Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Bloggin 101: By Tamstyles

***THE FOLLOWING REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OF ME, MYSELF, AND I***
tam100 
Believe it or not, I get emails from readers or bloggers that are just starting out, and they ask me how my blog came to have followers, and readers in such a short time. And I am truly flattered by the emails, but I also be sure to tell it like it is. So I thought I would do a post as well. For starters Freckles Chick did a post a while back on building blogger traffic and it was great, so check hers out as well.

BLOGGIN 101: By Tamara Styles

1.) Be nice to people. They spend their time reading your blog, and there are so many to choose from, so being nice is worth something I think.


2.) NEVER think you are better than the next blogger. Seriously, I run across so many that think the servers rise and shine on them. Not COOL. You always want to be approachable. Try to reply to emails, or help where you can within your boundaries.


3.) If people take the time to comment on your blog, at least take a few minutes to visit their blog, and say something. Its a form of thank you.


4.) Treat others as you would want to be treated. When you do gain readers, always remember when you had none. I say this a lot at work.... humble yourself!


5.) Anonymous comments...hmm some people really have no account and have no choice which is fine, and others like to hide behind the Anon name to leave negative comments and send sideway jabs at you. I ignore, ignore, ignore...I don't waste my time. I delete and move on, and never call them out. They can KICK ROCKS with the negativity! I have only had to delete maybe 3 so at this point...so far so good (knock on wood).


6.) When your visiting other blogs and leaving comments. Lets say the subject is: "Help me with my outfit" or "Should I buy this couch"...although they are asking for your help and opinion, there is a way to say anything. There is nothing worse then a condescending comment when you are asking for help. Remember your response is being read not heard, and not everyone knows your personality or how you are trying to come across.


7.) Don't let cliques bother you. They do exist, but do you always!


8.) Know your audience, and stick to something. I have blogs in my dashboard for different forms of entertainment. One may be for gossip, one fashion, one cooking..etc..etc...Now every now and then a random post is cool because it shows who you are as a blogger and what you like in your world. But again its like buying ESPN and reading soap opera recaps from it.


9.) As Kay* would say, every post looks better with a photo.


10.) Leave comments or else they don't know that your there. All bloggers love love comments. It just makes them feel like their time is not in vain.


I hope these blogging tips helped someone. I was honest, and these are the opinions of ME. Everyone may not agree, but that is what makes the world go round right? RIIIIGHT?
MORE TO COME!




XOXOX,
TamStyles

68 comments:

Typhanie said...

Great Post....Thanks!

**ALL NEGATIVITY WILL BE BUCKETED WITHOUT THOUGHT**....LOL, I wish I could do that in real life.

Unknown said...

Great advice! I likey!

Anonymous said...

Great tips! I have also noticed cliques which has never made sense to me. I started blogging as a way to meet people I wouldn't have otherwise and that share my same interests. That's the point, isn't it? You were the first person to reach out to me and I've always appreciated that. Thanks, lady!

Formerly known as Frau said...

Great post and tips! It would be nice if everyone just played nice together! Have a great Wednesday.

Kim said...

Tam you are awesome! I am glad that you posted this.
Thanks for YOUR blog! I love it!

L.Duncan@Home23DuncanBoys said...

and this is exactly why I follow you! enough said!

Lee said...

Great post amd good advice. You definitely practice what you preach.

Mrs. Limestone said...

Great post.

So true about the photo. I can't even read a blog without them so I try not to do that to anyone either :)

Daba said...

You are so positive!
Great tips:)

Kwana said...

Such good advice and so well said. I totally agree on your points. especially the people that hide behind the name Anon. Grrr...

Thanks for this!

The Lenz Family said...

Thanks for the tips! You're honest and I love it!

Deanna Jackson said...

Hey Tam,

Thank you for the valuable info; this is why I love your blog because of your sincerity to "DO YOU" approach all the while being humble...I agree with you 100!!!

Courtnee said...

I'm a new blogger so I really appreciate the tips! Thanks!!

Unknown said...

You're awesome. Period.

Sarah Ring said...

