You don't have to hold hands, but you do need to buddy up.
As a blogger, freelancer or anyone else who makes money online, you need friends scattered all over the web. They don’t have to be “let’s go have a coffee and paint each other’s toenails” kinds of friends — but you do need to establish relationships with people on the Internet.
Friendship online equates to higher visibility for you, for your blog or website, and for whatever services (or products) you provide.
So how do you do it?
Connect Yourself
You read other blogs and visit websites that don’t belong to you, right? Leave comments on posts you find intriguing, or ask questions in forums that you genuinely want answers to (but don’t waste everyone’s time by spamming them with links and writing stuff like, “This is a great post on making friends in the blogosphere and I will try these techniques with my FOREX accounts”).
Respond to Connections
When you’re lucky enough to have someone comment on your stuff, answer them. It shows you’re polite and encourages further interaction. The more you interact with other bloggers, the better – interaction is the foundation for relationships.
Spread the Wealth
When someone “likes” your Internet content, tweets it or links to it from their own site, reciprocate. Find something they’ve got that your readers, friends and family will find useful and share it. If you can’t reciprocate — like if they’re running a site you can’t promote for whatever reason — at least publicly thank them for noticing you and sharing your content.
Build Relationships Without Using Business as an Excuse
Use social media to build relationships that aren’t based solely on business; if someone posts something hilarious, let them know you’re laughing. If someone posts something that gets you thinking, tell them. Almost all Internet interaction is good for you in the long run when you’re putting your brand name out there (just don’t screw it up like the Indie author who flipped out on a guy last month who gave her a “just decent” review).
Your platform — which is the group and number of people you reach who actually care what you have to say — should be as broad as possible. It won’t happen overnight, but by creating little interactions here and there you can increase your reach exponentially. So what are you waiting for? Leave a comment!
Twitter: techwork_dk
says:
Hi Angie
I agree with you on this one. Building friendships and connecting with other bloggers are not just useful but also kind of interesting. I have learned a lot from other bloggers on the Internet from all over the world the last couple of months. Those friendships are very useful, because we support each other and retweets and comment on each other’s stuff.
Thomas´s recent blog post ..Twitter Guide For Dummies part1
Twitter: Right_Writer
says:
I agree – you can learn a lot (even outside the scope of your business!) from others. And I’m a firm believer that word-of-mouth can bring the best clientele…
Friends on the web are sometimes the key to success. Building your network is something you should do every day
Mark´s recent blog post ..Sony MHS-FS3 Bloggie 3D camera
Yes, word of mouth has a great impact, Angie. I just read the review of Jacqueline’s book, through the link you are giving, and the comments – 309 so far – show exactly the importance of building good relationships with others. Her attitude is pathetic and she cuts the branch she is standing on. I feel so sorry for her, honesty. I wish she could turn back the time.
stevepapas´s recent blog post ..75 Off Network Solutions Discounts
Twitter: Neal_Morga
says:
As time goes on and I blog more and more I learn from many of the posts I read. I’m finding tips can be picked up when you least expect them. More power to the blog and making friends along the way.
Neal Morgan´s recent blog post ..Wedding costs
Hi Angie,
This is what I have been trying to do ever since I started blogging, but I haven’t yet succeeded in building up strong relationships with other bloggers around the web. Though I really hope to make friends on the web with time.
shree´s recent blog post ..To Like or Not to Like From a Facebook Business Page!
Twitter: selfishyayun
says:
friendship bloggers are usually only limited than those from the same country, India with India for example. only a few bloggers who penetrate our borders as today. Do not be discouraged, this blog is one good place for us
selfishyayun´s recent blog post ..Auto Check Nodofollow And Search Status
Twitter: Right_Writer
says:
Selfishyayun is right – don’t be discouraged! Consistent, useful commenting on blogs will make you some friends.
angiepapple´s recent blog post ..When Someone Asks for a Freebie
Selfishyayun and Angie thank you both for the encouragement.
shree´s recent blog post ..New Google Analytics Feature- The Site Speed Report
Twitter: selfishyayun
says:
friends on the internet is a new style to get a broad network connection and not limited by distance and time. Last time when I liked to chat, much to mock me with a variety of words. and now even those who hoped I would teach them about the world of the Internet. Friendships in the Internet world is more sincere because they had never looked at from the physical, wealth, or social status. In contrast to the reality, many people choose with whom they are friends and ignore the others.
selfishyayun´s recent blog post ..Auto Check Nodofollow And Search Status
Twitter: mainstreethost
says:
Couldn’t agree more. It’s difficult sometimes when you write for a company though. People are wary of your motives when you leave a comment and it can be hard to just join in on the discussion. I can’t say I blame them. I come across a lot of comments from “business writers” on my own blog that immediately get moved to spam because they make it quite obvious they didn’t even read the post.
Deanna´s recent blog post ..When to Send a Press Release – Tips for Small Business Owners
I agree as well. With everyone out just to build their SEO it becomes a spam jungle and nobody really says anything that isn’t meant to pull you to their site.
Twitter: travelingpics
says:
Friends can help you in many ways, one way is that they can spread your posts, at least that’s the main reason that use social media.
MrJack´s recent blog post ..Top 5 Abandoned Places Around The World
Twitter: carla_easley
says:
Building relationships with others online really does = more website/ business visibility.
Thanks Angie. Building relationships online shouldn’t be only about business, but a more spherical and humane interaction. I like that you say we should let others know how we feel when we read or watch their stuff.
stevepapas´s recent blog post ..20 Off CoolHandle Promo Code