One Year Blogiversary: DG Blogging Tips

Crowd at a concert making "heart hands"
~ DGGYST

Do you ever get the feeling that when it comes to blogging, there is something that people aren’t telling you? You see these blogs with thousands of followers, and you read their blogging tips and it’s, “Use good photos!” “It takes time!” and “Get a Twitter account!” and you’re like… okayyyy…

Drunk Sex And The City GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

I don’t know if I should be telling you this but you are right. There is something they aren’t telling you. So Damn, Girl, you know I am going to spill the secret blogging beans!

anniversary-2xDGGYST gets hundreds of requests for blogging tips and then refers to herself in the third person like an asshole because people are amazed that she has hit 5,000 followers just in time for her one-year blogiversary.

There isn’t going to be any “inspiration crap” in this post; this is a straight-up manual you can use to grow your readership and reprogram your DVR.

Be the WordPress welcome wagon

You never forget your first… commenter. We all come into the blogging world full of hope. Hope of a readership, a community, an eventual book deal, and a prime-time talk show. Connecting with bloggers who have let their first tentative post into the world is tapping an enormous source of energy and will usually get you a reader for life.

Be honest with yourself and others, but especially yourself… and others

If you want to make an income or even a mountain of riches on your blog, embrace that goal. Absolutely no apologizing for it anywhere on your website. No sheepishness. Don’t use the word “disclaimer” when saying that you do affiliate marketing. Just say “affiliated!” like you would say “Happy Birthday” or “Taco Tuesday.”

That being said, don’t use affiliate links to shit you don’t like or use. And more than that you should only be posting affiliate links to things you LOVE. It’s easy to sell things you can’t imagine your life without. If you would call your sister at midnight and say, “Holy shit! You neeeed to buy a fucking vegetable crisper,” then that is the sort of thing that you can effectively sell.

Have a true readership

Real talk: it doesn’t really matter how many followers you have if they aren’t interacting with your blog. It’s not uncommon for bloggers to have 5,000 followers and 80 pageviews a day. If you have 5,000 followers, you should have at least 4,000 weekly visitors. That is an engaged audience.

Forming an engaged, committed audience is like throwing a dinner party. You want to cultivate a group of people who you think would get on well and encourage them to discover each other’s mutual interests.

Dinner Party GIF by The Hills - Find & Share on GIPHY

You need to introduce these people to each other, and to each other’s blogs. This keeps your audience always coming back to you because you all have the same mutual friends. This is the same in real life. You always think of your friend Sarah when Sheila calls, because you have a mutual connection. And yes, I am going to tell you exactly how to cultivate this audience and make introductions.

1. Identify your audience

…and then use the crap out of your “WP READER” to find these people. So, for instance, if you are doing a post on coffee next week, search the WordPress reader for any blogger writing about coffee. That is your audience. Search the term “coffee” by  Date, not ”relevance.” I cannot stress this enough. Read a few of the posts, leave a thoughtful comment, mention someone else who did a similar post about coffee in your comment and drop your link.

My favorite keywords for finding blogs similar to mine in the WP Reader:

Adulting

Blogging

Shit

Coffee

Anxiety

Panic

Boss

Goals

Feminism

Self-esteem

Fitness

Healthy

Mascara

Writing

2. Try to engage with other bloggers within one hour of them writing a post

By using your WP Reader with your relevant keywords, and searching by DATE, you get the most recent, not the most popular posts. Connecting with a blogger within the first few hours of them writing a post, is especially effective in forming new relationships.

3. Don’t bother with blogs that have no staying power

When you are cultivating an audience, you are investing in a relationship. You need to be genuinely interested in what is going on in the lives of the people you are inviting to your own readership. If you can tell they are not committed to their blog, it is not a relationship worth investing in as far as expanding your readership is concerned. I know that sounds harsh, but the person who posts twice a year and doesn’t punctuate is not going to be a good source of mutual reciprocal audience building.

Make a personal request

Despicable Me Please GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

At the end of every post, I like to invite my readers to follow ONE of my social media platforms. I don’t say “Follow me on Twitter And Facebook and Insta.” Asking them to follow ONE, and highlighting that link is infinitely more effective than just having my social media buttons on the page.

