Armchair BEA | Day 2 Blogger Development

Welcome to Armchair BEA 2013 Day 2!

Today we’ve been directed to discuss how we develop ourselves as bloggers. Last year we touched on this topic by discussing Networking. Developing our blogs depends on the type of blogger you currently are, the type of blogger you wish to become and the amount of time you have available to become that blogger.

For myself, I find it a good job if I can actively update my blog at least once or twice a month. I have had an extremely busy schedule with work, school, children and such. I had made a goal to review the books as I read them….and have not been keeping that goal! I still read ALL THE TIME. I just can’t seem to find the time to dedicate to writing up a review. If the book is extremely satisfying and MUST be shared I do wiggle in the time to write a quick review.

My suggestions to anyone trying to build up their blog is to first and foremost BE YOURSELF. Do not portray yourself as someone else, unless, of course that is your intent. I suggest reading and reviewing your most favorite books. Negative book reviews are always a sore subject, believe me. I have written my fair share and I will always stick by them. It’s important to be honest though. Don’t give a high rating to a book that you don’t like. Everyone is entitled to their opinions.

To increase blog traffic and commenting it’s always a good idea to host a giveaway. Giveaways are always fun! Joining Blog Tours is also a great way to get, first, review copies, and the chance to participate in a cooperative event. I love hosting author guest posts. I am not creative enough to do interviews but that’s always a route to take. Blog Hops are also awesome ways to generate traffic. I enjoy doing one seasonally or so. Having a good statistics metric meter is a great way to monitor  your blog traffic. Since I use WordPress I have many options to rely on. I do a monthly traffic analysis and update my Policy page. These statistics are necessary to update my profiles on both NetGalley and Edelweiss.

Lastly, network! Make sure you have a blog dedicated Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, RSS Feedburner and Goodreads accounts. These are staples to connecting with bloggers and readers alike. I participate in online networking the most but many bloggers have found ways to venture out into the world for IRL networking. Attending author events and conferences are great opportunities to meet other bloggers and authors. I have attending BEA several times as a publishing professional and a blogger both. It is quite the experience and I welcome every blogger to experience it at least once in your lifetime.

Other Armchair BEA Posts

Armchair BEA | Day 1 Introduction

Armchair BEA | Day 2 Blogger Development

Armchair BEA | Day 3 Giveaway!

Armchair BEA | Day 4 Ethics

Armchair BEA | Day 5 Keeping it Real

Armchair BEA | Day 6 Wrap-Up