Rain on a Tin Roof

DIY and Home Decor Blog. Fly Your Freak Flag.

You are here: Home >> Blogging >> 12 Tips for Growing your Blog

By 181 Comments

12 Tips for Growing your Blog

Since December I have been trying really hard to build and grow my blog into something great. I started this blog back in August 2011. I was going full speed ahead (although my photos from those posts are definitely lacking), and then I got pregnant. I felt miserable and blogging was the last thing on my mind. I would post every now and then, but with no regularity. But this past December, I decided to do this blogging thing all the way. I love doing it, and I love following other amazing blogs and getting great ideas – its my passion.

So, back at the start of December, I had around 40 GFC followers, 20 feed subscribers, not even close to 100 facebook followers, and about 100 Pinterest followers. (I don’t do Twitter – I know, I must be the only one in the world who doesn’t. I just can’t take it on right now.) Now, as of this post I have 170 GFC followers, 92 feed subscribers, 330+ Facebook followers, and 366 Pinterest followers. I’m not bragging. I am no where near MANY other amazing blogs. But, I am proud of the growth of my blog in the past three months. I still have a LONG way to go! All of the tips below are things I have done, and still do, to grow my blog in the past three months.

Realistic tips that anyone can do to grow their blog. 12 Tips to Grow Your Blog

Tips for Growing your Blog

1. Post on a Regular Basis
Do not make my mistake. When I got pregnant, I rarely posted at all. My blog was stagnant. If you want your blog to grow, you have to post on a regular basis! This doesn’t mean you have to post every single day.

Tips for Growing Your Blog
At least, I ain’t got time for that! There’s a nine month old running around here, a house to clean, and dinner to cook! I try to post at least three times a week, usually 3-4 times a week.
2. Add a “Pin it” Button after your images.

Y’all, Pinterest is HUGE – and getting bigger everyday! Do not underestimate the power of the pin! TONS of my traffic (and from what I’ve read, many other blogs traffic) comes from Pinterest. By having a “Pin It” button on every image, it makes it easy for readers to pin your image, and then their followers see it, re-pin, visit, and the cycle continues.

3. Pin Your Own Posts
That’s right, I said it. People follow you on Pinterest because they like what you pin. What you pin is probably similar to what you post! Pin your posts! Your followers will re-pin and their followers will re-pin and the beautiful cycle mentioned above ensues!

4. Social Media Buttons
Have social media buttons placed where followers can easily see them and use them to follow along. Mine are on the top of my sidebar. You can get free social media buttons in all different colors here.

5. USE Social Media
Put links to your posts on your Facebook page, Tweet it, share it on Google+. Show “teaser” post photos on Facebook. And once more, pin your images!

6. Put the Best Image at the Top of Your Post
I made this mistake when I started blogging. I would do a “before and after” project, and always show the before at the beginning, which one would normally do, except in blogging, and the after at the end of the post. You need to show readers your “after” photo first though, to draw them in and make them want to read about how you got to the “after.”

7. Highlight your Most Popular / Best Posts on your Sidebar
That sidebar is prime real estate! Put an image with a link to the post. This keeps readers on your blog longer, which means they might follow along if they keep seeing your amazing work!

8. Link Parties, Link Parties, Link Parties
Link up your posts, people! This gets your blog and posts out there for potential readers to see! You can’t just post something, walk away, and expect readers to come check it out. You have to promote it!

9. Visit, Visit, Visit
Don’t go link up at a party and not visit other posts! How rude!

Tips for Growing Your Blog

Couldn’t resist Stephanie’s famous line from Full House. Anyway, you want people to come view your posts, so shouldn’t you view theirs as well?! You don’t have to visit other posts right that second, but do go back and try to visit a few and leave a nice comment.

10. Comment, Comment, Comment
Leave a comment for the link party host saying thanks. Comment on the links you visit. Comment, comment, comment! When you comment on someone else’s blog, they are more likely to come visit your blog, and possibly follow (especially if you follow them). When someone comments on your blog, respond to the comment, go visit their blog, and comment! Everyone LOVES comments!

Another important thing about comments – make sure word verification is turned OFF on your blog! This is when the box pops up after someone writes a comment asking them to type in the letters and/or numbers! No one wants to deal with that when leaving a comment! If you are worried about getting comments from spammers, set your comment settings to where no anonymous users can comment. To change these settings (on Blogger) go to Settings -> Posts & Comments and its all there.

