Blogging Tips – HiP Blog Challenge (Part 2)

When Tara Gentile, from HandmadeInPa.net, told us about her new series, the “HiP Blog Challenge”, we were excited to share her ideas with HandmadeMarketing.org readers.   “This is a four part series – with a new post every Saturday in April,” Tara tells us.  Tara’s part one of her blog challenge told us about creating a brand with your blog as well as establishing a mission statement.

This week, Tara writes about creating a community with your blog.  When Tara asked Jessica Smith, from Wish Pot and Jessica Knows, the one tip she would give someone just starting out in social media, Jessica said replied, “Talking with people</strong>” may be easy to put into practice with sites like Facebook and Twitter. But you probably use your blog just to “talk to people.” It takes a bit more thought & a tiny bit of effort to turn your blog into a conversation – but it’s well worth it!”

“How do you feel when you receive a comment on a blog post?” Tara asks.  “Pretty jazzed, right? Are you doing anything to encourage comments?”

Tara tells us why comments are the currency of the blogosphere.  “Sure, impressions, page views, & unique hits are great – but if you’re not engaging your readership, what is your blog really worth?” Tara says.  “Engaging your readers means that they’ll keep coming back whether they’re ready to buy from you that day or not. They’ll be more likely to keep you in mind for a special gift or a personal splurge! Inviting and encouraging comments will keep your readers engaged.”

Tara suggests handmade sellers who blog should consider thinking about the blog community.  “Just as in life, the more you give, the more you get,” Tara says.  “Think about the blogs you visit regularly. Are you giving them the comments that you’d like to get? Leave a comment. Start a discussion. Point out something specific from the post you found helpful, eye-catching, or interesting.”

Commenting on blog posts are a win-win for both the blogger and your handmade shop.  Tara thinks commenting on blogs is also a great way to get noticed by people who are in a position to promote you and your handmade business. “You read all your blog comments, so do I. And so do editors who create blogs with more readership than we could ever dream of! To encourage reader loyalty, you can even respond to your comments – by email, on your blog, or on the reader’s blog.”

How do bloggers encourage comments on their own blog? Tara has wonderful ideas.  “Encouraging comments starts with providing excellent content (that always keeps in mind your mission statement, of course!),” Tara tells us.  “Include new projects, special features, tours of your studio…anything that your customers can’t find elsewhere – these things all encourage comments by making your readers feel valued.”

“You can also increase the interactivity of your blog by asking for design ideas,” Tara continues.  She references  GirlsCanTell as a perfect example.  “Sara regularly collects reader input and then creates new designs based on the ideas! You can also have polls or ask for readers’ personal experiences,” Tara says.  For more ideas, she points to ProBlogger as a wonderful source.

“The readers who comment are most often your best customers and biggest fans,” Tara says.  “You certainly want to take every opportunity to reward them for being a part of your business! Add a link to their site in your sidebar. Thank them publicly, by name, in posts. Offer to answer reader questions in an open comments thread.”  Tara even suggests giving your readers a piece of homework and have them report back to you on the blog.

All bloggers should ask themselves, “What have you done to increase a sense of community on your blog?”  Tara’s ideas are simple and practical – and may help push your blog into a promising new direction.  Do you ask anything from the community on your blog?  How can they become involved in the site?  If your blog is a one-way street, consider finding innovative ways to reach out to readers!

In true form, Tara has a homework assignment for HandmadeMarketing.org readers this week:  “Craft a question for your readers to answer. Make this post 200 words or less. In other words, a little background information is fine but really make the question the feature of your post. Let your readers know that you would really like to read their answers.”

Then, visit Tara’s blog and leave a comment with the permalink for your question post.  She also suggests visiting the blogs of other “HiP Blog Challenge” participants and answer their questions.

What is next for Tara “HiP Blog Challenge”?  Tara will discuss writing better blog posts by incorporating the principles of search engine optimization.  Our HandmadeMarketing.org team cannot wait!

What do you think of Tara’s ideas for creating a community centered around your blog?  What do you like most about other blogs?  Do you have ideas for engaging your readers?  What suggestions would you give a new handmade seller thinking about starting a blog of their own?

Tell us what makes a successful blog and blogging tips for others.  If our editors like your blogging ideas, we’ll feature you in a HandmadeMarketing.org article – and site your blog as the source!