How to promote your new blog

June 15, 2010

I get questions all of the time from so many of you who are getting ready to start a blog, have just started one, or have had one going for a while and aren’t seeing many visitors. The big question is how you can get more visitors to your site.

Starting a blog is intimidating and there's SO much to learn! Once you get it set up...how do you get people to your site? There is one thing I always recommend to new bloggers to get more traffic. 

This is big time peeps. Lean in real close and I’ll tell you…

COMMENT.

Be nice. Be sincere. And do it as much as you can.

Years ago when TDC was starting to get more popular, I would spend hours just reading the comments on blogs that I loved. I would click on the commenters, go to their site, comment. Over and over.

The results were two-fold – I found some fantastic blogs that way. And the fact that I was commenting so much brought a ton of readers to my site. AND because those folks had commented on another blog, I ended up finding them – it’s a lovely cycle.

Here are a few other tips I’ve learned over the years:

Your name:

I’ve mentioned before that I found it helpful to put the name of my blog on my name that shows up when I comment – so it’s not just “Sarah” – it’s Sarah @ “Thrifty Decor Chick.” If someone sees my comment on another blog and likes decorating they’ll click on over and find my site. If I just had my first name, there’s nothing to entice readers of comments to click on me.

If you don’t have a blog, why comment?:

Well, (if you’re going to say something nice), it's just a nice pat on the back. Your comments make. my. day. Not kidding. They make us bloggers feel like we are reaching you, you are enjoying it, you are out there.

I do read every comment! Every single one! When you take the time to leave me a little note, it makes me feel great. And so many of you are SO freaking funny. Seriously. I laugh out loud pretty much every day. :) It makes my heart full that there are so many talented, funny, sweet, brilliant women out there!

Got a blog? Want more comments?:

Make it easy for readers to do so! I cannot stress enough how worthwhile it is to try out your your comment form on your own (especially if you are on Blogger because they have so many options.) Log out of Blogger, then go and try to comment on your own site.

You might be surprised at how difficult it is to do so! :) There are some comment forms that I swear take four clicks to get a comment to go through when I’m not logged in. I personally like when the comment box/page pops up in a new tab or it’s own box -- that way I can refer back to the post easily if needed.

And when word verification is not set up right when you comment (and pops up after you comment instead) – I can guarantee you are losing comments. MANY times I have commented, clicked “publish your comment” and then go off to another page, only to come back and realize there’s the word verification staring at me and my message has not gone through. I can’t even imagine how many times I’ve closed out of a comment before it’s gone through because of this.

Speaking of word verification:

I will go out on a limb here and say most folks don’t care for word verification. It adds one more step for folks who are trying to comment.

Every once and a while I will write a post that will trigger spam, and I’ll have to turn on WV for a bit. For the most part I avoid it and rarely have any issues.

A little trick I use is to turn on comment moderation for posts older than five days. (You can set it to any number of days that you want!) That way I don’t have to use word verification and I catch spam before it’s published, instead of having to go back and delete the goofy stuff. (What is UP with some of those?!)

Who should you let comment?:

I leave it open to all:

blogger-comments-page

There are some who choose not to allow anonymous commenters, and on the days that I get a nasty anon comment, I totally get that. :) But most of the time I leave it open to anyone. It encourages more interaction.

If you don’t have a blog, you can comment by clicking on the Name/URL option and just putting your first name. You don’t have to enter a URL or web address.

If you want a response from a comment:

The days of me being able to respond to each of you or visit each of your blogs is long gone, but there was a time way back when when I would do just that. If you commented, I would visit your site, and do my best to comment back. Early on that was manageable. :) Doing so creates relationships with your readers – and that’s always a GREAT thing.

OH how I WISH I could still respond to each of you! There’s just not enough time in the day! But if you have an email attached to your blogger account, the chances I will respond go WAY up. :) If you have it set up, I can just click reply when I get your comment in my email, and then I can write you back. I love it! And I do it often!

To set up an email account in your Blogger account, go through these steps:

1. Go to your dashboard and click on Edit profile next to your profile picture.
2.  Under Privacy, click “show my email.” 
3. Under Identity, put your email address in the box indicated. (This is also where you can change your display name to add the name of your blog if you want!)
4. Click Save profile at the bottom and you are done!

Don’t want the world to see your personal email? I didn’t either. :) I set up a separate one in gmail and it took about three minutes. 

