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6 Tips for Growing Your DIY Blog and Increasing Traffic

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The Girl Creative has been my “baby” since 2009 but I started blogging long before then. I am not an expert and I don’t have all the answers or know every secret to growing your blog but I’ve learned a few things this past year and have come up with this list of 6 Tips for Growing Your DIY Blog and Increasing Traffic. This post is not the end all in growing your blog and I’m sure there are many other ways. These are just some things that have worked for me and I wanted to share the wealth! Holla!

6-Tips-for-Growing-Your-DIY-Blog and Increasing Traffic

1. Join GROUP Boards on Pinterest

Join Group Boards on Pinterest to help grow your blog.

This alone has seriously helped grow my blog tons! In case you are wondering,  group boards on Pinterest are boards that belong to one main person but have numerous contributors who pin to it. Joining group boards is by invitation only and not all group boards are open to just anyone. You will know if the board is open to new pinners by what’s in the description. Many will give group rules along with what you need to do to score an invite.  The benefit of belonging to a group board is that the number of followers is higher so that means more exposure. Not all group boards have a huge following, but there are a lot that do. To find group boards to apply to, look through some of your favorite bloggers boards and see which ones have a little grey icon that looks like a group of people. Those are group boards. Read the description and see how you can apply to become a contributor.

 

2. Be Active on Social Media.

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If you have a blog, then you should definitely be active on Pinterest, Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Stumble Upon and Instagram. It’s best to focus on one or 2 social media sites and really work those. If I had to narrow down which 2 to focus on it would be Pinterest and Google+. That is just my opinion. Pinterest is hands down my number one referrer. It has changed blogging altogether (for the good and bad – but that’s another post!) This not to say that you shouldn’t promote your content all over the place but if you are going to invest any time online, focus on 2. Promote yourself AND promote others!!! Promoting others will take you a long way!

3. Use a Pin Scheduling Service

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I personally belong to Ahalogy. The people who run this site are AMAZING! They have done. their. homework. and know when the best time to PIN is. Ahalogy allows you to schedule pins from your site and from other sites and it will automatically pin during peak times on Pinterest. You will see your rate of repins increase by using an auto scheduler. Seriously, you will. Combine #2 and #3 and you will see an increase in traffic, I promise you. Another pin scheduling service is Viral Tag. I don’t have any personal experience with it but have heard good things about it.

4. Join/Start a Tribe

6-TIPS-TRIBES

Don’t get all “Uh, but I’m not an American Indian”on me . That’s not what I mean by “tribe”. (he he he) A tribe is a group of like bloggers who are committed to supporting and promoting each others blogs. Imagine how far your reach will go when you aren’t just promoting yourself but other bloggers are promoting you too! There is strength in numbers! In my experience, smaller tribes work better. Get yourself a group of anywhere from 5-12 bloggy friends start a tribe. Facebook and Google+ groups are great places to set one up. You decide together how your tribe will work. Will you have one thread each week to put links to your blog posts/pins that you’d like promoted? Will you have one thread each day dedicated to a different form of social media? Once you have your gaggle of girls together, work out the details and come up with something that works for you. A tribe is not just great for cross-promoting but it’s an awesome place to bounce ideas off each other and just to be supportive of this crazy thing we call blogging.

5. Content, Content, Content – Photography, Photography, Photography

6-TIPS-CONTENT-PHOTOGRAPHY

If you build it, they will come. Or rather, if you build it AND take great photos, they will come. In the Pinterest age we are living in, you need to be able to take a decent photo. My photography has improved a ton since I first started blogging. I bought myself a DSLR camera last year and started reading tutorials on how to stop shooting in Auto and use Manual mode instead. That has been a big game changer for me. What also has been HUGE in improving my photos is shooting in natural light as opposed to using a flash. I don’t have a photo studio. Heck, I don’t even have one of those fancy light boxes to set my projects up in. This girl just sets up some foam board on her kitchen or living room floor next to the window or back door and snaps away. I do edit my photos but boy, shooting in natural light has made a big difference. Now, don’t get discouraged if you don’t have a DSLR camera. You can still take fantastic photos using your point and shoot camera (even your smartphone if you have one!!) just by shooting in natural light and ditching the flash. With that said, I have seen some “so so” photos go VIRAL on Pinterest because the content was just that good! So if nothing else, keep creating awesome content. Awesome content + great photos is the recipe for success.

