Oftentimes, bloggers don’t link to other sites, as they fear their readers may like the “other” site better, and they may lose a regular reader.
Some bloggers won’t link to other sites, due to page rank…but that’s another story…….
Today’s Lesson
When I first started blogging, my second post was named “Give Credit Where Credit Is Due”.
In that post, I provide links to seven sites that I had found helpful, and/or the authors provided free themes, which I utilized.
I wanted to do a “public thank you” in an effort to show my appreciation.
Did some of my readers leave me? I have no way of knowing.
However, if I can provide a reader with a link to the information they are looking for, than I did a good thing. My blog served it’s purpose.
If a reader comes to your site regularly, or subscribes in a reader, they are doing so because they enjoy your content.
Providing links to sites that “compliment” yours, is a way of sharing more with your readers.
Your Blogroll is another method of sharing links to favorite sites.
Today’s Assignment
Do you provide links to other sites in your blog, or posts?
Are you worried that some readers may leave or unsubscribe to your blog, because they like another site better?
Have you ever written a “public thank you”, for those who have helped you along the way?
How do you show your gratitude to those who have helped you, on the road to blogging?
Hi Barbara – I like to provide links on my blogroll and also in some of my posts. But as you know I’ve not posted much recently due to illness.
But, I’m never worried that people will leave my site. They can’t stay forever, and I think it helps to create a sense of community when you link out to stuff you like reading yourself. Often your readers will enjoy the blogs you enjoy reading too, so it’s a great way to share.
Barbara,
For me, it’s just common sense politeness to signpost people to stuff you think will be useful.
And you can mix it in with real-world experiences too.
For example I had a fascinating chat with a fellow member of a networking group. He markets property abroad which his company or others develop.
I was enthralled so decided to write an article on our blog about how possible it would be to actually work remotely attached to your office.
And I asked him for photos and links to his various sites.
If I hadn’t linked or referred, it just wouldn’t have had the same effect. I positively want people to leave our site and gain something from anything said there if it helped or inspired them in any way.
So I wholeheartedly recommend linking to others.
Catherine & Ian
Isn’t it great to be able to share with your readers, that which you enjoy, whether it is another blog, great website, book, etc…
I think that is one of the greatest things about blogging…the ability to share….in our posts, links and/or blogroll.
By recommending sites to others, I think you can gain credibility as a great site….all the more reason for visitors to return…to find out who your next “great read” may be.
Kudos to both of you for sharing your favorites sites with others.