I hope this helps! I really think commenting helps to raise awareness of your blog, especially when you are starting out. There are many other options for getting out there as well (blog parties, submitting projects to be highlighted by other blogs, etc.), but this is an easy way to get involved with the world that is blogging – and you’ll “meet” some great people in the process.  ;)

For more of my blogging tips, click here.

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Comments

  1. These are great tips. I totally agree on all counts - make it easy for others to comment and comment yourself. I'm by no means a big-time blogger, but I feel that I have such great friends through blogging and it all began because I was commenting. And, not for selfish means, but because I was interested and wanted to connect.

    And, I so agree with adding your email to your profile. I wish everyone would do that. Makes life simpler.

    And, as for letting anyone comment, I set mine up that any time a comment is being posted on an older post, I have to approve it. This cuts most of my spam, which is the annoying part of open commenting.

    Thanks again for a great post! You are just awesome.

    And, *cough cough* you are PART of that awesome publication? What? Did I miss this announcement? That's wonderful! So excited and happy for you. I'm totally going to order a copy now. (Although in all fairness, I probably would have anyhow ;))

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  2. great post sarah!
    (did i do this right? ;) hehe)
    off to check out your holiday link.. hard to think of the holidays in june :)

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  3. Great post! Very clear and detailed. Thanks for taking the time! I've been getting comments, lately, and have considered word-verification - but now that I read this post, I think I'll just keep deleting them, instead (they are always in arabic).

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  4. You know I meant to say I've been getting "spam comments", lately. I am thrilled to get regular comments!

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  5. Been a follower for awhile, and btw, love your blog, and i think you put this perfectly!

    You have to give a little comment love to get some back!

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  6. Thank you for the blogging tips. I've been doing it for a little while but I don't have many visitors. I'm going to give these things a try.

    ~Meghan @ "Through the Roses" ;)

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  7. Just changed my profile based upon your suggestions. Thanks for the info! :D

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  8. Sarah, I started a blog in April and I am loving it. I read some of this info from awhile ago and it was so helpful. Now that I am a tiny, I mean very tiny bit more savvy more of it makes sense. Did you see the monogrammed pumpkins???? They are adorable! Fall is all time fav season, can not wait!!! Thanks again, chick!

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  9. What did you change to get "post a comment" on your page? Mine has 0 comments or however many I have and that is what they click. I can't seem to find how to change that.

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  10. I totally agree with you. I'm sort of new to blogging, so it means a lot to me when I log in and see that I have new comments waiting. I always try to comment back.

    I'm also TOTALLY excited for the holidays. It's what? July? No. June. I love Christmastime, though. I can't wait to cook Christmas dinner.

    Well, have a great week!

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  11. Great tips! I agree, by commenting, I've seen so many new visitors to my blog which really makes my day! : )

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  12. Hit the nail RIGHT on the head, Sarah! I soooo was considering posting something similar (for, oh, the 10 people who read me:) about my hate of word verification. Even got some print screens of word verifies that I think are funny (i.e., "fartin").

    I totally understand too why some people wouldn't want anonymous, BUT, just leave it to registered users withOUT the verification, right? Right?

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  13. Great post! And I am with you on getting giddy over holiday decor! I already have my next Christmas tree all planned out! lol

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  14. You know Sara,
    I honestly love reading your blog so much because once I left you a comment and you actually took the time to respond to me. And you were so sweet. So, ever since then, I read each and every post of yours =) Plus, you're very entertaining.

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  15. p.s. I once stopped commenting on someone's blog because I won her giveaway and I sent her a nice message thanking her and she never responded.

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  16. Hi Sarah..
    thanks for such a timely,and informative post!
    I shall put your tips to work..
    warm sandy hugs..
    Loui♥

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  17. Sarah!
    I am so grateful that you have answered my e-mail in this way! And its great that you are able to share you answer with the world. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has asked these questions though!
    Also as if you're no expert. *scoffs at you and your silliness*.

    Anyway I love the post and I must say I totally agree... I know I must leave many comments... and sincere ones at that. I would by no means leave someone a comment purely for the sake of getting one back!

    Thanks for sharing the love! =D We all appreciate it!

