I see so many articles online written about how to drive traffic to your blog and the number one suggestion for growing your audience is to comment on other blogs within your niche. I absolutely think this is a great way to make some connections with other bloggers, but I have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised at the friendships I’ve formed with other bloggers who are NOT “mom bloggers”.
For instance…this guy? An amazing individual on an amazing mission. His blog is Coast Rat. I found him while doing a search for Mississippi bloggers. He’s been an honorary Mississippian since Hurricane Katrina. He came here to volunteer and not only is that admirable, but he’s such a great story teller.
And this guy? He’s a hunter and he writes the Deer Camp Blog. Also a Mississippian, but again, not a mom blogger. He has some great information about hunting, of course, but he’s also a great teller of Mississippi history.
As a final example, this girl is also loyal commenter on my blog. She is also a Mississippian and a mom, but Keetha is also a published author whose writing exudes everything that is wonderful about where I live. Her blog Write Kudzu is a treasure trove of good books, great food, and all things Southern.
This is just a small sample of the blogs I read that are not “mom blogs”, yet I value them just as much because of the online friendships formed and because of the great content, whatever niche it happens to fall under.
I’m a believer that the most enjoyable part of blogging is the community aspect. Getting to know others by reading their own accounts of daily living is better than constantly focusing on driving traffic just for the sake of numbers. Bonus if they’re blogging about their passion in life, which makes for the most authentic reading experience.
Do you strictly read blogs whithin your own niche, or do you also branch out and find other interesting people who write great blogs?
thanks for the link, will return it soon. am having some problems with my blog badge idea and need to talk with you about it.
That is what I love about blogging – you meet some wonderful people and their blog draws you in, maybe because you have nothing in common but the desire to blog!
Being a mum is a joy and privilege but there is so much more to us that.
Great message to get out there and find some new blogs.
Hi from sunny Northern Ireland. (Yes – sun – 2 days in a row!)
whenever I am reading another person's blog I find out who they are reading and go on a scavenger hunt kinda. I love reading about other people regardless of what they do or live!!!
My Dear Mandy: How very sweet of you to highlight our friendship, and to endorse getting to know bloggers out of your normal 'niche!'
I have been a big fan of your blog ever since coming to meet you on-line, way back when. I am drawn to your blog because of its down-home, wholesome quality, written by a family-loving, Christian woman, whose values come straight from the heart.
I also love your blog because you write about people and a place that is very important to me: the Mississippi Delta, where I have spent much of the past 30 years in mission to.
Thanks again for your kindness, Mandy!
aww, that is so sweet. I was discouraged when I didnt see me listed, oh wait, nevermind, I already knew you:)
Leigh-NC
http://www.bowzArt.net
My blog reading depends on the day. Say, for instance, the kids did something cute….I will read some Mom blogs.
They are acting up….visit some single ladies and live precariously through them. Sometimes I read men bashing blogs, or gardening blogs or chicken blogs.
But mostly, I am snoozing during my blog reading time which really gets me no where.
I would have to say I branch out of my niche, I like a variety of blogs for very different reasons. I think the blog community is great as well 🙂
Good question! How do you find blogs outside your niche? I am a bit of a design blog junky. Particularly mod furniture blogs:)
Hi, I’m Jennifer and I also live in Mississippi ! I am new to the blogging world. I started my blog so all of my friends and family could see pictures of our first child. While looking at one of my friends blog I ran across KellyKornerblog and I got hooked. From her blog I have found so many other blogs that I read not only are they mom blogs but some have to do with cooking or interior design. I love reading and getting ideas from others. Your blog is wonderful! I enjoy reading it. I do most of my reading while I rock my little man. He just doesn’t like to nap in his crib…you can tell he is the first and very spoiled!!!! If you get a chance please take a moment and enjoy the pictures of the love of mine and my husbands life! http://www.jenniferandjohnrussell.blogspot.com
Have a great weekend!
Jennifer