Wasn’t me who said I’m currently unable to revisit Darren Rowse’s 31 Days to Build a Better Blog while also reflecting on Steve Dembo’s 30 Days to Being A Better Blogger!
Course I’m able! Simple… I will write posts about each task on this blog but based on my interpretation of what’s 31 Days 8) .
Using Email For Relationship Building
The first task of the 31 Days Project is to email a new reader of your blog.
Why? Helps build relationships while demonstrating you’re grateful they’ve taken the time to comment. Writing comments and engaging in conversations on posts is intimidating for many readers. Yet readers’ comments are where so much of the learning happens for edubloggers.
Would I recommend that edubloggers make a practice of emailing at least one new reader a day? Your decision. There’s pros and cons.
What I can say is bloggers such as Beth Kanter, a non-profit blogger, and Larry Ferlazzo often respond to comments, to both new and old time readers, by sending an email. Being on the receiving end of their emails definitely makes me feel valued.
If you do respond to comments by email I also recommend leaving a comment to the reader on your own post. This demonstrates to all readers that you both read their comments and value their input.
Tip For Email Response
An easy method is to use the comment notification email:
- Click on reply
- Replace your email in To: field with their email address
- Remove the text at the bottom of the comment
- Write your response or thanks above the original comment notification text
Besides being an effective method of responding it also provides the reader with reference to their comment and gives context to the email.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Thanks to Lisa Dick’s coordination, there is now 15 bloggers working together on the 31 Day Challenge. Would love for you to join us – leave a comment if you’re interested. And if you like you can bend the space-time continuum like me to interpret 31 Days as……
What are your thoughts? Do you email readers? What do you see as the pros and cons?
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