6. Join Facebook/Google+ Share/Support Groups

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Dude. Up until last year some time, I had NO idea that there was such a thing as share/support groups for DIY bloggers. NO clue. Then one day I got invited to a DIY support group and was UH-MAZED at how many bloggers I recognized. Since then, I’ve seen groups pop up all over the place on Facebook and G+ serving different purposes. If you’re doing a roundup post and are looking for content to include, there’s a group for that. Want help promoting a particular blog post/PIN, there’s a group for that. Heard about Stumble Upon but not sure exactly how it works, there’s a group for that. It’s just amazing! This little piggy over here co-owns a GREAT group on Facebook called Blog it Forward and we’d love for you to join! Click HERE to join!

Now, if you always wanted to know how to make money blogging and how to get in on these sponsored posts you see all over blog land, Tara from A Spectacled Owl just wrote an amazing article, 70+ Media Companies and Networks for Bloggers that you will want to check out!

I hope you found this post helpful. If you enjoyed this post, please share.

 

Comments

  5. Corinna - For My Love Of says

    Do you (or anyone) have specific advise for trying to reach out to similar bloggers in regards to the "tribe" aspect? Ive been turned down, like a lot, and it's pretty discouraging. I dont stink or bite and i dont think i suck. So, hopefully I'm doing it wrong and would love specific advise in that category!
    Reply

    • Diana says

      Hey Corinna!! I just checked out your blog and it's great!!! I'm not sure which bloggers you've reached out to or if they are ones that you've been actively following (like regular commenting, sharing their stuff on social media, etc.) but my advice would be to reach out to some of those who you admire and who maybe have a similar following as you do. Being active in FB groups is a great way to get to know others and for other bloggers to get to know you. If you haven't already, click the link in this post to join my Blog it Forward group. Friend request me on Facebook (Diana Mauro Miller) and I will look through my groups and see which ones I can add you to. :) Hang in there!!!! XOXO Also, request invites to my Pinterest boards - pinning to those will help with getting your name out there. :)
      Reply

    • Stacy W. says

      Hi Corinna! Have you had any luck with forming/joining a tribe? I was just about to ask the same question when I saw yours. Diana, I would love to be connected with your Facebook groups and Pinterest boards as well! May I send you a friend request? Thank you for this helpful advice! Stacy @Anastasia Vintage http:// anastasiavintagehome.blogspot.com
      Reply

  12. [email protected] says

    So, I found you through google+ which is something I just joined less than 2 weeks ago. It's fun but keep trying to remember to do more with it. I try to add my post a little and share a lot. Hope it works pretty much the same as FB. Am I right? Would you add me to your Pinterest boards, where you think applicable? I love Pinterest, but never thought of a scheduler and for so long I thought that if I just posted a pic once or twice, that was it. I am trying to do more frequently now. And I have been invited to recipe boards, but my blog covers a few topics so unsure where to go: home decorating/diy/parties/entertaining/chocolateanything/family/etc. Thanks so much!!!! I am definitely sharing/pinning now. Great to meet you. I'll follow your social media now, too.
    Reply

    • Diana says

      Hi Dana!! Yay! My first G+ referral!! Woo hoo!!! I added your email to my Google doc and will add you to some group boards this week. :) There is so much to know about blogging and social media- you'd be amazed! I'd love to help out where I can. Just let me know!! XOXO
      Reply

  13. Natalie Mitts says

    These tips are great! Thank you so much! I just started a blog (THIS WEEK!) and I've got lots to work on now. I wondered if there were certain peak times on pinterest and I had no idea that you could sign up for a scheduling service!
    Reply

    • Diana says

      Congratulations on starting your blog, Natalie!! Please let me know if you have any questions. I'd love to help and get you going with blogging and social media and all that fun stuff!! :) XO
      Reply

  14. Stefanie says

    Hi Diana! I came across your post on Lil' Luna's link party and am SO thankful.! Such great tips and I love your encouragement & support of fellow bloggers. Excited to explore group boards on Pinterest and really appreciate the opportunity you extended. Will for sure be in touch and hope you have a wonderful weekend!
    Reply

    • Diana says

      Hey Stefanie!! I'm so you found me! :) You have such a cute blog! I look forward to adding you to my group boards on Pinterest. :) XOXO
      Reply

