Developing Alliances and Friendships With Other Bloggers
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012 at
3:00 pm
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Twitter: PaulineBennett2
Thanks for the information in this post Barry, I have only just started commenting on other people’s blogs so I am looking for help and tips on this.
Can I ask you where is the best place to find other blogs in the same niche? I would imagine Google is the most common place but maybe you can give me other ideas.
Thanks again
Pauline
Pauline Bennett recently posted..Why Take Part In A Giveaway Event continued….
Hi Pauline,
The best tip I can give you for commenting Pauline is to make a point of visiting 5 blogs a day, read their posts and leave a comment. As i said in the post, choose interactive bloggers and you’ll find that they will also visit your blog and leave comments for you to.
I’ve just had a quick look at your blog, (I will be going back to comment), and see that you’re aiming towards list building and give away events. Kerry Russell and Keith Purkiss are very good places to start visiting for that niche. Tip: when you get there see who has left comments, what they’re saying and if they impress you click the links in their commentluv links (or their name) and visit their sites as well, leave comments and the cycle starts again Pauline
Google is always a good place to start, just enter “list building blogs” “Give away event Blogs”. With the “speech marks” as Google will then search for that term alone
I hope that has helped Pauline
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Add An Opt In Form To Every Post Then Triple Your Blog Traffic
Twitter: bloggersmarket
I’m ready for the E-Book man. I’d like to use it as an opt-in over at Bloggers Market and Jeffrey-Morgan.com
We’re blacked out here in the states today so I’ll not be developing any new alliances or friendships.
I hope I passed the “stupid comment” test!!! Oh, by the way … Great Post! Sorry I just couldn’t help it ….. I crack myself up sometimes!
God Bless Barry, see you soon!
Hi Jeffrey,
As soon as the series is finished i’ll get the eBook finished and get it over to you mate.
I can understand you being backed up Jeffrey, you sure do have a lot of work on. I couldn’t make it to you Saturday as I was full of aches and pains from Basketball, I even had trouble holding my arms up
but I’ll head over ASAP
ha ha ha “Great post” indeed, you crack me up as well mate
Catch you soon Jeffrey,
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Triple Blog Traffic
Twitter: desdrec
Great post and giving lots of good advice.
I think it’s also important to to develop strategic alliances too! For example, if you’re in the weight loss niche and you plan on selling your own weight loss info products, it makes sense to network and leave comments on Bloggers who have large loyal followings.
Cheers,
Des.
Des recently posted..NFC Smart Tags – Coming To A Store Near You
Hi Des,
Glad you liked the post mate
I couldn’t have put it better myself Des. That’s exactly the reason we need to focus on people that share our passions and build long lasting relationships with them, as well as visiting the people that leave comments on those blogs
Thanks Des, catch you soon mate.
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Innovate Take The Road Not Taken And Try Something New
Twitter: PaulineBennett2
Barry
thanks for the advice, it has helped a lot!
Thanks for visiting my blog also
Pauline
Pauline Bennett recently posted..Why Take Part In A Giveaway Event continued….
You’re more than welcome Pauline, I’m glad it has helped you
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..One Step Back, Two Steps Forward and The Journey Continues
Twitter: adriennesmith40
Hey Barry, great post! lol… Sorry, I had to do that too!
I hate it when I get those and it seems that within the last two days alone I’ve gotten some of the most ridiculous comments ever. I can’t even imagine that these people honestly believe those comments will be approved.
Really great tips on how it’s done Barry. You were speaking to me when I first started out which of course I’ve openly admitted on numerous occasions being so intimidated by other bloggers. I didn’t comment for that reason and had I done that I know I would be much further along then I am now.
It’s a learning experience for us all but I hope everyone will take your advice because it works. Just be genuine, share your opinion on what you thought, ask questions if you aren’t sure and share the love. The end result? You’ll have a blast, you’ll learn lots of great stuff and you’ll meet some exceptional people.
That my friend is the way it’s done!
Thanks Barry and glad to have you back. Hope the finger is finally on the mend now! Catch you later.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..Do You Have A Facebook Fan Page?
Hi Adrienne,
Those short comments get right up my nose to. How on earth do these people think they’ll make it online? I call them “hit and run merchants” because that’s what they seem to do, hit five words and run
Mind you with the latest update to comment luv prem I have that covered on auto pilot now. Minimum word count for comments, I love that plugin it’s my best buy of 2011.
