Blog Networking: To Read & Comment More
I’m exhausted. I don’t know if it’s that I’ve been writing a lot lately or if it’s just a combination of being a mother to a toddler with boundless energy. Last night I drank Theraflu and headed to bed early, snuggled up to a good book.
I push myself hard and demand a lot from myself, and I think that’s fine. But, at some point, it’s okay to tell ourselves that we’re doing a good job. So, if you’ve been hard on yourself lately, pat yourself on the back and tell yourself, “you’re doing good.” It’s okay to admit when we’re a little fatigued, not so much physically but also emotionally. I’ve cranked up my blogging on this site and my parenting site (wordpress.org site) and promised myself to produce one video a day for a full year. I haven’t missed a day since before the start of the year. I’m getting faster at outputting both the video and the article that goes along with it. Obviously, I’d like to build this so that I am able to monetize it with more than just Google AdSense. Regardless, I’m admitting that I’m a bit tired.
So far, I’ve noticed that if I promote the videos they do well. I haven’t promoted them lately. But, on Instagram I’m getting more views without any promotions and also gaining followers. I’ve got an Instagram account for this site (lil.pick.me.up) and for my parenting site (new.aging.parents). Feel free to follow me on either and I’ll follow you back. I almost always follow back. I have a YouTube channel for my parenting blog. But, it’s a slow process building that up. Again, I don’t expect to become a YouTube sensation because YouTube is saturated now. It’s harder to break through today as a Vlogger on YouTube. As a content producer and writer I’m trying to use my skills to build a platform one that will also pay for itself down the line. I’ve read several blog books that say it can take a while, sometimes 2 to 3 years. Others have succeeded in a fraction of that time.
Blogging is also an outlet for me, not just a means to get noticed as a writer. I think we all have our own motive as to why we blog. Lately if I skip a day and not post anything here, I’ve been devoting my time to reading and commenting on more blogs.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
I’d love to network and comment on more blogs and hear from others that I haven’t heard from. Having said that, I hope to read your blog, too, whoever you might be. If you like and comment on my work, I will do my best to comment and read your blogs. I’m a firm believer in blogging karma.
So, if you have something for me to read and comment on let me know.
Happy Blogging & Thanks In Advance For Reading…I Can’t Wait To Read Your Post!
Writing With Hope 
February 16, 2017 at 8:47 AM
This was a great read Sonyo, thank you for sharing! Would you be interested at all in cross posting some of your work on Creators.co? We’d love to build our community of writers covering tech and innovation topics, if you’re up for it I think you would have another audience there as well.
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February 16, 2017 at 9:23 AM
Oh cool, I’d love to cross post on that creator site. I’ll look in to it. Thanks for commenting, I’ll be checking out your blog and commenting on yours! 🙂
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February 17, 2017 at 6:25 AM
Hey thanks for the response, you’re more than welcome! If you’d like to know more about us feel free to write. Cheers!
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February 16, 2017 at 1:36 PM
Blogging can take up a chunk of your day. I always want to visit people who visit me–eventually, that takes on a life of its own!
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February 16, 2017 at 1:52 PM
This is very true! Blogging can take up a lot of time. I often have to write at night after my toddler goes to bed and schedule a post for the morning. It’s a juggle, but reading other people’s blogs takes up time too. But, like you I try to make an effort. 🙂
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February 16, 2017 at 8:34 PM
Keep up the great work. I know blogging takes up time. I had blogs on blogger, but I don’t even bother anymore. It’s hard keeping up.
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February 16, 2017 at 8:35 PM
Yeah, blogging requires a schedule. 🙂
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February 16, 2017 at 11:24 PM
I read and don’t have my own blog. I do understand pushing yourself hard and demanding a lot out of yourself. I commend you & enjoy reading your work. 🙂
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February 16, 2017 at 11:55 PM
Thank you 🙂
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February 17, 2017 at 6:21 AM
This was a great read, and my goodness you seem to have taken up quite a lot. Thank you for sharing, it sounds mighty exhausting. Best of luck 🙂
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February 20, 2017 at 12:13 PM
Yeah, I think juggling multiple blogs can be taxing. But, it’s nice to switch subjects and write on various topics. That way, the A.D.D. in me doesn’t get bored. 🙂
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February 18, 2017 at 8:45 AM
I can imagine making so many videos is so time consuming on top of everything! I always try to read and comment on other people’s stuff. It’s a lot of effort but it’s so nice to be part of something like this 🙂
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February 20, 2017 at 12:16 PM
Believe it or not, I’m getting pretty fast with it. But, after a while, you just want to take one day off. Yesterday was the first day I skipped a post on my parenting site. I’ve been posting everyday (including weekends) since before the first of the year. I think my goal to do a video every day for an entire year might be a tad unrealistic. I think I may cut back.