This advice was perfect Tam! I think you nailed it completely. I love your advice to just "be you", I think that is so key!

Erika Ward said...

Well said, Tam! Keepin' it real AND honest. Thanks!

Brownelovely said...

Great post....leaving comments is the best way to show thanks :O)

leticia@galsintheknow.blogspot.com/ said...

great post! very true to all of your points...
that being said, I have been a BAD BLOGGER!!, just really busy, but will be back to full on blogging asap;-)

Yansy said...

I agree with you 100%.

NewbieNaturalDiva said...

Great info! Thanks!

Unknown said...

Well I too am a "newbie" and so far so good. Other then the fact that i have been sleepy out of my mind from the late night blogging i'm very satisifed EXCEPT when it comes to the followers.. I watch my stats and things are looking good, i am glad more and more come back and the referrals I LUV... BUT.. damn... i want more people to hit that follow button.. I have 9 followers but they arent a reflection of the actually amount of hits i get. what is there to do about this????

Only The Good Stuff said...

Thank you for your tips!! I love your blog! You are always so sweet and uplifting!

Freckles Chick said...

You NAILED it, Tam! I couldn't have written it better myself. Esp. the one about thinking one is all high & mighty and the foremost expert on something when they're clearly not. Hate to break it to these bloggers (I have a certain couple in mind), but chances are they were inspired by someone out there. Give credit where credit's due!

The Mrs. said...

I'm a new blogger and this is just what I was wondering. Thanks. Your BLOG ROCKS!!!

Christina said...

being kind certainly does go a long way. kind and humble. i choose my blogs like i choose my friends...very carefully:)

Unknown said...

girly thank u for the shot out :) i agree with every tip you've given and am so proud of how far you've come in your blogging - look at all the followers you have! it's cause you keep it real :)

think i'll be back to blogging soon - with a total blog overhaul! hm......

Alanna said...

hi! i just wanted to say that i loved the tips you gave! it's so true that bloggers get excited over posts and followers!

Anonymous said...

I totally agree! Great post Tam!

Karen said...

As a new blogger myself, I will take all the advice I can get. Loved the post and your blog in general. Congratulations on having 400 followers, you now have 401!

A Whimsical Girl Named Debbie said...

Well said, sista girl! I am a fairly new blogger trying to grow her blog, so thank you for your tips - they were right on time. I love your blog!
http://girlwhimsy.blogspot.com

ydcc said...

Love love LOVE this post!

Anonymous said...

Words that we can all live by....

Valerie said...

Great postive and heartfelt tips - thank you for sharing!

Moni @ CL Journal said...

Another new blogger here! You blog is inspiring and from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! We newbies need these tips!

BTW, I'm checking out the blogs left by people who commented. I like them all! I always comment, because it is important for the blogger to know that someone is reading their thoughts!

Chay Chay said...

I've been blogging for about a year now, and I still tweak mine pretty much everyday, I hae alot of work to do...this helped out SO MUCH, thanks girl!

EDYTA & CO. INTERIOR DESIGN said...

Great Post!!
Thank YOu!

Athina said...

That was oh-so-helpful. I have been blogging for a while but have just started learning about the logistics of it. Thanks for taking the time to help us!
x

K.Beliz said...

Thanks for the advice i been really wondering how ppl do it and ur tips obviously are working so thanks for the post well needed

CECE FAB FAVORITES said...

THANKS FOR THE POST....I AM NEW TO THIS BLOGGING WORLD AND STILL LEARNING I HAVE SO MANY IDEAS ON WHAT I WANT TO BLOG ABOUT. YOUR ADVISE WILL HELP THANKS AGAIN

Marissa said...

Thanks for this. It helps us newbies, so much!

CosmoFreakaLeak said...

i like this advise. it helps since i have like 2 followers and one of them is myself. lol

Sharon@Sharon at Home said...

Will blog for comments :-)) that's my mantra.

Thanks for your excellent thoughts on blogging etiquette ....

Nuri said...

Hi Tam! I'm the 660th follower of your beautiful blog...thank you for those wonderful tips and advice...really give me the boost I needed! Thanks again dear (^v^)"

Patrice-The Soap Seduction said...

