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Here we are past the halfway mark and I'm still finding some blogs with a lot less followers than they should have. So today I'd like for everyone to try a little exercise in social media networking.
Since a big part of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge has to do with networking, building communities, gaining followers (who you hope will become your regular readers), and discovering new blogs to follow, let's try to give a power boost to everyone we can today.
Below I've listed some blogs that have a Friend Connect widget. Some of these are below 50 followers and I like to see us get them to that number. In the second list there are blogs that are on their ways to 100 followers--let's get them there today. And if you see that they've already hit today's goal then help them get to the next level. If you don't see the widget first off then scroll down until you find it. As of this writing these blogs all had a Friend Connect widget.
How will it help you besides maybe giving you a good feeling that you helped others? If you follow any of these, leave a comment letting them know that you've done so and invite them to visit your blog as well. If everyone is following the blog etiquette of reciprocity then you'll both get a new follower from your actions.
So how about it A to Zingers! Give the community a boost today and let's see how much growth we can all experience in our blogs at the midway part of the Challenge.
Extra Bonus: If you want to take it even a step further, when you visit a blog to make a comment, visit the other bloggers who have already commented on that blog and join their blogs. You can see some very serious blog building action with this added step. This is a bonus move for those who have the time to do it. I think you may have fun with this one.
Here are the lists--take a look and spread the blog lovin':
Help these bloggers reach 50 followers:
Little Moments
In My Own Words
Profiling Great Americans
A Devotional Mosaic
CRE8TIV Glory
Diary of the Sunday Visitor
Maui Jungalow
Random Musings from the Kristenhead
Kids Math Teacher
Designs By Row
Me-anders
The Sun Will Rise
Mammajenna Says It
Random Thoughts From a Random Guy
Reading Practice
Help these bloggers hit 100 followers:
The Written Word of Yvonne Lewis
Unveil the Other Side
The Occasional Adventures of a Hermit
Live at the Moment
Lynda Grace An Hour Away
Awakenings and Reflections
Joanne Clancy
The Ruralhood
It's a Joy!
CHill Thoughts
Wilderness
.Naturally Sweet
Is your blog not on this list and you think it should be? Please tell us in the comments. Now let's get out there and do some quick networking. Quick!
And thank you all for helping make this push today!
82 comments:
Gotta say, I'm surprised by how few bloggers are reciprocating following. I have found some amazing new blogs, especially in the fantasy and young adult genre, but they aren't following or commenting back.
I remain very thankful for the amazing followers I have because I love reading and commenting on their posts.
Thanks for the plug Lee, I do usually read blogs with only a few followers, on one account I was the first I wonder how that blogger must have felt? I find I have more time week-ends as I have been having hospital treatment on my shoulders. Some blogs still have the verifications on also.
Great post and tips.
Yvonne.
Hi All, Thanks to those who've started following me on Blogger, Networked Blogs and Bloglovin'.
I'm feeling the 'challenge' part of this project!
But I've also found some amazing reads!
I'm delighted to welcome everybody that has commented but I'd love to reach my target of 100 followers. I suppose following people who have followed people you visit is a quicker way of getting to active bloggers than working through the sign-up list, but then I might not find less popular blogs and help them. There's only so much time in the day!
Loving the AtoZ again, hope you like my stories!
Jemima at Jemima's blog
Will go check 'em ooT
I only have 12 followers. :(
If I can have 50 followers that would be super awesome.
Will follow these bloggers asap!
~ D is for Deecoded ~
I want 50 (100?) followers. Yes.
Isn't it like ask, and thou shalt receive?
I really wish I could comment on many more blogs. Wait, let me amend that. I really wish my comments would be registered whenever I post them. Sadly, even after 4-5 tries (yes, I'm persistent that way :D) the comment doesn't register. Is it because mine is a WP blog while most of those in the challenge are by Blogger?
Case in point, this is my second attempt to post a comment here. Ah, well. Let me see if I am successful. And yes, do drop by at my blog and share your comments there.