  15. Waheeda Mahomed says

    Thanks so much for this lovely, well-organised post. The tips make a lot of sense. I'm new to blogging (how much longer will I be able to say that and get away with it?) and really need this ... First of all, I'm bookmarking this page! Then I'm going to incorporate 1 tip at a time. Wish me luck :-)
    Reply

  17. cathy says

    Diana! What a great, great post! I am fairly new to the blogging world and there is so much to soak in! Thanks for letting me add my email to the Pinterest group board! Whoo Hoo, very exciting! :-) Cathy
    Reply

  18. anna says

    I tried to join your group on facebook, but it said that it was a closed group and there wasn't a spot to request to join. How would I go about joining? Thanks!
    Reply

  19. Danielle says

    Thank you for the helpful information I found you via Pinterest! I am new to the blog world and it is a little overwhelming! But your tips are very helpful! I would love to be added to your DIY Pinterest group boards!
    Reply

    • Diana says

      Hey Danielle!! I tried to add you to the DIY Projects board but it doesn't look like you are following me on Pinterst yet. Pinterest won't allow me to send an invite to anyone who isn't following me. Boo. Here's a link to my Pinterst profile: http://www.pinterest.com/thegirlcreative
      Reply

  20. Kate Williams says

    Hi Diana, u just found this through Pinterest and honestly it's the most useful thing I've read on blogging in ages :) I've seen loads of advice for parent bloggers but I can't ever seem to find anything for people who do crafts / DIY. I can't open your google doc but if you could add me to your DIY projects board I'd really appreciate it, I'll also be checking out that Facebook group :) thank you!
    Reply

  21. Keitha The Bajan Texan says

    Thank u so much for this! I have read many of these tip posts but this one is the best. The advice actually has practical tips, thank u so much. I tried to add myself to the google document but couldnt :(
    Reply

  22. Alice @ Mums Make Lists says

    Great post Diana - I think you're so right about tribes. Even with lots of interaction on social media it's easy to get lost in your own world ... if nothing else having people you absolutely trust to bounce ideas off is brilliant. I have a whole bunch of group boards covering blogging, home and food which you'd be very welcome to join.
    Reply

  25. keitha (The Bajan Texan) says

    Excellent post! There are so many grow your followers posts out there but this is the only one I've found where you have actually given practical tips not just abstract concepts. Thank you so much for the links etc. I would love to join all your pinterest collaborative boards :) [email protected] http://www.pinterest.com/bajantexan/
    Reply

    • Diana says

      Thanks so much!! I'm very VERY forgetful, so if you could add your email address to the Google Document (link is in the post) I will add you to the group boards from there. :) XOXO
      Reply

  26. Laura says

    These are all fantastic tips, Diana! Some of these I am already doing and some I really need to work on. After attending Snap my mind is reeling with all the things I want to do with my blog. And you hit on many of the key points.
    Reply

    • Diana says

      I tried to add you to the DIY Projects board but it doesn’t look like you are following me on Pinterst yet. Pinterest won’t allow me to send an invite to anyone who isn’t following me. Boo. Here’s a link to my Pinterst profile: http://www.pinterest.com/thegirlcreative
      Reply

  28. Medea Karr says

    Hi Diana! I am a nurse practitioner specializing in fibromyalgia and chronic pain and I've recently started FB and pinterest pages focused on helpful tips for people with these conditions. I post information on healthy eating, exercise, and managing chronic illness. So many bloggers and work at home folks are venturing into online careers because their medical conditions have forced them out of their 9-5 careers, myself included, and I'd like to be able to reach more of this demographic. I'm still REALLY new to blogging but my goal is to have 50% of my practice be online consulting in a few years. So I'd love to join your group, and please pass my info along to anyone you know who is struggling with chronic pain. My sites are strictly educational and medically focused, I'm not trying to scam anyone into buying crazy products :-) Thank you so much for the informative article! Medea Karr FNP (like or follow on FB or Pinterest) www.medeakarrfnp.com
    Reply

  29. Ashley @ LeavingTheRut says

    Thanks for all the tips Diana!! I just started blogging recently and really attempting to to drive traffic this week. I found your post from the Whimsy Wednesday link party. I have been doing those regularly but this week my focus is going to be really figuring out Pinterest. I have been on there for a few years personally but I am going to start working on using it to increase traffic. I think your tips a going to be my starting point. :) I would love it if you would stop by my blog and take a look. Thanks again for all the tips!! Ashley @ LeavingTheRut.com
    Reply