I remeber we discussed blog commenting over Skype Adrienne and I remembered what you said about being intimidated by the bigger names, which in honesty is why i included it in the post. I can so relate to it as i didn’t even visit blogs for the first 2 years of being online….how stupid was that please don’t answer that Adrienne
Yes it is a learning experience, like everything else…. It’s easy if you know how. Fingers crossed (no pun intended) people will now realise that we were all like it to start with and it’ll give them a boost to pick up their game and become more confident, especially if they get into the mix on the Social Media networks as well.
You describe the end result perfectly Adrienne, we sure do have a blast whilst learning loads and meeting fantastic people along the way.
My finger is slowly mending I think, I can straighten and bend it now, but not quite make a fist and it’s still throbbing a little.
Take care Adrienne
Respect and Regards,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Ending 2011 With A Smile and The Sunshine Award
Twitter: sylviane101
Hi Barry,
Yes, indeed, trying to connect with other bloggers is very important. I was like you. When I first entered the online world I was in my own buble and it really is a mistake. I would advise any newbie not to do this, but reach out to other bloggers right from the get-go.
Some people are very cheap with their comments, but you know what? You get back what you send out!
For new people afraid of commenting, I would say this, as long as your comment is genuine there is no right or wrong. Ask questions, state your point of view, experince, etc… The only comments that are stupid are the ones that say nothing but get me a backlink as you mentioned.
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Crucial Reasons Why You Should Never Use Spinners To Spread Your Content
Hi Sylviane,
Yes, it is so important to break out of the bubbles we wrap ourselves in when we first start online. I think many of us wrap ourselves in bubbles to try and avoid Info Overload, which of course is the wrong view as bloggers cut that out for us and show us the tried and tested methods without all the jargon that leads to the dreaded info overload.
You know Sylviane, I have loads of little sayings that keep me focused and one of them is “you can only get out what you put in” which rings true with your comment
Hit and run comments have no place here so anyone leaving them is wasting their time, they certainly won’t get any link love without a little bit of effort with their comments.
You’re absolutely right, there is no right or wrong when leaving genuine comments. They’re all valuable in my eyes and to be honest I like newbies comments as I like to help them
Speak soon Sylviane,
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Add An Opt In Form To Every Post Then Triple Your Blog Traffic
Twitter: igorgriffiths
Hi Barry you just keep giving and sharing, thanks for the info on Facebook that will come in handy.
As a techie getting out and about is a major hurdle as I am at my happiest knee deep in html code or video edit but as Randy pointed out we are in the people business and thus we do need to put ourselves out there are develop friendships in our community.
My sites are all blacked out at the moment which is why commentluv another great recommendation from you is struggling, they will be back online tomorrow.
igor Griffiths
Hi igor,
Giving and sharing is what it’s all about mate, you also do your fair share of that igor. Only the other day you helped me out with a colour detector software and being colour blind it’s a really big help, thanks mate.
Randy Smith’s a great fella with great advice. I listened to Dawn’s interview and picked up loads of tips that i’ve started using and am seeing the benefits of doing so. You’re very wise to listen to him igor, even his latest post has helped pick me up and realise not what needs doing but what HAS been done
It’s good to know you like HTML coding, if I ever get stuck I know where to come
Sorry to hear that your sites were blacked out, was that part of the Internet strike yesterday? So many of the big sites joined it, which was good to see
I’ve just been over and checked and you’re back online now mate.
To make up for the lack of commentluv linking to your site (due to being blacked out) I’ll paste your link in mate:
http://pitytrain.com
Take care igor
Barry
Barry recently posted..Kindle Publishing Made Easy by Val Waldeck: My review
Cheers for the mention guys
My contribution here is to point out Barrys alexa ranking…..
111,465
Better than mine now!!
To think Barry used to comment on my blog to improve his rankings and backlinks…lol
Now it’s the other way around lol
So this is my sneaky way of gaining a valuable backlink to my site now, bu simply commenting on a successful bloggers blog
Cheers
Randy
RandySmith recently posted..Are You Guilty Of ‘Flitting’? – Do The Belly Crawl!
