Hi
The last couple of days I've introduced you to some concepts to do with building community around your blog and the benefits of doing so.
Building community is one of my favorite topics to teach because not only has it been essential to the success of my blogs (and many others), but having a community is also tremendously rewarding.
You develop the community you want by modelling it - by being the community you want to have - and leading by example.
You have to take the lead in interactions and open up lines of communication with and between your readers. Being sociable, approachable and even using conversational and inclusive language sets the tone for this deeper level of connection on your blog.
You can get even greater reader engagement with a community area or forum and by setting your readers homework and challenges. There's also a bunch of other techniques to encourage reader participation and involvement in your blog.
What you're aiming for is a community that extends way beyond you and your capacity and which takes on a life of its own to carry your blog forward by: creating user-generated content; finding readers through their advocacy and developing monetization opportunities because they have a relationship with you.
I teach all of this in my Build Community Course. Register for the course if you're interested in unlocking the power of community to take your blog to the next level.
