Reaching Blog Milestones

By Meg Hodson

Blogging and writing has been quite an adventure for me from the beginning.  There are many emotions and excitement that one feels when first beginning a new project, such as a blog.  I could have never imagined I would be where I am today when I started my blog.  

Blog milestones are definitely important. When I clicked over 1000 followers on Instagram recently, it made me feel great. Obviously enough, I took a moment to reflect on the path to get to that point.  I had started this, my 2nd Instagram account, in conjunction with the start of my blog. It quickly became my main account for personal use.  It's one of my favorite ways to connect with close friends as well as blogging colleagues.

But Instagram is a funny one when it comes to the numbers.  While reaching that milestone is humbling, what does it prove? I know Instagrammers with 200 followers that will get more likes than myself on a photo. With so many young users on Instagram, the definition of "engagement" takes a new form. What I do know is that the relationships I have created on Instagram are valuable. While "likes" are important and a good ego booster, it's not the be all, end all to success as a blogger.

I can't forget that I have a blog that I hope people are reading. But I am quick to point out that social media is an extension of my blog.  I share the articles I write on social media. But sometimes, I share on Facebook or Twitter only, asking questions and creating conversation. There are days I don't want to write at all and just talk with people. Sometimes my blog is Twitter or Instagram, albeit for a short while. Other times, I can't stop the writing process and almost have too many posts to share at once. I use social media as a gentle reminder to drop by and read what I have to say.

I am happy with all blog milestones that I reach. While follower benchmarks may be the most gratifying, there are others, too. I will never forget when American Idol tweeted me directly, inviting me to become a VIP blogger for them with behind-the-scenes access. Maybe it's a retweet from a famous person that is a huge stepping stone that leads to other opportunities. When readers leave positive comments on my blog, it touches me every time. Relish the tiny milestones and the big ones on your blog.....and everyday.

 

Must Have Blog Resource: Direct Links For Facebook Posts

It's been awhile since I've brought you one of my must have blog resource articles.  Well, this one will definitely come in handy!  

As a blogger, you are often asked to provide direct URL links to things you have shared on social media. It's fairly straightforward how to obtain a URL for a tweet or an Instagram photo.  But how many times have you been frustrated in trying to find an actual direct URL for an individual status update on Facebook?  

No worries, the solution is VERY easy.  There are two methods I use:  obtaining it directly from your Facebook post OR through Hoot Suite.  

If you are in Facebook, go to your page or the status update you want to obtain a URL for.  Each status update has a title that consists of the individual or page title and the date of the post.  Look at the status update and across the top of it, look for this title.  Below the page title or person's name, in light gray font, is the date of the post (see the photo below).  Hover over this; it's a clickable link and once clicked, should open up that status update alone on the screen.  Copy and paste the URL that is now in your web browser.  

If you are working within Hoot Suite, you will need to go to your "Streams" window (see photo below) and click on the tab of your Facebook profile or page.  Within that will usually appear three columns (status updates, events, and messages.....this may be different if you have customized this stream).  Find the status update you want in the "updates" column and click on the date/time below the page name (see second photo below).  This will open into a new window.  Copy the URL address from your browser.

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!

Must Have Blog Resource: Wibiya Toolbar

I've lost count at how many share bars, social media widgets, and other "user friendly" tools I've added to my blog over it's lifetime.  Every blogger will agree you need to have options for your readers to follow your blog and find you on social media.  There are a lot of ways and a lot of options out there to make your blog easy for readers to follow.  

For me, the most important part of adding share buttons and follow widgets to your blog is that they are noticeable without being intrusive, user friendly but not too "in your face".  Subtle, clear social & follow icons are a must close to or in conjunction with your profile description.  But you need to give your readers options.  As they read an article, they might be inclined to want to share it.  As they spend time reading your profile or reading past posts, they then might decide to follow you.  So, it's good to also have additional ways for readers to share and connect.  

This is where Wibiya comes in.  I am in love with the tool bar I created. It's subtle, easy to use, yet noticeable at the bottom of my blog page.  This is one of many "rules" you can create once you register your free account.  A "rule" is a cause and effect action you want to have happen on your blog.  For example, for people visiting your blog for the first time, you might want to entice them with past articles from your blog or to follow you.  Another example would be the promotion of a specific article.  You can set links, days, or times for certain prompts to appear on your blog that is relevant to content.  This is just the tip of the iceberg!

Installation of the widget is easy and Wibiya syncs with Blogger, Wordpress, and a long list of other platforms.  Then, play around with the rules.  See how they look on your blog.  See how they look from day to day, for special events (i.e., giveaways and blog hops), and more.  I think you'll be pleased with the results.

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!