When I first started this blog, I wanted it to be a place where I could share my thoughts but also a place where it felt like there was a community. It took me awhile to figure this out, but you can’t just wish for a community on your blog. Just like most things, you have to work to build it – and then to maintain it. If I had to pinpoint one thing that has helped me the most to build that community, it is without a doubt my blogger tribe.
Tribe, n. “a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect.”
Well, that sure sounds about right. My blogger tribe consists of fitness nuts (mostly runners) who understand exactly what I mean when I type: “UGH – I freaking hate hill repeats with a passion, but if they get me to a PR in my next 10k, then I will take back all my whining.” They can commiserate about ice baths, long runs AND page views. We run in many of the same blogging “circles” and check in with each other regularly.
my tribe!
How can you create your own tribe? Start by engaging with your readers. Respond to comments (and if you aren’t getting comments, read this post), go read others’ blogs, follow your readers on twitter, facebook, etc. Yes, it’s work, but through this process you are bound to find a few folks who you connect with. Keep at it. Once Cynthia and I discovered we were local and both interested in barre classes, we decided to meet up for a workout. Then when I decided I wanted to host a weekly link up (PS, you should link up with us every Friday!), Mar and Cynthia were both interested and we became the DC Trifecta. Now, Mar and I are training for Shamrock Marathon together, all three of us are Zooma Annapolis Ambassadors this year (read more about that here) and I truly can’t imagine my blogging world without these gals.
Your tribe need not be huge. In fact, if it’s small, then it’s easier to really develop those relationships. I have a number of blogs I read regularly – but you’d better believe I’m hitting up Mar and Cynthia‘s blogs to show support (and lend page views). Not because I feel obligated, not because they expect me to. But because they are my blogging tribe and they rock!
Who’s in your blogging “tribe?”
Awww, love it! So great to have a “tribe”!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…How Ya Like Me Now?
WORD. 🙂 it makes it all so much better!
That’s great to have a core group of readers/supporters and to have that relationship. I’m hoping to build that too!
PS: i’m hosting a giveaway tomorrow and don’t know how I will fit that into a Friday five. I’ll try though. If I don’t i’ll definitely catch up with you ladies the following week!
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Runners Re-organize!
Oooh sounds exciting!! Can’t wait to check out your giveaway! 🙂
I love, love, love this!! So honored to be a part of your “tribe” !! See you tonight at track, right? 😉
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Give Me a Beat: Playlist Linkup!!
yes ma’am! see you tonight! 🙂
Ok, when can I do a meetup with the 3 of you??!
yes, please!!! and BEFORE zooma too 🙂
pick a date, Sue!!!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Give Me a Beat: Playlist Linkup!!
Love this! I’ve found a couple of “kindred spirits” through blogging too! Great advice!
April recently posted…Pre-Race Jitters
The Shamrock Marathon is in my town! I’m not running it this year, but I’m trying to persuade my brother to come down from DC to run it, so we can hang out. =D
I’m not sure about my “tribe.” I think that’s something I still need to work on, definitely.
Elisebet F recently posted…Review: Armpocket Ultimate Armband
I have a few people who comment regularly and I try to reply to them if there are questions. Maybe I need to work more at replying to all comments? I do feel the bloggger community is very special, especially the running blogs. Mine is more “lifestyle” but I still feel completely supported by the community.
Betsy recently posted…WW: Lost
I think you are doing a great job, Betsy!
This is so awesome, I actually follow all three of you and love that you are all close!! I don’t have a tribe yet, I’m still only a few months into blogging and trying to get a handle on everything still! You ladies rock!
Sara @ lifebetweenthemiles recently posted…Sisterhood of the…..World Bloggers Award!!
Thanks Sara — it took me quite awhile to feel like I had a hang on things 🙂
I have said it before and I will say it again … I love when you post about blogging. So many of your suggestions have made my blogging easier and I have “met” some amazing folks along the way because of that. 🙂
Anita recently posted…Review – Vega One Making #OneChange
Aw, thanks Anita — I love “meeting” folks through blogging — it’s one of my favorite things about it!
Great post!
Amy @ Will Run For Ice Cream recently posted…No One Said Post-Recovery Would Be Easy, Or Fun, And Definitely Not Fast
You guys have a great community! I love how supportive you all are!
Lindsey recently posted…Week 11 Update
Love this!! I need to build my tribe! How do I join the link up? I’ve never done one!
Niki recently posted…wallflower
Hi Niki — just come back here on Friday and there will be a link to click to link up your Friday Five post 🙂
Fellow SPA thank you for this. I am just about a year into blogging and trying to find my tribe :).