    Kirsty @ www.kirstygirl7.blogspot.com

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  18. Thanks for the tips. Would you mind if I reposted some of them on my blog? The part about being able to email back is what I was going to repost. I am a fairly new blogger so I try to email back the ones that comment but I get a lot of "noreply" so I'm stuck unless I want to hunt down their address.

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  19. I totally agree. My site isn't through blogger and I get so frustrated when a site doesn't have the "name/URL" option. Most of the time I just close the comment field and move on. I do have a blog but it is my own personal family blog which I don't care to lead my crafty friend to.

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  20. Holy heck, Batman! This is so funny- I wrote a post on my blog about two months ago on wanting to get popular enough to get invited to swanky parties.... like Meat Mixers (I try not to over achieve anything, so a meat mixer is right up my alley.)

    I just love your blog. Someday I want to be you. Well- not you exactly. I want to be me... just as cool as you. ;D

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  21. Here's my comment love! I still consider myself a new blogger. I've found that I don't post very often anymore, and I think a big part of that is because I feel like no one is reading anyway, so it's hard to take the time out of my day to put a whole post with pictures and links together. I have found a TON of blogs through other blogs, and now have a very full reader, but I suppose I should put myself out there more in the form of commenting to people actually know I'm reading their stuff too!

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  22. Well said Sarah.

    Being seen and heard is important for return comments for certain.

    But I find when you pull out all the stops and produce a killer post, that's when the comments fly.

    It's surprising how many view vs. how many comment. If they have a reason to comment, they will. :)

    Donna
    http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

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  23. So great! I know I appreaciate your super helpful blog "how tos" along with all the other cool stuff you do. I always learn something or get an inspiration boost when I visit TDC!

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  24. Thank you so much for all the blogging advice!! I'm putting it into practice now ;o)

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  25. Still learning the ropes of blogging myself, but I must say it is an intersting journey. Thanks for all the tips.

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  26. Thanks for an informative post. I've been blogging since February (love for you to check out my blog!) and I try to make comments every time I read a post. If I want others to comment to me, I need to comment to them. I'm following so many blogs these days, that I'm struggling with time to read and make good comments (I don't like the one liners so much!) I have gone back to read some of your other blogging advice and I find that I'm doing everything you say to do, so "slow and steady wins the race" is my motto. Thanks for being so generous with the advice!

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  27. About the washer and dryer...I just got the front loaders...save money and don't use the pedestals...they aren't deep enough for detergent bottles anyway and you save money...also the colored ones are more expensive. Switch to gas if you can and you'll save even more!

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  28. great tips! i never thought to try and leave a comment on my own blog but i DO know how frustrating it can be to leave comments on certain types of blogs.

    and, i'm trying to think where i stumbled upon your site...mmmmm...was it from nester? i can't quite be sure....but i follow you in google reader!

    lauren@mylifeandmyloves

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  29. This is a great post, thank you for sharing your tips! I already did most of that, but I did add my email to my profile.

    The funny thing is that if you ever take a break from the blogging world and come back, you have to start all over from scratch. For years I had a blog & even a message board. I loved it! Then I went to college and that was the end of that. Then I came back to blogging about a year ago and I'm starting all over again!

    Thanks again!

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  30. Great post Sarah! I'm a blog stalker (meaning I read but don't often coment). I think I will start comenting more and letting bloggers know when I love a post

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  31. Thanks Sarah!! I have already changed some of my info as you suggested. I have been blogging for a while and friends tell me they read it regularly but never comment!!UGH....Maybe the changes will help.

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  32. Sweet tips!

    I just did some editing on my profile. Thanks!

    Guess I haven't been a good commenter lately. I didn't realize that my comments were being read. In the past I've left questions in the comments section hoping that someone would answer (not on your blog but other big home decorating blogs) and I'd never get a response. I'd even check back in the comments section to see if the author responded there. Sigh.

    I love your blog and your fun writing style. Your posts are always a treat to read!

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  33. Thank-you so much for all your tips. I'm off to see more of them that you suggested.

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  34. You are saying exactly what I needed to hear today. This can be a bit daunting at times and keeping the ball rolling on the blog is work and fun. I love my comments even if it is only one or two. Thanks. Know you are busy but stop by if you have a chance and see little ol me.

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  35. Great tips! I wish more people had emails linked to their blogger profile so that I can comment back to them. I love responding to my readers, but I hate responding in the comment section of my blog because I'm worried they're not going to see it.

