Participation: Difference between revisions

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[http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=7323316]. Most likely, users happen upon blogs via another blog they go to for specific information that has a blog hyperlinked[http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=7323316]<ref group=>Lawrence, Sides, Farrell. "Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics."</ref>. In this respect, it is important that bloggers consider interacting with blogs that share a similar niche [[Choosing Your Topic|topic]]. One way to participate with other bloggers is to search for blogs with a similar topic, then add it to a blogroll[http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/]<ref group=>Constine. "Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here's How."</ref>. Providing links to these blogs in posts may also encourage the blogger to respond. Consider following and commenting on other blogs. These comments should be thoughtful and follow proper etiquette[http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette]<ref group=>Post. "A Primer on Blogging Etiquette."</ref>.  

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[http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220720#ixzz2P218v72T]<ref group=>Handley. "How to Increase Social Sharing to Generate More Leads."</ref>. 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.  

[[File:wordpress_comment_form.png|thumb|upright=.5| [http://olykrap.com  Wordpress Comment Form]]]

Enabling comments on your blog shows readers that you value their participation[http://digitallearning.macfound.org/atf/cf/%7B7E45C7E0-A3E0-4B89-AC9C-E807E1B0AE4E%7D/JENKINS_WHITE_PAPER.PDF]<ref group=>Jenkins, White. "Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century."</ref>. 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[http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/]<ref group=>Constine. "Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here's How."</ref>

Having most recent comments appear at the top of the comment section makes it easier for readers to access newer comments [http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/wordpress/hacks-user-interactivity/ 9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity]<ref group=>Snell. "9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity."</ref>.