How to Have a Successful Blog By Quickly Engaging Your Readers

By: | November 3, 2015 | Tags: , , , , , , , |

writers can engage their blog readers so they subscribeAre engaging readers and getting people to follow your blog the same thing?

I read my guest author’s article a month ago when he first sent it to me.

My memory told me it was about how to get blog followers. After rereading his post, I see it is about engaging your readers.

I asked myself, and now I am asking you, “Aren’t they the same?”

Only visitors who find your writing engaging will want to become permanent readers and subscribe to your blog.

Richard Schulte, in his guest post, explains how you can do just that, engage your readers so thoroughly that they will quickly want to become subscribers of your blog.

Richard, take it away.

Passion, Personality, and Blogging Success

Warning! What you’re about to read was not written by an expert! Just little old me, a part-time blogger whose chief aim is to write a little and enjoy life.
I spend perhaps three or four hours every week preparing posts for my photo blog. Taking photographs is almost effortless–I just carry a camera while sauntering about my neighborhood.

My efforts on Twitter, Facebook and other social media are lazy or nonexistent. I don’t promote my blog in any way, or roll in bed at night fretting and strategizing. It’s all for fun.

So how on earth has my blog achieved relative success?

I’ve absorbed lots of useful information about blogging best practices over the years. It’s a complex, evolving subject that’s extremely fascinating. I’ve read about SEO… the intelligent use of keywords and tags…how to encourage eyeballs, acquire shares and backlinks…technical this and practical that. While all of this stuff is important, some of it can be so complicated I just end up confused!

But there’s one thing I’ve learned for certain. If you blog with passion and personality, you’ll eventually be found by many others. And you’ll connect with those people in a meaningful, enduring way.

To connect. To awaken feeling and thought. To tickle. To motivate. To enrich one’s own life and the lives of others. A blog can achieve these things like no other medium can. A friendly blog is your extended hand.

A blog made personal is like a casual chat with a friend or family member. Short and sincere. When the words are just right, a blog can transmit a strange something between writer and reader that is like sunlight breaking through clouds. That’s a place where people want to be.

Now I admit, the vast majority of my own blog posts aren’t as brilliant as the sun. From day to day, we all feel varying levels of inspiration and motivation. We often don’t have the time to produce a masterpiece. And your subject matter on any given day might not be terribly gripping. But one can always blog with passion.

And that, I believe, is the element readers are drawn to most. It’s the shining light. So why not infuse your blog with that shining light?

How to Engage Your Readers

  • Always write your blog with passion. When possible, blog about what you love. If, unfortunately, you’re in a position that precludes that, then add splashes to your blog with colors that you love.

Paint your creation in a way that makes it feel alive, special, purposeful. Burnish your words and make them shine. That passion, combined with your own unique personality, will produce a stream of heartfelt words, which leap straight out of your brain and into the life of your readers.Whatever the subject might happen to be, never be afraid to reveal the depth of your passion. Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t hold those feelings back. Speak from the heart.

Readers want to be excited and provoked by your own special energy. Nobody wants to read something that is robotic, even if the subject matter seems dry. Readers really want to sense your heart. They want to tap into that energy and be inspired.

Passion is shining light.

But passion requires an effective voice. It’s your relatable, appealing voice that must do the speaking.

So how do you express thoughts with personality?

  • Be personable. Simply write the way you ordinarily talk. Be yourself. Don’t fake anything or put on superior airs. Stay human. Be vulnerable.
  • Write what you know, admit what you don’t know. Be as direct and as clear as you can be–even if it seems impossibly difficult.
  • Be careful about the words you use, but don’t paralyze yourself by being overly critical. Lay the cards you have down.
  • Follow the Golden Rule. Treat your readers as you would like to be treated.
  • Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. Yes, employ humor. We all have a sense of humor, right? While nobody in their right mind would be a silly as me, everybody appreciates a little gentle humor. It breaks down barriers. It demonstrates that you and the reader are essentially alike. (But no off-color or deliciously mean-spirited humor. Not on a public blog, if you’re aiming for broad readership. Reserve that for your closest friends!)
  • Above all, be compassionate. Passion without compassion is a dazzling bright light without warmth. There are plenty of competing things that dazzle out there on the internet. Connecting with people in a meaningful, enduring way requires compassion. Speak directly from a generous heart and your readership will grow. People will find you. Simple as that.
    Well, I suppose this blog was actually about how to be a writer. But that’s what blogging is, right?