Hi Randy,
No worries on the mentions, it’s only right that we let others know who is helping us stay focused on what is important in our work and the best way to apply ourselves. I’ve picked up no end of tips from you that’ve helped me in so many ways Randy
My Alexa ranking may have over taken yours but I bet my bank balance hasn’t nor has my productivity…… Yet
When I first started commenting on your blog I didn’t even know about backlinks, it was your content and advice I was after and I have to say that you constantly deliver on both counts.
Thanks for the compliment Randy
Catch up again soon,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Learn With Sally: All Good Things Must Come To An End
Developing relationships with other Bloggers is fine and dandy; but, I would like to make a living at writing or blogging. I have been trying to do just this for over ten years using blogger.com through Google; but, have never received a check from Google. I must be barkin’ up the wrong tree.
esb
Hi Scott, welcome to my blog.
Developing relationships with like minded people is essential in my opinion. I have progressed far quicker since doing so than I ever did before hand. Using a free blogging platform will make it fairly hard to earn a living from the blog because your hands are tied on what you can and can’t do with a free blog.
I’ve taken Google ad’s off of my blog as they weren’t earning me a lot from it. I have them on some of my other sites and have received payment from Google but not a lot and not very often.
If I were you Scott I’d start creating products and install a blog on private hosting with your own domain name. At least that way you can do as you please with your site.
I hope that helps in some way Scott.
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Kindle Publishing Made Easy by Val Waldeck: My review
Twitter: berget
Hi Barry,
Developing relationships and friendships with other bloggers are crucial. I believe that it’s the most important part of doing business online. It’s one thing to do it because of all the help you’ll eventually get, but there are so much feedback and inspiration (and kindness) when it comes to having relationships with fellow bloggers.
We should never comment as a marketing strategy, but comment in order to support and help. When we do, that’s when the real power of relationships and friendships starts showing.
It’s not much fun to be blogging without getting any feedback.
Jens P. Berget recently posted..Starting Your First Business When You are 39 Years Old
Hi Jens,
I totally agree Jens, we’ve both seen people come and go from the online scene and I truly believe that one of the major contributing factors is that they failed to get in the mix and start building online relationships.
These relationships only offer positives to our success, like you said: Feedback, Inspiration, Kindness and Help are all going to assist us on our journey to success.
You make a good point about not commenting as a marketing strategy, doing so will only wind people up and have to opposite effect to the we desire to achieve.
Thanks for making these points Jens, I think it’s important that people understand them and apply them from the start.
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Add An Opt In Form To Every Post Then Triple Your Blog Traffic
Twitter: Dawn_Kay
Hi Barry
I think we’ve got similar backgrounds matey…
I was in a bubble on my own for about the first 2 years. It’s not very nice being in a bubble on your own and although I did blog, I wasn’t doing it right.
The products I bought and people I followed gave me a big list of blogs to comment on to build relationships etc but all it was was a list of their guru friends…
You know, the ones that don’t reply to comments at all or just reply to their friends!
It wasn’t until I met Sally Neill that I learnt the true meaning of blogging…
Which also led me to meeting you when we both took part in the 100 comment challenge.
I don’t really know if I’d be still here without my online friends as not only do you learn loads from visiting their blogs but they also get you through the bad times too…
And that is why I think building relationships with other bloggers is the key to online success and it’s something that people should spend a little time each day doing!
Thank you for all the support you’ve given me Barry…
You really are one in a million matey and I’m very glad we became friends.
Take care
Dawn
Dawn Kay recently posted..I’m Sooooooo Gonna Do All Of This
Hi Dawn,
I hope that you’re feeling better now mate.
Yes we do have similar backgrounds. It was also 2 years that I sat in my bubble trying to figure it all out and I think we went through the same learning curve via the same products and people. Ahhhhh yes “we know them so well”
Like you Dawn, I have learnt so much from Sally Neill (before we took her coaching) just be reading her posts and applying what she told us.
I met so many good, honest, helpful people through Jacinta’s 100 Blog Comment Challenge. I think it was that challenge that got me on the right route and in the right circles. We’ve both progressed so much since then haven’t we
I totally agree about our online friends helping us get through the bad times. I’ve mentioned on many occasions that it was the support from fellow bloggers that helped keep me focused when I’ve had issues both on and off line and I include you in that as well Dawn.
I appreciate you saying about the support Dawn but it is a two way thing and you also support me and have assisted me on many an occasion, for which you will forever have my gratitude and support. That’s the power of friendship that I’m trying to show others is sooooo important.
