Attract Readers to Your Blog Like Mosquitos
Our host today is Kiesha Easley. If you're interested in getting in front of the readers of Site Sketch 101, check out our guest posting invitation here.
Now that I’m in the Southern region of the country, I’m discovering many wonderful things and some…well, not-so-wonderful.
Every time I go outside, no matter what time of day it is, no matter what I do, I can set a timer for about five minutes – by the time it rings, you can be sure to find me swatting a swarm of irritating mosquitoes.
What’s crazier, is that I’m the only one that they seem to attack. So while everyone else is out enjoying the sunshine, I’m jumping up every five seconds and slapping myself to death like a psycho while no one else seems to get bit at all. Everyone’s got their spoons ready just in case my seizure-like movements threaten to make me swallow my tongue.
It’s becoming a bit of a joke that’s not funny – No one else gets bit because I’m the mosquitoes’ absolute favorite. When I’m around no one else has to use any OFF because they are so drawn to me. Yeah, that’s great!
Then one day, as I was nursing my wounds with Benadryl, I had a thought – wouldn’t it be great if readers felt the same way about my blog. It wouldn’t matter if there were thousands of others like it, there would be something special about my blog that draws them to it like mosquitoes to my skin.
Then it dawned on me how to attract readers!
I could get the very same response on my blog if I presented myself as a trustworthy, real and appealing person. I could do that just by being myself. It’s my unique body chemistry that draws mosquitoes to only me – in the same way, I could use my unique personality, personal experiences and my fresh perspective to do the same with my blog to attract readers by the masses.
The great news, is that you can do this too, by honing in on what makes you unique and then doing that on purpose when you write for your blog. Finally, all those weird qualities and quirky habits of mine can be used to my advantage. Who knew?
The biggest asset to attract readers to your blog is YOU!
In addition to allowing your personality to shine through on your blog, try these other tips for attracting readers to your blog:
- Get a unique, well-designed theme
- Write great content that is aimed at helping others
- Network with influential bloggers
- Treat your readers like royalty (Even if you only have a few. Be sure to respond to comments and interact with them.)
Are you using your unique abilities and letting your greatest qualities shine through on your blog? I’d love to hear how you attract readers to your blog – what other tips could we add here?
toquemag said:
I loved your title and think this is a terrific post. Short, sweet, to the point…and funny. One should always try for humor if one possibly can. Another suggestion is easy navigability, something I’m continually trying to achieve at Toque.
Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Toquemag,
Thanks! Great navigation does keep them there longer, that’s for sure.
My Latest Blog Post: Would you be able to Stay on the Path
Steve @Erraticblog said:
I agree Kiesha. I’ve tried both ways with sites and blogs… not myself, just trying to make a buck; and being myself, designing and writing about what I like and in a voice that’s mine. The sites and blogs that are truly me have always done better.
Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Steve,
And I’ll bet they were probably the ones that you enjoyed the most, too.
My Latest Blog Post: Would you be able to Stay on the Path
Steve @Erraticblog said:
They sure are
Sourav said:
That’s a great connection between mosquitoes and blogging. Before reading the post, it didn’t even came to my mind that you will make this kind of a connection between the two.
About being “ME”, ie unique, I am not sure how much I have been able to achieve it so far…my theme is not unique. Maybe my writing style is a bit unique. Bu what I build upon is my human qualities…I always try to be a good person, and I am a supporter of reciprocation…I really follow it a lot.
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Sourav,
I think focusing on your qualities is a great start in the right direction. Keep it up!
My Latest Blog Post: Would you be able to Stay on the Path
Micke Hasselqvist said:
Your post seems to illustrate your point all by itself.
Humor is a great way to put forward your own personality. But it’s a double-edged sword, it’s also important to stay factual and on topic. I think I could use a dose more humor in my own blog, good post! 
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Mike,
Yeah, sometimes humor can take you on an unexpected tangent – but what good is writing if you can’t have a little fun with it?
My Latest Blog Post: Would you be able to Stay on the Path
Jonathan Sweeting said:
I could not agree more , You own twists and personality is what separates You from everyone else.
Build a better You, provide value, be Yourself and entertain Your audience when ever possible.
You can’t miss, Nice post
~Jonathan Sweeting~
Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Jonathan,
You right, I think people miss the point when they attempt to imitate someone’s style without any thought to what they could offer the world themselves. Thanks for stopping by!
My Latest Blog Post: Would you be able to Stay on the Path
Sherryl Perry said:
How you made the leap from mosquitoes to blog readers is brilliant (and maybe just a little bit scary). I get it though! Your posts are fun to read. I love the “treat your readers like royalty”!
You asked for other tips. The only one I can think of is to brand yourself. Grab your avatar on Gravatar.com and start showing up when you comment. I always feel like people who don’t do this are missing a great opportunity to build their brand.
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Sherryl,
Yeah, I guess the scary part is that you tend to swat those irritating mosquitoes – you definitely should NOT do that to your readers!
My Latest Blog Post: Would you be able to Stay on the Path
Kidgas said:
A very nice and refreshing post. I like it a lot and can see your personality shine through. I appreciate the reminder of what it is that makes us all special.
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Kidgas,
Glad to be of service and remind you that no one can do what you can do for your blog.
My Latest Blog Post: Would you be able to Stay on the Path
Mandeep said:
This reminded me of when I go to India to visit friends and family. There are a lot of mosquitoes there,And for some reason they always choose to bite me more than anyone else. I liked your connection you made with attracting readers like mosquitoes, very original.
