Social Networking: Invite Participation

I’m starting this post off with a guessing game. Guess where I am. Here’s a hint -- I’m not in Austin, Texas.

Back to Social Networking via your blog.

Give your blog readers a reason to comment, either directly or indirectly. Ask a question, like, What do you think about this? Or, if you’re talking about something like self-publishing, Have you ever published your work yourself? Or… remember how I ended my post on Day 2 of this series? I said: “Start today. Start here. Leave a comment and add your link.” I invited you to comment.

You don’t want to ask a question every single time you post. That can get boring.

Sometimes you don’t have to. Like in this series I’m doing. I’m giving advice, offering tips. There are plenty of people out there who blog and who read this blog. They have advice to add in the Comments section. That’s great. I, for sure, don’t claim to know it all. And that’s another reason for you to read the other comments on blogs -- you’ll find out even more than what was in the original post.

The more your readers feel they are invested in your blog and that they have a say in your “forum,” the more likely they are to come back. And the more people you have coming and commenting, the more people will want to come and be a part of the group. The more welcome you make them, the more they feel like they have a say and can be heard.

“Social” means more than just your voice.

Okay, here’s where I am today -- Orlando, Florida. Where will I be tomorrow?