As I have said many times before, blogging is all about community and connection, which is what makes it so beautiful and fun. Just like most things in life, the blogging community has a few unsaid “rules” to it to help it stay a community focused on the positives.
Today, I’m chatting with you all about blogger to blogger etiquette: the dos and don’ts. While sure, there may be no set “rules” to blogging, there are a few set courtesies that everyone should already know. Over the past couple of weeks I have noticed that there are some blogger’s who either ignore these courtesies or really have no knowledge of them. It’s been shocking to me as I thought these common courtesies would be common sense, but nowadays, sometimes you just never know.
I believe in the power that blogging has to reach people. I think bloggers have a very special gift to be able to form connections with many just over their writing, stories, and openness. I never want to see the power that blogging has to diminish in any way. In order to secure the future of blogging, us bloggers today need to continue to pave the way of politeness and kindness (just like those before us) to keep this blogging world a place of community.
[bctt tweet=”Let’s continue on with politeness and kindness, so that the blogging community will never diminish.” username=”SummerTelban”]
As I get into the dos and don’ts of blogging etiquette, I just want to remind you to go into these lists with an open mind and open heart. We all are constantly growing and becoming better versions of ourselves, and sometimes to grow it’s necessary to get back to the basics, such as these. As we dive in, I want to start with “the don’ts” so we can end on a more positive and light note with “the dos”. There’ll also be some some added bits of knowledge from some of my blogging friends!
BLOGGER TO BLOGGER ETIQUETTE – THE DON’TS:
1. Don’t Comment On A Post If Your Intent Is Negative //
- “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.” – Whatever happened this golden rule? Why is it so easily forgotten? It saddens me to explain how many times I have seen other bloggers tearing fellow bloggers down in their blog comments. Listen, there is a difference between letting your opinion be heard while being respectful of others and completely bashing someone else’s view or experience with something. Share your differing opinion, but only when you’re going to display it in a mature manner. Also, learn how to discern when and when not to comment. Not everything requires your comment, and learning that shows maturity.
- Do NOT point out that a post is sponsored. It should already be clear by the disclaimer in their post that it’s sponsored, and they don’t need you echoing it even further.
- Do NOT comment on a blog post that is sponsored by a product you dislike. I thought this would be a common sense common courtesy thing with us bloggers, but wow, was I wrong! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten a comment on sponsored post from a fellow blogger and they literally just tore up the brand I was working with. Really? Just don’t. Just don’t.
- “Don’t read half of a blogger’s post and jump to the comments and “disagree” with them when you totally skipped over half of the post.” – Kristin, The Peculiar Treasure
2. Don’t Leave A Link To Your Blog At The End Of Your Comment If… //
- You only left a comment like “Love this!” or “Great post!”
- You only left a comment that had nothing to do with the original purpose of the post topic.
- Let’s be honest: You didn’t read the entire post and you only skimmed it.
*The only time you should ever leave a link to your blog at the end of your comment is if you’d truly and genuinely would like to connect further with that blogger. Let’s be real bloggers, we all know when a comment is genuine or written to just say they commented. Be real!
3. Don’t Ask For Follows (Or Expect A Follow) On Social Media //
I have already covered about why the whole “follow for follow” trend is only a method that is stunting your growth. It’s only temporary and it’s inauthentic. The whole point of social media is to be social, right? So, don’t you want to follow people who you literally are interested in following? Don’t you want people to follow you because they’re genuinely interested in following you? If your answer if no and you only want the numbers, then I’m glad to be the one to break it to you that social media is not for you. If your answer is yes, then strive for cultivating a real community, not one that’s built up on fake numbers.
If you follow someone and you love their content, but they don’t follow you back, guess what? That’s okay! No need to unfollow them because they don’t return the follow. There’s no need to unfollow and then keep following them, just so you can try and get their attention. If you really like their work, it shouldn’t bother you whether they follow you or not.
4. Don’t Steal Other Blogger’s Work //
Here’s another one you’d think would just be common sense not to do, but sadly I have seen bloggers copy other blogger’s work and have ripped off some of my own before. It’s not just rude…it’s plain wrong. And don’t think that people aren’t aware of it, because let me tell you, people notice.
Being inspired by a fellow blogger’s post can also stealing their work, too. It’s one thing if you give a shout-out on how your post was inspired by someone else’s (and link to theirs) or if you put a completely different spin on the post. But if you literally take the title of the post and the majority of the points expressed in the post, then guess what? You’re stealing, not being inspired. Point blank. Don’t be that person.