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  36. I'll ditto everything you said!! Great blogging tips. Commenting is such a huge part of blogging and building a connection with readers.

    You can link to 17 blog parties a day, but if you aren't taking the time to get to know OTHER bloggers and leave thoughtful feedback, you're wasting your time.

    I hate word verification too. I took off ages and ages ago when I read someone's blog tips post about it. I do get a spam comment from time to time, but all I have to do is click on the post and delete it. No big deal. Now I can save readers time and I probably hear back from more people this way. :)

    Good post, Sarah! :)

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  37. I read so many blogs and rarely comment! Need to fix that!

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  38. Thanks so much for the tips! I absolutley LOVE your blog! I get soooo frickin excited when you have a new post, it's like waking up to a new lil gift every mornin. Keep em coming!

    Joy @ A Glass Act

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  39. Great post! And great tips too! I shall heed your wise advise :-D

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  40. Great suggestions for increasing traffic at your site. I really like your idea to change the name that appears when you comment to include your blog name and I've been trying to figure out how to do this. I was wondering if you could enlighten me/us as to how to make that change.

    Thanks.

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  41. Never mind - I just figured it out. You click on your name when you comment and it takes you to your profile, which you can edit. Thanks so much for your wonderful blog.

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  42. Great post, I recall another similar one you did a ways back that was very helpful to me! Thanks! Janell

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  43. Great post!

    If you want people to comment on your blog, it is only fair to comment on theirs. I always go to the blogs of my commenters; and have established some really nice relationships with other bloggers.

    PS. I really dislike the verification .. sometimes it is just not worth leaving a message. Practically my first week blogging a seasoned blogger suggested I turn it off and I did and haven't had any problem with spam.

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  44. I'll admit I would've swooned over the pumpkins on the inside! On the outside, I would've pretended to be outraged over the rush of the seasons. :)

    I just love fall!

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  45. Sara I don't always comment mostly because I don't think anyone really cares what I have to say. I love your blog and you are da woman! All your accomplishments in your home really impress me. Keep on keeping on!

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  46. LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog!!! I have never left a comment, but I discovered you when you did "INDY STYLE" and have followed you ever since. BTW.....strangely enough, I love to do laundry!!!

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  47. I do have one question for you (or anyone)....

    What are your thoughts on letting your blog be found by search engines?

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  48. What great ideas! I just started a blog and not one person has read it. haha, read away, people!

    www.ahomefromscratch.blogspot.com

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  49. Thanks so much for the wonderful tips! My blog is pretty new -- so any advice I can get is great! Thanks, again!! :)

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  50. Thanks for the advice!! I'm still fairly new to the blogging world and was very excited to find these tips.

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  51. Just discovered your blog today and L-O-V-E it! Have checked out all your past posts (now, I probably should spend some time cleaning my house, tending to my family, etc. but your blog was hard to put down!). :0) Looking forward to being a faithful follower!

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  52. Comments are the best thing ever! :)

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  53. This is my nice & sincere comment to say: I like your blog so very much! Those are groovy tips!

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  54. Thank you for this!! So super fantastic and helpful. Thank you for addressing blogging topics not often addressed in other posts (e.g., comments). I am getting to know blogger and am so grateful you discussed its formatting. One quick question, when you have the time ;), using Blogger how do you make it so a comment window pops up rather than routing commenters to a separate page? Thanks again, I am routinely inspired by your blog.

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  55. Great post! I just started a new blog and having been wondering about pretty much everything you covered here. Thanks!

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  56. Great comment tips :-) I need to refine my comment form because I think Disqus is weird and complicated. Thanks for the reminder!

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  57. This is such great advice! As a relatively new blogger, I love to hear advice from the "pros"! :) Love the blog!

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  58. Michele@bloominginthemidwest.blogspot.comJune 16, 2010 at 11:50 AM

    Ok, so I was formulating my response when I saw pumpkins at hobby lobby. Don't tease me! I've been trying to focus on the 4th of July to get my decorating craving out of the way and that didn't help! LOL.

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  59. I have definitely been doing more of the commenting on others' blogs and I've seen great results with lots of people coming to visit my blog.

    Now I'm trying to find REGULAR readers. I don't have a niche and I refuse to be pigeon-holed into one. That's just not me.

    I have found that blogging every day helps, but sometimes I have writer's block...and a job I have to go to.

