia.blogspot.com/ lately. She and I seem so similar!

June 2, 2011 at 3:01 PM  
Blogger Sarah @OMGTheresThree said...

I just found your blog yesterday through Blogroll surfing! Great advice. I love the new community blogging has opened up for me.

June 2, 2011 at 3:02 PM  
Blogger Kristin @ What She Said said...

Hi! I just found your blog, and what a great "first post" for me to read! I agree with all your tips. As for blogs I like, there are many, but two of my favorites are MommyShorts (www.mommyshorts.com) and Julie Gardner - By Any Other Name (www.juliecgardner.com).

June 2, 2011 at 3:25 PM  
Blogger Kim said...

Excellent tips. I am so with you on the right way to comment. I think you probably know about most of the blogs I like - i've either met them through your link party or red dress club.

June 2, 2011 at 3:26 PM  
Blogger Babes Mami said...

I really really need to make more time to pop around and visit!

June 2, 2011 at 3:26 PM  
Blogger Not Just Another Jennifer said...

First of all, great tips.

Second, LOVE the idea of everyone listing their fave blogs.

Third, I have so many in my Google Reader it's about to implode, but I still love finding new ones.

In that vein, posts that are advertised on Twitter are often the only ones I get to each day because the link is right there. I HIGHLY recommend Twitter for that reason alone. I don't think it deters from comments. I still comment the same; I just may not visit a blog whose post hasn't been tweeted because I only have so much time in the day.

Fourth, I'm shocked there's very little overlap in the fave blogs - how cool is that?

Finally, two of my favorites are www.taminginsanity.com and www.inpursuitofitall.com

June 2, 2011 at 3:36 PM  
Blogger Amanda @ It's Blogworthy said...

I love the blogs with Comment Luv on them, I love seeing the post names and being able to read then and there! I agree, nothing that makes me want to talk to people LESS than when they are like, "just visiting from a link!" um, did you even read my post?

June 2, 2011 at 4:11 PM  
Blogger arielle elise. said...

such an awesome post....great tips! :) a blog i'm loving right now would be...ah, there are too many to choose from! :)

June 2, 2011 at 4:14 PM  
Blogger The Woven Moments said...

I just realized that the blogger I was going to recommend already left a comment!

Life Without Pink is a refreshingly genuine and honest take on raising boys...
www.lifewithoutpink.com

-Ryan

June 2, 2011 at 4:19 PM  
Blogger Mommy Inconsistent said...

Thanks for the great advice, Shell. And since I'm new to all of this, I need all the advice I can get. A couple of blogs I really enjoy are: www.fightingfrumpy.com and www.themeanestmom.blogspot.com

~ Jill

June 2, 2011 at 6:23 PM  
Blogger Patrice said...

I used to have a solid base of blog friends, but lately they've felt few and far between! Part of it is my fault... I haven't been commenting on their blogs as much as I should! I would love to get back to have a lot of bloggy friends!

A blog I love is "If You Ask Me"! She writes hilarious recaps of The Bachelor(ette) and always has a good story to tell! I really enjoy her blog! Her blog is http://audcole.com

June 2, 2011 at 7:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great tips and you should know! You're everywhere and I mean that in the nicest of ways. Looking forward to more.

One of my favorite blogs is a little one by my IRL friend, Coreen: http://www.fussypantsandlittlemiss.com/

June 2, 2011 at 7:12 PM  
Blogger Keshyra said...

Great post as usual, I can always use some good blog tips myself. If I were to list some of my fav blogs, yours would be on that list, but I would also say
http://www.findingthehumor.com/ (she's hilarious and super nice),
I absolutely adore http://www.kellehampton.com/
and for a great entertainment blog I love http://thescribesdesk.com/. Sorry to put more than one, I couldn't help myself :)

June 2, 2011 at 7:31 PM  
Blogger Lourie said...

I have been friends with EmmyMom IRL since I started blogging. SHe introduced me to it--well got me back into it. It's great. I love the women I have become cyber friends with and i look forward to their posts and comments each day.

June 2, 2011 at 7:57 PM  
Blogger Jessica said...

Solid advice. It is hard in the beginning to know where to find blogs to read but there are so many out there.

June 2, 2011 at 8:18 PM  
Blogger Sorta Southern Single Mom said...

More great advice from a blogger extrodinaire! Funny you posted this today because I finally got myself on the list to receive Mama Kat's email prompts and linked up for the first time in a long time again today.

Can't wait for Part 2... I'm sure I'll find I'm doing everything wrong!

June 2, 2011 at 8:32 PM  
Blogger twinkietotmom said...

Great tips :) I think the 5 things NOT to do sounds fun...hope there doesn't end up being anything I've ever done before on it!

June 2, 2011 at 9:07 PM  
Anonymous Kimberly said...

