My thoughts about "50 creative ways to make your blog POPULAR"

So, I was searching google yesterday for some much needed help in making my blog wider. I opened my google home page and typed in "How to make my blog... and as I typed away, google was helping me along because there were prompts I could pick from below the subject I was trying to search. I looked below while I was typing to see if I could see "wider" but it wasn't there. Guess what was? Right below, first in line was, "How to make your blog popular"
And because I'm curious I clicked away and found numerous links on the subject. One being
"50 creative ways to make your blog POPULAR". So, what did I do? I clicked it of coarse,

(I was one of those girls in High school that tried to find the secret to being popular. I told the YW last week that I thought everyone would like me if I was prettier, drove a Toyota 4runner, had blond hair, and wore the best clothes in school. I also wanted to be Homecoming Queen and thought that it would be ultimate highlight to my high school experience and that somehow it would make me happy.)

but first I thought about what might be some of their suggestions. I was happily surprised to see that posing nude wasn't one of them.

This week I finally started to read Pioneer Woman. I don't know how its humanly possible to do as much as she seems to do but I must say that she has quite the following. I, myself, started reading her blog to find out more about photography since I have this new camera and need some guidance in how to use the thing; its a wonderful gadget but I wish a brain came in the packaging. And then there's Nie and her sister, CJane and their whole family, and Design Mom, and a host of other bloggers that have received celebrity status. We bloggers know who they are and when we speak to blog muggles about Nie and the plane crash and we break into tears it may seem a bit strange to some. I've known about a lot of these popular blogs for awhile but only just recently decided to become a follower. I, for some reason tend to wait awhile so I can form my own opinion. Twilight's a good example. I bought the book and it sat on my shelf while all the histaria went on, then I read it. Same thing with the movie. I finally went and saw it a couple of weeks ago. *If you don't want to be offended don't read the next couple of sentences. I didn't like Twilight that much. It was a fun read but it wasn't enough for me to finish the last book. Now, "These Is My Words" is a GOOD book and so is "Jane Eyre" my all time favorite. I just didn't dig the whole vampire thing and Bella isn't someone I want my daughters to assimilate with .

There's a good reason why some of these everyday women became popular. I've tried to keep my distance but to no avail, I've been dazzled by them and for food reasons. They ARE amazing, loving, talented women, and they're real. At first, back in Nov. '06 I used to read and compare but while blogging and growing up especially in the last year ( that tends to happen when you have to say goodbye to your mom as you watch her die) I've realized how important is to discover Kim and develop what talents I have. I wish I would've learned this 15 years ago but I suppose I can teach my children so they don't try to wish their high school years away trying be something other then themselves. I've always wanted to feel important and admired, I suppose that's one of the reason's I blog, if stardom happens I'd like it but if it doesn't I'm okay with that too.

Last week I talked to the girls in YW. I was asked to come in a speak to them about Finding Joy in your Divine Potential. The following is what I told them:

I was impressed to share my silliness in high school and asked the girls if you knew me and you had a magic wand and a spell that could bring me unbelievable Joy what would you give me? Would you grant me all the things that I wanted at the time? Would that bring me Joy? What brings us joy? When I get sucked into things that bring temporary happiness, I like to imagine myself in the middle of the aftermath of a horrible storm. Stripped of clothes, my fancy house, my black boots that I think make me look pretty cute, makeup, and I can't do anything that I normally do, I'm essentially left with nothing. Who would I be? What I do and what I have does not define me. I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father. There is so much in this heart of mine I haven't discovered yet. I might just discover them as I type away on my own little piece of cyberspace. I feel pretty blessed with those of you that think I'm pretty swell without a list of blogging awards on my sidebar. I think you're pretty swell too. I'd crown all of you with you're very own tiaras if I could. And to satisfy your curiosity here is the list I found via Blog oh Blog.
I like #50.

1. Start a controversy. Just remember not to cross the line.
2. Start a contest. Make sure to end it too.
3. Give away free goodies. People love them.
4. Write about other bloggers to interest their visitors to read your blog. Keep it positive.
5. Dress up your blog often (By dress-up I mean tweaking the design)
6. Interview other bloggers and post the interview.
7. Write about your personal life sometimes.
8. Ask questions to your visitors.
9. Share some secrets.
10. Celebrate your birthday with your visitors. Think of innovative ways for doing this.
11. Celebrate your blog’s birthday too.
12. Write something funny or disgusting. (Don’t make it a habit)
13. Make a bumper sticker with your blog’s name and stick it on your car. (Just make sure you drive often)
14. Write an e-book and distribute it to your visitors for free.
15. Introduce a commission based affiliate program.
16. Tell your visitors about your latest fad or obsession.
17. Post interesting pictures of your pets.
18. Congratulate the top commentators occasionally.
19. Encourage sharing of opinions.
20. Donate for a cause or become a volunteer for a non-profit organization. Ask your visitors to join you.
21. Put your blog’s ad in the local newspaper or the yellow pages.
22. Hold blog competitions.
23. Create polls.
24. Hold an auction and let people bid for something useful (For example, advertising space on your blog).
25. Write about your blog achievements.
26. Share your hopes and aspirations about your blog.
27. Start an award distribution system.
28. Make contact with your local visitors and hold a get-together or a bloggers’ meet.
29. Start a blog comic strip.
30. Dig up some old article that you wrote on your blog which became famous and start a discussion.
31. Try and get a photograph clicked with a real celebrity and post it on your blog. (Hold on Tiger..don’t rush to that Photoshop button!)
32. Post videos that will help your visitors learn something new. Also submit them to video sharing websites like YouTube.com.
33. Write about your hobbies and interests. (For example, if you like cooking, post a new recipe)
34. Post about one of the weirdest thing that you ever did.
35. Get featured in a print magazine.
36. Buy a paid review from any famous blogger(s).
37. Brand your blog with a catch phrase along with a logo.
38. Distribute T-shirts or merchandise with your blog name on it.
39. Join Yahoo! Answers and put a link on your website to your answers.
40. Keep a track of websites that pick up your articles or press releases. Offer them exclusive news or content.
41. Do surveys and publish the results to your visitors.
42. Build tools that your visitors might find use for.
43. Start a newsletter.
44. Podcasting is another good way to make your blog popular.
45. Publicize your blog to your friends and relatives and let them do some work for you.
46. Be active in Social Bookmarking websites.
47. Share Link Love and you will get it back.
48. People like to read about Web 2.0. Write about it.
49. Write about something that’s already famous.
50. Last but not the least, be yourself.





Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

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