    Any suggestions on gathering writing material?

    BTW, bite your TONGUE about the pumpkins! I'm here in Indy as well and LOVING the warm motorcycle-riding weather!

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  60. Thanks for all the tips! Sometimes being a new blogger, can be discouraging trying to figure out how to get "out there"! These have all proved helpful with me. Thank you!

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  61. Thank you for the wonderful advice. I am new to blogging and I have found that if you enter the specific "linky" parties, that others host, that you will in turn get new visitors but nothing is as more successful as just commenting.

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  62. Thanks for these great tips! I am printing these tips ;)
    Arlene

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  63. Thanks for the helpful tips. Oh, I am already on the look out for some fun fall projects. It's my favorite time of year.

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  64. I agree with all your tips. When I do take the time to go to new-to-me blogs is when I find that I have new followers and comments, etc..... I'm glad I found your blog.

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  65. could not agree more!!! awesome thorough post!!

    will be sending ppl to it!! :)
    xoxo

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  66. Sarah, thanks. I am relatively new to blogging and the information is very useful. I seriously love your blog. I have even caught myself saying "lurve"... and then I smile.

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  67. Heather @Thrifty StoriesJune 16, 2010 at 1:50 PM

    Thanks for this article. I soooo needed it. I am rather new to the blogosphere and while I enjoy it, it is rather slow going.

    I appreciated your tips and encouragement.

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  68. Thanks for all the great tips!

    Donna
    Timeless Settings

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  69. These are great tips, thanks so much for all the great posts! First time commenter but long time reader here.

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  70. I have been following your blog for awhile and look forward to new posts. I don't have a blog so I always encountered problems when trying to leave a comment. This post cleared up some misconceptions that I had. Thanks!

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  71. Oh thank you a whole bunch, this is my first year blogging and all of your info has helped a lot. :)

    Sarah - The Citified Country Girl

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  72. Thanks for reposting this and also thanks for commenting on my own blog after I commented on yours :) I thought that was very nice of you. It was the one about kitchen table redo. That meant a lot to me.

    www.nuestrasaventurasentexas.com

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  73. Thanks for the great tips! I have been blogging for a while, but I am random - in every sense of the word!
    I really enjoy reading your blog. I loved your son's bedroom and the redo was great!
    I think it's really funny how people leave nasty comments. [I have read many blogs where the blogger can't spell, etc., but instead of pointing out their mistakes or whatever, I choose to not read the blog. How easy is that?!] They just can't help themselves!
    Anywhoo! Thanks for taking the time to blog! Have a great day!

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  74. Great tips! Sometimes I don't comment here, because you already have 5 gajillion comments, and I figure mine will just get lost in the sauce. But I do love your blog. I've had a blog on a members-only accessible site for over 5 years, and get lots of comments, but it's been tough out here in the open www world. Not that I'm a web goddess or anything, but sometimes I'm funny, and I know I'm smart, and heck, I've raised 5 and 1/2 kids. Anyway.
    I'm gonna go see if I can log into my own site. What a great idea! Muah.

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  75. Good stuff. I'm guessing you'll get alot of comments on this post! LOL. :) enjoy. Like you, I can't wait to see the winner of the Holiday contest!!!

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  76. Really wonderful advice! I have just started a blog a month ago so this is very helpful!

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  77. I never thought of this...because I'm bad and usually just read the post content of blogs I follow or at most just skim the comments. I never click on the comments to go to other blogs. But maybe I should start (although I have a time getting through my reader every day as it is:).

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  78. this is a wonderful post! I've been blogging for about 6 months now, and those tips are a big help! I'm sure you'll have tons of comments to read on this post! :D

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  79. Comment, comment, comment, comment, comment, comment. AND, congratulations on the Mathew Mead dealy-bob. Comment!

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  80. Thank you so much for all of the advice, as you can see, I've changed my profile name :)

    I'm still trying to figure out how to make my pictures bigger in my blog posts - I click the large size, but they still aren't as big as most bloggers pictures. Hopefully I'll figure that out soon.

    PS - who won your last giveaway - the 5 $50 gift certificates from that home design place??

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  81. Thanks for all the great tips- I just went in and change my comments form, my name and added an e-mail address. I love reading other peoples blogs, I need to click out of google reader more often and leave comments because they make my day when I get them.

