Social Networking at its very foundation is building relationships with people…
…and one of the basic foundations bloggers use to build their blogs.
Many bloggers have made it an art form we can all envy. Simply visit Ingrid at nitty Griddy any given moment to find her blog teaming with socializing and good old fashion conversation. Ingrid has a magnetic personality that pulls you into her blog and then you tend to stay to find out what is happening next. It is amazing and I wish I could be her at times.
But I am Allie. After a few drinks I loosen up but mostly I am to the point, more instructional than social butterfly. So how do I get people to my blog? I use social networking.
I go out into that huge entity we call the Internet and find people like me or that want to read what I am writing.
OK, how is it done?
First, I need to know who would read my blog. I cater to work at home moms (WAHM) that want to learn blogging and passive income. I break down that statement into parts. I have “wahm”, “blogging”, “wahm’s that blog”, “passive income”, and “passive income wahm”.
Second, I take each part and start my research. Searches on Google. Searches on Twitter and Facebook. Clicking on links in the comment sections of blogs. Etc. There seems to be an infinite amount of ways to find people online. I can say, the more you get out there and socialize, the more contacts and friends you will make. It is a natural process that happens to pleasant people. (Don’t be rude and you will make friends, duh!)
Third, I have a few places to start. Now I go for it. I start leaving intelligent info and conversation everywhere I go. I hope what I say sparks interest in a few to come visit Ramblings of a WAHM.
I just want to say, this is a hard subject to write about. I sound like I am using everyone I meet online as pawns in my business socializing game. There seems to be a thin line between business socializing and friendly socializing. The bottom line is, everyone I meet I consider a potential friend (unless you are creepy). I would go out for coffee or drinks with ya. I look forward to meeting many of you at conferences and maybe locally at Starbucks. So, no, you are real people I enjoy conversing with.
That said. The actual point of this post is to show you where I socialize.
Blogs. Forums. Social Bookmarking Sites. Micro-Blogs. Article Sites.
A couple of weeks ago I did some research of my blog’s Google Analytics. I found that my the best, sticky traffic was coming from sites similar in subject matter to mine. I decided to run with that trend and seek out more sites in which to become more social.
My goal: bring people to my blog to build a community.
In case you are wondering, yes, you can find me hanging out every week at the following communities and forums. Come join me there too! Look for Allie or AllieRambles.
1. Blogs
I have over 50 blogs I visit every week (Ok, every month. I can’t read and comment that fast.)
Just a small portion:
Smart Passive Income My initial analytics showed me that his site was not bringing sticky traffic but a month later I found the complete opposite. Lesson: check your stats once a month.
We Blog Better
2. Social site and forums for WAHM
3. Social sites and bookmarking for Bloggers
The Blog Frog My Favorite!
(I am researching Technorati and StumbleUpon also. I have accounts there but not much activity. These are huge sites where a small blogger can go unnoticed. A little daunting at first.)
4. Micro-Blogs: Twitter and Facebook. Join Me!
I am learning much of my sticky traffic comes from these two.
Ramblings of a WAHM on Facebook
5. Commenting Tribe
Social networking at its finest: making friends and helping each other at the same time.
I need to thank Jon from Jon Alford.com for leading me to Heather’s Clever Marketing blog, forum and their amazing commenting tribe! I can’t even begin to express how much fun and rewarding it is to be part of a group of people that are genuine.
Visit Heather’s blog post about her tribe for more info. (It takes a whole post.)
6. Hubpages
Hubpages itself is not like my blog but the content I write there is. I also join in discussions and commenting on similar content to my blog to keep social.
6. My own blog.
Yes. My very own blog. I want my blog to be the hub of my socializing. I figure this will take some time.
I always reply to comments. And I will visit and comment back when I can.
I love ya guys and thank you for taking time to come visit Ramblings of a WAHM.
One more very important thing: It’s called socializing for a reason. The relationship whether friendly or business needs reciprocation. When someone does something for you thank them, tweet them, or spread the word. Cliche alert! “Do unto others as you have done to you.”
Now it is your turn.
Where is your audience hanging out? Go get them.
What is your take?
Do you socialize? Do you have a favorite site that has been socially enriching for you and your blog?
Where can I find you on the Internet?
Alan | Life's Too... (14)
Shalu Sharma (7)
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Mika Castro (5)
Michael Belk @wor... (4)
Steve Hippel (4)
Bill Dorman (3)
Sabrina Sabino (3)
Amit Shaw (2)
Barry Wells (2)
I don’t know if you have this option on your blog but if you can add the comment reply notification to you blog it helps build your community to your site since you reply to comments. I respond to all comments to and I have found that since I added that plug in and people get my reply by email it has helped my blog.
