If you're a new blogger, then you've probably figured out there's an overwhelming number of things you need to know and likely, are still learning many of them. But the #1 most important thing you need to know is the value of networking within the blogging community and how easily you can get fired from the blogging community by not recognizing its value and respecting it.
One of the consulting firms I used to work for stressed to us over and over agin the value of networking. At first, I didn't get it. But I quickly learned that in order to get the good projects, I needed to play nice and, for lack of better words, suck up to certain people. The same is true for blogging.
When I began blogging two years ago, I never anticipated that this would play so heavily into blogging but it does. Every opportunity I've encountered isn't a result of my skills. It's a result of either knowing and having a relationship with someone who recommended me to someone else. Recently, I received three freelance job opportunities as a result of those connections.
What you should know as a new blogger is you can get fired from the blogging community pretty easily if you're not careful. The blogging community is much smaller than it appears. Everyone knows someone who knows you and word of mouth is like a virus. It will take you down faster than you can breathe. Read on to find out how you can avoid getting fired from the blogging community.
How To Get Fired From The Blogging Community
Commenting Inappropriately
Comments matter. Being snarky, rude or condescending is unacceptable. It's one thing to challenge another person's perspective, it's another to be ill-mannered. Posting rude comments on another person's site is a good way to get yourself banned from the blogging community as bloggers will mark you as spam.
News flash! You need your comments on their site to drive traffic back to your site and to gain followers. If people see you making rude remarks, they will never come. My Mom always said if you're don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all.
Being Controversial
Sometimes new bloggers think in order to make a big splash into the blogging community they need to be controversial which results in finger pointing at other bloggers. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with another person's opinions. What matters is how you craft your point of view. You can state your opinion in a matter-of-fact, non confrontational way. Think before you hit publish.
Being Unauthentic
I've mentioned before the importance of authentic blogging. Contrary to the fact that you're behind a computer, people can tell when you're not being geniune. People want to hear your unique voice, not an artificial one. Being unauthentic will lose you support not just from the blogging community, but all readers.
How To Be Accepted In The Blogging Community
Building relationships and making connections are key. Support your fellow bloggers through sharing, pinning, tweeting and commenting on their content. Actively participate, in a positive way in the blogging community and it will reward you!
How do you support other bloggers?
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Good post! I always like new spins on topics so I'm not reading the same thing over and over again 🙂
Wonderful post and so true!!! Have to tell you though, in many ways I have fired MYSELF because many of the egotistical, attention-seeking individuals that I just cannot tolerate.
The pet niche is a strange, strange niche.
You know the quote "everyone loves you until you become competition"? That is prevalent there. They will play "supportive" to your face and then quietly stab you in the back.
You know I have seen that happen in this space as well. It's not happened to me personally but I know people who it's happened to. It's so unfortunate!
This was a great reminder of all that it takes to be really great in this space!
I'm glad you liked it!
Great advice! I have noticed that there is a tremendous support system within the blogging community. If you follow the points in this article people will respect you and won't mind sharing your content.
Other bloggers really are incredibly supportive. This was something I never expected when I began blogging and it's quite powerful too!
Amen, sister! I have zero tolerance for nasty comments on my blog or others. Great article, Megan! 🙂
Girl...you just know I had to write this! 😉
Thanks for sharing this! My sister and I are new to the blogging world, so information like this really helps us figure out how to build a community. I agree about authenticity because we are avid blogger readers and that is something we have noticed. Someones true colors do shine thru their writing.
You are right. Even though you're behind a computer, people can still see who you really are.
Great post Megan! I've just recently started blogging, and it's been an interesting few months. My favorite thing so far is that it's getting easier to craft relationships with other bloggers, and to have more interaction with people who have been inspiring me for a long time now! I'm younger than a lot of bloggers that I follow so I really look up to ya'll and really appreciate all the life wisdom and advice that many of you have. Being authentic definitely helps when you're trying to build those relationships and friendships online.
That's so sweet Caroline & I'm sure that sweetness comes across in your blog and relationships too. 🙂
Thank you so much for this Megan! It has a good deal of wisdom for me to think about today!
Glad you liked it Emily!
Definitely good points! I've made some mistakes before too when I was a young dummy in the blogging community. Blogging is all about learning, listening and a little bit of sharing your thoughts. What you share is up to you but remember to dish out the same respect and love you desire when you put yourself out there!
Putting yourself out there definitely opens you up to a lot. I just wish others would realize that other bloggers are their friends, not their competition or enemies.
I never thought of this before. i love the blogging community, I feel like I have made so many virtual friends. I can't imagine being rude or mean to them! Ugh people will do whatever they can to get attention I guess. Love the be authentic part too! I've been struggling to find my voice lately since I'm so run down (hello borderline adrenal fatigue meh). Thanks for the reminder that I do need to shine in my posts!
Consider yourself fortunate to not have rude commenters. I generally delete them, but still.
Love this! I definitely think number one is being authentic - it's SO easy to tell when someone is writing something soley to get traffic or something similar and it is VERY offputting.
It's a tough balance especially when you're relying on your blog for income, but you can't forget your audience.
I think authenticity is the biggest factor for success in the current blogging world. If we don't respect you, you are right out!
I think that's true in life too.
yes, think before you hit publish. Unless it's something you 100% you can back up. and support others. Yes, that's huge. blogging is not one sided. amen!
Yes! Blogging is definitely a two way road. Good way to put it friend.
Haha this is an interesting topic! And one I didn't think about until probably a year into blogging, if that's possible. Definitely all good advice to new bloggers - it's easy to make mistakes in the beginning when you don't understand the community yet. I feel like I still learn new things every day.
Definitely, I'm always still learning things.