Gee that sounds a bit awful, doesn’t it? “Old” readers? By old, I don’t mean the age of the readers (God forbid!); I am referring to the loyal ones who have been sticking around your blog for ages.
Often we get so caught up in increasing the traffic of ours blogs, desperately finding more ways to increase our traffic and readership, wanting more and more and more. Well, at least, I do.
I can’t pinpoint the exact date of a particular conversation I had with Paris B; I think it must have been many months ago. We were chatting about giveaways on our blogs, and she mentioned something about holding one just for our loyal readers. In hindsight, it seemed like such an obvious thing to do, but at that time, I’ll be honest. It didn’t even come across my mind to reward my loyal readers.
In getting caught up with wanting to find more readers, I had forgotten about the ones who made my blog what it is today.
That conversation has completely changed my outlook on how and what I blog for. Yes, I am still very keen on reaching out to more potential readers, trying to “reel them in” via social media, giveaways and whatnot. But I’m no longer losing sight of those who helped me get to where I am.
Here are some ways I’ve been reaching out to my “old” readers:
- Converse with them on social media. I try to answer every question, tweet or message on Facebook if possible.
- Reply their emails. Okay, I may not reply them immediately, but I darn well try.
- Checking out their blogs and leaving comments. Again, I’ve been slacking in the department lately, so if I haven’t been leaving comments on your blogs, it doesn’t mean I haven’t been reading. I really was there! 😛
- Sending loyal readers a small gift to thank them for their support. This was actually a very good idea I adopted from Danimezza (she mentioned doing this for her readers during a twitter chat once). I’ve only just started doing this in August; I’ll be selecting a random loyal reader every month to reward so do keep a lookout in your inboxes 🙂
You might think the last one is somewhat offering a bribe to keep my readers. The way I see it, I enjoy giving gifts to my family and friends whom I don’t see very often (at least, not daily). These are the readers who never failed to visit my blog and leave a comment on each post. I blog almost daily now, and these people actually visit my blog that much. It’s the least I can do, don’t you think? 🙂
So to my “old” readers, this post is dedicated to you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for your support. For taking the time to read my posts and leave comments. For helping my blog to grow. For helping me to grow.
How do you reward your good ol’ readers?
Those are fabulous ideas! When I was still blogging, getting comments from old followers always made my days — because they’re the ones I’ve built a rapport with. It’s good to build your reader list, but interacting with your existing readers is definitely the key to keep them. 🙂
How about readers who have followed a long time but never really commented? I’m sure you have tonnes of silent readers, do they count as loyal old readers? lol
I think that’s an excellent point! I’ve realised some people prefer not to make their comments known, or they email, or they just silently read. I’m a silent reader on some blogs too. Hmm… food for thought 😉
Paris B recently posted..The one blush brush I’d ever need is the super soft Lunasol Cheek Brush N
Excellent question, Su. And I tell you, I can’t begin to tell you how that frustrates me. To not know exactly who they are, the ones who have been reading my blog for so long but hardly ever comment. I would so love to know who they are too, because I really appreciate their support too. And yes, they certainly do count as loyal readers, for sure.
Read that comment from Su, loyal readers who don’t comment? Please leave just one comment so that I know who you are! 😀
Somehow, halfway through, felt like tearing. haha.
To be honest, my mum taught me not to hanker after material rewards/gifts because you don’t earn those yourself (she means things that you don’t use your own money to buy). She always tells me that nothing is free in this world. So I pretty much grew up not expecting much from others, much less from someone I haven’t met in person before.
haha, so as a reader, I just really appreciate replies to comments, but nothing more. As such, I think that all the other points you mention are really sweet and nice bonuses. Very touched with that.
PS: Although I know some comments are just really comments, and may truly not require any reply. =P Sometimes, I myself am not sure what exactly to reply other than “thank you”.
Jyoan recently posted..Sephora Smooth Nail Polish Remover
I agree! Sometimes seeing the author / others reply to your comment is the most exciting feeling (I’m not sure why) haha
Jyoan: I love your comment, Jyoan. Such a beautiful one. It’s something I’ve learned from my mum too.
This blogging thing … it’s a journey where I picked up such useful tips and tricks, and it’s also the place I learned a lot about people. I’ve mentioned on the blog before; it wasn’t till about a year plus ago that I started to reply every single comment I received (before then, I don’t reply. At all). The response of readers getting emails on my replies (thank you, useful Wordpress plugin!) was tremendous. As a reader of other blogs, I too really appreciated it when bloggers take the time to reply my comments. So it’s only right that it goes both ways.
As for the gifting of small items, I picked that lil’ titbit from another blogger who does it too. When I found out about it, I thought it was such a sweet gesture on her part to reward loyal readers, and it really touched me (no, I didn’t get anything from her. Haha).
At the end of the day, if I have to give things to people I don’t really like (sometimes, there’s no choice. You know how it is), I sure as hell can gift people little pressies who’s been there for me. Readers to a blogger, especially the loyal ones, are GOLD.
Adore this idea, I have not hosted many giveaways on my blog but love the idea of treating someone who has followed me for a long time 🙂 Great idea Tine!
emmabovary recently posted..September Finito’s!
Glad to have inspired you, Emma. It’s only something I’ve realised not long ago, so I’m also quite new to this 🙂
And that is one of the reasons I love your blog! You are so lovely and kind. 🙂
Kaye recently posted..Avon Ultra Color Rich Brilliance Lipstick – Review & Swatches (10)
Aww thanks Kaye! You’re in the “list” too, y’know 😉
I vaguely remember our conversation! 😀 I do still feel that way about rewarding loyal readers, but I never did anything about it. I’m glad that you are with your monthly gifts! Its a very sweet gesture 🙂 The only things I do do, are reply comments where possible and talk to people on social media. I haven’t had much time to comment, much less read blogs lately 🙁
Su does have a good point though. How do we reward those who have been reading but have never commented, or only communicate via email? Its a bit of a conundrum isn’t it?