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  82. Thank you for sharing this. I've been reading up on blog stuff like this to help me out. I have a "unique" blog (at least I haven't found any yet like mine)and would love to help other out with organizing their homes. I'll have to work on figuring out the "comment @" thing....

    Thanks...Becky B.
    www.organizingmadefun.blogspot.com

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  83. Pumpkins? Already? But I haven't even jumped into the pool yet! :)

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  84. You are awesome! Thanks so much for the tips, I have already made some changes to my blog!

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  85. Wonderful! Thank you for the great tips, they couldn't have come at a better time!! I'm recently begun blogging!

    I love your blog and and craftiness! I have recently found some of the birds from our Family Dollar store and spray painted them Heirloom White.

    I'm loving looking at the stuff I have in new and exciting ways, all ideas from your blog!

    Have a lovely day!

    Nicole

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  86. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for this post. I have already implemented several of your tips and can't wait to click through some of your readers comments to find some new blogs (and hopefully some new friends!)

    Also, the pumpkins at Hobby Lobby may have made me do a little happy dance...just a little one :)

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  87. Oh, thank you!! I really appreciate your trips.

    Only I have no idea how to do the
    Sarah@... thing. (My name is Sarah too).

    Thanks again!!

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  88. Thanks for those great tips! I never thought about the blahblah@blah blah thing. I'm going to do that. I just found you recently and have to hop over and read old posts. Lovin your blog!

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  89. I also love me some comments. :)

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  90. Thank you for always having great ideas and info

    http://daydreaminganddecorating.blogspot.com/

    Merri

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  91. I never thought about changing my name! Thanks for the tip.

    I totally get what you mean about posting even if you don't have a blog.

    I also never thought about testing out my own commenting process either. Holy cow, I love this post!

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  92. OMG I saw a fall aisle at my hob lob too and my heart skipped a beat!!!!

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  93. Thanks so much for all of the tips! I think I changed almost everything you suggested. Thanks again!

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  94. Oh, thanks! I figured out the "@" thing and it was SUPER easy! Love this help!

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  95. Great post Sarah! I really should allow anonymous commenters, but they scare me - lol.

    i just barely figured out the bit about adding my blog to my name. Such a good idea!

    I'm so excited for you and your new project. That is awesome!

    xoxo
    Jen

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  96. I've been reading your blog for months now, and I just love it! So..even though I am not a big time blogger, don't necessarily have a blog to promote, just wanted to tell you that I enjoy your blog every day!

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  97. Thanks for the advice Sarah. I made some of the changes you suggested.

    Oh, and I was a little excited to see the pumpkins at HL this weekend too. Of course, the day I was there it was like 110 degrees outside with 100% humidity. I was sweating like a pig and anything that reminded me of fall was a welcome sight!

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  98. Great advice! Blogging is all about relationships, and you can't forge relationships without commenting.

    I blog with Wordpress, and it drove me NUTS that so many Blogger blogs wouldn't let me comment on them because I didn't have a Google account. I eventually I opened one just to use for commenting.

    If you have a Wordpress blog, Word Verification is never needed. We have an excellent anti-spam program called Aksimet that magically takes care of it for us. I wish Blogger would come up with something like that because I hate typing those Word Verification things in. I never get them right the first time and have to try again and again. Ha.

    P.S. Sorry to hear about your patio table, Sarah! Same thing happened to me a couple of months ago. I replaced it with a metal one this time... :-)

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  99. Thank you for the tips. I'm fairly new to blogging (only a yr in) and feel totally inadequate with it. Your blog is one that I read daily. In fact your Bubs room is inspiration to my oldest son's remodel room...we are attempting it this weekend! Yeah!
    You have awesome ideas and how-to's.
    Thanks again!

    Alyssa
    http://lifeoflyssie.com
    alyssalb@gmail.com

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  100. I read through your "Tips for great Blogs" and I thought they were very helpful...I've been blogging since Jan of 01, newbie here!
    I'm learning so much from all of you great women and having such a good time doing it!
    Thank you for all your advice. I can see "you have it all together" by the looks of your blog!
    I'll be back to read more...
    Thank you again!
    Sandy
    http://thewondersofdoing.blogspot.com/

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  101. Thank you so much for the great blogging tips! I can use all the help I can get...just getting started and feel like there's so much to learn!
    Stacy

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  102. Thank you for your blogging tips. I love comments....we all do! I do notice I get more hits on my blog on days I comment on other blogs. I need to comment much more than I do!
    :)
    Amy

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  103. Love your tutorial...I made some changes and am now seeing my blog name below as my identity. YOU ROCK SISTA!!!

