It's day three of the challenge, and things are just starting to heat up! How's everyone doing so far? Met some awesome new bloggers?
The first few days can be a little overwhelming, with the plethora of new blogs to visit and comments on your own blog to keep up with. But don't worry! Just take it one day at a time. Once you get a routine down, it'll all come a little easier.
Until then, here are a few tips that might help you along the way:
- If you're not sure where to start, I find that it's always good to simply begin with the blog right after yours on the A to Z sign-up list. Give a quick comment to your A to Z List neighbor, and then proceed on from there. It's a great way to meet new bloggers you might have missed!
- We're all seen the list, and it is LONG. Don't worry about trying to visit every blog signed up for the challenge. Instead, come up with a manageable number of blogs per day and try to stick with that. If you only manage to make it to five, that's perfectly fine.
- Don't forget to comment back on the bloggers who visited your blog. That's the best way to find blogs with similar interests and make lasting blog connections.
And most importantly, don't forget to have fun. This is a blogfest people. Enjoy it!
A to Z co-host S. L. Hennessy can be found blogging over at Pensuasion.
57 comments:
Hello, this is such a fun initiative! I am loving it, as the ad goes! However, I am not sure whether my blogs are being seen by anyone... how does one make sure they are? I have seen that you have liked both my blogs so far! But how do I locate them on your page, and make sure that i thank the people who have taken the time and trouble to comment? Thanks so much! And I repeat, I am loving this!
I have enjoyed doing my posts every day. As long as I can stay prepared and ahead of the game I will get through the month!!
Unfortunately a number of my new commenters are "no reply" bloggers which means I can't respond to their comments :0(
Hugs xx
We are managing and loving it!
sumskersandearlskers13.blogspot.com
Day 3 most are still around
Here's mine.
http://imagery77.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-color-green-is-special.html
Hank
So far, so good!
I have found some great blogs so far. As an ambassador, I read 20-30 per day and then on to my favorites and then I start reading new ones.
Bushman
2015 A to Z Challenge Ambassador
@jwb81074
As far as commenting, I comment on the blog posts that are ready early in the morning. (For example, it's 5:27 a.m. in Chicago right now.) Today is C. If I get to a blogger who is not ready with their C post, I move on to the next. ~~~~ I make sure my blog posts are ready to view beginning at 12 a.m.
Precious Monsters
Really enjoying the challenge so far. I try to visit anyone who visits me and leaves a comment, and then ten additional each day, time permitting. I start with the 5's (bloggers at 5, 10, 15, etc). If I hit one in a category that is not my cup of tea I'll take the one before or after. This helps me remember where I've been too.
I've had a couple of days off work so far so I've managed to make great headway visiting and commenting on blogs. I'm also trying to make sure that I return the visit to each of the people who comment on my blog as well.
During the week next week I'll not get a chance to read so many, so hopefully getting ahead of myself will give me a buffer on the days I can't get online.
Cait @ Click's Clan
So far A to Z has been pretty manageable--doing my posts, visiting other blogs, etc. Until I see the list--you're right--completely overwhelming. :)
I'm really enjoying this challenge, it has reignited my inspiration. I love meeting all the new bloggers.
I did stress my first year, and my 2nd (last year). Then I was like, "Dang. Life is too short." So this year, it's all about the fun and finding new blogs and blogging buddies! :O)
I am loving all the amazing new blogs I'm finding by participating in this challenge. There are some very talented people on this list. Keep it up!
H SL - I've managed to start off on the list after my blog - and so far have kept up with commenting on others that I subscribe to already, as too keeping up with answering and acknowledging comments on my own blog. I'm looking forward to meeting many more newbies to me or to the Challenge .. cheers Hilary
I have out-of-town visitors, so I'm a bit strapped for time... *sighs*
I'll only be able to visit and comment properly some time next week.
But I'm trying.
Really enjoying it 😊
Things are good. I have about 10 people in my subscription that are in the challenge, so I'm reading theirs and those of the people who are commenting on mine. Makes it a little easier for me.
I admit I am overwhelmed with all the new people stopping by and commenting on my blog. But I love it! I have figured out to have 1-2 posts written in draft ahead although I'm stuck on E. Not to totally overwhelm myself I subscribe to every person who passes by my blog and who I visit. When I get the email with their posts I put it in a folder so I can read them all….eventually. Just thought I'd put that out there to maybe help someone cope
Good tips, I'm seeing blogs with very few comments and I suspect those persons haven't been visiting others, etc.
Where can you link to your daily blog post? Do you do it on this website or on the Facebook page? Where can I see what others are posting so I can read them and comment on them?
I always try to visit blogs that have visited mine:) thanks for stopping by yesterday! I wish I had time to visit everyone's blogs in this challenge.
Great tips! You know what I also do is if I'm reading a blog with someone in the challenge, after I leave a comment, I then visited the person right above the comment I left and if they are part of the challenge then I leave them a comment. That way I can check in with new blogs (and often end up following them, LOL :)
betty
So far, having a blast. Although, A was a tricky day being with IWSG too. So many blogs to read! x_x
~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Member of C. Lee's Muffin Commando Squad
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author
I think I'm getting into a good routine. This is what I am doing:
So for example I posted A and then checked out a couple of blogs and found new people. The next day A had comments and instead of finding new blogs from that huge sign up list, I replied to the comments and checked out those new blogs. For B I did the same. That way I am checking out new blogs, writing, and still replying to all!