I’m going to try and comment more. I wasn’t able to comment much this past weekend, but going to get back on it this week. 🙂
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February 20, 2017 at 1:28 PM
Hi,
You have a nice blog, and I will check out your videos.
I have been blogging consistently since September, I have thought about branching out and doing videos.
Doing one video a day is a hard task, I am happy that you have been keeping up with it.
From
Ru
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February 20, 2017 at 5:21 PM
Glad that you will check out my videos because it seems not that many people have looked at them. I don’t expect to become a Youtube sensation. I’ve noticed that adding videos does help you get traffic to your site. But, there isn’t a guarantee that people will watch them or even subscribe to your channel.
I do the 1 minute videos more for my Instagram account. Since adding 1 minute videos (or under 60 seconds) I’ve gotten more followers. I think because not many people are cutting together pro videos and putting it on Instagram. Youtube on the other hand is saturated.
I think I’m going to slow down on my videos on my parenting site. I might go down to 5 days a week. 🙂
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February 21, 2017 at 12:01 AM
Hi,
Everyone appears to have jumped on the YouTube wagon. I have heard different things in regards to making videos. To not make any longer then 20 minutes, and to keep them around 5 minutes.
1 minute videos sounds like a good idea, a person could quickly watch and enjoy.
5 days sounds good, will you post on the same day?
From
Ru
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February 23, 2017 at 11:59 PM
This is a very good trend Sonyo I liked it. My only advise is do not form to make so many sites just one or two. That shall concentrate your work, your time and readers time and concentration. It is my opinion.
I am glad you have set the goals like me.
Wish YOU good going.
Shiva
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February 24, 2017 at 5:27 PM
Yes, that’s my issue I started 3 blogs. I’m mostly focusing on the 2 now. The parenting one and this one. I’m feeling pretty burnt out and my energy has been low this week. Part of it is my sleep, I haven’t been sleeping well lately. So, I’m a bit drained. 🙂
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February 24, 2017 at 11:00 PM
Sonyo! Please refer my interview at Jacque’s once again as she has edited and added few lines which she had left out what I had said, the last few lines. There is a video also she has added.
Having One Blog itself is like building and creating a great feat. So you may concentrate on One only and add what ever you want in phases and classify them into various aspects and subjects if you want.
As for the sleep- practice “Yoga Nidra” or “Shavasana”. In a few minutes of doing it you will feel the satisfaction and restfulness of a great sleep.
All the Best to You,
Amen!
Shiva
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February 24, 2017 at 11:35 PM
Shiva, I will review your interview & digest your suggestions. Hopefully I will sleep well tonight. 😊
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March 28, 2017 at 5:08 PM
Thanks for the read and motivation. I’m just starting out in this blog world and love learning about others’ experiences!
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March 29, 2017 at 11:37 PM
Great post and motivational think, I appreciate your work and your connection which you make through your blog. thanks for sharing such kind of things… 🙂
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March 31, 2017 at 2:42 PM
I love to write, i even write on novie pilot have you tried that its free to 🙂 writers block is seriously annoying!
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March 31, 2017 at 5:55 PM
I think you meant “movie pilot?” I haven’t tried that software, but it sounds fun. Glad to hear you ❤to write, same here. 😊 I find that writer’s block is not so bad when I keep writing on blog posts. The blogging doesn’t even have to relate to a long-form piece I am writing, for me it helps me to simply write. 😄
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April 3, 2017 at 9:06 AM
Lol, sorry hated that i misspelled that. 😐 but try it out you will have more readers
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April 3, 2017 at 2:17 PM
No problem, I wasn’t sure what if it you meant to spell it that way. It happens. Thanks for the tip. 🙂
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April 1, 2017 at 4:27 PM
I’m new to the blogging scene. Great read!
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April 1, 2017 at 5:04 PM
Nice to meet you through blogging! Looking forward to reading your posts!!! 😊
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April 1, 2017 at 8:49 PM
I can relate to this so much! I don’t post everyday but I do try to post as often as I can. I have lots of ideas and drafts saved for future dates just waiting to be finished. I am new to blogging and I am also reading a lot about earning money through blogging. I also blog after my baby goes to sleep and some nights I’m just exhausted, like tonight. Anyways, I really enjoyed your post! Keep it up!