11. Guest Post at other Blogs
If you see an opportunity to guest post at another blog, go for it! When you post at another blog, some of their readers will visit your blog, and may become followers.

12. Swap Buttons or Links with Other Blogs
Many bloggers love to swap buttons and links! This gives you some advertisement and them as well! Check out blog’s advertise pages to see if they swap buttons or email them. Include swap buttons or links on your sidebar under a “Blogroll.”

I hope that these tips help you out in growing your blog! I am not an expert, by any means, but these are just a few little things I’ve learned in the past few months and thought it might be helpful to you!

If you have any tips, I would LOVE to hear them! Please leave a comment!

Read more of the Grow Your Blog series: 

My Blogging Story

7 Things Your Blog Needs to Keep Readers Coming Back

How to Grow Your Blog with Pinterest

Realistic tips that anyone can do to grow their blog. 12 Tips to Grow Your Blog

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy says

    This is AWESOME! Thank you so much for this post!!! Thank you for adding such detail and including the Pin it Button instructions!!! THANK YOU!!!! I’ll be sharing this post!!!

    Reply

  2. Jenna LaFevor says

    Chelsea, Yes, I would love to swap buttons with you! Is yours already on your blog somewhere I could grab?

    Yes, giveaways do help as well! I’ve only done one on here, so I didn’t feel like I was the best in lending advice on that one! More giveaways is one of my goals for this year though!

    I did the favorite posts bar with an html gadget. I just upload the pics to photobucket, resized, and then put the code in the html gadget…..I’m thinking that may be a good tutorial to post on??

    So happy you stopped by!

    Reply

  5. Tara @ Suburble says

    Love the post; it’s very timely for me. I didn’t realize that word verification was enabled on my blog (of course, because I’m an admin, I don’t have to verify my own comments), so I just went and turned them off now.

    It’s probably now 78% less annoying to comment on my blog now! Great stuff!

    Reply

  6. Bridgett Shepherd says

    Fabulous post, Jenna! Great tips! I still get excited with new comments and followers! It’s such a great feeling when someone else besides yourself, your husband, and two toddlers like what you’re doing! Haha xo @osiemoats

    Reply

  7. Keep Calm and Decorate says

    This is a great post! I stopped blogging when I was pregnant, too! I missed a lot from the past two years. A lot of things have changed since then. 🙂 BTW, thank you for visiting my blog and for your sweet comment. I will be coming back to visit.

    Reply

  8. Bonny Yokeley says

    This is a great list. Like you, I didn’t focus on growing my readership until after I blogged a bit mainly because I didn’t know how. I’d love to do a button swap with you. Stop by at thedomesticatedprincess.com and visit my “bloggy stuff” tab. Then use “FREESWAP.” You can also grab my button from that page to put on your blog. And if you are interested in doing a post swap for a day as you mention on your ad page, I’d love to chat about it.

    Reply

  9. Stacy says

    Thank you for the words of wisdom! I am glad you got the word verification deal on the list because it is the most obnoxious thing ever! I think it is also helpful to not be a ‘no reply comment’ blogger ~ link up an email address! It is nice to be able to reply to a comment or question.

    Reply

  10. Sharon Sheff says

    Thanks for the tips! as a new blogger I really appreciate it, however there is so much “BLOG ETIQUETTE” I still dont understand and its quite frustrating. Links, linking back ect ect…..grrrrr so any tips that I do get Im greatful for. Thanks again.

    Reply

  12. AnnMarie VanSickle says

    These are great tips! Thanks! I’m pretty new to the blogging world and I know I need to get the social media buttons up and the pin it link. They just seem so daunting and that is why I haven’t done it yet. But you have motivated so thank-you for that!

    Reply

  13. VMG206 says

    Thank you for the great tips! I really need to get thhe Pinterest button right next to each photo ~ but somethings changed and that doesn’t work anymore. I’ll have to google that. Thanks for sharing!
    I found you on Liz Marie today, where I’m #99. I hope you check out my blog and leave a comment, too!
    ~ Megin of VMG206