I have found the best thing for me is to follow a lot of blogs and comment frequently (I follow over 200). This takes a lot of time so sometimes it is hard.
Jessica created this awesome post: The Garden – Part 2
Alright, here is the test comment. Now when you reply to it I should get an email.
Jessica created this awesome post: The Garden – Part 2
Jessica,
Thanks for working with me on this. And for the advise!
~Allie
Hey Allie,
I look at network marketing the same way too. In my life outside of the web, I am a social butterfly with moments of wanting quite time to myself. lol
I truly love connecting with people, and I hope that some day I can meet the people I connect with online at blogging conventions or Starbucks.
I’m loving that caramel moca latte! yummm
The online sites I like to socialize at is Clever Marketing Tribe, Mom Bloggers Club, Mom Blogs, Blog Frog, and SITS Girls.
I’m research some new ones I’m thinking of joining.
Have a good night.
~Tisha
Tisha,
Damn you social butterflies! I envy you so much! LOL. I want to be social but I don’t talk much. Hee hee. I save it for online.
I forgot about Mom Bloggers Club, I may have to look you up over there.
I drink Mochas. But that Caramel Mocha sounds interesting. Might have to try it.
~Allie
Hi Allie!
Thanks for the mention. This post rocked and can’t wait to check out some of the WAHM sites you mentioned. Awesome! I love all the blogs you mentioned and I’m also going to have to check out my blog frog as well!
Sharing, bookmarking, liking, and sending you thanks!
Heather
Heather C Stephens created this awesome post: Beginner Blogger- Free Resources to Launch Your Blog
Heather,
Tia over at BizChickBlog showed me Blog Frog. It seems new so I was all for getting in on the first level.
I have a group there, my only one anywhere. Come join us. Start some conversation, we need your expertise. 
Thanks for all the luv!
~Allie
Hi Allie,
I LOVE socializing and I’m the first to start up the conversation. I just like people period so once they get a taste of me, they just can’t help themselves. LOL!!!
Right now I mostly visit blogs and comment, I’m part of a RT club, I’m part of Triberr, I’m part of Heather’s community, I’m on Twitter (asuperaffiliate), I’m on Facebook, I’m in blogging networks and the list goes on. I’m spreading the love and receiving it in return.
You’ve got an awesome list and you are in areas I have not even gotten to yet. So you’ve definitely got me to thinking now. Oh boy, here i go.
Thanks Allie!
Adrienne
Adrienne created this awesome post: Guest Posting- It’s Time To Participate
Adrienne-
Looks like you have your social networking down, online and off!
I am contemplating Triberr, I keep hearing good things about it.
That is what it really feels like, “spreading the love.” When you spread love it comes back to you. Any good relationship should get that.
Have fun exploring new avenues. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you everywhere now that I know your face- just like Stacy, Heather, Janet, Jon, Oliver, Devesh,Samantha and, well, I’m still meeting the group.
Thx!
~Allie
Allie, aloha. You did a terrific job putting together this blog post with its action steps.
Though there was a time when I was out and about socializing all the time, now I choose to live a much more reclusive life.
That being said, the only thing it means is that rather than going out of the house, I am in the house socializing whether it is on the phone or online.
Like Adrienne, my primary blog related activity is visiting other blogs and commenting. In addition to being a part of Heather’s community, I am also a member of Triberr and another blogging mastermind group.
Activities on twitter, facebook and on tweetchats put me in touch with lots of terrific folks. Since I always check someone’s bio before connecting with them on twitter, if I see they have listed in their bio a topic that I know would be of interest to someone else I follow, I make an introduction.
Visiting with people, sharing links and helpful hints works well for me because I genuinely enjoy doing such things.
Well done, Allie. Best wishes for a terrific weekend. Aloha. Janet
Janet @ The Natural Networker created this awesome post: Aloha in Social Media by Janet Callaway The Natural Networker
Janet-
Thank you for your compliments.
I am starting to see that blog commenting is a great way to create more lasting relationships with other bloggers and thus gaining credibility.
When I began blogging I would hear three things repeatedly- content is king, you need to have social networking and get good at SEO. I actually knew the first one was a given. Didn’t believe the second one and I’m not sure if my SEO efforts are panning out. So last month when I reevaluated where my blog was going, I realized then that social networking is vital. So I came up with a plan.
I hope new bloggers don’t ignore good social interaction.
Thx!