My silly little blog is called Cool San Diego Sights. You might enjoy a visit!

/////////////////////////////////////////////

Me again: I have been to Richard’s blog, Cool San Diego Sights. The readers are engaged. Yet, Richard, as he explains, is not an expert in SEO, social media, or blogging. Therefore his methods for how to engage readers, which he described in this post, must work.

Bloggers, please share, so others know Richard’s tips for engaging readers which can definitely turn blog visitors into subscribers.

Let’s go offer Richard some blog love for coming here today and go visit his site, Cool San Diego Sights.

Before you go, which of Richard’s tips did you feel had the most merit? Can you suggest any other ways to engage readers or suggest ways for writers to find their voice? I look forward to your views.

Related Posts:

How to Get Loyal Visitors To Repeatedly Return to Your Blog

How to Engage Your Blog Readers

How to Engage Your Blog Readers Who are in a Rush

  1. Charles Rogers

    Well, it’s very easy to give this confirming testimonial for your proposal and Richard’s discussion. I discovered Cool San Diego several weeks ago and re-blogged “tall ships”. Also, it was me who introduced Richard to Mostly Blogging.
    (Good job, Charles)

  2. Richard Schulte

    Hi Janice! Wow! Thanks for publishing my guest post! Hopefully it provides a little bit of inspiration for some of your readers. Good luck to everyone! Blog, blog, blog away!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Richard,
      Thank you for guest authoring for us today. From all these likes and comments, it is clear that your post is a hit! You did a great job. Your article was inspirational.
      Janice

      • Richard Schulte

        Thanks! A little inspiration now and then never hurt! Hopefully everyone on your site keeps the faith and just enjoys the act of blogging, plain and simple. Every blogger is unique and has something important to say, even if the efforts seem frustrating at times. People who mold ideas build the future. Bloggers and writers touch lives directly. And we’re often not aware of the good that we do.

        • Janice Wald

          Hi Richard,
          I thought you’d be excited to know that your guest post was published by an online Twitter publication!
          Janice

          • Richard Schulte

            Awesome!

    • Jeanine

      Thank you to Richard!
      All the advice was helpful.
      With our blog, we have instinctively
      used most of the ” tips of the tail”
      This actually describes Bree’s blog!
      Humor, passion, compassion and from the heart! Next time we are in San Diego, will check out your travel tips. Again thank you!
      (ATT: JANICE! Can you forward this message to Richard? Thank you)
      And, every time I visit Mostlyblogging, I leave with invaluable knowledge so thank you to Janice for everything you so generously share!

      • Janice Wald

        Hi Jeanine,
        Thanks for your comments on the article. The way my blog is set up, Richard will receive your notification. Thank you Jeanine, for the kind words about my blog.
        Janice

  3. LuAnn Braley

    I like the “be passionate” tip. So many people seem afraid to let their feelings and emotions show in their writing, which I find very sad.

    I blog about books and writing. Mostly books. Some reviewers seem to take perverse pleasure in trashing books the don’t like. I try to look beyond my personal tastes and biases and do not consider a book ‘bad’ just because it’s not my cup of tea.

    OK. I may have just told a lie. There is one author whose work I would just LOVE to trash up one side and down the other. He writes non-fiction advocating activities I find repulsive. But I will never read any of his work, and therefore cannot (in good conscience) post reviews. Nothing bugs me more (well, except those books) where people post trashing reviews of books they have not read.

    OK. Enough soapbox. I

    • Richard Schulte

      There are plenty of cruel critics in the world. There seems to be no shortage of selfishness and unkindness. I believe people who read blogs want something more generous, more positive. Either to escape the world and some of its pettiness, or to pursue something more meaningful. People want to feel warm, not cold.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi LuAnn,
      I agree with Richard’s comment. How cruel. I believe the old adage, “Ifyou have nothing nice to say, say nothing.”
      Thanks for visiting us today. You are welcome to get on your “soapbox” any time.
      Janice

  4. Pingback: Blog (and write) with passion and personality!
  5. Sue Coletta

    Richard, of course, is dead-on. Engagement and being genuine is key to building meaningful traffic to your blog, SM sites, anywhere online. I wish you huge success, Richard!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Sue,
      I agree with you. Not just on blogs but on social media sites as well, people need to let their personalities out and be warm. No one wants to communicate with someone who sounds robotic. As an English teacher, I find teaching students to write with voice and personality a challenge.
      Janice

  6. Corinne Rodrigues

    With all the tips and tricks for blogging out there, I so agree that it’s passion that wins in the long run!