    Reply

  16. Eva Taylor says

    Thanks for the tips! I started blogging in Aug 2011 too. Took a break after my dad moved in on hospice and passed away. I took another 4 months to revamp my product line and relaunched in Mar 2012 but still didn’t consistently blog. Random posts like once a month. But this January I started blogging consistently and now post 4-5 times a week and host several link parties throughout the week. Although I’m still much smaller than some blogs out there (we all started somewhere) and what matters is its growing and I’m meeting so many awesome people by not just linking up and running and tryi to connect with the people that link up with me! Thanks for your tips, great job…and I love the pics u hose! So funny! (I think I’m a no-reply blogger because I’m on WordPress not blogger…snappeeturtle (at) gmail (dot) com)

    Reply

  17. Bev Carter says

    Hi Jenna,
    Thanks for the great information. When you are trying to grow your blog, you appreciate all the advice you can acquire.
    I am your newest follower.
    Have a great weekend.
    Bev
    @http://eclecticredbarn.blogspot.com

    Reply

  18. Chaney @ May Richer Fuller Be says

    Thanks for these tips! I’m a pretty new blogger, and always looking for new ways to grow! THANK YOU for the tip on installing the “P” button over my photos. I just put the code in and it works! I have a pinterest button at the bottom of the post, but this is way better :).

    Reply

  20. Joanne Anastasiadis says

    Thanks for sharing these awesome tips! I am a new blogger and I am working hard to build it up. I really would like to be able to eventually make money or be able to use free products to blog about. I am your newest follower from Design, Dining, and Diapers the inspiration gallery link party. Feel free to stop by my blog at jmacreativemess.blogspot.com.

    Thanks,
    Joanne @ creativemess
    jmacreativemess.blogspot.com

    Reply

  21. Ladies Holiday says

    Way to go- these are all phemomenal tips! I love the pinning idea too…pin what you post so easy.

    Thank you for sharing this on the Photo Friday Blog hop- hope you party with us next week!!!

    Reply

  22. Martha says

    Thank you for sharing this! I’m soooo close to 100 followers after taking up blogging again after a hiatus when I broke my arm.
    I’d ever thought of adding a pin to my post pictures. that’s an awesome idea.
    Came over from Aloha Blog Hop, going to be back again for sure!

    Reply

  23. loveforwords says

    This is great and exactly what I need! I just started blogging in January, and while I’ve learned a lot I still feel rather cluless. I appreciate the tips!

    Reply

  28. joy says

    Wow! Very nice tips and suitable for us bloggers:) Thnaks for sharing.
    Dropping by from BOTLP.
    My entry : Flora and Fauna from : joysnotepad.blogpot.com

    Reply

  40. Heather @ The Unsophisticated Kitchen says

    Thank you for these wonderful tips! I just started a blog about two months ago and its always so nice to learn new ways to make it better! Thanks again!

    Reply

  44. Julie {Lilacs and Longhorns} says

    Great tips, Jenna! I’m going to check out that info about posting the Pinterest button. I would also add that joining Hometalk has helped me gain a few followers, too. Life has been crazy busy the last couple of weeks so I’ve been slacking on my blog posts and visiting others and I definitely notice the downturn in traffic.

    BTW…I would love to swap blog buttons with you. I definitely need to start doing that with other bloggers! 🙂

    Reply

  45. Jen @ de Jong Dream House says

    This is great, thank you. Our biggest challenge right now is figuring out how to convert our 1500+ Pinterest followers to blog followers. Any ideas?

    Reply

  48. Abigail Cappel says

    Thanks for all your tips. I find it hard to post on a regular basis only because I run out of things to write about. I guess I need to get out there and try more things 😀
    Thanks again for the awesome advice 😀

    Reply

  51. Sumaya at Evocative Vintage says

    Awesome, awesome post. Thanks for all the tips. I have been trying to grow my blog and have done most of what you suggest, but need to step it up a gear. I will add the pin it button and the social media buttons. I also tend to put the before picture first, so no more!

    Thanks once again!;)

    Sumaya

    Reply

  53. Hilary says

    wow … 100 comments already!! LOL You photo tip is spot on … I know I often jump away if the initial photo doesn’t hook me. Of course, not all photos are going to hook, but then are posts good for promoting the blog, and posts that the existing followers will appreciate.

    I remember learning a long time ago that the hook photo must be “above the fold” … in other words, towards the very top of the post so that it is not under a bunch of text. Most people need the photo to entice them to stay and read the words. I needed this advice cuz I can get a bit wordy (as if you can’t tell from this comment!) The so-called fold is the bottom of the computer monitor. People need a reason to scroll further down the post.