Thanks Dawn, get well soon my friend
Respect and Regards,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Another Fear Conquered Thanks To Sally Neill and My Latest Online Win
Twitter: deeannrice
Barry,
What great advice for anyone starting out or even someone who has been blogging and has not interacted with other people.
I used to be one of those people that sat in my little office in my house all by my self and figured it all out for my self. It took me so long to learn anything as I had to make all of the mistakes and do hours of research on each little part of the process.
When I started blogging and commenting I started learning so fast I could not believe it. Then I started asking questions and my learning moved even faster.
It is a complete waste of time to learn by making all of the mistakes yourself when all it takes is a couple of minutes to ask a question.
I love being part of such a giving blogging community. We will all make it because we have banned together and are all helping each other.
Thanks for the very inspirational post Barry.
Dee Ann
Dee Ann Rice recently posted..SOPA and PIPA
Hi Dee Ann,
When it comes to our online journey we do have a lot in common don’t we. I think there are lots of us that sat alone trying to figure things out for ourselves, banging our heads against the wall making one mistake after another and wasting time. If only we’d known it at the time….. where would we be now?
If, buts and maybe’s eh
But at least we now know what not to do and can pass that on to others following along behind us, tackling the same issues.
It’s pretty amazing how blogging can teach us so much, so quickly and like you rightly said, “If you don’t know something ask the question” it really is that simple in most cases.
The blogging community is fantastic and really supportive of each other, willing each other along. If only we’d done it years ago
I also believe that we will all make it to where we want to be, as long as we keep pushing ourselves in that direction and continue building on what we have started.
Thanks Dee Ann,
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Add An Opt In Form To Every Post Then Triple Your Blog Traffic
Twitter: jmd164
Hi Barry,
Um, great post Barry
Seriously, it really is terrific advice and the comments are not only a continuation of that advice, they’re really entertaining as well.
I had a good ol’ chuckle on a couple of them.
This is a perfect post Barry for anyone feeling a bit lost along the way with that feeling, alot seem to have had when first starting out.
I use to hesitate in leaving comments. Didn’t know what to say, I felt I had nothing to add nor any questions. Actually, that’s not true – sometimes I did have questions, but never asked them. Which is silly not to do so, how else does one learn and who better to ask but the author.
Starting to blither on now, so I’ll say good night!
Julie
Julie recently posted..A Pyramid Scheme: Is That What Network Marketing Is?
Hi Julie,
Great post indeed you cheeky person
Quite often we can learn loads from the comments being left on blog posts as they often add a wealth of information to the original post. Picking up tips from others with experience in that area…… as well as having a good ol’ chuckle Julie
It’s a win win either way isn’t it 
Yes it is a bit silly to have questions and not ask them, especially if we can see the blog owner is replying to everyone that leaves comments. If you have questions ask them as it’ll save you loads of time and headaches trying solve things alone.
I’m glad that you’re over that hesitation now Julie. You always leave good comments, both here and on other blogs that I’ve seen them on.
Catch up soon Julie,
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Triple Blog Traffic
Twitter: IMarketerLinda
Very well said here, Barry. I think or I hope that new readers/responders will listen and follow through. It irks me to no end when they leave one line responses, obviously they don’t get approved and I also don’t approve those that do not have a blog. Or what I will sometimes do is just remove their Comment Luv and let them go and respond. It’s a win/win situation for the both of us if we get our backlinks both ways.
Good job at pointing out the social bookmarking tools as well. Many people do not utilize them and so hopefully this will help with that as well.
Thanks for the post Barry and looking forward to what you have in store for us next
Hope your weekend is going GREAT!
Linda
Linda recently posted..What an Honor it is to Receive the Sunshine Award
Hi Linda,
Those one line comments never get approved here either Linda, unless i know the person or it’s a continuation of an earlier comment.
The people that leave comments without a URL but have a commentluv link I class as spammers because they must have entered a URL for commentluv to pick up their link. They then go back and delete the URL, so I ask myself why they’d do that…. Now I just spam them all
I have my blog set up that 1st time commenters have to wait for my approval, then once approved all future comments are automatically approved. I fear that if I allow their comment and change the URL to mine and remove their commentluv link the next time they leave a comment it will be automatically approved and I’ll then have to go fish them out and mark as spam.
