Editor’s note: guest post by Srinivas Rao
It’s been said over and over again. Relationships are going to be the foundation for everything that you do in this business. By focusing more on relationships in the early days of your blog, you’re going to go much faster when you hit your stride. I attribute everything to relationships.
8 Ways to Build Relationships With Bloggers Online
1. Comment on their posts: Let’s face it. We’re all giddy when we see tons of comments on our posts. I’m always happy when I see somebody new commenting on my posts, especially when they do it several days in a row. It’s always a sign of a true fan when they show up over and over again. It also puts that person on my radar as somebody I should start forming a relationship with.
2. Promote their stuff: There are many bloggers who do an absolutely phenomenal job of promoting other bloggers stuff. After all, the cardinal rule of social media that you should promote other people’s stuff 3 times more than you promote your own. Matt at Life Without Pants does a post every Friday where he highlights his favorite posts from around the web. If you go to Kikolani on a friday, there is a huge list of cool posts from around the web. This is a great strategy for getting on the radar of a small-mid size blogger like myself and might even get the attention of a well known blogger.
3. Twitter: Twitter was something I hated for months. I really wanted to avoid the Twitter bandwagon. I couldn’t quite see the value. Then I realized that it’s a great tool for building relationships with other bloggers. Since I track mentions, anytime somebody mentions @blogcastFM or @skooloflife I try to reach out to them. I try to start a dialogue with them. Twitter also provides another great opportunity to promote other people’s content and enables you to get on their radar.
4. Facebook: It might sound strange but I’m finding myself embracing Twitter much more than Facebook. But, what I love about Facebook is that it gives you a chance to have a look into the personality of a blogger by checking out their pictures. My pictures as you’d expect have me surfing and in some of my favorite destinations around the world. If you look at my pictures from Brazil you might hate me for living such an awesome life 
. Facebook also allows your blog to get exposed to friends of friends.
5. Email: While you might think email takes a back seat to Twitter, Facebook or anything else, a personalized email is something that will almost always grab the attention of somebody unless they receive 1000’s of emails a day. For the most part, anytime I receive an email from a blogger, they are immediately on my radar and I follow them on Twitter and I subscribe to their blog. In fact because of spammers, I’m more likely to respond to email than my contact form.
6. Ask them to Guest Post: In the early days of The Skool of Life, I asked a number of bloggers to guest post for me. Most were more than happy to. Believe it or not, asking other bloggers to write a guest post for you can actually be an effective strategy for getting people to visit your blog and for building a relationship with a blogger. The guys at Under30CEO and I have done exactly that. I’ve written several articles for them and they’ve helped me out by doing interviews on BlogcastFM and even guest posting here at The Skool of Life.
7. Purchase their Products: If there’s any one thing that will get you on the radar of an A-list blogger, it’s purchasing their products and actively promoting them. Johnny B Truant landed himself in a role as Naomi Dunford’s protege because he bought her course and was actively using all of the information in it. To here that story in detail, go check out the interview I did with him. He’s pretty much killing it.
8. Interviews: I guess it would be ridiculous for me not to mention this as a method for building relationships with other bloggers considering that I run a blog where all I do is interview people. Interviews are a phenomenal way to open the door to new relationships. It not only allows you you to learn about somebody, but it’s a great way to promote their work. You can only get so intimate when you keep things on blog comments on twitter. Get on Skype and have a few chats with people. You’ll be amazed by how awesome people really are.
I have to give credit to Mike at Pursuit of Change who inspired me to write this post after he wrote a guest post for me. The truth is he did nearly everything I’ve mentioned before he submitted a guest post to my site. It seemed like a fairly solid blueprint for how to build relationships with bloggers.
Srinivas Rao obsesses over riding waves and finding life lessons in the ocean at his personal blog, The Skool of Life. He also is the host and co-founder of BlogcastFM, a podcast for bloggers.
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{ 59 comments… read them below or add one }
Really interesting post!
I especially liked the part where you said promote another blogger 3x more than you promote yourself. So true!
And hey, Ms Lady Annabel (hehehe) thanks for the mention. Am glad you and the gorgeous Stacey hooked up. I love the Interwebs!