    Reply

  54. June G. says

    Thank you Jenna! All your tips are helpcul for bloggers and readers. I don’t have a blog but that doesn’t mean I won’t someday! I have a question. When I do leave a comment how can I make sure I’m not leaving it as ‘no reply”? I had that happen and the blogger replied on her blog but said she would have liked to respond in an email.
    Thanks!
    Your new follower,
    June

    Reply

  55. Patti@OldThingsNew says

    This is great info Jenna. I really need to use social media more & I appreciate your detailed info. Looking forward to spending time reading through your other posts. Blessings, Patti

    Reply

  56. Kara @ Simplistically Sassy says

    Oh my goodness! Can we be BFF? I was blogging, and I had to stop because I was pregnant and it was just too much, lol. I started getting more serious again in December. Although, I haven’t had nearly the growth you have had, lol. That’s super impressive. I love it. My blog is a work in progress, but I’m getting the hang of it for sure. I totally appreciate these tips! I’m so excited to follow your blog! Thanks for the awesome tips. I should e-mail you for a button swap, it sounds great. 🙂

    Reply

  58. Meghan says

    Thanks for this post – I’ve been blogging for about a year but just decided to get serious about growing it, these tips are so useful.

    Reply

  60. Kim @ Two Ten Designs says

    This post has great timing. I started blogging a while ago, then got busy with finishing grad school, marriage, and having our first child, so it just kindof sat there. Lately I’ve been working hard at all the tips you posted, and have gotten a ton of traffic from link parties, and all kinds of ideas and followers. I too have a long way to go to be where I’d like to be, but the journey is fun! I’m just starting to look into swapping buttons and such – I’d love to do a swap!
    pinned & following!!
    Best-
    Kim @ Two Ten

    Reply

  63. Shannon says

    Congrats on growing your blog! I underestimated the power of Pinterest. 🙂 Thanks for the link – just added the Pin It hover button to my images. Hoping for a little more growth myself!

    Reply

  64. Kimberly Glinski says

    Jenna, these tips are all so helpful. Thanks for compiling them into one great post. I made a list of a few I need to work on. Better get to work. 🙂 Can we swap buttons?

    Thanks!

    Reply

  68. Julie Fagundes says

    Hi Jenna…you have done an amazing job! I am growing little by little…but, as you know…with little ones it can be challenging.

    I am wondering if you would like to swap buttons? Mine is on my site along the right…let me know!

    Thanks,
    Julie

    Reply

  70. ngnrdgrl says

    Great tips, Jenna! Really impressive how you are growing your own blog. I see you collaborating on so many sites. You are an inspiration! Keep it up!

    Reply

  81. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

    So many excellent tips! Thank you so much for the part about turning word-verification OFF. That is such a deterrent for people leaving comments. I know I personally type in the words wrong like 75% of the time 😉 Thank you so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout – pinned!

    Reply

  82. Krista Rollins says

    This is awesome! Thank you so much! I already made some of your recommended changes, Pin It Button on all images and added a “top post” widget on my side bar. Looks so much better already. Your brilliant! 🙂

    Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats

    Reply

  84. sol da eira says

    Great advice! Thanks! It’s really hard doing all that while working and keeping a family but I’m trying…

    Reply

  85. Kate Griffin says

    Jenna,
    Thanks for the awesome tips! I followed your advice and got some cute social media buttons. I’ve managed to link them properly to my accounts but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get them to display side by side/horizontal rather than lined up vertically. Any tips on the best site/tutorial for this?

    Reply

  92. Suzy says

    Thank you Jenna for the great tips you’ve shared on growing your blog. The Pinterest pin button is something I’d like to try. I’m so happy I saw you on Crafty Thurs. Obsession! Come over and visit and follow if you like! I’m your newest follower.

    Reply

  93. Jessica Ibarguen says

    HI! thanks for this post. I have a couple questions, I hope you don’t mind:
    1. how does a linky party work exactly? Is it more than just adding a link to a page? Feel like a dork – just don’t get that.
    2. Do you have a personal facebook, pinterest and all the other acct too? Do you keep everything with your name or your blog name?
    thanks!!!
    3. How do I post this with my blog name? thedistracteddesigner.com — still underconstruction.