Comment on uber-popular blogs

Find a few blogs that are your #goals. These blogs need to be similar to yours and have a massive readership. When you comment on these blogs, make sure you really represent your personality in the comment you leave and drop your link. I am a fan of and frequent commenter on the blogs I’ve listed below, and I discovered hundreds of people are coming to my site because they identify with my comments. This is why I am always telling you to drop your links when you post here at DG. DG gets about 20,000 page views a month and when you drop your links at the end of your amazing thoughtful and hilarious comments, it helps people find you.

http://thebloggess.com/

https://www.theskinnyconfidential.com/

http://theladiescoach.com/

https://abeautifulmess.com/

http://theeverygirl.com/

Don’t let anyone tell you blogging is cutthroat

The internet is no place to have a scarcity mindset. No one can “steal” your readers. You can’t be territorial. You are building a network, not hoarding acorns for the winter. Be gratuitous with promoting yourself, promoting others, and promoting me, because Damn, Girl, we got mutual friends and you owe me.

I am so grateful for all of you. One year ago today I started this blog and the amazing support and friendships that have come from it… well… I would cry right now if I wasn’t on Zoloft.

I have so much love for this community. I can not thank you all enough or express how much you have meant to me. Please use the comment space today to tell me what you would like to learn about for DGGYST Year 2, and drop your links, tell me about your blogs, and leave your own blogging tips. You might just help someone on their own path.

146 thoughts on “One Year Blogiversary: DG Blogging Tips”

  5. You are so wise, glasshopper.

    I think you’re blog is epic, it’s so rare to find an individual with a similar sense of humor, similar cares and worries.

    I think if you put yourself out there like you do, you’re only going to get a real audience.

    I tend to ignore most of the ‘healthreviewsRus’ followers because to be honest I’d rather engage with real people. If I have 4 real people is better than 24 ‘follow for follows’ (which I don’t believe in)

    Love ya

    Sam
    p.s. review my book on amazon, woman! 😀

    Liked by 5 people

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  7. You are remarkable and I am so incredibly grateful for everything you have done for me and so many others. You were the catalyst for changing, not only my WordPress world, but my writing life. I am incredibly thankful and so very proud of you for everything you have accomplished, and the fact that you have done so with generosity, humor and grace. You are a world changing kind of gal, Tiara! Keep on doing what you do so magnificently!!!!!

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  9. Happy blogaversary, darling!! I remember the first time I read one of your posts and my first thought was, ‘Who the hell is this chick, why is she so funny and how do I become her friend?’ And look at us now! Because of your post, I am going to think of something I really love and phone my brother in the middle of the night tonight and tell him he needs to get one. You know, just for shits and giggles and to see how long it takes for him to ask me what the fuck is wrong with me! Ha! Great tips, as always. Thank you for reminding me that I need to get my shit together. My blog has gone dry, BUT I CARE, I SWEAR!!! I am working on a post right now that I am hoping will make people fall in love with me all over again – fingers and toes crossed! You made me laugh, and I love you for it. And well, I just fucking love you because you are generous and supportive you. Congrats on all of your success, Tiara, you so totally deserve it. I will remain forever in awe of your awesomeness!

    https://www.theincurabledreamer.com/

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  10. Gurl,
    You must be a mind reader as well as queen of the down to earth, don’t take no sh*t DIY market. I was just wondering what happened to my 500+ readers I had last year…oh yeah I took a one year siesta from life/Blogging. Maybe with your tips I can lure them back! Happy Anniversary! Throughly enjoy reading your Words.

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  13. LOVE THIS! I’ll be using some of these! I am always eager to read your posts.

    My tip: Write often! It helps if you love to write like I do – it makes blogging easy. But I haven’t monetized my blog. Maybe someday.

    I have a sex & dating blog (I’m a divorced mama in my 40s) but the site is still on lockdown after a privacy breach 3 months ago. A dude I had ONE date with found it… and it’s still a mystery how he found it when I didn’t even mention I was a blogger. ??! Until I go public again, email me at laurenrors@gmail.com if you’d like access. Cheers! ❤

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  15. Congrats and many happy returns, girl.
    To be irreplaceable, as Coco Chanel put it nicely, one must be different. And you’ve done it, so many times. You’re a fucking rock star, Tiara.

    As for my blog, I’d say I’m not trying to profess anything or claim I’m right. Trying to make people think is what turns me on. C’mon, guys, I’m hosting a party. What are you waiting for? An invitation???

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  16. Guess I’ll be the second commenter on new blogs, seeing that you’ll be the first…lol. You literally make me laugh!

    Am I the only one who has a voice in my head when reading of what they THINK DG sounds like? lol

    5,000 followers!?!??! ONE year!??!?! Girl…. hats off to you!!! Not even in my wildest dreams could I imagine that! Happy Blog-aversary!!!!

    PS. In case anyone wants to find me… https://thenakedwriterblog.com <<< I'm right here! lol

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  17. Gurl, Thank you! These are the tips and reminders the books don’t tell you about. Finding Metalheads who love fashion is not easy, but I’m forging ahead with my passion.