    • Richard Schulte

      Ultimately, it’s all about human connection, in my opinion. That’s what we human beings crave!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Corinne,
      Thanks for your comments on my guest author’s article. Thank you as well for following my blog. I so like and respect you. I am excited!
      Janice

  7. Solveig

    The advice of being passionate is so important. I blog from the heart.
    I have found out that blogging regularly (at least 3 times a week) is a good thing to aim for, but taking a longer break does not hurt either, if you are passionate, because your readers will be happy to have you back!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Solveig,
      Great to hear from you! Thank you for writing today!
      I took a month-long break in July when I was on vacation. I am happy to say that my readers were there when I returned. You are right!
      Janice

  8. Debbie Dey

    Richard and Janice,

    Thanks for a little more insight into what makes people “click.” I agree that being passionate about a subject is vital to engagement. I’ve found it challenging to get people to find my blog first. I suppose it’s a little of the “chicken vs. egg” syndrome – if people stumble upon your blog and like it, they’ll follow you and the circle will be formed for future engagement. I don’t always have time to write a new blog every day, so I’ve come up with a Quote of the “Dey” (like that clever use of my name?) so people see something every day. BTW, pics of animals get the most attention. It’s hard to compete with a cute monkey face, so I make sure to incorporate one occasionally just to boost traffic. 🙂

    • Richard Schulte

      I suppose all great things require some patience and perseverance. Remain passionate and produce great, unique content. As people find you, either randomly or through outreach, and as shares and links incrementally increase, and the body of your blog grows, followers should appear in greater and greater numbers!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Debbie,
      Thank you for writing today. I actually owe you a thank you. If I remember correctly, you wrote glowing remarks about my blog on Michael Rios’s site, and he posted it, so I was able to see. Thank you! I was touched.
      As far as your comments today, I like your quote of the DEY =) idea. I publish five times a week (last week six), but I only create original content twice, so I agree with you. Great to see you. Thanks for the visit!
      Janice

  9. Hector Sampson

    Thanks Janice!
    As usual this information is very valuable!
    Thanks for sharing always great info!!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Hector,
      It’s been a while! How are you? Thank you so much for the compliments and visiting me today. I am glad you liked my guest author’s article.
      Janice

  10. John Doe

    I liked laugh at yourself. Use humor.
    He was a lot of beautiful pictures at his site.

    • Richard Schulte

      Thanks! People love photos. My camera isn’t the greatest, so I try to keep my eyes open to capture the best, most interesting photos I can. I always try to include the human element. And I crop and make adjustments when necessary. My best advice about photos is take hundreds of them! That’s what’s cool about digital cameras! It’s so easy! Some of my best photos are complete accidents, or a lucky confluence of factors!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi!
      How nice of you to go show my guest author some blog love by visiting his site.
      Janice

  11. Paul Bowler

    Great blog post Richard! I’ve followed your blog for a while now and really enjoy it, these tips in this guest post are great, and I think you have captured the magic ingredient that makes a blog work, make it fun and interact with readers. I’ve been blogging for 3 years now, reviewing TV & comic books, and I’ve tired to convey my love of the subjects I enjoy, hopefully that comes across. I like a post that really gets people chatting and sharing their views. Here’s to lots more happy times & blogging 🙂

    • Richard Schulte

      Thanks Paul! You have one of my favorite blogs! You’re a great writer and reviewer, and your passion is one reason I love reading your posts, even when I know little or nothing about a comic book, movie or TV show! I hope folks here go check out your stuff!

    • Janice Wald

      HI Paul,
      I just came from your site. I thought your site was cool even though I didn’t know about Doctor Who. I am also a big fan of Richard’s. Thanks for the visit and your comments.
      Janice

  12. Keith Lunt

    Really nice to see someone talking about blogging / writing about what you have a passion for instead of writing for SEO. Inspiring to see that through efforts of writing that way has produced traffic and without any other methods. Well done!

