Yet by the end of April, it had become so much more.
It was becoming a part of a larger community. It was about connecting and making new friends. And it was keeping those friends long after the Challenge ended.
How do you make new friends through the Challenge?
Visit new blogs. Start with the one on the list after yours and move toward the end.
Comment on other blogs. Let them know you read and enjoyed what they posted. These small exchanges build friendships.
Make it easy for people to comment on your blog. Dump the word verification! (You can set to no anonymous comments or even blog owner approval if necessary.) Most people won’t bother to comment if they see word verification, especially during the Challenge. And be aware that if you’re using Google+ comments or are part of a network like Tumblr, you will get fewer comments.
Make it easy for people to follow your blog. Have the follow widgets up high so people can find them.
Return comments and follows. Nothing is more discouraging than a one-sided relationship. (Yes, it does get crazy during the Challenge, but do your best to visit those who visit you.)
Be open to blogs outside of your ‘genre.’ Variety is the spice of life and you’ll learn by exposing yourself to new things.
Some of my best blogger buddies have come from the past four Challenges. I hope you find some really great friends as well!
Co-host Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh is the author of Amazon Best Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm. He is the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and his blog can be found HERE