Paris B recently posted..The one blush brush I’d ever need is the super soft Lunasol Cheek Brush N
Sigh tell me about it. That was an excellent question Su brought up, because it beats the hell out of me. I’d love to know who the loyal silent readers are too. I’d love to go “COMMENT PLEASE!” Oh well, can’t force them to comment.
If you’re seeing this comment, loyal silent readers, please leave a comment and tell me who you are? 😛
The monthly gifts thing was such a fabulous idea from that blogger I mentioned. I was like, hang on, I can do that too! 😀
Great post Tine, and it is such a great idea to reflect on and appreciate those that have supported you from the very beginning instead of getting caught up in gaining more and more followers.
Megan recently posted..Sisley Phyto Lip Shine – Sheer Fuchsia
Megs: That’s what I thought. What came about this post was a thought I had … I wondered if any of the big bloggers out there (the ones with heaps of readers and traffic) … do they still remember the ones who made them who they are today? You know what I mean?
I know what you mean , I notice that a lot of the really big blogs don’t bother to even reply to reader comments or they disable comments altogether in some cases!
Megan recently posted..Beauty Bloggers Utopia Part 1 – Cosmetiques De France
I don’t understand the point of disabling comments. Blogs are supposed to be interactive, which makes them stand out from regular websites. If bloggers are worried about trolls, I recommend moderating the comments (or approve of them later). There’s no need to disable comments altogether.
Yeah I know what you mean by the non-replies. I’ve seen a lot of that too. Sometimes a big blog will have 200+ comments, and after scrolling every one of them, not a reply from the blogger. Heck, even Lisa Eldridge replies some of her commenters, and she’s BIG! 😛
It’s very thoughtful Tine:) And it’s a meaningful post 🙂
Thanks Michelle 🙂
I’m only a new reader to your blog and fb page and I tend to often simply “like” fb posts – I figure it lets the owner know that I do follow them and have read their post, even if I don’t comment – sometimes I feel a bit ‘stalker-ish if I look like the only one that regularly comments!
I have to say it is refreshing that someone takes the time to reply to a comment I’ve made on their blog, even it is only to say Thank You, as many comments don’t require a reply. At least you know they have read your comment and appreciate that you have responded. Giving it a much more personal touch, that’s lacking sometimes. Great initiative!
Karen: You know what, Karen? That “like” thing on FB is a good thing! I always get a bit of the warm fuzzies when someone likes my post, pictures, etc on Facebook. Too bad Twitter doesn’t have the function too 😛
That’s true, I do often receive comments that don’t require a reply, but hey, if you’re taken the time to say “Oooh I like that nail polish, gorgeous colour!”, I can take the time to say “thanks, glad you like it!” too. Y’know what I mean? 😛
Know what you mean! A little comment, a response from the other end can sometimes make someone’s day. Nice to know that someone is reading them!
Thanks Tine – I always try to read all the blogs I sub to even though I dont always comment. Hope your well x
Raylene: I’m good Raylene! Yeah me too. I get about 200 new ones on my Google Reader daily, so it’s quite a feat to comment on every one 😛
How’ve you been?
I’m doing well my dear thanks for asking. You would certainly be making a career out of it if you made comments on all the blogs you followed daily!!! 😉
I wouldn’t have enough time in a day! 😛
I’ve been enjoying your blog since 2008. I read it almost every morning because I am a subscriber. I just want to let you know that I like the way you write. It is simple but nice hahaha I don’t have a word to describe it. Keep on writing and still waiting for your post in your other blog Oh for the love of me 🙂
Lanovia: Omg don’t remind me about my personal blog, Lanovia! I feel so very bad neglecting it. Yikes. I still remember your first email to me, about Vincci shoes? Hehehe 😛
Ahahaha glad you still remember me 🙂 yes the vincci post made me fall in love with your blog 🙂
I always try to respond to every comment, tweet or Facebook (no one emails me besides PR, ha ha!), but I have never thought about the occasional “thankyou” gift to a loyal reader. I know there are some that always comment, or always tweet, or whatever… hmm… food for thought! I guess sometimes we get so caught up in our numbers, we forget about the people behind them. x
Chelsea recently posted..Review: Palmer’s Olive Butter Formula Body Lotion
Exactly what I thought, Chelsea. This post came about when I was reading my favourite blogs, some of which are very popular bloggers who have a very high amount of readers and traffic. I was thinking … hmm I wonder if they still remember how they got started and the readers who were behind them back in the day? 😛
this is an awesome topic!! I have been thinking on and off about it but could never come up with any specific plan really. its a great idea to reward one per month but how are you going to list them?? like your regular commentors?? coz its very difficult to find out who are the loyal readers.
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Swati: The ones that you always see commenting, I suppose. That’s how I see it. I have mental list of people who’s been commenting on the blog for a long time, and I just pick one at random to gift per month. It’s still an early idea though, and I’ve only done a couple of months so far. We’ll see how it goes 🙂
THIS here is just one of the many reasons i read you’re blog religiously. You are one of the nicest and generous people i have ever not had the pleasure in meets (but that will change this sunday squeeeeee)
This is just the sweetest things to do for your readers.
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Aww thanks Mel. That means a great deal to me 🙂
So looking forward to finally meeting you this Sunday! 😀