~Allie
Allie,
Thanks so much for the kind words and shout out! You’re the best.
We’ve crossed paths on numerous sites and although I also read Pat Flynn’s content, I don’t often comment or mix it up there. It’s more of an information-gathering stop for me
You have a smart way of networking and you even break down the types of sites you visit and why. The best part? You’re starting to analyze the return on your time invested which is crucial (if you’re not just doing this as a hobby).
You’re early on in your journey so keep at it and we’ll be here happily watching your grow.
Thanks,
Jon
Jon created this awesome post: Ready- Set- Start A Business
Jon-
I love to give credit where it is due and you deserve it.
I was just thinking. Pat Flynn accelerated my blogging and passive income journey. And you accelerated my social networking journey. You really did help open doors for me. I give credit to Ana Hoffman also. She is great with web traffic. Thank you.
I analyze my statistics every month. As my traffic grows I may do it more often. But I do check what works and doesn’t. I don’t have time to waste just time to be productive.
Thx.
~Allie
Hi Allie,
Awesome post and very useful. Social Networking is great way to connect & build relationship with people.
I’m using it from last 6-7 months and have to say it is perfect way to connect with other bloggers & marketers.
I agree Nitty has awesome power to socialize with people.
Some of my favorite social networking sites are Clever Marketing Tribe, Blokube (my own site
) and BlogInteract (a great site by my awesome friend Bryan Hollis).
Thanks for sharing this awesome post and including Blokube in your list.
Btw. Just to let you know that i’ve added some great features recently on Blokube.
1. Facebook like chat style for Blokubers..
2. Activity Wall Page.
Have a great weekend. Retweeted.
Devesh created this awesome post: How to Become a “Go to Blogger” in Your Blogging Niche
Devesh,
Thank you for your nice words.
As soon as I joined Blokube and submitted a post I got traffic from it, that says a lot. Blokube is very helpful.
It sounds like you are always improving the site with more features and making it more social-able. Great job on the site.
Thx!
~Allie
Hi Allie,
thanks for outlining your strategy how you use the internet and social media. All I can tell is that you’re a great job in socializing. I am sure that your natural way of building relationships will pay off.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend created this awesome post: The Millionaire Mind Intensive Seminar – Undo The Brainwashing To Poverty Pt 1
Oliver-
I tried a more unnatural way but I felt like such a robot. I didn’t like it one bit. I feel that by really creating relationships with others online, I will be better in the long run.
Thx.
~Allie
Hi Allie, what a great post. You know socializing is really where it’s at. I love NittyGriddy too. I don’t get over there often but I do enjoy reading Ingrids content. I can feel her personality.
You are right however, we are just us, and as I said in one of my posts “its ok to just be you”… it IS.
Regarding socializing, I haven’t tried BlogInteract but recently heard about it. There are so many sites though aren’t there? I heard of another the other day… let me find the name… its written on a notepad… upstairs… under a pile…
I get tremendous traffic from Stumbleupon. I suggest you try it. I have not idea why to be honest! LOL… just whenever I post there, literally in minutes I have 10 people on my blog. (Seriously funny) it must be that magnetic personality of mine!
I look forward to adopting a more stringent commenting routine in the future. I have been incredibly busy with the ProveIt Challenge that I completed yesterday. That amongst other things and trying to be a decent mom! OH btw… did I tell you I am starting a “mom” blog too. Well actually it’s been up for months now…no posts yet… but it gets traffic (go figure)… this is my project this month, to get it populated. Its a bit more niche specific than just lil ol me.
Loved the read Ally…
talk soon
Jayne
Jayne Kopp created this awesome post: Mission Accomplished – I Proved It!
Jayne-
Wow! You are a busy woman! Be sure to LMK when you get that first post up on your mom blog and I will help spread the word.
I keep trying to figure out StumbleUpon but when I go there I get a little lost. I will have to set time aside to really get to know it. I know it can be a great resource.
I heard about the ProveIt challenge. I finished a 31 Days to a Better blogger challenge not long ago and I think that is my last challenge for a little while, they can be demanding but fun, educational and great for bloggy relationships.
~Allie
Allie, I love how you mention that every person you interact with online you’d also go out for coffee with! =) It’s it funny that they used to warn us not to talk to strangers, online or offline, but the truth is that we can make really valuable connections and relationships over the Interweb!
I also like how you describe you network as a community. It makes it feel like a little plaza, where we all hang out, chat and exchange ideas! Thanks for laying out your plan. Bookmarking for bloggers is a new one for me and I’ll have to check it out more thoroughly! I’ve most focused on commenting on other blogs through tribes and other blogging friends, but I know that I can branch out more!
