You might be wondering, “What does this mean to me?” Well friends, it means you fall into one of two categories.
Category One: It could mean nothing. It could mean you occasionally read one of the blog posts, or you might remember to visit the site once a month. After all, your life is pretty hectic, getting some free time is hard, amiright?
Or it could mean something different.
Category Two: It could mean that you want to support them, but you’re just not sure how to do that exactly. If you fall into this category, you came to the right place. Today I’m giving out free lessons in “How to be Supportive to Your Blogging Friend.” You can thank me later. Remember that your friend blogs for a purpose. Keeping an active blog running is not easy, so any pat on the back you can give them is well worth it.
I started my blog over a year ago, and I still have friends that don’t even know I blog. That, or they don’t read it. Ever. I mean, they literally have never even clicked on the site. Which is A-Okay with me, because after all, they probably wouldn’t even like it. Or they can’t read. One of the two.
For those other friends, the ones that ask me all the time about my blog, this is for them. And for all of you out there who have blogging friends that you want to support, or show a little love to.
So without further ado…
How You Can Support Your Friend’s Blog
1. Sign up to receive email notifications when your friend posts. Even if you start marking these messages as spam, even then, sign up. Gaining a large group of followers is most likely extremely important to your friend, and each sign-up helps. You will only get an email when they post, so what is a few emails a week (or less) going to do to you? Don’t worry, your inbox will not over-flow. Plus, this will help you with Step 2.
2. Visit the site. Often. Like every day. And if you don’t have that much time, then visit every time you see an email. All blogs track the traffic, and your simple “hit” will be counted. Even if you just open the site, to close it right back down, that hit is counted. Your friend will appreciate the traffic. Do NOT just read the email notification. This will not count as traffic on your friend’s blog. Just click on the email and let it direct you to the site, where you can read the post in its entirety.
3. Read the posts. Or try to. It will help you with Step 4.
4. Comment, Like, or Share. Seriously, just comment. It will take one minute out of your day (you can’t be that busy!). If your friend has posted something “Pinnable,” then pin it (Pinterest here folks). If it’s something “shareable,” then share it. Facebook, Twitter, anything. But if the topic is not really “your thing,” than fall back on the comment. Don’t worry, the whole social media world will not be notified that you commented on someone’s blog. If you’re worried that adding your email address to the comment will spam your inbox, don’t be. You won’t be spammed.
5. If your friend has an Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest page for their blog, follow them. All of them. And if you need to “hide” them on your Facebook feed (because your life is just too busy for that too), then do it. The “Like” alone will make them happy.
6. When said friend posts on said social media accounts: Like, Like, Like! And comment! Again, a few minutes in your day, and they will really appreciate it.
7. If you’re feeling REALLY frisky, share their blog on any social media platform. Or tell your friends. Or your co-workers. Or your dog. Any followers that your friend gains from you will be appreciated, and they will know how proud of them you are.
If all of these suggestions are out of your comfort zone, then I’m afraid you fall into the Category 1. Sorry, friend. It’ll be okay, just don’t expect any cupcakes from your blogging friend on your birthday. She’s busy.