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  104. these are such great tips! i run an giveaway blog that is growing slow and steady, but am excited to put your oh-so-wise and seasoned expertise into action - thanks :)

    -- lanni at dandygiveaway.blogspot.com

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  105. Thanks for the tips! I'm starting a new blog and I hope you will drop by sometime! Thanks!

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  106. Comment love is always welcomed for sure! These tips are so cool - way to go! I am a new follower and am loving the site!

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  107. Thanks for these tips. They're really helpful and relevant. I love hearing "real world" tips from someone who's been there, done that. Thanks for sharing.

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  108. Hey there!

    I gave you a Sunshine Award! Thanks so much for sharing snippets of your life with us...

    http://sofiasideas.com/2010/06/21/and-the-sunshine-award-goes-to/

    Sofia

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  109. Thank you so much for this wonderful advice. I am new to blogging and this info is very relevant for me. This is actually my very *first* comment on another blog! (Got to do this more!)
    I also now need to change my comment format and see how it looks to others. Love that idea.
    Thanks, as always, for the inspiration!

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  110. Thank you so much for blogging about blogging!!!!
    Your advice as helped as I am new to the blogging world! Hope I get this comment entered correctly so that you can check out my site!
    I have you listed as a favorite, love your work so please keep it up!!!!

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  111. This post could not have come at a better time. I am just starting my blog (literally - I just completed my third post today) and I am hoping to start getting some readers so I appreciate reading all of your tips for bloggers. I have been reading blogs for a while but I am just now understanding how everything works. I enjoy reading your blog and have now become a follower! If you have a chance sometime come check out my blog. Thanks again!

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  112. thank you for the great advice and tips on blogging and becoming networked...I appreciate all the advice I can get:)) i love blogging.. i spend alot of time at Etsy and just now getting into all of this.. bus there are so many wonderful talented women out there.. it is just unbelievable!
    Very Inspiring !!
    Thanks again!
    Scarlett @ 3VintageHearts

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  113. Awesome tips!! I am definitely going to use some of those for my own blog!

    Love your blog!!

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  114. Great tips! I know commenting is important, and it's easy to just jump around from blog to blog gathering as many awesome ideas as possible in a short time. Thanks for the reminder!

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  115. Hi!
    I am in LURVE with my NEW miter box and little saw. I got these because you made it look so easy, and IT WAS!
    You should SEE my kitchen now. Before? boring 80 year old wood paneling, icky beige nastay carpet. NOW?
    Painted over with high gloss white, two walls fresh lemony yellow with ....
    WHITE MOLDING!
    It is soooo cool.
    I also (i can't believe i did this) SPRAYPAINTED a light fixture - a squarish carriage lamp hanging in my hallway. It was old bronzeish yuk. NOW?
    Hammered silver.
    WOOT!
    I then took off the hardware on the kitchen cabinets (old bronze w/black ... gunk?) and sprayed them too. SOOOOooo much better.

    YAY~!

    Hey, we have a new site if you're in the mood. THis coming week?
    It's GROSS STORIES FROM OUR LIVES week. heh heh.
    http://she-says.org/

    Thanks uber much for making my happy kitchen possible.

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  116. I was just feeling sorry for myself and my obscure blog when a friend sent me your way. And I am very glad she did! Your blog is amazing and I will be visiting often :)

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  117. Thank you so much for posting this! I absolutely love your blog and have been visiting for over a year now. You have absolutely inspired me to re-kindle the creative part of me that seemed to go dormant when I became a mommy (ahem - 13 years ago!) I am loving decorating my home now, thanks to you! This post was particularly helpful because I've just started my own blog and was wondering how you got so popular. Thanks for the tips! All my friends love you just as much as I do (I just had to share you!) Thank you so much for what you do!

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  118. I just jumped over from Serenity now's commenting series....I'm a new blogger & love all your blogger tips! I can only hope someday I'll have the problem of to many comments :) Thanks for sharing!

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If you have a specific question I will do my best to answer you back here!

You can find our paint colors and links to items at the "Our Home" tab at the top of my site.

THANKS so much for reading!