Blogwalking is an activity where you stop by other blogs with various specific purposes.
Usually blogwalking is done when looking for ideas....
"Blogwalking" is certainly no stranger to bloggers. However, did you know that blogwalking is actually a term that only exists in few countries? The term was derived from "blog" and "walking".
Well, regardless of the term, why is blogwalking itself important? Why do many bloggers do it?
In this article, we will discuss in detail the topic. Starting from the understanding, benefits and how to apply it. So, see first hand the full review below.
What is Blogwalking?
Blogwalking is an activity where you stop by other blogs with various specific purposes.
Usually blogwalking is done when bloggers are looking for ideas for content on their blog. However, blogwalking is often used as a way to socialize with other bloggers.
So, how do bloggers do this blogwalking activity?
First, they will visit various blogs according to their goals. To be precise, blogs with similar topics or a niche with their blogs. Plus, it has high popularity as a proof that the content on the blog attracts readers.
Second, bloggers will see useful articles and leave messages in the comments column. This step is certainly a way to build discussions with blog owners or other readers. In addition to getting new knowledge, they can expand networking among bloggers.
Then, what are the benefits of blogwalking?
5 Benefits of Blogwalking
The following are some of the benefits of blogwalking:
1. Expanding Networking
As we mentioned, blogwalking can be an opportunity to expand networking. Why is that?
Every time you give positive comments on other blogs, it shows a token of appreciation for the blog owner. Or, it can be used to ask further questions and build a discussion. Like this for example.
If there is further communication, then you have the opportunity to share ideas or information as fellow bloggers. In fact, it is possible, you can also share a link to your blog articles that discuss similar topics.
2. Get New Inspiration
Finding inspiration for your blog content can come from anywhere. Blogwalking, one of them.
When you stop by other blogs, you will get a lot of new information and inspiration from these blogs. Later, this inspiration can be a provision for creating further content.
Ideally, you visit blogs that are already successful or popular. Then, observe what topics they have discussed and how they present the content. Also, find out what is unique about their content that visitors like.
But remember, never do plagiarism, aka copy and paste from other content. Prioritise your professional attitude as a blogger. Make it a habit to include sources or references when you quote from other writings.
The authenticity of the content is very important. Because, if you plagiarise, you might be sued by the original content owner. In addition, Google also does not support content duplication. In fact, it can be even more difficult for you to get traffic because Google is lowering your blog's ranking in search engines.
3. Get Help from Other Bloggers
Most blogging activities are done alone. However, building good relationships with other bloggers is very important. One of the benefits is that you can get help when you have a problem. Either technical or non-technical constraints.
For example, when you have problems updating a new version of WordPress. It could be, this problem has also been experienced by other bloggers. By asking them, you can get a solution how to solve it.
You can also get help in the form of collaboration. For example, you plan to make content that is challenging enough that it is impossible to do it alone. Well, you can ask for help from your blogger friends. Either by sharing, or even being a collaborative partner in the content.
4. As an Evaluation Material
Blogwalking can also be a material to evaluate the quality of your current blog. This means that you can get comparisons from blogs that are already successful.
The more often you visit other blogs, the more references you will get. So, it's getting easier to find out what your blog lacks and which parts you need to improve.
Evaluation can include a variety of things. Starting from topic selection, mastery of the material, how to communicate, language style, presenting images on your blog.
5. Promote Your Blog
In addition to expanding the social sphere among bloggers, blogwalking can also be a place to promote your blog.
But remember, you can't just leave your blog link in the comments column. This step will be considered spam and less elegant. Maybe the desire for promotion through backlinks will actually have a bad impact. (We'll explain more in the Increase Traffic section).
So, how do you promote a blog through blogwalking?
Like the first point above, start first with the intention of building networking. Then, make helpful comments frequently. If you have found an opportunity for promotion, leave a link from your blog according to the topic discussed.
3+ Tips for Doing the Right Blogwalking
Blogwalking has its own way and ethic. If you do it wrong, the results will be ineffective. So you need to know what the right blogwalking tips are. What are the tips?
1. Look for blogs with the same niche
One of the most effective blogwalking tips is to start with a blog that fits your niche. If you are a beauty blogger, prioritise blog walking to blogs with the beauty niche.
Why is this step important? Because, you can easily share links if they are relevant to the topics discussed.
It would be great if you visit blogs that are already popular. The reason is, the information provided is definitely useful. You can even get inspired to create content for your blog.
In addition, the blog must already have a lot of readers. So, when you leave a comment, the more likely it is that other visitors will read it.
2. Give Relevant Comments
The next blogwalking tip is to provide good comments according to the topic. This is important to prevent you from posting spam comments . How to?
For example, don't just comment: "the content is great, bro " or " so cool " . The reason is, the comments are too general and underweight. If there is an important point in a useful article, point it out in your comments.
If necessary, give praise to the author first as a token of your appreciation before commenting. Therefore, make sure you have read the content and understand it well.
In addition to commenting on the articles you are reading, you can submit questions for discussion. If relevant, your comments may get responses from blog owners or other visitors.
3. Study Their Content
In addition to reading articles and providing comments, you can learn the structure of the content when blogwalking. Especially, on blogs that are already popular.
You can see what topics are covered and how information is provided in each article. If several keywords are used, write them down for you to learn more.
Then, find out what media are included in each article to help readers understand. Is there an interesting picture, or video inserted?
In addition, also pay attention to the frequency of updating their content. Is posting weekly or monthly? This will give you information on how to best organise your content for success.
4. Use the Gravatar (An Avatar)
A gravatar is a profile photo that shows your online identity. This gravatar will also appear when you comment on various blogs while blogwalking. So, choose the best photo to show a professional impression.
This is often ignored by many bloggers. They seldom attach a gravatar with a suitable personal photo. In fact, gravatar can help blogger owners or visitors recognize you.
Moreover, if the goal is blog promotion, using gravatar can further increase your personal brand awareness.
Is it true that Blogwalking Can Increase Traffic?
One of the reasons for doing blogwalking is to promote the blog. The trick, by leaving a link when commenting on other blogs. The goal is to invite visitors to your blog.
However, if this method can directly increase the traffic to your blog?
If the link that you share is relevant, your traffic can increase. Therefore, do regular blogwalking and leave weighty comments on various popular blogs.
On the other hand, getting backlinks from big blogs can show your blog is quality. This is essential for SEO efforts. The reason is, Google could just increase your ranking in search engines. The top position of search results certainly attracts more visitors, right?
However, there is an important note. If the blogs you visit apply nofollow to their comments, this will not be recorded as an SEO advantage. This is because search engines do not follow links that you place on other blogs.
Not only that, if all you do blogwalking is just leaving spam comments, you will not get the benefit of increasing traffic. In fact, it can get a penalty from Google.
Come on, Bloggers Do Blogwalking Now!
Blogwalking is a useful activity. You can make it a strategy to get new inspiration, expand networking, and do blog promotion.
There are various tips that you can do to make your blogwalking effective. Starting from choosing the same blog niche, sharing relevant comments, to using gravatar for personal branding purposes .
If done correctly, your blog traffic can increase and your networking with the blogger community can be better.
Hopefully this information is useful and happy blogwalking!
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