How to Connect with Those Who Read Your Blog

September 25, 2014 Writing Tips

With the Internet being as prevalent in society as it is today, it is possible to write a valuable blog about almost any topic at all, from how to fix your car to how to design a custom trash can to how to run a business. So many people have access to the Internet that you can find readership for any topic, even if it is a very small niche. To keep that readership, though, you have to connect with your readers. This is what makes them loyal to your site and keeps them coming back day after day.

Below are a few ways that you can do that.

Use Topics that The Readers Request

Sometimes, readers are going to write in or leave comments asking for you to cover certain topics. Now, you don’t have to go out of your way to take on all of these, but it can be wise if you start to see a trend. For example, if you are running a travel blog and readers consistently write in to ask about New Zealand, you know that there is demand for it, so it makes sense. Also, the readers who asked will feel indebted to you when you deliver, and that alone can put your blog higher on their list of things to read than any other blogs.

Reply to Readers’ Comments

In many ways, responding to what readers comment on your blog posts is the most important thing that you can ever do. As this article shows, readers will start to wonder why you don’t answer if you ignore their comments, especially when they ask revenant questions that provide a good chance for discussion. Some people may feel slighted if you never say anything. However, it is about more than just making sure they do not feel insulted; you can have exactly the opposite effect, making them love your blog and connect with it, if you do answer them. They enjoy being included in this way, and it creates a deeper relationship than a blog can normally create.

Ask for Questions and Comments

It may sound too simple, but having a bit of a Call To Action may actually help. When you finish each post, just put in a few lines about how you would like people to submit their questions and comments. Readers who may have been wondering if they should do it or not could be swayed by these lines and decide to submit. This opens a back-and-forth channel of communication. As this article shows, a well-crafted Call to Action is effective.

Incorporate Those Comments

Finally, it is not a bad idea to incorporate the comments that readers leave into later blog posts. For example, you could do a follow-up post stating that one of your readers raised a good point. You can then write out exactly what that point was and build on top of it for your newest post. Again, it is all about making the readers feel valued and included.