I think it’s much safer never to approve them in the first place, but I do understand what you’re saying.
It is a shame when people don’t use the sharing buttons isn’t it. It only takes a second or two and really does help build the relationships that we all know will help us progress. Not only that but by sharing other peoples posts they’re more likely to share ours when they come visiting.
What’s next here? ummmm you’ll have to wait and see Linda
Take care mate,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Learn With Sally: All Good Things Must Come To An End
Twitter: trailtrekker46
Hi Barry
That post should be read by everyone new to blogging and many that are old hands at it.
“Sure you’ll find some bloggers that think it’s acceptable never to reply to anyone, or worse still they’ll reply to their “pals” and leave everyone else whistling for a reply, even when questions have been asked.”
How true is that statement and how frustrating when you are trying to build a relationship with people in your niche and that’s what happens – as I am finding at present!
In some cases I am sure it’s just ignorance of blogging etiquette and maybe they can be forgiven, others are just to self centred to care. As you say Barry, with these you just don’t return.
It always amazes me how you manage to leave such lengthy replies to comments, I can usually only manage a paragraph or two.
My commentluv isn’t working despite deleting the plugin and re-installing it, how I envy your techie abilities and to think we both come from similar backgrounds. I guess you either have it or you don’t, and I don’t.
Bill
Hi Bill,
I see so many mistakes being made on blogs Bill and some of them really make me want to shake the blog owner and yell in their ear, never replying to comments is one of them. I find it really frustrating when we get blanked from the blog owner who approves our comment and then can’t be bothered to reply to it, where’s the gratitude for our time and effort.
With the bloggers in your niche, that you’re trying to form some of relationship with, I’d visit the blogs of those leaving comments Bill and mention that you saw their comment on so and so’s blog and came over because of it. A little bit of flattery might just open the door enough to get your foot in mate.
Yes some are self centred and think we’re beneath them, it’s their loss Bill but try the flattery approach and see if that works mate.
Yes my replies do tend to be lengthy Bill, I like to reply to each sentence being left in the comment
I’ve just been over to your blog and checked CommentLuv and it seems to be working as it should do, it certainly picked up my feeds. CommentLuv does occasionally clash with the WP Cache and total cache. So If you have either of those plugins try de-activating them if commentluv plays up again and see if it makes a difference.
You can also pop over to the commentluv forum and see if anyone has the same issues. You should find a link to that within the plugin details on your admin panel.
Take care Bill,
Barry
Barry recently posted..What Would You Like To Achieve This Year?
Twitter: trailtrekker46
Thanks for the tip Barry, I will try the flattery method as you suggest.
Bill
You’re more than welcome Bill, best of luck mate
Barry recently posted..It Is That Time Again: With Thanks, A Gift and Christmas Wishes
Twitter: hajraks
Hey Barry,
First timer here and totally love the topic. Just today I was mentioning on another blog about how difficult it is to cover and read as many blogs as I would like to so that I get to meet as many bloggers as I can.
Blog hopping can be a tough one. Today, for example, I had a day off and because my laundry was all done, I visited 20 new blogs! Yes, personal record.
Before I leave a comment, I choose a post which interests me the most (yes, attractive headlines!) and then after reading the post and leaving in my comments, I make it a point to read the About Me page to get to know more about the blogger. I also have a document mentioning the blogs I visited. And make it a point to be there at least once a week. And if I like I subscribe!
And when I really can’t think of a comment, I just bookmark it, or move onto another post where I think I might have something to say about!
More than developing alliances with other bloggers, I find it much of a task maintaining those alliances. Sometimes, they make the job easier by coming back to my blog (yes, I am a little greedy
) and other times, I just stalk them way too much!
The blogging community is huge, we just need to figure out how we make our way through!
Hajra recently posted..Will they call you over for a bloggers party?
Hi Hajra, Welcome to my blog.
Yes blog hopping can be very time consuming and somewhat difficult to fit in as much as we’d like. I try to visit at least 5 blogs a day and when I can I aim for more. To visit 20 in a day is really good and a tough act to follow
There’s a lot to be said for attractive headlines, I try to use as catchy a headline as I can so as to attract as many people as possible. I hope that you liked my About Me page, now that you mention it I realize that it needs updating as I’ve done quite a bit since its last update
I use FeedDemon to keep track of the blogs I like so as to stay up to date. I’ve been guilty of not visiting so many these days due to get a product ready for launch but I’m slowly putting that right
That’s an excellent point Hajra about moving onto another post if you can’t think of anything to say in a comment for the one you’re on.