  36. Tara says

    Great post! Thanks for all the info. I have only been blogging for a few months now and there is so much to learn. It can really be discouraging at times. I would love to be a part of your groups if you will have me :) Also thanks for featuring my crate coffee table at your last link party! So exciting!
    Reply

  37. Carrie @ Kenarry: Ideas for the Home says

    Great post, Diana! I just recently started joining group boards on Pinterest and am already seeing the benefit. I added my Pinterest e-mail address to your spreadsheet so I can start pinning with you. I'll definitely be looking into Ahalogy too. I couldn't tell from their website about the cost? If you don't mind, can you e-mail me about it if you're not comfortable sharing in a comment reply? Thank you for sharing these excellent tips. I pinned and stumbled them.
    Reply

    • Diana says

      Aww so glad I could help! Don't forget to join the Facebook group. I will look for your application and approve it right away. :) XO
      Reply

  42. Aunesty Janssen says

    Hi Diana, I went to ask to be invited to your Group Boards, but it says not to add anything below the red line... so does that mean you are no longer accepting invitations? Also, I have a couple group boards that I am looking for more editors on: http://www.pinterest.com/homeketeers/kids-parenting/ http://www.pinterest.com/homeketeers/the-wedding-board/
    Reply

    • Diana says

      Hi there! I just need some time to play catch up. :) I will open the boards up again soon. Shoot me an email so that I can remind you. :) XO
      Reply

  43. Lynnie says

    Hi, great information! I would love to join some of your Pinterest group boards but I couldn't sign up using the document you provided. How can I join? Hugs, Lynnie
    Reply

  44. Becky McCraney says

    Wow! Thank you! This has helped a lot! I have owned a retail Christmas Store, Miss Cayce's Christmas Store, Midland Texas, with my sister for the last 30 years! We entered the blogging world several years ago but feel like we are stuck? Your suggestions make since so we will give them a go! Would love to work with you! My sister will reach out and see if we can help you too! Becky http://www.CayceChristmasStore.com
    Reply

  45. Kristin says

    Great post! I also just requested an add to your FB group. I'm not a DIY blogger but I have a category on my popular travel website for DIY projects and I am looking for ways to network and collaborate with DIY bloggers interested in guest-posting and cross-promoting their work to a new audience (I'm in a million travel blogger groups but have no idea how to approach the DIY world). If you have any ideas for me, I'd love to hear them!
    Reply

  46. Kim~madeinaday says

    I would love to join your Pinterest group boards... DIY Projects, Inspiring DIY and Recipe Box. Your Google doc is full. So I thought I would just comment. This email is for my Pinterest account. Kim
    Reply

  47. natalie aka hungryhippie says

    I feel dumb, I didn't even KNOW there were "groups" on Pinterest ....I just requested to join your blog it forward group, and did click the from to fill out but it said I need permission first..... This is such a great collection of tips, I'm going to read and re-read and get cracking! :D Thanks again, your site is looking so wonderful and eye popping....and I've been following you since 2009. XOXO
    Reply

  48. Havalah says

    Ok, I recently have been wanting to help our blog grow and I had no idea about facebook groups. I tried to join the one you listed but it wouldn't let me fill out the application. Also how does one go about finding other groups? I feel so clueless.
    Reply

  49. Alana Satterly says

    Hi, I Just requested to join the Facebook group and it said I needed to fill out an application. I clicked on it and the firm was not there. I am on a mobile device, would that matter? Thank you for this great post!
    Reply

  51. Kelly says

    Thanks so much for the info, I'm trying to put more effort into getting my blog out there but I have so much to learn yet. I just asked to join your Facebook group so I'm hoping that will help. http://decoratingsolutions2u.blogspot.com/2014/08/things.html
    Reply

  55. Alicia Yeh says

    Hi there, This post is so informative! Thanks for sharing your wisdom :) I just started blogging- actually, I'll be launching my blog April 1st, 2015. I'll attempt to apply what I've learned in this post for some blogging success of my own. Cheers! -Alicia
    Reply

  56. Ophelie Lechat says

    Great list! Thank you so much for putting it together. I work in web publishing (in a very different niche!) but am just starting out in DIY blogging, and am astonished at how different this landscape is. I notice you don't mention search engines at all. Is SEO something you actively work on? I actually found your site via a Google search, so you must be doing something right :)
    Reply

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