Participation

When starting a blog, it is important to know how to encourage participation with not only other bloggers, but the readers. Short sentences, active voice, and presenting information in a pyramid format help to convey content clearly to readers. But participation is more than just writing in a clean, concise manner. Blog authors must understand that a blog does not operate in a vacuum, but instead is a piece of a vast branching network.

Interact with Other Bloggers

Blog readers, indeed most web users, do not just randomly access content on the internet. Users are searching for specific information when they get on the web, and likely will only find blogs via a search engine by typing in key words[1]. Most likely, users happen upon blogs via another blog they go to for specific information that has your blog hyperlinked[2]. In this respect, it is important that bloggers consider interacting with blogs that share a similar niche topic. One way to participate with other bloggers is to search for blogs with a similar topic, then add it to a blogroll[3]. Provide links to these blogs in posts. This may encourage the blogger to respond in kind. Consider following and commenting on other blogs. These comments should be thoughtful and follow proper etiquette[4].

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Twitter Widget (Credit: Verizon Forum)

Social Media Widgets

Having social media share widgets will help spread the blog’s content throughout the web. When users click the share button, the blog post will show up in their status updates, where the blog’s content will be seen by the reader’s friends and followers. Websites that enable a Twitter sharing generate up to seven times more mentions than websites that do not[5]. To activate social media share buttons, go to the widgets area of your dashboard. Consider, too, providing widgets to your social networking sites. This allows the reader to connect with you on those sites, and gives a sense that the blog author is accessible.

Enable Comments

Enabling comments on your blog shows readers that you value their participation[6]. Replying to readers’ comments also helps to engage readers. Consider adding a subscribe to comments button, so readers will receive email notifications of new comments.

• “Comments keep bloggers humble, honest, accurate, and in touch with their audience.” - Josh Constine[7]

Having most recent comments appear at the top of the comment section makes it easier for readers to access newer comments9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity.

References

• Carroll, Brian. "Writing for Digital Media." Routledge; New York, 2010.
• Constine, Josh. Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here's How. TechCrunch. January 4, 2012. Web. March 31, 2013
• Handley, Ann. How to Increase Social Sharing to Generate More Leads. Entrepreneur. December 2011. Web. March 30, 2013
• Jenkins, Henry. Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century. Building the Field of Media and Learning. MacArthur Foundation. 2006. Web. April 11, 2013
• Lawrence, Eric; Sides, J.; Farrell, H. Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics. Perspectives on Politics. 8:1. p. 141-157. March 2010. Web. April 11, 2013.
• Post, Emily. A Primer on Blogging Etiquette. Financial Blogger Conference. December 5, 2012. Web. 31 March 2013.
• Snell, Steven. 9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity. Vandalay Design. August 24, 2009. Web. 31 March 2013.