photo by viralbus

It’s a fact – bloggers love comments. It’s nice to know someone else is reading your words, and getting feedback can be validating. Another reason bloggers relish comments is for the community that is created when people reply to posts.

But how do you create that community if you’re a new blogger just starting out? You want people to interact on your blog, but how do you get them to come? Isn’t everyone just reading the big name bloggers, anyway? These common questions are understandable. Even the “popular bloggers” had to start somewhere. Follow these tips to grow your personal blogging community.

1. Interact with your readers

Bloggers frequently post replies in the comment section of their blog. This is a great way to show readers your appreciation or to follow up to their response. You may also want to consider sending a personal response by email to the commenter. This is what I do because it’s efficient and ensures the commenter will hear from me.

2. Invite comments

I read somewhere that 98% of readers are lurkers and do not leave comments. A good way to entice your lurkers to take the time to leave a reply to your post is to ask for it. Ask for thoughts or suggestions at the end of each post. Or request that readers supply a personal example related to the post.

3. Get involved

Become active in other communities, whether they be blogs you enjoy, Twitter, or our very own Blissfully Domestic Living. Get interactive and leave comments and tweets or respond to forums. Not only is it fun and empowering to make these online connections, it will certainly lead to increased visitors and comments on your blog!

This is just a sample of the actions you can take to improve your blogging community. Give these things a try and look for more suggestions in future posts. Also, stop by Blissfully Domestic Living and join in the building community discussion!

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Mary Davis is a freelance writer who loves hearing from readers at her own blog, Everyday Baby Steps. She’s excited about her newest blog venture, Adventures in Freelancing, where she hopes to build an interactive community for newbie freelance writers.