So you've started a blog. Now what?

People have blogs for different reasons, but if it's public, it's most likely meant to be shared with others. The thought that there are people actually reading and enjoying this blog is awesome. When I applied at Canada's Web Shop, I used this blog as the tool that eventually landed me an interview (more on that later). It was an incredibly eye-opening experience to have dozens of my friends and followers liking, sharing and commenting on my post via Facebook and Twitter. While the blog held the content, social media really did the work.

Let's back up a bit. Does this sound familiar?

Fancy new blog, check.
A few awesome posts, check.
Followers other than my mom, ...............


When we started this blog years back, I was writing at least two blog posts a day, hitting refresh over and over, waiting for the comments to roll in. Sad, really. I quickly learned that if I wanted anyone to actually read these posts, I had to do some serious connecting. Here are a couple easy tips on how to get people reading your blog:

Join the club. If you don't already, start reading some blogs that interest you. If you've started a food blog, join that online community. Comment!  you've started a blog, I know you've got opinions. Leave a link to your own blog with your comment so it's easy to connect with you. Have a linked list of blogs you read regularly on your own blog sidebar, it shows you're involved in an online collective. Once you've done that, let them know you've linked them! They'll appreciate it and maybe even return the favour. Bloglovin and Google reader are helpful in keeping track of blogs you read.

Use Twitter. The authors of the blogs you're reading probably have Twitter, so you should too. Following people on Twitter tells them that you are interested in them and what they have to say. They'll also notice and remember you. Plus, tweets can spread like wildfire. (Don't forget to add a Twitter widget to the sidebar of your blog)

Use Facebook. It's the world's largest social network. Sharing a blog post on Facebook is an easy way to garner likes or comments. You've got 400 friends, there's gonna be a few readers in there somewhere.

Don't stop there! Be ambitious. If it's appropriate, post it on your LinkedIn profile. Start a Tumblr! The possibilities are endless. Good luck!