Comment (elsewhere) - Missionary blog tip #12 July 12, 2008 11:41
Being a blogger means being part of a larger community. You've put yourself out there on the net, and you're (ideally) attracting people that are interested in what you're doing. You love to get comments on your blog (you do have comments turned on, right? And you're responding?) But what about commenting on other people's blogs?
Well, obviously this is a great "do unto others" strategy. But you might be surprised what an impact this can have on your blog too.
This is the way it happens. You read a post that interests you. You leave a comment, maybe adding some helpful information, affirming a point, maybe even disagreeing. Now someone else visits the same post, and is interested as you were (common interest). They check out the comments, and, yes, they click on your name (which leads to your website, or your Blogger profile, right?). They find that they have more in common with you, and they're interested in what you're doing. Cool!
It's becoming more obvious that commenting on other people's blogs - good, relevant comments (not spam, or "here's my site that might interest somebody" (which is usually spam)) is a powerful way to bring the right visitors to your site (see the video below as an example of the power of commenting).
Remember, we're talking about helpful comments, not comments just added in the hopes that someone will click over to your blog.
This may not drive hundreds of people to your site, but it may mean those one or two key contacts that make a big difference. And there are more benefits to taking the time for relevant commenting. Simply, you make friends with the other blogger. You can discuss common issues, sharpen your thinking, maybe even partner in ministry. It's worth taking the time to build relationships.
Have you ever read these blogs? I bet you haven't! How about Jed and Jaime: A Series of Sundry Events...? This blog has been around since 2006, and will introduce you to the country of Peru.
On the move, going from Haiti to the Philippines, is Bethany. She's been blogging since 2007 at Updates From a Missionary. On the move at the moment, between Germany and the USA, is the author of The Journey Has Begun..., blogging since 2007.
Back to South America, be sure to check out the family that is Real Nutz 4 Brazil, and almost finished a full year of blogging. And, on a journey heading to another culture, check out B O L I V I A !
Just one more gets us over to Asia. Visit Taiwan Prattler, and see what thoughts you can find about life in Taiwan.
Come back soon for more blogs - that you've probably never read!
Reading through blog posts from the last few weeks, I get the impression that it's a great time for camps - so why not take a trip around these posts and see for yourself?
First stop, Mongolia. Quick review and pictures of a youth camp - Running To Win
Let's see what's happening in Ukraine. Here's another Youth Camp with some great Youth Camp Pictures. And a video! Check out these little kids working on their English - the Little Lions.
We need to take some time in Cameroon. Here's a little about camp, and some family news you can pray about.