:)
I am adding a ton to my following, I use Feedly and email, my two favorite ways to follow. In addition, I try to respond to everyone who pops in on my blog,I always visit their blog,that is a must and I do my best to follow up with an email that says, "thanks for stopping by." (the email is a little harder on busier days but like I said the blog visit is something I always do) So,if I have popped on your blog and not followed through GFC I most likely added you to my Feedly or Email. Lucy from Lucy's Reality
I'm one of your 12 Dee :) I never thought about a target, but now that you mention it 100 would be great.. I have definitely noticed the more I follow the more follow me...
I have noticed that comment posting is down some this year as well.
Hey, here is a blog that I am following, is in the A to Z and needs some more followers and comments.
It's Warped Nerdversity, http://warpednerdiversity.blogspot.com/ by L.G. Keltner. she is bangin out posts every day on multiple A to Z blogs and she should be getting more eyeballs.
--
Tim Brannan
The Other Side and The Witch
Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword
The Freedom of Nonbelief
I feel so guilty. I have been super busy for the past few days (preparing for exams) so I havent been able to visit back that often. I hope to amend that starting now.
P.S. a hundred followers won't hurt either ;p
Sania at Embracing Dawn
Will work my way down the list.
I wish my blog could get a mention too! Writing Women's Fiction at http://franclark.blogspot.co.uk I've visited as many as I can do so far and followed one's of genuine interest. I will try to get to as many more as I can until the end!
Look forward to helping everyone reach their goals!
Woah, 50 followers? How cool. It's actually been a LOT of fun finding all these blogs and reading some great stuff. I love the comments left and try to reply back to all of them and go to their blogs and leave a comment. I also signed up for the bloglovin so people could follow easier. Trying to give lots of options. =)
I'm unfamiliar with Friend Connect. What is it? How does it work?
I am new to blogging, so I think I don't have many followers. I'll get there, though. :-)
Lyre @ <a href="amy-lyre.blogspot.com>Lyre's Musings</a> #atozchallenge
I don't use GFC- but I have been visiting away every day!
I'm at 85, only picked up four new followers this time around so far. I'd love to get to 100 this year. I've been to so many great sites this year and followed and visited those who have commented on mine and others (as you mentioned)
www.mainelywrite.blogspot.com
Thanks for any "steerage" you can give me!
Donna
Beyond the regular google connect through blogger I'm not familiar with any of the network follwers, and so have never done that. Don't have any on my own blogs. Guess I need to read up on that. Under 50 followers...I'd be excited if I had that many. I've visited some of the ones you've been posting in the past. Maybe some day my newer blogs will grow to that level. Thanks for the idea on the group thingys.
The tough part I've found is how far down the page or downright hidden some people's Follow widgets are. Still trying to encourage them through comments, though.
John at The Bathroom Monologues
On one of my blogs I've noticed everything decreasing...my percentage initially of return visits and comments was about 67% which I didn't think was very good; but having checked it twice since then it's down to barely 50%. The participation level has been pretty disappointing thus far.
<a href="http://oozingoutmyears.blogspot.com/>A-Z</a>
Good to know. Will head over soon.
Also, please leave your link after a comment. My email program doesn't always provide the site and I turned off the name form to make it easier on folks. Perhaps you are returning the favor, but if you leave your link I'm likely to return and follow. Some icons take me to the respective blogs, others don't.
It's been great meeting so many new bloggers.
Best,
Silvia @ Silvia Writes
Thankyou so much for mentioning my blog. I'm truly touched and extremely grateful for this wonderful gesture.
This is exactly why this blog challenge is so cool. I appreciate how supportive people are, it's what makes blogging so worthwhile.
I haven't visited as many blogs this year due to other commitments, but I did visit all of those tagged with BO=Books and WR=writing, which was really helpful. I'll check some of these out!
Thanks so much for the support! This is such a great blogging community.
Thank you so much for putting me on the list! I'm about a day behind on my comments, but I was going to get to them in the early evening today and over the weekend. I'll start with the new people who reach me because of your blog. Thanks again! :)
#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com
I admit I've slipped a bit, but I do try to visit back anyone who comments.
I'm sitting at 37 followers. . . anyone who wants to help me reach 50 is welcome.