And I'm having SO much fun doing this challenge! My sister Abbie (www.theabbie.com) encouraged me and it is our first year doing this. We love it!
Very few can visit everyone on the list in just one month...
Great advice! Thanks!
I'm doing okay. Looks like you are too :))
If you go to the top of this site ^^^ on the left hand side you'll see the A to Z Challenge Sign Up List. You can link to your blog there (link the blog, not to a specific post). It also has the list of all the other participants so you can look and see what others are writing about! Hope this helps.
That's a great strategy. And it can definitely be overwhelming, but just do it in small doses and don't let yourself get too bogged down. Good luck!
I love checking out everyone's posts! And no need to worry about getting to every blog. Just do what you have time for and focus on quality of connections with one another, not quantity!
I think that's wonderful. Making connections like that is a big part of A to Z.
If you look in the comments section, you can click on the name of the person commenting, and it should link you to their blog information. As for making sure others are seeing your blog, as long as you're signed up on the A to Z sign up list, your page it out there for others to come find. If you're not sure you're signed up, you can check the list at the top of this blog ^^^ under the A to Z Challenge Sign Up List tab. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at hennnesss @ gmail . com.
That's totally fine. Everyone has other commitments and can't be expected to spend every second on A to Z. Just do what you have time for and enjoy yourself!
Thanks for the tips. It's a little overwhelming, that's right but a lot of fun too. Good luck, everyone!
http://dilmainhainpyar.blogspot.in/2015/04/c-caged.html
Yeah it's almost impossible to visit everyone in one month. Not without developing Carpal tunnel or other pains!
Happy C day everyone!
~AJ Lauer
an A-Z Cohost
@ayjaylauer on Twitter
Good tips. I’m not seeing any new traffic coming from this challenge though. It’s frustrating cos this takes time to do.
Check out my blog about 'Calming' - not sure how this works yet!
Journeyjen12.wordpress.com
Thank you :)
It can be overwhelming, and I am an experienced blogger - can't imagine what it may be like for new bloggers. I agree with all your advice. I've already found some new blogs to enjoy. Having fun and wishing I had signed up in previous years. Alana-Ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
This is what I am doing and it is wonderful to connect and learn
Having a blast!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
I understand. There are so many blogs on the list sometimes it's hard to feel like we're getting noticed. My one piece of advice (it helped me a lot) was to comment on other people's blogs from the challenge, and perhaps add a note that you're dropping by from A to Z. That might be a bit of a reminder to them to stop by yours as well. The more blogs you visit from the A to Z Sign Up List, the more visitors you're likely to have.
Good luck!
So far I'm keeping up with my posts and comments. I've been blogging for awhile but have never had to push myself to post every day. I'm caught up until next Thursday though, so hopefully I'll make it!
I am doing badly at the visiting new blogs thing. But okay otherwise.
man im late, did not realize it was april can i start now and catch up :(
Just getting used to post daily, haven't done in a long time. Alternate posting at most!
C is for Cerulean Sky ~ A Poesy Discourse
Discovering new blogs everyday and some of them are awesome. Love this challenge.
I think I signed up incorrectly by putting the URL for each post instead of my blog URL??????
Whether or not I goofed it's been fun and I'm enjoying discovering new blogs and bloggers. Thanks!
my blog URL is http://judithwesterfield.com
I am having fun, its kind of challenging...but must admit I am little disappointed....that i am not getting the return favor (almost wanted to write a post, D = Disappointment)
At first i thought, May be I was doing something wrong....so may be people can't find my blog as it is very long list of course...then I started adding my name, link to my blog, and a title that A - Z Blogging Challenge participant..and still nothing?
Nevertheless, I'll continue because I write for me...and if I get follow back, or comment (It is like a bonus)
All the best everyone :)
www.booksinmybagclub.wordpress.com
Commented!! Your blog is too cute :)
Great tips, thanks. The A-Z is amazing fun. Reciprocating comments would be easier for me if bloggers would leave a direct link in their comments. Or failing that, the sign up number and name of the blog they are participating with. Blogger profiles might have more than one blog listed. Google profiles - wow, let's not talk about that even! :D
I work top-down and bottom-up from the sign up list, and some days I just go for the middle, ups my chances of finding new blogs, I feel :)
Have a great weekend and D-day!
Nilanjana
from Madly-in-Verse
Who ever thought that challenges could be fun? (hard work kind of fun).Thank you!
I've already been introduced to some fabulous bloggers and it's only a few days in! Really exciting stuff this year :)
Namaste
<a href="http://suzyturner.blogspot.com”> Suzy Turner: Author, Yogi Wannabe & Self-Help Geek</a>
http://www.thechinesequest.com had A, B, and C articles written in advance. Not: it's going to get fun. I'm still working on my D. Thankfully we get a day off tomorrow to catch up and get ahead of the wave!
Thanks for the tips and for the permission to breathe! Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com
Ah yes, the blog after mine.
Yay! That's AJ!
Heather
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