Blogfeog is also a great way to find blogs or even joining a mommy blog community.

June 2, 2011 at 9:36 PM  
Anonymous emily @ http://scrambledpreservedfriedcured.wordpress.com/ said...

Such great blogs for me to check out...must get 4-year-old to cook dinner for other kids so i can sit back and read all of them. Thanks for posting and for offering your suggestions.

June 2, 2011 at 9:43 PM  
Blogger Jen Has A Pen said...

My favorite thing, next to the "stopping by from..." comments is typing out a comment from my phone in the doctor's office this morning, hitting submit and then losing signal. Love that. Happened to me on this very post this morning. Damn.

The jest was (I think) that when I started blogging, I did exactly that. I rushed through reading the post, mentioned where I was "stopping by" from, followed, and moved on. I think I did that because that's what people were doing to my blog. I realize how stupid that was now, and am so grateful to the quality over quantity relationships I've built through the link ups you mentioned in this post. Good stuff. I'm always trying to learn from "the greats" and you are one of them. :-)

June 2, 2011 at 9:47 PM  
Blogger Stephanie in Suburbia said...

I also love Follow Fridays (#FF hashtag on Twitter) b/c if it's someone I really like and they recommend someone else, I am likely to follow.

Also on Twitter, I like #commenthour on Wednesday nights by SITS girls. I always find great new blogs and the support is awesome.

June 2, 2011 at 9:54 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Great advice. Leaving a meaningful (not meaningless) comment on a blog is key, but you should do so with some frequency, not just once. Right? Go back and visit / comment often, to establish a relationship. And that blogger will most likely reciprocate.
Looking forward to reading Part 2!

June 2, 2011 at 10:11 PM  
Anonymous Yuliya said...

Hi I'm your newest follower. this blog has some valuable insight for sure. I will bookmark it if you add me to your blogroll. Follow back at www.ididntevenreadyourpost.com

(Great advice! One of my fave blogs is Old Tweener, she has teenagers and provides me with some much needed perspective, http://oldtweener.com/)

June 3, 2011 at 12:13 AM  
Blogger Tiffany said...

I love this post! It's awesome that you have such a variety of things you talk about on here, girl. I'm always finding some great blogs from others that I read. I can't wait to see what you have for what NOT to do. Yikes!

I love reading Stories From the Shoebox. http://www.storiesfromtheshoebox.com/
It was hard to choose just one because I have several must reads.

June 3, 2011 at 1:13 AM  
Blogger Kimberly said...

LOVE this post! I check out other people's blogrolls all the time looking for new sites to read. And the commenting? Best way to get readers. Ever.

Thank goodness for Pour Your Heart Out and Mama Kat's Writers Workshop! Love these two! I'm too scared to try TRDC yet!

June 3, 2011 at 2:03 AM  
Blogger Kiddothings said...

Thanks for the tips!. Thankfully I'm already doing some of the steps you mentioned, but I'm still very dumb at tweeting.

June 3, 2011 at 3:24 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

http://www.makemommygosomethingsomething.com/

Kim is an amazing mom who is working through PPD. And a great writer.

June 3, 2011 at 6:21 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

These tips are fabulous.
I like visiting blogrolls for networks like Multiples and More or others that have things in common with me.

June 3, 2011 at 9:36 AM  
Blogger Amber_D said...

I had no idea you could use baby powder to get sand off. Thanks for the tip!

June 3, 2011 at 9:50 AM  
Blogger Ma What's 4 dinner said...

Such great ideas...I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I've got to get out more! :) Have a great weekend.

Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner

June 3, 2011 at 3:47 PM  
Blogger Tantulum Chrysanthumum said...

Thank you for this post, it was very helpful! :-)

June 3, 2011 at 7:36 PM  
Blogger Claudya Martinez said...

Excellent advice! Getting a thoughtful comment is so wonderful and I think the more thoughtful comments you give, the more you get.

Looking forward to the 5 Things NOT to DO. I've got mami-brain right now, so I hope I don't miss it.

June 3, 2011 at 9:20 PM  
Blogger Beth Zimmerman said...

Superb advice, Shell! I've found the majority of my best blog friends through memes and the relationships have definitely blossomed via comments!

June 3, 2011 at 11:58 PM  
Blogger Cheryl said...

Good Lord this got a lot of comments!

Just wanted to thank you for the shout-out for TRDC, my friend!

xo

June 4, 2011 at 11:43 AM  
Blogger Julie said...

Shell -

You never cease to amaze me with your generosity here.

Always giving shout-outs and advice, a place for people to be honest and authentic.

And then you reply in emails...

Holy cow, lady.

How do you do it all?

Picture me impressed...

(and now I have a ton of awesome new blogs to visit.)

