So you’ve started a blog, and automatically (according to some of the folks doing blog webinars, social media webinars) your blog is going to be instantly visited by droves of people simply because you’ve now got a blog. You’re going to be famous, you’re going to have thousands of followers, you’re going to immediately be able to monetize your blog. Your blog is the only one anyone will read!
NOPE.
A blog is just the start of the conversation, a blog is like buying a new house in a very connected neighborhood of thousands, thousands, thousands of other blogs already out there.
There is no “instant gratification” tool or payoff for you with blogging and if that’s your focus – blogging is not for you. Blogging and connecting with other bloggers and raising the visibility of your blog takes time, patience and authenticity.
It’s not just another selling tool for you and don’t view it that way. It’s a way to connect with like-minded bloggers in an already thriving community, but don’t expect to be hosting your “blog ice cream social” overnight with all those other bloggers. That’s not how it works. And frankly, it’s not even fun to blog if that’s the only reason you’re doing it.
So why should you even have a blog then? Because if you don’t you’re missing out on making those connections at all.
Blogging is building community, community, community. Being part of a community takes time and participation and trust. And just a quick note on Facebook, I find it disturbing that there are so many “PR consultants” doing webinars around Facebook and how you too can sell your books on Facebook and make millions. Be careful of what you do on Facebook, be conscious not to only view all these tools as strictly sales tools for your product. Don’t become Ron Popeii.
You should have a profile on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter but you need to be patient, authentic and view them as long-term initiatives to connect honestly with folks.
By the way, I really like this blog as a great example of blogging long-term for the greater good of readers.
And happy late birthday to my friend Lissa Bergin-Boles, a fellow blogger and brilliant woman. Lissa is truly wondrous, giving and always authentic.
