When I was growing up we moved a lot which meant I was often the new girl. My mother taught me the best way to make friends was to be consistent and keep showing up. I learned others would trust me to be who I was, but sometimes it would take a little bit of time. Over the past nine years in the blog world I have learned the same can be said about blogging.
No matter where you are on this journey of sharing words in public forums, the topic of readership has been on your mind at least once. It seems we are all looking for the exact equation which will build our readership to mega-blogger status in a short time. The problem is even in this era of instant gratification people need time and reasons to trust you.
Learn from my mistakes.
As a blogger I have made a lot of mistakes. I have changed how I blogged, deleted years worth of posts, and moved my blog numerous times. I have had times when my inconsistency with how I presented myself on the web caused a loss of readership and friendships. I can say the loss of connection was greater than the loss of numbers.
Starting over is sometimes harder than starting anew, but in both cases the rule is the same: be consistent. If you want to touch lives, as most bloggers I know do, then you have to be present for a period of time to prove you will be there for the long haul. You need to give them a reason to trust you.
What will consistency do?
I cannot promise you consistency will grow your readership to mega-blogger status. What I can promise you is consistency will allow you to interact with people in a way they will learn to trust. This will allow you to touch those lives and make an impact. In other words, consistency will bring connection.
Readers know when you are trying to play them to add another number or when you sincerely want to be there for them. To be quite honest, it shows over time. This is why readers are slow to commit to supporting a blogger. This is why you need to be consistent even when things don’t seem to be happening.
Blogging is about building relationships.
Most of the work in the quiet time of blogging is going on in the heart. As you share what’s on your heart, they take it into theirs. Even before a comment is written, a heart connection can be made. Eventually, after you have proven yourself by showing up and they have learned to trust you, they will share their heart with you also. You will receive a note or comment explaining how much you mean to them, and how your words have had a positive impact on them.
Through consistency we will improve our writing, deepen connections with others, and increase the number of lives we are able to impact. Until we have proven ourselves none of this can happen.
My mother would need to remind me after each move how it would take time to make friends. It isn’t always easy. It will require hard work and discipline. However, the results of being consistent are worth it. Let me remind you: the same is true with your blog.
 Stacey Lozano recently moved to Oklahoma, two years ago. She has been married to the love of her life for 20 years, eighteen of which were spent homeschooling her boys. As she prepares for the junior year of her youngest, she also waits for her oldest to head off to Basic Training. Her heart has forever been changed by moments which have and will soon happen. Join her regularly at Stacey’s Daze or at Pinterest where she just restarted her boards. |
Susan Rinehart Stilwell says
August 16, 2012 at 7:31 amGreat advice, Stacey. I constantly remind myself I blog because the Lord called me to it. Regardless of the number of hits or subscribers — to me, blogging is about obedience. Day in and day out, sharing what He’s teaching me.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Stacey says
August 16, 2012 at 9:38 amI have to remind myself too! Lessons learned aren’t lessons unless we put them into practice! 🙂
Kim Hall says
August 16, 2012 at 8:34 amWell said. This is so important amidst the marketers screaming for our attention, that they can teach us how to get BIG in just weeks! Rubbish. I agree that it is absolutely about relationships, built slowly, steadily and consistently over time. For me, that means listening closely each morning for direction, and then following where those prompts go. Some places provide refreshment and reminders for me, and other times I hope I that I am able to provide that for others.
Thanks for the refreshing reminder today!
Stacey says
August 16, 2012 at 9:37 amKim, it can get crazy trying to find your way. Advice from others is great, and I have been so thankful for the tweaks and hints I have received from other bloggers. I think, too, most would say it’s not overnight success they are speaking of, but sometimes it feels like it should happen that quickly. Thanks for your reminder to listen for our own directions. Sometimes that is the hard part.
Katharine Barrett says
August 16, 2012 at 10:12 amThanks for the reminders and the wise encouragement! I knew, before I scrolled to the bottom, that you were the author of this post… I recognised that beautiful smile on the girl to the left!
Stacey says
August 16, 2012 at 12:14 pmYou are a goose, but thank you. 🙂
Mindy @ New Equus says
August 16, 2012 at 10:57 amConsistency is definitely KEY! It’s hard to not get lured into all the other type of posts and linkies that go with them out there. I admit some of the things are fun to join. But, I have to realize that some of that stuff just isn’t me. I have to be true to what God has laid on my heart and that the words need to be His in my “voice”. Great post!
Stacey says
August 16, 2012 at 12:15 pmDefinitely! There are so many wonderful opportunities out there, it can be difficult to figure out where you belong. But once you find it stick with it. 😀 Thanks Mindy!
Amyctilson says
August 16, 2012 at 12:10 pmStacey, thanks so much for these encouraging words. I really needed to hear them today.
Stacey says
August 16, 2012 at 12:15 pmThanks Amy! I’m glad they struck someone else besides me. 😉
Becky Daye says
August 16, 2012 at 1:58 pmSo fun to find one of my favorite bloggers in this space!!! Great reminders here, Stacey. Your perspective is so appreciated and I am truly thankful to have you in my life and to be able to call you friend!
Stacey Lozano says
August 16, 2012 at 7:49 pmThanks Becky!
Stacey Lozano says
August 16, 2012 at 7:52 pm🙂 Thanks Becky.
Jolene @ The Alabaster Jar says
August 16, 2012 at 2:09 pmExcellent encouragement! What it really comes down to is why and Who you’re blogging for in the first place. If it’s so the Lord can use you and so you can bring Him glory…then the consistency will come, as well as Him molding your heart for His purpose.
Stacey Lozano says
August 16, 2012 at 7:50 pmSo true Jolene. Thought I have to admit to being blown off course a few times. So grateful for course corrections and lessons learned!
Stacey Lozano says
August 16, 2012 at 7:53 pmSo true, Jolene! I have to admit, however, to have been blown off course in the past. So grateful for grace and lessons. 🙂
Stacey Lozano says
August 16, 2012 at 7:54 pmHa! So, the comment form is different and I can not reply to anymore comments. Thank you so much ladies for your sweet encouragement, and thoughtful words. I really appreciate it!
Elisa Pulliam says
August 16, 2012 at 10:21 pmGreat post! As someone who struggles with consistency and follow through, I’m heeding your words of wisdom and taking them deep to my heart tonight. Thanks!
Monica says
August 16, 2012 at 10:33 pmI’ve never deleted a blog post. That’s one thing in which I’ve been totally consistent. 🙂
Julie Wilson says
August 16, 2012 at 10:37 pmUgh! I’m so inconsistent in my blogging, in my parenting, in my friendships…can you help me? 🙂 thanks for sharing your words today! I will review them and try to apply it as well!
Joanne Haagenson says
August 20, 2012 at 12:17 amFirst time I read this, I thought “Oh my gosh! This girl deletes her blog obsessively too!!” Took me halfway to realize you were the author. LOL
I’m delighted to have built a relationship with you… 🙂