NOTE: This was originally written in 2015. Not a lot has changed, but social media preferences have changed over the years.
You started a blog. Congratulations, and I’m sorry. That is what we used to say to senior lifeguards who were promoted to Pool Manager for the first time. In other words, watch out for what you wish for, because you may just get it!
We start blogs for a thousand different reasons. Most of us want to write and share our life experiences. We embark on this world of blogging and suddenly we are overwhelmed with decisions: the blog’s theme, blog title, which social networks to use, when to post…the list can be endless.
I recently reached another milestone with over 700 followers on my blog. I debated about writing this post. After all, there are thousands of posts with great blogging advice and tips. This post will focus on the social side of blogging.
Promote your Blog with Social Networks that YOU Like
Can you sustain a blog without social networking? In my experience…No. But, there are new social networks being launched every day. Once you decide on a social network, don’t just use it to promote your posts. You can share other interesting content as well, and even share fellow bloggers’ posts you enjoy.
The conundrum: which social network to use?
Facebook, X (Twitter), Pinterest, and Instagram have been described as The Big Four of social networks. Others prefer LinkedIn, YouTube, and Snapchat. Threads and BlueSky are popular as well. WordPress bloggers can link directly to the social sharing buttons on their blog posts.
All can be used to bring more readers to your blog, and you can link these networks directly to your posts. Using social networks takes time and dedication, and there are tricks and apps for making them work.
I recently participated in WordPress’ Blogging 201. One assignment asked bloggers to pick a social network to help grow their blog. Many bloggers, new and veteran, shared that they were reluctant to start a Facebook page or did not understand Twitter (X). Some mentioned they were not planning to use images and therefore not interested in Pinterest or Instagram. Some bloggers chose not to use any social networks.
If you are still deciding, as you read some of your favorite bloggers’ posts, scan through their pages to see what social networks they use.
What works for me? Thank you for asking.
Facebook: I use Facebook for my blog, but through my feed only. Since my blog can be shared on Facebook, readers following through Facebook can easily access my posts.
BlueSky: BlueSky is newer to the blogging scene.
Link Parties and Blog Challenges
Participating in link-ups to other blogs can be a double-edged sword in terms of time consumption. But if you are trying to expand your readership, it is worth the time. Link-ups are an excellent way to meet other bloggers and bring more people to your blog.
Many link parties are set up to showcase blogs that get the most clicks or views as featured posts on the host’s blog for the week. If your blog is featured, participants returning for the next link party will see and likely read your post.
Blog challenges are more about sharing than competing. In other words, there are no winners or losers, just an opportunity to write and share a post related to the host’s theme. When you link to their post from yours, other bloggers may read yours as well, helping you to grow your blog.
Part of the charm of link-ups and challenges is the requirement to read and comment on other blogs that have joined the link-up. Commenting can take a little time, but who doesn’t love comments on their posts? Take the time to comment and even follow a new blog. The author may just return the favor.
And to think that all you wanted to do was write a simple blog. My blog has become my social network of choice and I have met hundreds of people, many of whom I now call friends. I prefer reading wonderful blogs to scrolling through endless, and sometimes silly, Facebook posts. Social networks have become my tool for expressing my love of blogging.
Do you use social networks to promote your blog? If so, which one(s) is your favorite? Do tell!
For more information on blogging, regardless of your level as a blogger or how many followers you have, take a moment to stop by these blogs, which offer a wealth of information.
Always Write: Marsha is a published author on Blogging and is close to launching The Quiet Power of Blogging in 2026. Please note her Blog Challenges page.
Hugh’s Views and News: Blogging Tips for WordPress Bloggers
Mostly Blogging: Janice’s entire blog is about how to blog.
All content on this blog is copyrighted. Please do not repost or reblog without my permission.
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