blog lessons: build relationships

Last week, I shared the start of some lessons learned from blogging for the past 18 months.  I'm back with more lessons learned this week.

Today, I'm gonna share some ideas for how to go about connecting with others.  As much as it's important to focus on your own blog, building good relationships in the blog world should not be overlooked.  So, here are my tips on how to build good relationships with other bloggers.

be generous.
Give nice comments to others, post tweets about other blog posts that encourage you, Facebook share other blogs you like.  Don't focus solely on your own blog and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make friends when you're paying it forward.

connect with others.
The blog world is often a friendly place and if you'r looking to grow your audience, you must connect with other bloggers.  Look for blogs offering button swaps and ask to swap for a month.  Participate in linkups, but do so somewhat sparingly ((avoid having all your posts be linkups so your own ideas shine through)).

reach out.
I believe blogging is about more than just writing your own blog.  Visit other blogs and make connections; use it as a way to make friends.  Of course Twitter and Facebook are great ways to reach out as well.  But who doesn't love getting a kind and thoughtful comment on their blog?

be a thoughtful hostess.
Guest posts are a great way to get to new readers and exposure.  I consider it a win-win when someone asks me to guest post.  They're getting the chance to take a "day off" from blogging and giving me the chance to share something with their readers.  But it's important to be considerate of other's time when asking someone to write a post for you.  Be sure to give a deadline, but also give them enough time to write the post.

plan ahead.
I'm not saying you have to create a whole separate calendar ((but I won't stop you either)) for your blog, but it's very helpful to think about the kinds of posts you want to share throughout the week ahead.  I usually try to at least come up with title/topic of the blog posts I intend to share in the coming week on Saturday or Sunday.

How do you connect with others in the blogging world?