Thanks for the inspiration, Allie. =)
Samantha Bangayan created this awesome post: A Chance Meeting with Sand Angels
Samantha,
I would love to meet the people I interact with online. But I do need to warn everyone that I am shy. I just don’t know what to say. Once I get talking and feel comfortable, you almost can’t shut me up. LOL.
That is a great way to see it, a PLAZA. I may steal that concept some day. That is exactly how I view online networking. Many say it’s a web but I feel that has a negative feel to it. Plaza is more pleasant.
Thanks a bunch!
~Allie
Hi Allie,
There’s definitely an art to efficient social networking. It comes with practice and most of all remembering not to stay for too long in any one place.
I have to admit to always being a tad amused by online social networking.
Just imagine trying to emulate all of this in the off line world. I feel totally exhausted just thinking about it!
~Marcus
Marcus Baker created this awesome post: Use Buffer and Save Time on Twitter
Marcus,
You make me laugh! How exhausting it would be. I get tired some days socializing online and I’m sitting in front of a computer.
Being a social butterfly off or on line is definitely an art-form. There needs to be grace yet directness involved.
Thx!
~Allie
Hi Allie,
Socializing on social networks is definitely an art. I use it a lot to connect with people and build business.
Great list you put together. There are blogs on this list that I used to visit and need to go back to see how much has changed.
Have a great day…
Josh
Josh Garcia created this awesome post: Beware of 9 Costly Mistakes When Buying Orlando Bank Owned Homes
Josh,
The more I get out there on the Internet, the more I realize socializing can be an art form that should be perfected. People will flock to great socializers.
Thanks for stopping by.
~Allie
Hi Allie,
Thanks for sharing your insights. Agreed – social networking is great way to connect and build relationship with people.
All the best,
Mavis
Mavis Nong created this awesome post: Traffic Generation Blogging Contest – Thank You All Very Much For Your Staggering Support!
Mavis,
I think many underestimate the power of social relationships online. Facebook, Twitter and blogging have proven messages are well sent across the relationships that are built during social networking.
~Allie
Hi Allie,
I’ve learned that the more you set out to help others when it comes to social networking, the more others will help you. In fact, the rewards are often greater than you’d ever expect.
I’m honored to find that my blog is one you visit regularly – that just makes my day! Thanks!!
Kiesha @ We Blog Better created this awesome post: 5 Reasons to Enter WBB’s Guest Posting Contest- The Prize Amounts Are In!
Kiesha,
I love coming to your blog. It is inviting and has great posts!
I am going to become more active there.
And it is true, the more you give the more you receive.
Thanks for coming by. You made MY day too.
~Allie
I am still puzzling the SU traffic. HUGE number of visitors but it isn’t sticky and I’m not sure it’s not junk traffic, KWIM? I’d much rather have fewer visitors but ones who are engaged, stick around and come back or sign up. Pondering that one…
Alison Golden created this awesome post: Poles Don’t Dance Like That- Surely
Alison,
Yes, the SU traffic perplexes me. I find one can get a lot of traffic but it’s not quality. Like you I would rather have, say, 100 awesome readers that engage and contribute. Than 10,000 that are faceless and leave right away.
I may look into this some more. Should I bother with SU or not? Humm?
Hi Allie,
Interesting breakdown here.
I love socializing; I feel engaging with others is the best and quickest way to generate interest in whatever you have to offer. I second Marcus’ take; we must master the art of interacting yet not staying in one place for too long. Plenty of people to meet out there.
Simply connect, add value and continue to show up at certain spots and people will notice you.
Thanks for sharing Allie!
RB
Ryan Biddulph created this awesome post: How to Write at Least 500 Cash Gifting Articles
Ryan,
That is exactly what I am experimenting with right now- consistency in my social networking?
I have picked 15 higher PR blogs in my niche in which I visit and comment each week with good quality comments. I want to see where that takes me as oppose to visiting 30 or more random blogs in my niche with any PR with quick comment replies. Still in my niche and still quality comments but the comments are not that in depth.
My theory is that people will begin to notice me more with just concentrating on my favorite higher PR blogs and the better comments will help.
I’ll see, it will take a few weeks.
Thanks for coming by!
~Allie
There are so many blogs out there that I wonder how many can I keep up with? 50! That is a huge, huge number!
I read fast but I take a long time to comment; I write long ones somehow; but thanks to the contest, that is slowly reversing! 
Hajra created this awesome post: Will they call you over for a Bloggers Party?