    Reply

    • Jenna LaFevor says

      Hi, Jessica! I don’t mind your questions at all! I would have responded via email, but you are a no-reply comment blogger.
      1. Link parties are hosted by bloggers. For example, I host a link party with 3 other bloggers every Monday. You would come over to my blog post for the party, and there is a button that says “add your link” at the bottom of the post. All you do is click that and enter the information requested! Easy peasy! This allows everyone else that links up to see your post and go visit you!
      2. I have a personal Facebook page and a facebook page for my blog. My pinterest account has my blog name on it.
      3. I don’t quite understand your third question. Are you asking how you make your blog page show up in the comment or on your profile?

      Reply

  95. Marina A says

    Thanks for these! I have been blogging forever, but pretty much just for myself. I’m excited to have a blog that some one other than my mom will read. Thanks again for the tips!!

    Reply

  97. Chris says

    Ok-the first several paragraphs are me! Only 2 pregnancies put my blog on the sidelines and now I’m trying to get it up and out there and just can’t figure out where to go half the time. I feel like no one will ever find me. Thanks so much for all of this helpful information! I’m going to read it all and refer back when I need help! Thanks so much!
    Chris {aka Freckle Face girl}

    Reply

  101. Debra says

    Great information!! I would love to grow my blog as well. And yes, my problem is not being consistent in my blog posts! You have inspired me.
    thanks

    Reply

  105. Jenn K says

    These are some really great tips. Thanks for sharing!
    Any idea how to change the settings for word verification for other platforms, like wordpress.

    Reply

  106. Christy says

    Just trying to wrap my head around this blogging thing. I want to do it but do not want to flop. I did find this on Pintrest. I wish you the best of luck with your blog and your family.

    Reply

  107. Erin says

    Thank you for this wonderful series of posts! Seriously. A lifesaver. I’m just getting my WordPress blog going and looking for lots of tools, tutorials, inspiration, etc. This is so helpful!

    Reply

  110. Steph says

    This was super helpful. I just moved my blog to wordpress and I’m having trouble getting it of the ground. I’ll definitely use some of these ideas. Thanks 🙂

    Reply

  112. Linda says

    Hi Jenna, Great tips. Thanks so much! I also feel my blog has “plateaued”. Hopefully by following some of your tips I can get going again. I did look for the list of link parties at the end of your post, but was unable to find it though.

    Reply

  114. Chelsea says

    I just stumbled upon this post, and I’m so glad I did! I’m trying to grow my blog, so every little tip helps. Thank you so much for taking time to share with us what worked for you! Growing a blog is tough work. 🙂

    Reply

  115. Jodi says

    This is a great post! I’m a new-ish blogger now trying to take my little blog seriously, and these tips will definitely help me on my way! I already made a few changes! Thanks!

    Reply

  117. Christine | Where The Smiles Have Been says

    Great tips! I am a new blogger so I’m trying to soak up as much info as I can from veteran bloggers like yourself. I also can’t get behind the Twitter thing….I’ve tried before, but it’s just not for me. I love Facebook but have yet to create a page for my blog. When did you start your blog’s Facebook page? I’m worried that it’ll just be me and a few family members and friends over there. Should I wait for my blog to grow some, or should I go ahead and create it to help get the growth kick-started? Thanks for sharing your knowledge here! 🙂

    Reply

  118. Steph says

    Do you have to be set up on Blogger to post comments on other people’s blogs etc? I’ve tried setting up on wordpress and blogger with not much luck. I ended up starting one on WIX as it was easier to set up and make it look how I wanted. Now I’m worried these tips on how to make my blog grow won’t be relevant to WIX?

    Reply

  119. Joyi says

    Thanks for the awesome tips, and sharing your experience! I’m a new blogger, and hope that one day I will be as successful as you are!

    Reply

  120. Carrie says

    I’m all about the Face(book), Face(book), no Twitter!! I have a personal Twitter account, but get lost in it. Although, the Junky Gypsies did Tweet me back once! 🙂 I was in heaven.
    How do you find link parties to join? And the Blog Communities? I need to join in. The hounds are ready!
    Thanks Jenna, for your posts, wonderful blog and always responding to comments. You are a rock star! I will meet you one day for a beer and you will sign my BH&G!! 🙂 Wait, I’m not a stalker….hahaha…

    Reply

  122. Mindy says

    These are some great tips! Thank you so much. I’m in the process of building my blog and following. I just love your site ‘The Launch Girls’ you all are so motivating and inspiring.

    Reply

  123. Nikkole B says

    Thank you so much for writing this blog post. It really taught me a lot about things I should be doing on my website! So far everything I’ve read on your site has been so insightful. Thanks again!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *