A week ago I joined a challenge…a challenge to build a better blog in 31 days. Since a lot of my readers here are also bloggers themselves, I thought I would share with you a few articles I ran across today in my research.
The first article, “How to send a personal email” by Seth Godin, was a good refresher on how to write multiple emails without sounding like spam. Nothing kills the personal touch more than unwanted spam. So I say, just be yourself…when you’re writing emails, pretend as if you’re talking to that person directly.
Now here’s a different view I thought was interesting. How about thinking like your readers for a minute with, “10 Reasons Readers Don’t Leave Comments” by Liz Strauss? I loved how this article shifted the way I thought about my blog. I was asking myself, “Do I make these mistakes?” After reading Liz’s article, I made a goal for myself…to write content that will make my reader’s “hands jump to the keyboard”.
This last article caught my eye for two reasons…one, the topic has been rolling around in my head for a few weeks now, and two, how in the world could a person embrace bad comments?! Well, as Jeremy Schoemaker writes in his article, “Why You Should Embrace Negative Press“, there are several reasons negative comments can work in your favor. They generate new visitors who otherwise might not have run across your website. Negative comments mean that someone considers you an authority, why else would they take the time to write about you? He goes over several more points, but the one thing I walked away from the article with was this…if you become well-known enough for someone to leave negative press about you, then you’ve made it…you’re now successful! How’s that for looking on the bright side of things.
I hope you find all of this information as useful as I did. I think there’s always room for improvement in anything we do. I’ve come to this realization in my artwork. I’m always learning and growing…I look back now on the things I created just a few months ago, and I find little things I would do differently.
So, tell me what you think…how have you grown as a blogger? What resources have you found along your blogging adventure that have helped you improve?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi visiting from 31DBBB I posted after you on the Day 7 post, and I though I would come over and see if you needed my help – and it doesn’t look like you do. This is a wonderful link post. A great way to share the challenge with those that might not have otherwise have heard about it.
Great Job – It was a treat to comment after you.
Sonia Barton´s last blog post ..Sewing Groups
Found you from the challenge too and your blog is totally beautiful and the pictures…WOW I’m blown away! This is a great link post. Will definitely check them all out. Thanks for sharing this!
Maureen´s last blog post ..Medan Is NOT The Wost City In The World
Thank you both for your sweet comments! I’m really enjoying this challenge. I’m getting so much inspiration by others involved. It’s great!
I found you through the challenge too. It looks like you picked out some good articles for us to read. Have you ever had problems with Negative comments before?
Miriam´s last blog post ..Wordless Wednesday – Old Barn
Thanks Miriam! I haven’t had negative comments on my blog, but it’s nice to read this information in advance, so if this does happen in the future I’ll be prepared for it. There’s bound to be negative comments somewhere in the blogoshpere because readers have different opinions, but it’s really how we react to them that counts.