How to Be the Best Blogger YOU Can Be!

Recently, I've gotten some emails from friends and business associates who are new to blogging, and/or who are looking for ways to help their blogs grow.  And I've noticed that the most frequently asked questions tend to be some version of "how can I be considered a good blogger within the community?" or "what kinds of things are considered proper blogging etiquette?".  I was helping a friend with some of these questions over the weekend, and thought it would fun to do a post with my thoughts on this topic. 

First, I want to mention that I don't necessarily think there is one set of blogging "rules" that apply to everyone.  One of the most amazing things about the blogging community is the fact that we have the freedom to make our own rules, and to be individually creative in the way we choose to run our blogs.  That said, I do have a few guidelines that I try to follow when considering the blogging community as a whole.  These guidelines are just a few ways that I think we, as bloggers, can help our little space on the internet advance in a positive direction. Think of them as my top 5 simple and easy ways to "do the right thing," encourage a nurturing place for all of us to occupy and enjoy, and be the best blogger I can be.  

I feel like this is one of the most important ways to ensure fairness and foster growth within the blogging world.  Always credit sources for any images you use, and link to the website or blog where the image originated.  Sometimes you may not be able to locate the original source if you found the image on Pinterest or We Heart It.  My suggestion in this case is to do a google search to try to find the original source.  If you still can't find it but have fallen in love with the image and really want to use it, link to the source where you found it, and maybe write a note stating something like, "image found on Pinterest; if you are the original owner of this image, please contact me so I can give you proper credit."  Also make sure that you have permission to use images.  Some blogs and websites state that their images may not be utilized by others, even with proper credit.  (The same "rules" for images go for content; always give proper credit and link to any content you republish.)

This might seem obvious, but we've all gotten comments where the commenter says something like, "Great post.  Check out my blog at ___________!"  It's true - leaving comments is one way to get other bloggers to check out your blog.  But never comment on a post specifically with the intention of directing others to your blog or website, especially without taking the time to read the post first.  Getting comments from my readers is one of my favorite parts of being a blogger.  It helps me learn which types of posts people are most interested in reading and allows for interactive discussion.  It also makes me really happy to get feedback on a post that I spent a lot of time writing and designing.  If we all take the time to really read posts before commenting, we're making a contribution to our community, and doing our part to help blogs improve and grow. 

When readers take the time to comment on one of your posts, the best way to show your gratitude and assure them that their comments are being read is to respond by leaving a comment on your post as well.  Sometimes there may be a comment with questions for you; do your best to answer them.  Even a "thank you for commenting!" comment helps to show your readers that you appreciate their feedback.  Also, take some time to visit the blogs of those leaving the comments, read some posts, and when you're able, comment on them as well.  I realize that commenting on the blog of every person who comments on yours may be easier said than done, especially when you receive a lot of comments.  I wish I had enough time every single day to leave comments on the blogs of everyone who left me a comment that day, but this isn't always possible.  I do, however, make sure to check out the blogs of all my commenters, even if I'm not able to leave a comment, or even if it's a day or two later.  I've discovered some of my very favorite blogs this way!

We are all so lucky, because the world of blogging practically defines the word community!  Blogs succeed (and even exist) because of interaction.  And the more we all connect, communicate, and collaborate, the more the community flourishes.  Commenting is one of the best ways to create positive connections, but there are many other ways we can interact with one another too.  Join blogging communities, like Etsy Blog Team or Independent Fashion Bloggers.  Share links to blogs that you love in your posts from time to time.  Guest post on other blogs, and invite other bloggers to guest post on yours.  Reach out to other blogs you love, and send them emails letting them know you appreciate their work.  Don't be scared to send emails to your favorite bloggers asking for advice (just be sure to send a simple "thank you" email back if they are able to respond).  Participate in or organize local blog meet ups, or, if you're able, attend blog conferences.  The more we connect, the stronger we become!

This one's pretty simple.  Blogs are incredible instruments for creative expression, and your blog is your very own place to showcase your unique voice.  Reading other blogs is crucial to strengthening the community and yourself as a blogger, and is one of the best ways to find inspiration to fuel your own posting, but avoid copying other bloggers' styles.  This is important to the blogging world as a whole (who wants to read a dozen blogs that are all the same?), and it is also important to ensuring that you continue to enjoy your blogging experience.  Your blog should be unique, just like you are!  Post about things that you really love.  If you're not feeling motivated, take a break rather than posting out of obligation.  Or, if you're feeling especially inspired, write more than one post and schedule for the future.  Be personal in your posts (even if your blog style is professional); it engages your readers and establishes you as a real, genuine person behind the words and pictures.  And don't be afraid to try new and different things if you're feeling them.  Bubby and Bean is an inspiration and lifestyle blog, and my posts are usually filled with images.  Today's post, however, is filled with words.  For me, this is something new, but because I felt inspired to write it, I went with it.  (And hopefully, you like it, even though it's different from what you normally find here!)


So these, my blogging friends, are my thoughts on how we can all contribute positively to the community and be the best bloggers we can be.  I hope that they're helpful!  I'd love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to ask questions, and to share other tips that you may have as well.

Happy Monday!