June 4, 2011 at 3:05 PM  
Anonymous Sharon at Momof6 said...

Hi Shell!
Great post on commenting.... my favorite blogs are:

Get Your Kludgy On
Parenting BY Dummies
Moments that Define Life
The Aums
(of course yours!)

and a big bunch more that focus on blogging... and on crafts... and on cooking.

Truly- I follow many many blogs right now!

June 4, 2011 at 4:12 PM  
Blogger mypixieblog said...

What a great post, Shell. I have no idea how you find the time to leave all the bloggy love that you do, but I respect you all the more because of it.

One of my favorite blogs is from a girl named Shana at www.fumblingtowardsnormalcy.com. I've had the pleasure to meet Shana on a few occasions and she covers all the little nuances about life in the big city. She's awesome :)

June 4, 2011 at 7:07 PM  
Blogger Peeper said...

Thanks for the tips, Shell :) I'll check out some of the linkies you mentioned too. It's so fun to discover a new blog that speaks to me. I feel less alone in my happiness or sadness when I do. Isn't it amazing to have found some kindred spirits though we have never met?

I'd love suggestions on how to encourage more comments on my blog. I see in my stats that people have visited but no commentary. Friends and family will email me or message me on FB to say they loved a recent post! I guess this is reassuring because I otherwise assume that nobody can relate to my experience or that I'm boring :(

A blog-friend:
http://myhappiness-log.blogspot.com/

June 5, 2011 at 5:20 PM  
Anonymous Leah said...

As a relatively new blogger, this was very helpful information. I came to your blog via twitter and I must say I love clicking on all the blogs by those I follow on twitter. I have about 50 or so in my reader and try to add a new one each day.

One of my faves is www.mommyfriend.com. That gal is a serious riot!

June 5, 2011 at 8:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sometimes I don't know if I'm breaking the rules or not and it's a bit paralyzing if I'm being honest. For example, I posted about a subject recently, then when I went through my Reader I saw someone else had posted about the same subject, same day. It was a big blog. Having read before that big(ger) bloggers don't like seeing that people have posted the same stuff as them as if it were their idea to begin with, I put a comment on saying something like, "Wow, how neat - you and I wrote about similar topics today!" Then I went onto write a comment about her post and why it resonated with me and why. I didn't put the link in my actual comment, though when I filled out the information that identifies, I included my blog's address (which I always do). She didn't comment back or acknowledge at all. Which is fine, I don't expect that necessarily, but I do wonder if I breached a rule or offended her or if (worst of all) she thought I was copying by posting something on the same day.

I schedule my topics out 2-3 weeks in advance, so it was a total coincidence, but still I wonder.

Sometimes that kind of thing makes me feel like I'm walking on eggshells in the blogosphere.

And while I'm emoting for a lonnnnnng time here, my question for you all is this - how often do you comment on someone's blog when you get NO response back before moving onto try to find someone else to connect with? I know the really big blogs sometimes don't comment back at all and I'm mainly talking about small to medium sized blogs here - ones that I sometimes try to support in the same way I'd like support as a new blogger.

Anyway, love this post - super helpful for those of us who are semi-new. :)

June 6, 2011 at 2:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shoot! I forgot to follow directions! I like Laughing at Chaos quite a bit.

June 6, 2011 at 2:50 PM  
Blogger Ducky said...

Stopping by to leave my link. Come visit me back and I'll follow you.





HAAAAA! Just kidding. That really is annoying though.

I'd really LOVE to have some more hours in the day. I miss the visiting new people or the people who DON'T come visit me anymore simply because I haven't the time to get around to visit them. With summer here and the school year winding down (YES I AM STILL IN SCHOOL!) I am hoping to find some more time to visit and comment and get back to reading just as much as posting! Awesome tips though!!

June 6, 2011 at 9:47 PM  
Blogger Alexandra said...

I love how this post reminds how much you helped me when I first began blogging.

I had forgotten how I didn't know where to start.

It's all coming back to me now, your help.

I'd say, new bloggers especially can follow you, holding on to the tow rope that you are.

June 7, 2011 at 9:06 AM  
Blogger MrsJenB said...

To this day I cringe when I see "Following you from blah blah blah, follow me back!".

You share so many good ideas here! I think everyone faces that initial learning curve when it comes to the real nuts and bolts of blogging - it can come as such a surprise.

June 7, 2011 at 9:30 AM  
Blogger Tania said...

So, I found your blog through another blog's blogroll. Thanks for the tips! I am a VERY new blogger and am still trying to figure out how to navigate the blogosphere. Thanks so much for showing me the ropes!

June 7, 2011 at 10:35 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

You probably know her, but I am loving http://www.juliecgardner.com/ lately. She's so hilarious.

June 9, 2011 at 12:54 PM  
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