I do know what you mean about maintaining the alliances we build. FeedDemon helps me with that, however there are some that slip by and over time they get further away. I think we all need to work on that so as to keep the alliances live and current, like you said the blogging community is very large, so we do need to try our best to keep up with those we enjoy.
Thanks for coming over and leaving a comment Hajra, I’ll return the visit very soon
Have a great week,
Barry
Barry recently posted..One Step Back, Two Steps Forward and The Journey Continues
Twitter: LogAllot
Excellent post Barry. Building relationships with bloggers online is not only a smart move, but it also an excellent learning resource. We all have different perspectives on various topics and reading other blogs helps me to learn something new. That’s why I am a huge advocate of going outside my niche to learn from other bloggers.
Commenting is something I take very seriously and when people take the time to comment on my blog, I always return the favor. It’s how I have built the relationships online and how I will continue to build more friendships.
Sonia recently posted..Your Bread And Butter For A Local Service Based Business
Hi Sonia,
I agree, there is loads to learnt from other blogs and its all free so we should encourage people to get out there and start building relationships with the bloggers and following the links to other blogs where their comments have impressed us. It’s so important to read the comments as we can find so many inspirational people that way and form friendships with them.
I also agree that we should return the favour when others are good enough to leave comments for us. I find it somewhat frustrating when we visit other blogs, leave comments and not only do we never get a reply but we also never get a return visit.
Thankfully Sonia we move in the circles of bloggers that respect and value each other, those friendships are priceless and offer so much more than their content.
Thanks Sonia, have a great week my friend
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Ending 2011 With A Smile and The Sunshine Award
Twitter: yelgab
You gave a lot of interesting information. You stated that one should read the comments listed because there is a lot of great information in them. Very true, I have learned a lot from the comments left, sometimes they over key pieces of information that make the post more valuable.
Networking is extremely valuable. Thank you!
Hi Patrica, welcome to my blog.
We can all learn additional information from the comments being left on a post. They often add a wealth of information to the original post as well as offering us new contacts.
Thanks Patrica,
Barry
Barry recently posted..What Would You Like To Achieve This Year?
Hi Barry,
Interesting post! How’s that? I fully understand what you are saying to those who start off with Great post and that’s it. Unless they are spammers looking or a free back link back to their site, it maybe that they are new and don’t realise what they are doing. It could be that they can’t think of any thing to say. On that point I’m the same I think that I cant think of anything to say then when I start to type I find that I can’t shut up. Adrienne made this point we could possibly educate them with the correct actions and show them how to improve. What do you think?
Ed.
Ed Welch recently posted..Happy New Year.
Hi Ed,
I understand what you’re saying about getting in touch with those that leave the poor comments and trying to educate them. However this post is aimed at getting people to build alliances and friendships through leaving good interactive comments on interactive blogs…. Just as we’re doing now Ed
I did read Adrienne’s post and do take your point on board. By doing so I will try and apply that when people leave that type of comment here in the future. I still won’t approve their comments but i will go and visit their blogs, make sure they’re not spammers and will then send them an email reaching out to them. After that it’s up to them isn’t it, but i will try Ed.
Thanks Ed, you’ve made an excellent point that I will take on board mate.
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Another Fear Conquered Thanks To Sally Neill and My Latest Online Win
Twitter: Minxywitch
Hey Barry,
I thought I’d fly on over & see what’s happening over here!
I like to think that the vast majority of us that were part of the Learn With Sally course have formed a great alliance and friendships. I know I’ve definitely made some great friends online and I like to think I’ve helped them (though maybe not as much as they’ve helped me!).
Like you, I’ve had my fair share of “nice blog, thanks” kind of posts which add no value at all. Mind you, I can’t promise that my comments add value…maybe amusement (or bemusement!).
It’s great seeing everyone lean towards particular specialisms; that way, when we need help wth a particular issue we know where the best place to start looking would be. And that just adds to the value of these relationships.
As for sharing / promoting these posts, I can’t stress how great (& easy!) social media is. When I look at my Google analytics, social media sites are the highest ranking for sending traffic my way.