But tell me, those of you who follow a gazillion blogs: how do you actually look at them all, let alone read? Granted that outside of A to Z, most of us don't post daily, that's still a lot of reading.
Rebecca at The Ninja Librarian
I have 26 followers and would love to make it to 50 this month. I have Google friend connect. I'm always looking for more writers to follow as well, especially children's and YA writers. See you guys around :)
Simply Sarah
I would be stunned--nay, shocked, if Undead in the Netherworld reached ten followers, let alone fifty. Like Aztec chocolate we are too dark and rich for most people's blood. Not to mention irreverent, crazy, and off the wall. So, like the moon rising in the north and setting in a hole in the ground, we'll believe it when we see it!
There are some very interesting blogs. I generally follow if there is a follower widget and I find the blog the least bit interesting.
I could no doubt be better at commenting. This I will freely admit.
Thanks for featuring Reading Practice here on this list! I've got to get on visiting all of the others you've featured here. Reading Practice has gotten quite a few followers from this challenge, started with 5, now at 28! But it's big brother, Laughing at Life 2 , hasn't fared so well. It started with 3 and is now at 9. Having fun with the challenge! Gotta go visit some blogs!
I've been blogging for three years and finally broke into three digits earlier this week thanks to the three followers I gained from A-Z. Thanks for the boost!
Done! I, too, am disappointed with how few participants are reciprocating, or visiting five or more blogs a day. . . Sad!
MakingtheWriteConnections
Thank you for highlighting my blog Arlee. You are doing good things here.
I am so close to 50!! I'm doing a giveaway at 75. Anyone wanna help me out? :)
Here!
- Patricia
Hi thanks to anyone who visits me and comments or follows. I have done a lot of commenting and following and look forward to welcoming you all.
#atozchallenge
maggie at expat brazil
I wasn't quick enough I think :(
PhenoMenon
http://capturedalive.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/quest/
My sincerest gratitude for those who've stopped by and spent some time in my fictional world:)
My WP blog is two months young and has just a few fabulous followers thus far *love my peeps* I adore comments, especially writing critiques *hugs reply box* I always visit and comment in return:)
I've discovered so many fantastic people and amazing blogs during this challenge - it's been a grand ride!
WriterlySam
I would hope people would follow me because they enjoy what I write, not just because they hope I will do the same.
I've found some great blogs to read over this challenge, and I hope anybody who might have an interest in reading about a geeky, hockey-playing mom with an anxiety disorder and her (hopefully) humorous take on the world, might follow me.
alioffthemark.com
I'm not sure that I have any followers. I know there are a lot of people stopping by and I really appreciate the regulars. There are so many cool blogs out there! Does anyone know how to track followers? Jennifer a.k.a Urban Gypsy Girl
There is an etiquette to follow when blogging, you are absolutely correct! Give and you shall receive.
Jennifer Duggins, I just went to your blog, and it says no posts found ... clicked on Home, still nothing.
Silvia @ Silvia Writes
I'd definitely like to get more than 10 followers, but I understand, especially near the halfway point, that people are pressed for time. I appreciate and am flattered by every view and comment I get. I haven't made much use of the follow feature, but will start paying more attention to it!
Thanks for the mention, Lee! I will make sure to visit everyone who has commented here! Tomorrow when I do my usual Saturday blogging extravaganza hour.
I encourage everyone to specifically visit my P post - it's a choose your own adventure blog post! http://frodofrog.blogspot.com/2013/04/percys-pick-your-plot-prequel.html
AJ Lauer
#atozchallenge helper minion
Twitter: @ayjaylauer
I'd would love to get more followers, however it being half way through, I did gain about 3. Its been fun either way. I just hope people come in to read and get a little bit of motorcycle safety off of some of my posts :)
KaTy Did at: Life's Ride As I See It
I have followed 10 new blogs today! Thanks for the list.
You have inspired me to have a big push and visit lots of blogs this evening and click that 'follow' button lots of times!
I hope some will return the favour :)
Naomi @ Cornet Crafts
Thanks AtoZChallenge! I'm on it!