    Happy Blogiversary, and here’s to many more!

    breezerocks.blog

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  21. Wow! I’m new to DGGYST but I really enjoy your posts, how down to earth and to the point they are. This post was definitely well received, thank you for sharing. Happy Blog-averasary!! Amazing accomplishment. =)

    I blog about lifestyle, inspiration, natural hair over at http://www.astoldbyali.com for anyone who’s interested. xoxo

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  24. Another great post! Thanks for sharing these valuable tips! And above all, congratulations on the success of your blog! You were my first follower so I will always remember you. Thank you!

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  28. Happy Blogiversary, Funny Lady! I love this! I need to comment more on others’ blogs. It seems like it’s what falls to the wayside when life gets…lifey. I like how you keep it real by saying to do that on really popular blogs to potentially amp your follows and such. It’s refreshing when someone just tells it like it is. The rest of this I do pretty regularly. Getting follows and all other aspects of blogging is still a huge mystery to me. After three years of plugging away, I’m slowing inching toward the 2,000 follower mark. It can seem tiring and some days I wonder what the hell I’m even doing…
    http://www.fattymccupcakes.net

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  35. Happy Blogiversary!!! And, just for the record, I love this line: “You are building a network, not hoarding acorns for the winter.”

    I’m not sure the People of the Internet are edible anyway (too salty :V), so we might as well all share ^-^

    For Year 2, my only suggestions is the vague and unhelpful, “Keep charging forward with your take-no-prisoners approach to making Adulting seem possible!” And thank you for pointing out that blogging isn’t a zero-sum game, seriously ❤

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  36. Wow, happy one year blogiversary! I remember you commenting on one of my posts shortly after you started, and I appreciate your support. Your posts are engaging and hilarious, yet with heart. Your personality really stands out. Thanks for posting these helpful tips. ❤ I admit I haven't been blogging much lately, more like posting story excerpts from my books and my poetry, but I am still on my blog regularly.
    http://www.cynthiahilston.com

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  37. Seriously, I’ve never had the urge to write this but damn, girl, how did you know? I was literally JUST wondering how to grow my blog (look, I put a request for tips in the Monday morning rundown https://riddlefromthemiddle.com/2018/06/04/monday-morning-rundown-you-mean-not-everyone-spends-their-saturdays-googling-high-blood-pressure-medication/) and here you are, putting out the real live tips! For growing your blog! What the what!

    This may qualify you for sainthood. Or an excellent margarita. Whichever. 😉

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  39. You are the woman I wish I was at 30. FINALLY at 45 I am getting it together….ish. You are inspiring & creative. From this new blogger to you happy blogiversary!!!
    If you ever feel like stepping into the glittery trenches of a mom of seven (always stops me cold when I see that) please come in the floors are sticky but there is always room for one more

    https://glitterinthetrenches.com/

    Leigh

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  41. First let me say Happy Blogiversary! You are absolutely amazing and give the best advice I have ever heard! Thank you so much for the great tips you have shared. I always love your blog and swear I strive to be the blogger you are! I am SO thankful that I found your blog and am able to follow you. I gain so much knowledge from you!

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  42. You were the very first person to follow my blog. And I thank you for that .. It’s unfortunate that we live so far apart .. I’d bloody love to learn to dance ..

    I’m not actually sure if mine classifies as a blog or just the ramblings of a middle age awl wan with a couple of barking sons ..

    Congrats on your year .. Thank you for all your advice ..

    Much love
    Denise

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  44. This is so timely for me THANK YOU. I always worry when I search it people by topic and comment that they’re going to see me as a…I dunno, like a poser? Or like I’m using them?? But I never leave a comment unless I really dig what I read, and this have me the boost to keep on going!

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  45. Congratulations on Year One! I appreciated reading your unexpected honesty. I saw the post and thought “Another article to pin where the writer is pictured holding a coffee cup in one hand and her cat in another, while wearing an oversized sweater (off-the-shoulder), and this was just brutal realness instead. Thank you! Your voice reminds me a lot of The Bloggess, so it’s no wonder why you both has so many followers. Keep doing you as it’s refreshing and rare to read such honesty. Congrats again on your first year!

    soverymerry.com

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  50. Congrats on the Blogiversary (word smashes are almost as fun as puns)! I’m usually off on the sidelines instead of commenting thanks to my anxiety and inability to find a happy medium between saying nothing or “You’re right, that DOES suck, and so does my uterus! Wouldn’t you like to read more about that? Eh, EH?!”

    https://itsbyobaby.com

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