Hi Brenda, I think that bit’s true. You do have to give and give without expecting anything back. Is there such a thing as blog karma? Maybe… It was brilliant to meet Stacey and I had no idea she was a journalist so that was definitely good karma coming my way:)
Thanks, Annabel!
I shall be printing this off and sticking it up and working it into my new plan alongside scraping weetbix out from under the couch!
Great – practical – advice. Thanking you ever so muchly
@Mad Cow:Definitely a good way to remind yourself of any advice
. Thanks for the comments on the post.
Hi Mad Cow, setting half an hour a side a day for this type of thing could be a good move. When you’ve dealt with the weetbix of course. Don’t let it harden – it sets like concrete and you’ll never get it off:)
I can honestly say I do 7 out of those 8 things. I haven’t done any interviews yet, just haven’t had the opportunity. I love making connections with bloggers because even if you are in the same niche everyone’s approach and style is different. I can say that every week Financially Digital gets a little better because of a conversation I’ve had with other bloggers. Supporting them is what keeps our blog communities going and I’m for doing my part and being an active part of any community
Hi Nunzio, well done! It’s great to get confirmation that we’re doing the right thing. I can’t find anything missing apart from connecting offline too. That’s why I added online to Srinivas’ title:) Talking on Skype (if that counts as offline…) and actually meeting people are fantastic next steps. Online I try to reply to their questions and help them out if I notice any way they could improve their blog or have problems I can help with.
Nunzio,
I will be sure to check out your blog. Connections play such a huge role and for those who don’t embrace them I think they are missing one of the greatest parts of blogging. The community that we are a part of really is amazing. ON the interviews, you’ll be amazed at the kinds of things that happen because of doing interviews.
Hi Srinivas, love this post man. Sometimes when starting out, it’s very hard to connect with bigger bloggers. I consider you and Annabela big bloggers who do a good job of sharing tips and advice for smaller bloggers so that they can succeed. One of the scariest ones you’ve mentioned here is interviewing people, and as an introvert for much of my life, I’m slowly trying interview people for my blog and get to know them better. Great guest post and thank you Annabela for posting this!
Hi Hulbert, great to see you here. You look familiar, I know that face:) Thank you for the lovely comment. I hope we can help you. You can always start by doing interviews by email (I’ve done that) but I’d love to do some interview podcasts or videos like Srinivas does sometime. It’s good to mix things up and get out of your comfort zone:)
Hulbert,
I think with interviews, like anything else in life, you just have to pull the trigger and practice. The first interviews I did were not spectacular, but through practice I have improved quite a bit. As Annabel said, even email interviews can be a great start.
I liked this a lot! “Buying their product” was a new one for me and definitely a gutsy move, but I can see the potential ROI of getting a power blogger on board with you definitely being worth it — plus the added benefit of the good content that’s undoubtedly in their product.
Maybe you’ll see me again.
Hi Ross, great comment – thanks for stopping by and making it. You could even become an affiliate reseller if you really like it and can recommend it to your readers. I definitely hope to see you here again. You’re very welcome anytime:)
Wow, that a pretty powerful guide. Thanks! Im gunna start doing those from the top down!
I’d come upon Life Without Pants as well. After reading a bit – looked like he did a 75 guest post tour (or maybe it was 25) seems like he’s onto it!
Cheers
Hi Jamey, thanks for joining us. 75 guest post tour. That man deserves a medal:) I’ve probably done about 10… Need to pick up on that!
Jamey,
One of the nice things about following many of the tips here is that you will get invited to do guest posts from the people you build relationships with. Guest posts are also probably the single best source of traffic and new readers.
Hi, I read these advices and find them very usefull. I’m working now to launch my own blog and just need these kind of information. Thanks
Hi Florian, lovely to see you here today! Hopefully you’ve subscribed so you can stay up to date with more blogging advice from me in the future. There are already some good ones in the Blogging Tips section here and lots more coming:)
Very nice tips, Annabel. Very helpful and interesting tips for bloggers, I think! Nice! Thank you!