    • Richard Schulte

      Thanks! I’m not an SEO expert, but I’m aware of its importance, so I do actively try to employ keywords in the body of a post, in photo descriptions, and the blog titles. By using “smart” combinations of keywords, and by writing accurately, well and thoroughly, one can produce a greater amount of Google traffic!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Keith,
      I believe you self-host like I do. I like how the Yoast plug-in, at the bottom, checks your SEO. One of the criteria for the check is whether we used the keywords in our post. Yoast won’t let me forget!
      I am so excited by your interest in my StumbleUpon group’s effectiveness. There are screenshots there now and testimonials showing the effectiveness of my methods. Here is the link if you want to see:
      https://mostlyblogging.com/stumbleupon-group/
      Janice

  13. dgkaye

    Excellent post! Janice. Thanks for asking Beth’s help too. This is the first time I got it to fill in my stuff! Although, went I followed Beth’s instructions, autofill was already checked off, strange eh? Also, I came to your site this time in my chrome browser which I never use for reading blogs. Internet browser won’t recognize me here. Just thought you’d want to know. But yay! Resolution! 🙂

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Debby,
      I am SO relieved for you (and me since I felt bad about the situation). Yay is right! Thanks for letting me know and the nice compliments on my guest author’s article. Thanks as well for all the promotion on Google+ etc. If have a new dog and a sick dog. Caring or the is eating into my promotion time, so I really appreciate the help even more than usual.
      Janice

  14. Doreen McGettigan

    These are all great tips. I would add being consistent and of course to be social and visit as many blogs as you can and leave meaningful comments.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Doreen,
      Thanks for inspiring me to network more. I step up my game, my subscriber list increases, and due to time constraints, I cut back my networking efforts again. Thank you for writing.
      Janice

  15. Carolann

    Excellent tips for sure. I agree about the “be passionate” part. I think it translates right to your readers when you are. Great advice and a good reminder!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Carolann,
      Great to hear from you! It’s been a while! I am glad you liked my guest author’s post and agree with his tips. Of all his tips, most readers commented on the “be passionate tip,” like you. Thanks for the visit, and thanks for writing.
      Janice

  16. Rhonda Swan

    I love how you say you should always write your passions on your blog. I completely agree with you. People want and need to hear your story. You are the only one that can tell it. Love it! Keep it up and live unstoppable. 🙂

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Rhonda,
      I loved the last line of your comments although I appreciated all of them: You made a pun on your blog name. I love the word play and the creativity. I am glad you liked my guest author’s post. Thanks for the visit!
      Janice

    • Richard Schulte

      One’s experience in life and true voice cannot be duplicated. We are all unique.

  17. Melinda

    Oops, Janice, I thought I already replied! Forgive me for being late!!
    I love being so engaged with you. You always write me back, and we can all tell how passionate you are about blogging, and helping us all succeed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
    Thanks, Richard for the tips!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Melinda,
      Thanks for writing. I am glad you enjoyed my guest author’s post. I always enjoy being engaged with you too! =)
      Your BBFF
      Janice

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  19. Kristy as Giftie Etcetera

    Laughing at yourself really transfoms a blog and makes it so much more readable.

  20. Pingback: How to Still Get Massive Blog Traffic From Pinterest
  21. Jeanine

    Janice,
    I just went to the link on how to make money with your blog.
    I was disappointed to read this person charges the ” one time fee” and 19.95$ per month. Unless I am misunderstanding, the person making money is this site!
    I know you are happy to hear the compliments, of which I have sent many. I LOVE what you are doing!
    And appreciate your gift of knowledge to others for free.
    So again, was disappointed to see more “ways to make money” but you have to spend more money.
    Most of us bloggers are not at the point of generating income yet, but many will be soon if their content resonates with, and engages visitors. I am sure that we all think our blogs are “paw-some” but don’t have the funds to properly promote and advertise.
    So thank you for your wonderful tips and continued success to you!
    Please visit us! We do have a unique and entertaining blog,
    In part to your advice!
    http://www.wusuppups,com

    • Janice Wald

      HI Jeanine,
      Thank you for your comments.
      I don’t see where you are referencing.
      “This person charges a one-time fee of $19.00 a month.” I realize bloggers don’t always have an income, so I normally recommend free tips. Can you tell me where you saw that?
      Thanks,
      Janice

      • Jeanine

        Reply to ” where”
        I saw it on your site as a link to:
        How To Make income/money From Your Blog. It was at the very bottom of a post I was reading. Definitely on your site, and yes, the was a one time fee plus the 19.95 per month.
        Sorry I can’t be more specific. Is this a link you approved?
        Did anyone else see or mention it to you?

  22. Karen Cruz

    I really like your post. I am a new blog and try to find the way to get the audience. Your tips are great. Thank you.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Karen,
      Welcome! I help new bloggers at Mostly Blogging. Where did you find my site, may I ask? This article is rather old now. Thanks for writing to tell me you enjoyed my post and found the tips helpful.
      Janice

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