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April 1, 2017 at 9:06 PM
Ugh….I totally can relate! I know. As a matter of fact I’m posting a blog on my parenting site (newagingparents.com) but, it’s a WordPress.org hosted site. So, it’s independent of the WordPress.com reader feed. That’s the downfall of doing self hosting. I’m thinking of moving it to a WordPress.com hosted site, so I can get more comments and likes…etc. Or, thinking of adding it here and just creating a “parenting” tab, but then what do I do with the domain name I bought? All my social media is linked to newagingparents.com. Anyway, it’s great that you used WordPress.com hosting. It’s much better in my opinion. I’ll check out your blog. 🙂
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April 1, 2017 at 9:36 PM
Thanks for looking at my blog! I’ll definitely check your other parenting blog out too!
I do really like the wordpress.com hosted site. It makes blogging so much easier and I love how easy it is to connect with other bloggers! And the app is great.
That is a pickle you’re in! But since you already have social media linked up with the newagingparents.com site, I’d probably just leave it. Plus, that could be two separate sources of income. 🙂
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April 1, 2017 at 10:03 PM
That’s true about the income, I’ll work on building content on it and see what happens. I’ll leave it as is. 🙂
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April 1, 2017 at 8:58 PM
I just launched my mommy blog last week. I thought getting it up and running was hard, but keeping it going is no cakewalk, either! I commend you for writing AND producing videos. I’m not sure I could find the energy for both 🙂
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April 1, 2017 at 9:10 PM
I actually stopped doing the videos not long ago. I may create them again. Google actually penalized me for having too many videos on my WordPress.org hosted site (newagingparents.com). So guess what they did? They took away my Google Adsense for not having enough content! I have over 70 videos and 90 plus posts and about 90,000 hits! They said that their Google search algorithm can’t search sites with too much video content! Ugh! Talk about picky, even though Google owns YouTube, the site where I have my videos! Anyway, I might end up moving that site to WordPress.com. As I told another blogger here, other bloggers can find you through the reader feed. When you self host via WordPress.org, you’re on your own. Good luck with blogging! I’ll be following your posts and updates! 🙂
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April 1, 2017 at 9:23 PM
Sorry to hear about that craziness with Google. That really sucks — darned if you do and if you don’t! Thank you so much for the well-wishes. I’ve read a few of the posts on newagingparents.com and look forward to what you publish next 🙂
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April 1, 2017 at 9:25 PM
Thank you 🙂
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April 4, 2017 at 10:13 AM
I’m here doing this exact thing. I find networking is the best way to get your blog out there. I have been doing this for many years but with long breaks in between. Hope to continue networking with you!
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April 4, 2017 at 10:55 AM
Same here, I’ve been at this for a while with long breaks too. I’m trying to be consistent from here on out & so glad to network with you too! I’ll check out your blog & posts!!! ❤
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April 4, 2017 at 11:16 AM
Thanks! Same!!
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April 5, 2017 at 11:15 AM
❤
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April 5, 2017 at 12:56 PM
I’m new to blogging but it’s already obvious that networking is a must and can feel like a part time job! 💖
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April 6, 2017 at 11:45 AM
I’ve just started blogging. I just wanted to get all the thoughts out of my head. It has been very difficult and I try to pretend it’s not, but you’re right. It’s ok to say ok I’ve done a great job and take a break for a day. I look forward to reading and visiting your posts.
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April 6, 2017 at 12:18 PM
A part of the blogging process is doing it, but lately I’m trying to comment more and read. A huge part of the writing process for me is reading books and reading other bloggers. 🙂 I’ll check out your blog and follow you, if I’m not already. 🙂
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April 6, 2017 at 12:20 PM
Thank you! I appreciate that. I love to read and interact as well sometimes it helps me gather my thoughts enough to actually write.
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April 6, 2017 at 12:33 PM
I tried to comment but it said “Blocked as suspected Bot.” I read your blog about depression and this is what I wrote for your blog, but it wouldn’t allow me to post it.
Regarding your depression blog post:
http://www.balancedhysteria.com/the-truth-about-depression/
Feeling guilty for having depression is normal. But, you hit on a great point that embracing our family is very important. What I’ve learned is whenever something is challenging, face it head on. I’ve faced depression head on by taking steps towards staying active and keeping myself busy. The worst thing to do when we have depression is to do nothing and allow ourselves to be inactive. Whenever I’m inactive, it makes the days that I call the “bummies” 10 times worse. So, I get up and hit the gym and put my toddler in day care at the YMCA. It’s amazing how good you feel after a walk on the treadmill. It doesn’t even have to be a hard core workout.
