A lot of people ask me about starting a blog and how I got readers. I found one thing that made a HUGE difference in my blog traffic. If you look at my blog stats from where I started with my first post to now, you can see exactly when I implemented this strategy, and how I went from about 200 views a month to 20,000.
The Best Thing I Did for Blog Traffic
So here’s the big secret: I owned it. I basically “came out” as a blogger. Meaning I put it everywhere and I told everyone about it, and I told people it’s what I do instead of just acting like it was a little hobby or not important. I made it important.
I had my first blog for probably 10 years, and I thought I had a good readership. Overall, I got maybe 2000 views a month. I wrote about my costume shop, cosplay events and conventions. I never had very many comments or likes, and I didn’t really pay much attention to it. I had no idea how big a blog could be once you really focus on it.
How to Increase Your Blog Exposure
First, make sure your blog is on all your social profiles. I started getting a lot of traffic from Facebook, Instagram and Twitter when I started sharing my posts there. Then I created a LinkedIn account, put on there that I was a blogger and linked my blog. I felt pretty official after that!
I also got a little more focused and accepted the mom blog thing. At first, I wanted a mostly geek-centered blog with crafting, plus movie and book reviews. But what I really enjoyed writing most was my personal stories and doing product reviews. So instead of a geeky blog run by a mom, it became a mom blog with a dash of geek. Once I had a focus, I felt more confident telling people I was a blogger because I felt more secure about answering the usual questions that follow, like, “What’s your blog about?”
It’s been six months since I made the change and became a blogger, not just someone with a blog. While the change was sudden, it takes some dedication to keep the momentum. I notice my stats slipping when I get quiet and stop sharing or commenting on other blogs. It does take at least a small amount of engagement to bring in new readers and stay connected with current ones.
So that’s the big secret. If you want to BE a blogger, you have to let everyone else know you ARE a blogger. Even if it’s just in your own mind to start!
So what’s your number one strategy for increasing blog traffic?
Geek Mamas 
Crushing it, lady!
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I did notice a spike in my stats when I started shamelessly plugging my posts on social media! 🙂
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I hate to do it too much, but it does really make a difference! Got to let people know it’s there.
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I’m a new blogging mom and am currently looking at ways to drive traffic that’s a good idea to start letting everyone know.
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It makes a huge difference once you get comfortable talking about your blog and be prepared to have a clear message of what it is you blog about too!
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Other then sharing with friends and family what platforms do you recommend to get your blog out?
If you don’t mind me asking
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I get some decent traffic from Bloglovin and also from topmommyblogs.com – I did the “fab” club thing on there
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Thank you for sharing your tips! I’ve just started my blog and it’s so encouraging to see how your stats changed over time and with hard work!
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Good luck with the new blog! You can definitely tell the difference in stats when you really try and promote vs. just writing and publishing. I know when I slack off a bit and don’t post, or a I get a little quiet on social media, my stats go down. But the great thing about blogging is you can always ramp them back up again with a little effort.
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Great tips!
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Good advice! I am a new blogger and just took the first step and made my first post today actually. I am trying to learn more about the whole blogging process so I am glad I came across your post. Thank you for the helpful information!
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Thanks! And good luck. You are off to a good start if you are researching and commenting. When I first started, I made it a point to comment on at least 3 blogs a day (and still try to do this now). Interaction will bring you readers as well.
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Thanks! I am using that advice today.
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Very insightful, and full of good advice, glad I took the time to read!
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Some of my stuff is researched but most is just random stuff that pops into my head late at night- some are things I was going to submit to various websites but decided to post on mine instead and some are plugs for my shops (one of which is NewAgeDreamChick since I do dream interpretation in that shop)
I’m in the awkward phase of trying to not come across as salespitchy but also trying to drive traffic to my Etsy shops. It’s a hard balance for me. When I’m talking to people, I tend to refer to myself either as a freelance writer or a writer and an aspiring fantasy author who has my own website. When asked what I write about, I say it’s mostly about parenting with some other stuff thrown in depending on what I feel like writing. I do my best not to make it a personal blog- some of us have typical boring lives- drs appointments, school drop offs, 2-3 articles to write before going to work, things that need to be made for Etsy, etc- no traveling (although for some odd reason, Facebook ads have me listed as a frequent traveler) or any majorly interesting events since we’re so freaking busy with everything else. lol
I’m trying to switch my mindset and look at writing as a business (same with my 2 Etsy shops) but it’s not as easy to do as I thought. I am guilty of playing off that I have a site- it almost feels like anyone I spoke with would just laugh if I mentioned it. (kind of like the thought of someone sitting in a coffee shop with a lap top and telling everyone they’re writing a book- kind of the stereotypical image when I think “I’m writing a book-” if that makes sense.)
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I totally get the image of “I’m writing a book” because I am writing a book, but always reluctant to say it because it is taking forever and that image is EXACTLY what I think of whenever I say it, LOL
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It’s bad enough people call me a “hipster” as a joke.
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