Chontali Kirk
chontalikirk.blogspot.com
Sweet Arlee! I am still trying to keep my head above the water, and do appreciate the mention. It's great advice, and generally I've been trying to keep up on commenting on other folks' blogs, but the last few days have been more challenging! To answer those folks who express dismay as to why people are not commenting or following back as much - it's because some of us were not as organized and did not preschedule or posts. I am making a big effort to comment on all comments, one for one at the minimum, even if it takes me into May!
This is such a wonderful idea. We've got to keep each other inspired! Have a great weekend. I will try and say hi to the blogs you've listed above.
Jules
A Dose of Jules
LOL Yes I have done that. A little bit. ;) Need to do it more.
Sonia Lal
I tried to do my part! :)
Well I'm not on the A-to-ZChallenge list as I didn't find out about it until AFTER the sign-up list had been closed but I've been doing the challenge nonetheless (or doing my absolute best - so far I'm up to date) and plan to join in next year (I'm just hoping I can remember that long)
Perhaps I shouldn't ask, as I am not an "Official AToZ Challengee (is that even a word), but wouldn't mind a little "push"/help in getting some followers.
My main blog is: http://www.jottingsandwritings.wordpress.com, but I do have a blogger account (realizing that some people prefer blogger) - http://www.pioneergirl08.blogspot.com in which I copy & paste the same posts that I do in my wordpress (Sorry to be so confusing - Questions? Just ask! and sorry to be so long winded.
Check either out, the posts are exactly the same (though blogger/blogspot can sometimes get a tad
Thanks.
Such a good heart you have! I'll try and work on that this weekend. I'm going through the list as best as I can, but will take a day or two out to make sure I hit these!
What a great post. I will be commenting on more articles today.
Julia
sweetbeariesart.com
I have only 7 followers :)
I have been visiting lots of new blogs since the challenge began and have found many I absolutely love! I would like to reach my goal of 50 followers, I only have 30 right now. So anyone in need of a new blog to visit, please stop by and I will reciprocate:
www.jcckeith.blogspot.com
I would love to be added to the help reach 50 followers list. thank you.
http:/katloveswriting.blogspot.com title A Writers Musings.
Thanks,
Kate
I'm just trying to make it to 25.
This is a cool challenge though. Makes a girl write. I do wish that I had been on the ball earlier and had tapped an WR next to my link in the sign up.
Riann Colton
I would love to get more followers...Today's blog...
Quietness of mind...
http://www.theothersideoftheequation.com/2013/04/quietness.html
Shannon
<a href="http://www.theothersideoftheequation.com/<The Other Side of the Equation</a>
As a wordpress user, I don't believe I can use google friend connect. :( It's sad that there isn't a more integrated way to like/comment on blogs on the opposite platform.
I'm doing my best to visit blogs, and are following about 20 through internet explorer. (I'm new to this whole following thing). Loving the challenge so far.
Rinelle Grey
Just checked and I've got 49 followers.. enjoying the AtoZ. Huge thanks for keeping us all entertained and sorted!
I've become a little dubious about GFC since Google start announcing closures to many of its products; so I've made sure there are other options for readers, like Bloglovin.
Jamie @ Mithril Wisdom
What a wonderful post, Arlee! I missed it yesterday but I will most certainly spend some time today visiting these blogs. I've noticed that the reciprocity nature of blogging has kind of waned from when I first began blogging 4 years ago. Posts like this not only remind us of its importance (it DOES make one happy to get a new follower or an encouraging comment!) but you gave us a to-do list. YAY!
This is a post straight right after my heart Lee. I have a list of links which have low follower counts as well, and was meaning to do something like this for one of my May posts.
I think I'm averaging commenting on other blogs at about 10 a day. I've found some great ones. And a few I go back to everyday and have followed. Trying to maintain the start at those after me, although I may have missed some as I lost my place twice. :(
As for my blog? Meh. I started out getting an average of about 5 comments, now it's 1 or 2, and the one is a new regular. BUT I am doing a story so that is probably part of it.
I do put that html link to my blog code when I comment at other blogs, but not a lot of reciprocal comments going on. I have verification off too. I got a couple new followers so that was nice so I'm at 37.