Anyway, I hope all is well with you & you didn’t suffer at basketball training the other day?
Catch up with you soon,
Nikki
Hi Nikki, my F F F Friend
You’d be right in thinking that most of us on the Learn With Sally course have formed good alliances and friendships. Unfortunately some didn’t want to know, which I think very strange…. an online marketer not wanting to know is a bit like a Top Gear presenter not wanting to drive a car
But at least those of us that got in the mix have become friends and help each other.
We’ve all had those link seeking comments that add no value, I don’t allow them here at all… I said that in my deepest voice to sound manly (did it work?).
Nikki I have never seen a poor comment from you on any of the blogs I’ve seen you comment on, lots offer amusement though
Yes we are all now moving into our own Specialisms as you call it (did you just make that word up?). Whenever I need help I turn to those that I know can help, (if I know some that can), then I turn to our FB group and then to a forum I belong to and I’ll continue with that system as it’s got me this far
I know our group is there to stay and that’s another great aspect of creating alliance’s and friendships.
Like you I now see all of the social media sites in my traffic referrals on Google Analytics, which is great because i avoided Facebook like the plague to start with.
Yes I was injury free at last weeks Basketball training, although my broken finger got a little more bruising bashed into it
Take care Nikki, I’ll be heading over soon
Barry
Barry recently posted..What Would You Like To Achieve This Year?
Twitter: mrbloggercool
Hey Barry,
Thanks for giving a such nice explanation. I love to do friendships with other bloggers who are in the same niche and it happens when I do comment on their blogs. So commenting on other blogs is an awesome way to build the long term relationships with the readers as well as bloggers.
Many blogger in the blogosphere are doing commenting just for the sake of building a backlinks and they leaving a useless comments which does not add any value to that particular post. So it is not ethical at all. So every blogger should read the whole post carefully and then he or she should do comment on that particular post and that too good comment which should add value to the post.
By the way, thanks once again for sharing a nice post.
Manish
Hi Manish, welcome to my blog.
Blog commenting, when done right, is excellent for forming friendships with other bloggers. We have the same values and when we see others contributing to our blogs and sharing those values it adds weight to the friendships that we are trying to build.
Yes mate, there are a lot out there that’re just after building backlinks and in doing so they tend to rush through and leave any ol’ rubbish comment. I’ve even had someone try to paste in an approved comment as their own, thinking I’m stupid and don’t read the comments i approve. On that occasion I visited their blog and asked for an explanation, which I didn’t get so a week later i went back and asked again. When I went back the 3rd week they had switched comments off
I totally agree that we should read the whole post and then leave a decent comment about the post, like I said in the post here Manish, it doesn’t need to be an essay but it does need to refer to the post.
Thanks for coming over and leaving your comment Manish, I’ll catch you up on your blog very soon.
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Kindle Publishing Made Easy by Val Waldeck: My review
Twitter: plrnetmarketing
A lot of us (well me anyway, but I’m sure I’m not alone) have a bad habit of trying to go it alone. We are afraid to ask for help or even to reach out to others. One of the best moves I did with my business was to reach out and connect with other blogger like Barry here, and interact, and learn from them and see things from their point of view.
Just going to another persons blog regularly isn’t enough.
Don’t be shy, don’t be afraid, most of us don’t bite!
Warren recently posted..Reasons Why You Keep Losing Twitter Followers
Hi Warren,
There are lots of people that try doing it alone, I did it myself for a while
I can’t understand someone visiting a blog and being scared to ask a question or leave a comment, especially when we see the blog owner replying to everyone else’s comments, like you say Warren it’s about the interaction. It saves us loads time and the headaches of trying to do it all ourselves. We don’t bite or even growl do we
Thanks Warren, hope you’re well mate.
Take care,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Add An Opt In Form To Every Post Then Triple Your Blog Traffic
Twitter: plrnetmarketing
I think it’s a “guy thing”!
I actually had comments turned off (too much spam) in the beginning, and when I did realize that I was missing out I had a hard time turning things around and getting people into the habit of commenting again. Not one of my smarter moves.
I’m good Barry, thanks for asking.
Warren recently posted..February 2012 Goals
Oh dear that was a mistake Warren.
