Ok, so before I launch into this weeks Fashion Bloggers Friend Friday, I want to apologize for not posting a vintage history post this week. Ive been feeling a bit all over the place this week and consequently didn’t have the motivation/ get up and go go, I needed to research my next subject. I hope to be back on form next week, so try and bear with me!
Any who, getting on with something I do feel able to tackle this week, Katy from Modly Chic has posted this to us.
April 1: Rules of Engagement - A number of bloggers have reached out to me recently about how to deal with Tweets, emails, DMs etc… from people who seem to be only pushing their own blog. It got me thinking – for a new blogger the rules of engagement with others in the blogging world is uncharted territory. We learn a lot about how to do it from trial and error.
1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think
is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot?
I am currently involved in a guest posting group, that was set up by Ashley from 2 eyes in the mirror, basically she posted up on her blog that she wanted to get a group together and to email her if you were interested. Then once a month, she pairs you up with someone and you receive an email from her telling you who your partner is. It is then up to you and the person to make contact and decide what you are going to guest blog about. I think this was a really great way to get guest blogging, as everyone involved wanted to do it and that way your not approaching someone that might not be interested. If you are interested in joining the group, go to Ashley’s blog and and send her a mail!!
2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you
leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’?
I think its important to put some actual thought into your comment. I know when its an outfit post, the comments tend to be a bit repetitive, but, saying something like “nice dress” followed by a check out my blog link is annoying. I prefer to comment on posts where they were actually looking for a response on something. That said, outfit posts can be fun to comment on and I often leave comments saying how fabulous someone looks in said outfit, but, I dont post a follow me link right after it, because Im complimenting the blogger because I like their style not because I want them to link back to me.
3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for
blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work.
How do you make your email stand out from the crowd?
Mmm, I dont? Ive never sent off a mass email asking for blog exposure etc. Yes, it would be great if we all linked up on blog lovin and facebook and twitter and blogger and, well you get my drift. There area ALOT of bloggers and ALOT of ways to follow people. I want to share the love and in return get shared but just following because I received an email asking, isn’t reason enough. I will follow the blogs that I read and that I like. I simply do not have enough time in the day to read all the blogs I would like to and until I have time to check out your blog, Im not going to follow you. Im not trying to be rude, Im trying to realistic. I want people to follow me because they found my blog, read it, enjoyed it and want to come back, not because they want me follow them back to increase their blog lovin numbers.
4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line
between seeking support and begging for exposure?
Begging for exposure? I dont know how to respond to that! Seeking support is asking for help/guidance in blog forums, begging for exposure, isnt something Ive done or had anyone do to me. I tend to ignore any unimaginative emails and messages that have one line requests saying great blog follow mine Ill follow yours.
5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you
remedied that?
Well, in the beginning I actually sent a mail or two to other similar styled bloggers asking if they would be interested in swapping guest posts… I think it can (and was) misconstrued as a way to gain more exposure. I got no responses. Thats fine, I take it thats a no and I wouldn’t send another mail asking again. How ever, I think its awfully rude not to respond to someones mail/ comments, even if you think they had exposure motives behind the request, a simple thanks for your interest but Im too busy etc.. would have been a fine response.