Wonderful to read your insights/suggestions/encouragements. And it’s nice to see that you’ve spanned the Pacific (again?) to ‘hang’ with a Californian. Not at all sure if I’ve got the correct usage here of ‘hang’, but it was good to read your guest post on another Californian’s blog
…
Hi QwkDrw, yeah, we were hanging ten – fingers over the keyboard to write the posts:) We’re both surfers though so maybe we’ll get to hang ten (toes over the edge of the surfboard) together sometime. It is a bit like going on holiday:)
Hi Annabel and Srinivas, thanks for the list. I’ve been dragging my feet about guest posting, even though I know its super valuable. Like Hulbert I’m also an introverted blogger with a small readership, however I’m gonna take this advice and put it into motion. Some things I already knew, but didn’t make them quantifiable (like the # of bloggers to reach out to) or actually schedule daily time to build relationships. So thanks for that =)
Hi Anilia,
I think that you are on the right track. Even if you have a small readership , relationships can actually propel your growth. I would say set a goal for relationships too if you can (i.e. # of bloggers, guest posts,etc).
Wow, you did it again. You are so great in boiling things down to the points that really matter, and explain them in a clear and understandable voice.
Oh, and I come back to that Interview Idea – I’d love to hate you even a little more…grin
Hi Fida, we have to thanks Srinivas for that:)
I’m new to blogs, and blogging. I thought I would start one recently and I’m still trying to figure out what flavor I want on it. This was an excellent learning space for me, and I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for linking other sites as well. This has been extremely educational for me.
I hope you have a great day!
Hi Victoria, great news, look forward to seeing how your blogging develops and hope it brings you as many opportunities as it has me!
Hi Srinivas and Annabel,
Thanks Srinivas for this very nice post. Building relationships is essential to success in the online world. In regards to twitter and facebook, I also find myself prefering twitter over face book for marketing, but I think I should start using facebook more often as it is more popular than twitter right now. Thanks for sharing the tips
Hi Dia, I need to sort out my Facebook thing too. So many jobs!
Thanks for the tips, I will definately be back. Mich x
Hi Annabel
The community spirit between bloggers is something that took me by surprise when I started blogging.
Very easy to build relationships with other bloggers by leaving comments that add to the discussion – read the posts and leave a really good comment. Add your own experiences if possible.
Most bloggers usually return the favour by visiting your site and leaving a comment – great community spirit.
I really like this straightforward advice. I have a complete aversion to social networking though. Do you think one can be a successful blogger without social networking?
Hi Sandra, I think it would be very hard. For me it’s the term social networking that’s off putting. If you look at it as connecting with like-minded people who inspire, motivate and help you it’s much more appealing:)
Sandra,
IF you are operating in a vacuum and not connecting with people, I think you’re going to have a much tougher time growing. Is it impossible, maybe not. There are blogs who have large followings who I know don’t interact with the community alot, but if you are ever going to really form a solid business around your blog, relationships are going to be fundamental.
Email is the most important I feel. I became a writer for a blog that I was in awe of just by sending an email and asking a question. That blogger followed my blog without me knowing for months afterward and she eventually asked me to join her blog. Don’t think it would’ve happened if I sent her an @ reply.
@Srinivas: Well this list tells me I have a lot more work to do. I am already doing #1, 2 and 4 and I have plans to do 5 and 6 soon. My question is when is a good time to ask? How much of a relationship should I have before asking?
The funny thing is I already do #8 but not with any bloggers! My advice to people who are shy about doing interviews is to practice with people you know or are acquainted with. I was originally intimidated to talk to friends of my husband but after doing a few interviews I am much calmer about the whole thing. I find that most people LOVE talking about themselves.
Oops, I meant when is the best time to ask for a guest post?
Hi Jennifer, good question. I think you should make sure you have a decent framework for your blog which looks professional and attractive. Mainly because if you get a guest post and lots of new readers arrive at your blog the first impression is crucial. If they don’t like what they see within the first 10 secs they’ll leave without reading or subscribing. If you have the look and feel sorted and you have at least 6-10 strong posts on your blog that show people you consistently write good posts and are here to stay then you’re ready to ask for a guest post.
Thanks for your reply Annabel. Well I have 32 posts with professional photos so I think I’m ready.