I agree-especially about the "cliques". It used to really bother me that the popular soap blogs haven't embraced me, but I've gotten over it. I've done pretty well "on my own" I think.

K. Kiran Graves said...

i like the way you think, awesome post! I left a small token of appreciation for you at my spot.

AgelessThings said...

You have such good advice. And it must work! I enjoy your blog very much!

Claudya Martinez said...

Excellent post! Wonderful advice.

samia said...

loved the genuineness of these thoughts.. :)

SpkH said...

Thanks so much for this post. I've been attempting to ressurect my blog for sometime now and finally recommitted - so thanks for your blog and being an inspiration!!

take care!!

Ms.Choice said...

Love this post. It is very helpful. I am new to the blog scene. Love checking out eveyone's blog. Please check me out
www.styldbychoice.blogspot.com

40 Means Free said...

I'm working my way around my house doing some much needed renovations. And your BLOG is so informative. I can't stop reading..I have only read about 75% of your BLOG within the last hour. And ran across this one. And I really appreciate you standing behind your Bloggin 101 statements. It's extremely encouraging for Beginners like myself. I might actually attempt to paint something and save myself about $75 bucks.

Anonymous said...

I concur with your views one hundred percent. Makes me re-evaluate. Wonderful post.

Bri@Meyouandawiener said...

Thanks for the info I just started blogging as well and it can be intimidating at times. Just hope that i don't offend anyone I have a pretty crude sense of humor but I'm not mean just a clown just trying to keep it real.

Dhalia Edwards said...

I love this Tam!!!

Lexy of BeautyFash said...

LOVE this post! I am fairly new (April) and I can use all these tips! You are so right with the "Cliques" and just being yourself. My motto has always been - "you be you and I'll be me."

Loving your blog! :)

Lexy of BeautyFash

JesPlayin said...

Hey thanks for this post. It is especially timely for me as I'm struggling with how to manage my blog right now. I see you are a 'tastemaker' in the black decor blogosphere, so I will be sure to check in often.

Unknown said...

Just saw your fabulous painted walls & table through the West Elm fb feed - well done! Not only does the room look transformed but it should also be a great avenue for so many bloggers - like me - to find your fantastic blog!
Thank you for your lovely & concise words on 'Bloggin 101: By Tamstyles'. I love your outlook! Will be adding you to my blog roll... Take care. Sarah x
Palatial Living -palatialliving.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Awesome post and such great advice =) Your blog definiely is a great place to come and learn! Enjoy your week

Unknown said...

Great tips! Do you work a full-time job and work on your blog after hours? You're a ball of energy if so!

MC said...

Thanks Tami, your tips are very helpful!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this post!!! We're relatively new to blogging, but unfortunately have seen behavior that now makes sense after reading your post. It's sad, but we'll stay positive about it. While we don't intend to be blog gurus like yourself, we do enjoy blogging as another way of sharing and interacting with our community. I can definitely see how it can become addictive! -Nat

Roz W. said...

Thank you for the advice. I am revamping my blog and will have it up --- new, improved, and more personal --- in January. Your blog is inspirational. Meantime, if you want to check out mine, even while it is underconstruction: www.rozwrites.blogspot.com

Hautezone said...

Greetings Tam!

Awesome post! As a new blogger, I 'genuinely' appreciate the advice of someone who is well entrenched in protocol in the blogging world. Love your blog too! Keep up the amazing work!!!

Wishing you an amazing 2011, may all your dreams come true.

www.Hautezone.Blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Wow! Thank you for this post. As a new blogger, I am stiI am still learning the ropes and blog etiquette. I LOVE your blog, keep up the good work! And please throw me any constructive criticism for my blog! I am wondering if it is tooo busy... Should I scale it down, is it hard to read?
www.basketsbysadi.blogspot.com

Thanks Tam!

Sarah said...

Great advice. Thank you!

Unknown said...

Great Info... Thanks!

*Shana* said...

Great advice!!

Vp Ahmed said...

Your effort is great. A must reading material for every blogger. Thank you.