5. Don’t Blast Bloggers On Social Media //
“Remember that we’re all people and we can make mistakes. Send a blogger an email if something’s incorrect. There’s no need to blast them on social media.” – Alanna, Alanna & Company
Posting negatively about other bloggers (and people in general) is just so old. Seriously though, it’s immature and doing so only changes your character and enrages you. Sure, feel free to share a general tip or tweet about something. For example, it bothers me when bloggers don’t disclose their affiliate links. When I notice this, I like to tweet out a general tweet about how bloggers needs to disclose their links, as it’s a legal thing. I’m just trying to look out for my blogger friends. If something isn’t quite right, just send them a quick email. Sweet and simple!
[bctt tweet=”Blogger To Blogger Etiquette: The Dos And Don’ts – Every blogger needs to know these!” username=”SummerTelban”]
BLOGGER TO BLOGGER ETIQUETTE – THE DOS:
1. Respond To Comments //
I have touched on the importance of responding to comments before and how it’s essential to genuinely engaging with your readers. Trust me, I get it – things happen and it’s hard to keep up with all of the comments on every post you write. I am 100% sure that I have some comments that I have never gotten to responding to because I never saw them or I just completely forgot. There’s a difference in at least trying to respond to every comment instead of not responding to any. While non-bloggers take notice when they don’t get a reply, all the more do bloggers notice. This carries over to social media, as well. If someone leaves a nice comment on a photo of yours on Instagram, at least thank them.
“Don’t ignore the bloggers leaving commentary on your posts! Responding helps build true and authentic relationships and even friendships!” – Lauren, Bellows In The Berkshires
2. Share The Love //
One of my biggest pet peeves is checking out a blogger’s Twitter page only to find it’s filled with only their blog posts. While yes, we need to constantly be promoting our content, we also need to be sharing the love by promoting other bloggers’ content, as well. I have heard that the 30/70 method is the percentage to aim for when sharing content: 30% your own, 70% others. Of course this can vary, but this is a great place to start and seek consistency. I also love what Daisy adds about sharing other bloggers’ content! Share the love with authenticity and not so that someone will owe you. So important to always keep in mind and check ourselves with.
“Share the love with authenticity. It’s so important to keep things positive, but it’s even more important to promote and share what is authentic to your own blog and brand. Don’t share something just because it will make others owe you. Find your people and love on them. Your audience will love YOU for that.” – Daisy, Simplicity Relished
3. Follow Through The Best You Can //
Life happens and sometimes we can get busy with things we never expected, but always try your best to follow through with any collaborations you’ve committed to.
“When you make a plan or commit to a collaboration with another blogger, stick with it! (And only commit to collaborations that you feel you can follow through on.) I’ve learned that the hard way – it doesn’t feel good when you go through the work to have a guest post swap and then the other blogger doesn’t follow through or communicate. Life can get in the way, though, so on the flip side, it’s good to remember that we’re all just people doing our best!” – Hannah, Just Bee
4. Offer Help And Support To Other Bloggers //
We’re all about community, right? The best way to help grow community throughout blogging and social media is to help one another. One of the best ways to help build your blog tribe or even just connect with a ton of bloggers is Facebook groups for bloggers, like Blog Passion Project. If someone asks a question and you know the answer, share it with them. Lend a helping hand. After all, wouldn’t we want them to do the same? Another thing that I think is huge is just reaching out to a blogger and letting them know you’re always there if they need anyone to bounce ideas off of or if they just need some advice. This is how we keep the blogging community thriving.
5. Make Genuine Connections And Friendships //
“Don’t be friends with another blogger solely because you think it will help you get ahead. Be genuine and kind in your interactions.” – Brittany, Grace Love Life
When you’re getting connected in the blogging community it is SO, so, so important that you’re doing so in an authentic and honest way. Don’t befriend a blogger because you think they’ll help you get ahead faster. It’s one thing to connect to a blogger you look up to, but don’t do it with selfish intentions. Forming genuine connections and friendships with bloggers and other creatives online is hugely impactful for not just your growth in many forms, but for others’ growth, as well. While some have great impact on you, so do you have great impact on others. Remember that, because it’s the truth. Some of my closest friends are friends I have met online through blogging and social media. Reach out!
[bctt tweet=”Let’s keep the blogging community positive. Let’s be there for each other & grow together.” username=”SummerTelban”]
To those of you who’ve made it through this entire post, thank you! Kudos to you! I know it was long, but I think it all needed to be shared and brought to attention. And while there are a ton more unsaid “rules” of blogging courtesy, I think this is enough for one post!
What are some blogger to blogger courtesies that you’d like to see get more attention?
Let’s keep this blogging community positive, not dismissive. Let’s be there for one another. Let’s grow together.
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