When blogging, I often reread what Google includes in their Webmaster tools If you haven’t discovered it yet, it’s a wonderful resource for anyone who has a blog or website.
Two of their statements made me contemplate how I blog.
Participate in forums related to your blog topic. Many let you include your URL link in your automatic signature.
Contribute to web forums devoted to your subject matter
When reading blogging tips, I also see bloggers expand on this by saying “stick with those blogs in the same niche as us”. That way we may get reputable links back to us which confirm to Google, we too, are “worthy”, thus possibly increasing our page rank.
I get that.
Today’s Lesson
But, what fun is that?
I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to read blogs in my niche all day long. For me, there’s more to my life than just “blogging”.
I like to visit blogs that help me grow as a person, sites which teach, show beautiful art or photography, share stories that make me laugh, share stories that make me cry, plus much more.
For example,
Nearly every Sunday you’ll find me visiting Lance at Jungle of Life. He finds fabulous quotes and then adds awesome photos to accompany them. It’s a great way to start the week; with a positive uplifting message.
Keith Davis writes about public speaking, and even though I’m not into public speaking nor think I’ll ever need the information, because I like to learn more about different topics, I’ll read his writings.
Many of you know Michigan is my home state, and when Betsy of Passing Thru shares stories of her travels to Michigan, I’m there; taking it all in.
For a laugh or a brain teaser, I love to check out Junk Drawer Kathy’s posts on ““What’s That Wednesday” So far I haven’t guessed any of them, but it’s still fun to try.
Sara Healy always makes “Picture Story” posts fun by sharing a photo and inviting her readers to imagine what might be happening or contribute their experiences. Those are always a blast for me as I get to be goofy or am reminded of days gone by.
I’ve been following Silly Girl’s blog for quite some time now. She is a recovering anorexic. Eating disorders have never plagued me, but once I started reading her blog, her stories captured me to the extent I now not only follow her progress to recovery, buy enjoy keeping up on her life, as well.
And Hilary. Each post of hers is like a mini history lesson. I’ve learned more from her blog than I learned from all of the history classes I took in school.
So where am I going with this?
I’m not saying we shouldn’t visit and comment on blogs in our niche, but by expanding my horizons I’ve found I have not only learned more about other topics and have grown as a person, and in the process have met dozens of awesome bloggers.
As I was responding to a comment by Kaye Tench on the “The Secret That Keeps Us Blogging” post, I was also reminded of how when we meet and get to know other bloggers and learn what they do, not only do we get a feel for their capabilities, but we often become their biggest supporters when they launch a new site, product or ebook. And they, for us.
To me, that’s a win-win.
Today’s Assignment
What about you?
Do you take Google’s advice and only stick with blogs and/or forums in your niche?
Or do you frequent blogs that challenge you, surprise you, or help you in other ways?
.
P.S. When commenting, if you’d like to add links to blogs which have become your favorites, please feel free to do so. However, keep in mind, adding links may throw your comment into moderation, so be patient as I dig them out.





Hi. I'm Barbara Swafford & I'd like to welcome you to Blogging Without A Blog. Grab a seat, share your thoughts and join in the conversation. 


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