But this is a challenge to myself too so I'll finish my story. Next year, if I do it again, I'll try a different theme.
Thank you for featuring our blog! We love new followers.
How sweet a post this is! Off to jump those numbers and find some more new blogs.
Awesome post! Very inspiring and just what it's all about. Thank you for reminding all of us.
I am going through the comments as well looking for more. :)
~Summer
My Blog Post
Well - I feel almost like I've been around the world and home again!! Found someone from my home city of St. Augustine!! Thanks for posting suggested bloggers and hope that you'll add me to your next set of bloggers!! This has indeed been a real challenge!! I usually only post on weekends!! Has bee difficult doing it everyday!! But we're on the end of the line!!
I only have 152 actual blog followers, though WordPress for some reason includes Twitter followers, Facebook friends, and comment followers in my total. I might as well only have like 10-20 real followers, since I never or almost never hear from the majority of those 152 followers.
I've been doing a lot of commenting back and "bookmarking" (I don't like cluttering up my email inbox, and I'm slightly technologically illiterate, so I don't get the whole "Follow" thing... but I have bookmarked my favorite blogs in this challenge so far and have been visiting every day and leaving comments on many of them).
I counted the other day, so far I've visited and commented on over 110 of the challenge blogs (which puts me behind the 5-a-day-goal a bit, but I'm doing the best I can!) :)
On a semi-related note... does anyone with Wordpress know how to add the "google friend connect" widget to a wordpress-based blog? Or is it only possible with blogger-based blogs?
I do have the wordpress "follow" version... and to-date I have 15 followers!!!! YAY! :)
(of course, I would love more... but 15 is better than 0) LOL
http://jenelleschmidt.com/blog
What a lovely thing to do for these blogs. THIS. This is why I do the A-Z challenge every year. I like seeing bloggers reach out to each other. :-)
I'd love more visitors to my blog... and comments!
I try to visit as many as I can, and I wish there were an easier way to thank people who do comment...
Thanks for reading and joining along...!
caldreamsquirrel.blogspot.com
Wow! Some people must spend hours on this each day. I'm loving it and probably average 2 hours. I think I spend too much time creating my posts and not enough visiting although I try to visit and comment on 5 others each day. Next year I'll know better how to use this great opportunity. Thanks so much for creating it.
Mary at Mary A to Z
I only have 35 followers! If you would be so generous to give up at least 5 minutes of your time to come and look at my blog that would mean the world to me! If you like it than PLEASE Become a follower and Leave a comment! Thanks in Advanced!
Mike
Praytogodtoday.blogspot.ca
I only have 30 followers, I have been commenting on blogs all month and following other and only have very little return.
I'm happy with the challenge because it gave me the chance to start bloging daily again and I want to continue with the daily bloging but I'm sad to see how people with the most followers are the one who reciprocate the less to help new blogers develop.
I'll follow everyone here who would like to reach 50, 100 followers just like I do and people who follow back.
Hey, I'd like to get on this list...and I'd like to find a good to tool to use for tracking followers. Any suggestions out there? (and yes, I do try to comment and follow back as much as feasible)
Hi Arlee,
I just missed the bus in the rush!!!
Nice post, Great encouragement to many especially to the newbies, yes, here the key word is get back immediately to the followers, and the one who visit and comment at your pages, few just neglect even when someone follow them,follow them, comment back may this be the new trend here,
Happy Finishing
Joyful time ahead
Best Regards
Phil Philipscom
An ambassador to A to Z Challenge @ Tina's Life is Good
And My Bio-blog
I have only just added networked blogs. Please could you put a link to my blog as the only follower is me! www.writerachael.com/blog (WRITERachael)
Thank you!
I'd be delighted with 10 followers ..never mind 100 :(
I've visited lots of blogs and commented as much as I can. Well done to everyone for completing the challenge :)
Will anyone ever see this post?
I have 48 followers only :'(
Follow, people! I am damn good!
No, sorry, I'm alright but I try not to disappoint!
http://effervescencia.blogspot.co.uk/
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