I should make my list of potential bloggers to ask.
Hi thanks for this great post. YOu have highlighted some excellent points such as promoting their blog, interviewing, buying their products etc. This has really motivated me.
Thanks for visiting. I have a comment policy at the end of this page: http://www.successfulblogging.com/legal/ We’d love to know your name, not just your key words. I removed the link because I don’t allow comments in my link. If people want to visit your blog they can do so by clicking on your name. Hope to see you here again and find out who you are:)
I really appreciated the tips for building relationships with bloggers online. I’m going to take advice from step #1 and comment on this blog post. I first found your site while I was reading a post on problogger.com I’m 18 years old and I just started a Personal Development and Business Development blog called Vunty. I have added this blog to my blogroll. It’s always nice to find a great blog with content from like-minded people.
Hi Sean, really great to read your story, find out a bit about you and hear about your blog. Thanks for adding the comment, hopefully we’ll be seeing you here again and I can help you more:)
I think birds of a feather flock together and that values are a common bond. I notice a lot of online bonds get forged from values and ideals, and I think that’s great. Values are really a bridge that span just about everything.
Hi J.D, great points, some people you naturally bond with because you share the same values. If there’s no overlay in values what do you have to build a relationship or common ground on?!
This is a terrific post! A clear and concise blueprint of what to do! Thank you! I’m just a beginning blogger myself and I’ve bookmarked this post so that I can come back to it. I’m sure I’ll be needing it. Thank you.
Lots of good advice for me to try. I write about interior design and want to expand my readership. I will work on developing more relationship…Thanks for the tips… Fay
Your post just reminded me that I want to do an interview with one of my mentors (Slade Roberson) for my blog so thanks for the kick in the butt!
I am presently clueless about all the blogging lingo despite having a small personal blog for over eight years. I don’t much care of a lot of people read that but since I’m launching my intuitive practice, I want to find ways to put myself out there (even though “marketing” makes me feel sorta icky – I have to work on that challenge!). So, it’s all new to me!
BTW, your site is lovely visually. When I popped on here, it was just very pleasing to my eye. Nicely done.
(Bookmarked too!)
Aw thanks for the shoutout, possum! You were great to interview, very helpful indeed. And as a journalist, that’s a big deal
You’re going such good things, I know you’ll be a star xx
Hi Annabel & Srinivas,
Thank you for the great tips. One area that I will have to start giving consideration to is to have some guest bloggers. I suppose it is like everything else… the more value we put out there the more value will come back to us.
Wow, you’ve really got some great tips. I have discovered how important it is to build relationships with other bloggers. But all I’ve done so far is comment on their blogs and retweet their tweets. Hence, this blog post was just what I needed.
I’m going to try the weekly shout out, great advice.
building relations with blogger quite important in order to have good standing the blogger community.
This is a great article that i have come across today and thanks for your this and i will start commenting on other people’s blog and thanks for your great advice!.
Mucho gracias pour les linkage.
And another excellent post.
I gotta say, I’m impressed by how willing you are to interact with other bloggers. I feel like a number of the high-profile ones have built a kind of a wall around themselves that can be pretty intimidating to the new blogger, but you seem to be operating with a different mentality. Kudos for that!
We all start small, but you seem to remember very well that your blog was (I’m assuming!) built on relationships and networks across the ‘net. Fingers crossed I’ll never forget that either!
Srinivas
Thanks for the great tips. Something I need to remember to do all the time.
Annabel,
I love how you give other bloggers a shout on your blog. It goes beyond just commenting on other bloggers posts. This is definitely the way to go.
This website contains some really good information that I plan to take heed to. Thank you!
Shay
Thanks so much for this post Srinivas. I’m slowly coming out of my shell as a blogger and connecting more and more with other bloggers on the platforms you’ve mentioned, particularly on Twitter. Learning so much from your website Annabel, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience, really helpful!
Thank you so much for this blog. It has really inspired me. I have great days and I have ok days. I want my blog consistent. The most views I got in a day is over 1,100, and I would love to see those numbers daily. I started my blog in August and I am off to a good start. Hopefully these tips can get me on the track I want to be on. Thanks Again!