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Mandeep,
Sounds like you also have that natural mosquito attractant in your blood – welcome to the club!
My Latest Blog Post: Would you be able to Stay on the Path
Onibalusi Bamidele said:
Really great post Kiesha,
You are absoutely right! This is really a great analogy.
being unique is very important to your blogging success!
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Onibalusi,
Glad to know I’m in good company – thanks!
My Latest Blog Post: Would you be able to Stay on the Path
Moxie Paws said:
Many thanks for this great reminder! Especially writing content to help others…
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Moxie,
You’re welcome! I’m always glad to help!
My Latest Blog Post: Would you be able to Stay on the Path
SBA said:
Kiesha, like you have I the ‘chemistry’ that mosquitos love! I admire your social networking skills and the fact that you show others how it’s done (e.g. guest posting!).
A blogger’s chemistry remains the same but the key is be open to showing what you’re made of, so to speak. New bloggers may take on a character and try to be like the ‘pros’. But as you said, it’s uniqueness that counts. Overtime, the best bloggers get the message and treat readers like their friends.
‘network with influential bloggers’ — well that’s pretty difficult one! Unless you have a loose definition LOL. Few of the folks listed can realistically do more that one-way networking. There’s too much demand. I try to build relationships with other bloggers who may one day be influential (not the overriding criterion.. lol)
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi SBA,
I was giving “influential” a loose definition – not all influential bloggers are pros – YET! It’s good when you can spot a potential influential/future problogger when you see one
My Latest Blog Post: Would you be able to Stay on the Path
Blog Angel a.k.a. Joella said:
Kiesha,
Um, unique body chemistry eh? Is that a polite way of saying you smell funny? Just kidding, but you know the mischievous Angel couldn’t just let that blow by. Let’s just say it’s your awesome animal magnetism that those pesky critters just can’t resist. They all want a part of you!
And you’re right, we all possess unique characteristics, skills and talents. And if we try hard enough we can use those things to help make our blogs unique and highly attractive.
All it takes is time and a little elbow grease! Our own unique magnetism will take care of the rest!
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Joella!
(Sniffing armpits…) I think I smell okay
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Blog Angel a.k.a. Joella said:
LMAO – I just flashed back to that crazy deodorent commercial where everyone is sneaking a sniff of their pits. LOL
Everyone does it… they say. Not me, certainly not in public.
You are a hoot! And a damned good blogger! Angel Hugs!
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
LOL!!
Thank you! That certainly means a lot to me coming from you!
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John Paul Aguiar said:
Awesome post Kiesha.. there are so many blogs that the only real way to stand out to to be you, show you and share you.
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi John,
Thanks!
Exactly my point!
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Linda said:
I will never think of mosquitos in thr same pesky blood-thirsty ways of yore…
Great analogy and useful tips-thanks!
Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Would you believe I’m sitting at my desk, indoors… and I literally just got bit by yet another mosquito! Arghhhh!
My Latest Blog Post: Deep Roots
Joe @ Carpet Cleaning Redmond said:
Injecting your personality into a blog or even a business website is definitely key. That personal touch sets you apart from others just like in the offline world. As for mosquitoes try apple cider vinegar. Sip 1 tsp every morning and they won’t come near you.
Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Joe!
Maybe I could try that on a salad or something…
I since no one else will come near me either! But as crazy as that sounds… I might just be that desperate!
My Latest Blog Post: Deep Roots
ambuj said:
It’s full of fun.I like the mosquito concept for blogging.
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Ambuj,
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
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Jeffrey Morgan said:
Hi Kiesha,
I have a better idea! If I could just get you to write my Blog posts for me …………….
Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Jeffrey!
Ha Ha! Good one…
My Latest Blog Post: Deep Roots
Kathy said:
You really are a terrific writer. You sucked me right in with the mosquito story. I could picture you swatting at them while everyone else is standing around puzzled. Then you mad it relevant by showing how it related to blogging. Very cool…A rare talent indeed.
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for the compliments! Yeah, I just got done doing a round of slapping myself on the leg – but I would never do that to my readers
My Latest Blog Post: Deep Roots
Dean Saliba said:
I’m not sure if we have them in the UK, to be honest I don’t want to find out. I’m still reeling from the revealation that we have wild wallabies!
Back to blogging. I reply to EVERY single comment that I publish, no matter what ti is about. That si the very least I can do after they have read a post and taken the tme to comment.
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Dean,
I agree that every comment deserves at least a small reply – keep it up!
My Latest Blog Post: Deep Roots
Maliq said:
Hi Kiesha..I dont care what ever ways to attract our reader..for me the important thing in writting is credibility!Without credibility, even you have terrific entry, absolutely you can’t attract the readers!
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Kiesha @ We Blog Better said:
Hi Maliq,
You’re right, credibility is important!
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Jasmine Henry from J Station X said:
We need to think to ourselves ‘how am I different from so many other bloggers and how does that make my blog different’. Once we can identify that, we should make it our goal to make our readers know it too. That way, they’ll see why our blog is so unique and different from all the rest and it also shows why they should visit our blog instead of somebody else’s.
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Tom Baker said:
Keisha, I’m here for this very reason. Sometimes I forget to treat my readers like royalty. I forget to comment on comments and only respond to new readers. I’m doing better and thanks for this information.
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Reza Winandar said:
Get a unique, well-designed theme
This is a very important things when you start your blog, this is what I called a branding for success.
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Oridusartic said:
Number 4 – respond to comments and interact with readers – is often forgotten.
Thanks for the nice tips.
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