I’ve been reading through all of the comments on ProBlogger’s recent post on blogging-related New Year’s Resolutions, and wasn’t necessarily surprised to see repeating resolutions related to creating more content, more useful content, increasing subscribers, increasing ad revenue, and such.
What’s Wrong With That?
While I don’t think these are bad resolutions to have (I’d call them “goals”, but that’s just me), I still feel like the blogging community majority is still missing the point. Yes, blogging is based on creating solid useful content, and some of us have aspirations to make a living, or at least a supplemental income, from publishing to a blog. But, the real key to long-term successful blogging (for money or for pure satisfaction) is community.
Oh Yeah, Community! You mean the people that I hope come subscribe to my blog so I make more money…
Most of us are on Facebook and Twitter and maintain a blog at this point, but how often do you seek out new blogs (and hence people) concentrated on your same subject matter? How about ones not related at all to your subject matter? How about ones in your neighborhood or region? How about ones by people from your ethnic, special needs, or special interest group? Now you’re getting my point…
Taking Community a Step Further
To be successful as a blogging community, we need to support one another. That doesn’t mean building a community for the only (selfish) reason of getting more people to come to your blog and boosting your subscriber count. It’s also about supporting other bloggers in their interest, either by subscribing to their blog, viewing it occasionally, following them on Twitter, publicizing their blog on your Facebook profile or Twitter stream, or providing a useful comment.
Do You Walk the Talk?
I do! It’s become clear to me as I’ve advanced my blogging career that what brings me true satisfaction is helping others. I do trust that if I follow my gut with this one, that the rest (fame and riches, of course) are just around the corner.
With that, make sure you visit the following blogs, and subscribe, give them a shout out on Twitter, or just leave a thoughtful comment. If we all do things like this EVERY DAY, we all will prosper!
- A Kase of… by Kasey Crabtree – Hard times fell on Kasey last year, but she has made lemons out of lemonade! For a good dose of positivity and inspiration, visit her blog and follow @kaseycrabtree on Twitter.
- @tamcdonald expanded by Tim McDonald – Tim is a Realtor, biker (non-motorized variety), and foodie who is dedicated to making Lake County, IL a more social place to live – and he’s succeeding! Check out his blog and follow Tim @tamcdonald on Twitter.
- Night Owl Mama – A WAHM (work-at-home mom) in Chicago, IL that’s always got an ear into giveaways and contests. Check out her site for product reviews of things all mommies may find interest in and follow her on Twitter at @NightOwlMama
- Night Helper by Lisa Charleston – Another WAHM, this time in Michigan, who has an incredible invention patented in her name. She’s in the fundraising stage, and any help you can give (even just some kind words!) can help further her purpose. Also follow her on Twitter @CaringMom.