I commend you staying up on your blog too. 🙂
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April 6, 2017 at 12:57 PM
I’ll look into why it won’t allow comment 😞. Thank you. I try hard to keep it going, Blog and life. Some days are better than others but you’re right staying busy helps so much. It gives my brain something else to concentrate on.
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April 7, 2017 at 9:25 AM
I am pusuing a degree in Creative Writing and English. I was invited to partake in a webinar series in which we are being taught how create and maintain a blog. One week we discussed how essential networking is. Just looking at all platforms to use was exhausting! I asked how much time should be devoted to networking and the moderator said “all the time.” Suffice to say, it requires a lot of dedication and hard work, all of which I can see you have! You have a great blog set up and I look forward to reading more!
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April 7, 2017 at 10:09 AM
Thanks and congrats on your pursuit towards creative writing. I will check out your blog! Maintaining a blog takes a lot more than people think. It requires reading a lot and not just writing. 🙂
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April 7, 2017 at 11:29 AM
Reblogged this on STEPS TO EXCELLENCE..
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April 7, 2017 at 11:36 AM
Thank you for reblogging! ❤
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April 7, 2017 at 11:50 AM
You are welcome.
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April 7, 2017 at 11:42 AM
I just started my blog. I’m not really expecting any form of monetary gain but it would be nice. I’m definitely just learning about how this all works. I wish you the best in your commitment to networking and communicating with other bloggers!
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April 7, 2017 at 11:49 AM
Good luck, I am not expecting to get a ton of money out of blogging either. I ❤ to write so, I do it because it’s my passion. Thank you and I’ll be checking out your blog! 😊
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June 15, 2017 at 6:02 PM
Parenting and writing are hard. And doing it together? Next to impossible. I just started two different blogs. One for my mommy humor essays and one for random writing. I’m also writing a novel. Oh and I have 3 kids under 4. Fun times!
Feel free to check them out: meredithhardt.wordpress.com and kidpocalypse.wordpress.com
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June 15, 2017 at 8:11 PM
Good job with your 2 blogs, I have a few myself. It’s hard especially now with my full-time job too. 🙂
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June 18, 2017 at 10:49 AM
Thanks for this post, I’m just getting started with my blog and I appreciate you sharing, I have felt like a failure because I’m so low on the ranking. It helps to hear that the process just takes time. I admire your drive!
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June 18, 2017 at 8:30 PM
Don’t worry about the ranking. I still feel like a failure and I have several blogs. It’s tough because even if you do well, it takes a long time to build your blog and gain the support you need. Just keep at it. 🙂 I’ll definitely look at your blog and follow.
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June 18, 2017 at 8:35 PM
Thank you 😀 I love how positive your blog is, brightened my day!
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June 18, 2017 at 8:49 PM
Oh, and I tried to comment on your latest post and I received a “blocked as a suspected bot.” I tried 2 different e-mails and websites (I have a few blogs.)
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June 25, 2017 at 6:16 PM
Thanks for trying, I can’t figure out why it won’t let you.
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June 27, 2017 at 4:34 PM
I’m not sure why I started blogging and I’m really new at it but I love my blog idea. Whether or not it goes anywhere, who knows but it’s a ton of work and I already work full-time
You always hear you should do what you love but the bills need to be paid too. I’ve got a long way to go figure out this blog thing but it’s fun!
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July 5, 2017 at 10:44 AM
I know what you mean, blogging is a ton of work. It does take a while to get into the grove, but you’ll hit your grove. It does get easier with a routine and set schedule. 🙂
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June 28, 2017 at 7:15 AM
This was a great read! I post on my blog twice a week and have thought a ton about vlogging-editing has been an issue for me. I need to be better about networking with other bloggers and commenting more! Thanks for the encouraging post!
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July 5, 2017 at 10:42 AM
I am definitely big on trying to network as much as I can. I like that you have a schedule. Having a schedule is so very important, that and staying consistent. Thank you for commenting! I’ll try to do the same on your blog too. 🙂
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July 23, 2017 at 4:42 AM
Networking is nice. It’s one way to get the word out
https://www.ajauntylife.wordpress.com
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July 25, 2017 at 12:41 PM
Loved this. Im very new to the blogging scene and love reading blogs on how to network to get more traffic. Thnx😘
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