There’s always anti-spam programs we can use: Akismet and GASP are both free…
Glad to hear you’re good Warren
Take care mate,
Barry
Barry recently posted..Conducting An Interview Over Skype To Create A Product
Twitter: plrnetmarketing
I’m using GASP, but lately getting about 20/30 spam comments daily despite using it. They need to do an update I think.
Are you using Akismet with it?
I personally dislike them because so many legit comments fail to make it through (including my own some times) but may have to revisit them.
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Yes I can understand that Warren, some of these spammers are just working around things we put in front of them.
GASP is now part of CommentLuv Premium and has been updated quite a lot. I’d advise you get ComLuv Prem Warren.
I do use both GASP and Akismet and have also found so good comments going to spam, it done my head in for a while but as we mark them not spam Akismet will eventually catch up and realize who’s welcome on your blog.
I know a few people have done away with it, but I like the plugin and feel safer with it
Thanks Warren, catch you up soon mate
Barry recently posted..Oh Dear I Made A Stupid Boo Boo Last Week Sorry
Twitter: learn_to_blog
A great entry for the Carnival, Barry. I noticed Pauline asked about finding blogs in a particular niche. One great way is to follow links on the blogs you visit, usually found in the sidebar, as they more often than not link to other blogs in a chosen niche, and if you have enjoyed the post you are reading you will likely find they are of similar good quality because they have been personally chosen by the blog owner as worthy of linking to.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Twitter: alexandra_cath
Hi Barry,
I think this is a very important subject! As a somewhat newcomer to the online marketing arena and blogger, I have found that some of the best growth I have experienced has occurred in no small part due to the relationships I have been building with other bloggers! (Actually I see several of their faces popping up in your own comment section, surprise surprise!)
I recently felt compelled to implement some commenting guidelines because my blog traffic has been growing a great deal over the past few months and along with that I’ve seen an increase in SPAMMY or silly comments which do nothing in the way of contributing any form of value to the conversation or topic.
Thanks for sharing your great insight into this subject!
Cat Alexandra
Cat Alexandra recently posted..Network Marketing VT (100% Commission) Review
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I love this post, Barry! Your first tip is one that I had completely overlooked. It’s true that the people I want to interact with and build relationships with are those that respond to their comments, but I hadn’t thought of skimming through to analyze. Now that I can think about it, I can imagine that you can tell a lot about a blogger based on whether or not they respond to comments *and* what their responses are like!
I have made such amazing friends online, including yourself, and I find that what works for me is that I always respond to the comments people leave on my blog and then I go over and comment on one of the person’s blog posts. I also make sure that I tweet their blog post too! =)
P.S. Thanks so much for your friendship, Barry! =) Hugs!
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Please Note:
All of the above comments were replied to but during the transferring on f my hosting some content was lost.
As a new post will detail.
Barry
Barry recently posted..You Have The Passion For Working Online But What Comes Next
Hi Barry,
I totally agree with you, connecting with other bloggers is even critical for your business. In the real world, going out to conferences and/or exhibitions and meeting other business fellows might brings to great partnerships and money in the long run. Online, it is the same. Just for exp. it can leads to interviews and webinars which later on you can offer them as a product or as a bonus to your readers. Just my 2 cents.
Have a wonderful day,
Daniel
Daniel From Manifesting Reality recently posted..Motivational Speakers: Lewis Gordon Pugh Achieving The Impossible
Hi Daniel, welcome back
You’ve hit the nail on the head Daniel, it was only when I started visiting others blogs and building these relationships that I started to see some reward from my blogging efforts.
It’s funny you mention Interviews and webinars as interviews are a very hot topic at the moment, not to mention the easiest way of getting a product created.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Daniel.
Take care,
Barry
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Well… I didn’t create my own product yet; I just thought it is an easy way to create one. You just need a list of good questions and someone to interview. Sounds easy enough to me.
I owned a few brick and mortar businesses in my early days, so it looks natural to me, if I bring my experience from the real world to this virtual one.
Daniel
Daniel From Manifesting Reality recently posted..Motivational Speakers: Lewis Gordon Pugh Achieving The Impossible
You’re right Daniel, I wrote a post about conducting interviews to create products:
http://barry-wells.com/conducting-an-interview-over-skype-to-create-a-product/
It is always best to bring your experiences from the real world to the online one, they’re not that different.
Thanks Daniel,
Barry
Barry recently posted..An Internet Marketing Video Challenge and Everyone Is Invited