Hello, hello there! And Happy Thursday. Is it just me, or did this last week just fly?
Every once in a while, I go through the blogs that I follow on Bloglovin’ and clean things up a bit. Between giveaways, following to remember an awesome piece of content or resource, and the blogs I follow just because the blogger seemed that cool in the moment, it’s easy to be following one too many blogs. At one point, I found my self marking-as-read almost every post in my feed. If that’s not counterproductive, I don’t know what is.
This little spring cleaning practice ensures that the blogs I follow are really ones that I enjoy reading. I can honestly say that I follow, share and engage with some AWESOME bloggers. And even though I don’t like to get my reader let out of hand, I’m always looking for new creative blogs to read and become inspired by.
It’s easy to visit the same 5 or so blogs every day, as many of us do, but there’s just something about finding a fun new blog and digging through its archives that reminds me of Christmas morning. So, if you’re looking to add a few new reads to your blog feed, here are some easy ways to find new blog friends!
Check out other blogger’s blogrolls.
Okay, say that five times fast…
A blogroll is simply a list of links that a blogger enjoys. Some bloggers throw these right on their sidebar, and others create a seperate ‘links’ page. Spend a little while browsing through the unfamiliar links and you’re sure to stumble upon a few that you like.
Click those advertisements!
If a blogger is willing to let someone rent out space on their sidebar, it’s (almost always) safe to say that they believe in that blogger’s content! So, if a blog has ads listed below posts or on their sidebar, check out some of those bloggers.
Comment, and see who else has commented!
The comments section of any blog is a pretty awesome place, because that’s where everyone is hanging out! If you enjoyed a post, imagine how much you’ll love getting to know other people who enjoy similar content. So, after you’re done reading, leave a quick comment. Most bloggers have their comments set up so that other bloggers are able to add clickable links to their own blogs. Just this week, I’ve found 3 great new blogs by scrolling through the comments of some of my faves.
Friend activity on BlogLovin’
One of BlogLovin’s newer features is called ‘friend activity,’ where you can see any post that blogger you follow have liked. Treat these as unsolicited, but much appreciated, recommendations!
When in doubt, Twitter.
If you’re blogging and you aren’t on Twitter, you are SO late to the party! Not only are bloggers there sharing their own posts, they’re also promoting other posts that they love! Twitter will also suggest profiles based on one’s that you follow, which has led me to find some really awesome blogs!
How do you find new blogs to read when you’re ready to refresh your reader?
I LOVE Twitter and I LOVE the sponsor icons on the side. I believe both are amazing ways to meet new bloggers!
Twitter is probably my favorite!
I’ve also found great bloggers through link up or blog hops. The twitter suggestions are also really helpful.
I totally forgot about link ups! Those used to be my favorite ways to find new bloggers and help them find me!
I’m currently cleaning up my feed and looking for more blogs to follow. I’m looking to change it up a bit and find more personal ones. Ones that aren’t about pregnancy, DIY, fashion, etc. It’s all too much of the same thing and it get repetitive. I never even thought about checking friend activity, so thank you!
I know what you mean about the blog you follow getting repetitive. I try to mix it up, and follow awesome bloggers from 2-4 different categories.
I agree with Bloglovin’ activity and Blogrolls. I try to find readers who are similar to me, when I started targeting people I would actually be friends with, my blog grew more quickly and I had better reads. Funny how that works out 🙂
I love how your blog grew once you started making blog friends! That’s one thing I always find to be true — look to make friends, not “fans,” and your blog will blossom.
these are great tips. I totally agree that sometimes the blog roll can feel overwhelming at times to read. I really don’t want someone to subscribe to me if they don’t want to really see what I’m doing. I just feel bad that way. I also feel like it’s less honest because I don’t want to feel like I’m an obligation. I hope others feel the same. =)
xo,
nancy
http://www.adoretoadorn.com
I think that’s a great way to put it, and an even better reason to really be thoughtful when choosing to follow a blog 🙂
I def need to do a little bloglovin’ spring cleaning..it seems like I can never get through my entire feed..and when im looking for new blogs I click on an advertisement and then from that site ill click on another and so on..eventually Ill have a ton of new reads.
Spring cleaning on bloglovin makes for SUCH a better reader experience!
I need to clean out some of my blogs as well. I love finding new blogs but when I continue to comment on others and I see that they comment on everyone elses blogs but mine I tend to take them out of my daily reading.
I try to find blogs by ads as well.
I normally keep blogs I have more reciprocal relationships with in my daily reading as well.
Great list! Lately, I’ve really been loving “Friend Activity” on Bloglovin’ too – it’s fun to see which posts the people I follow on bloglovin (which is way lower than the number of blogs I follow) are interacting with. That, and BlogRolls – they’re a classic way to find blogs, but I love them! It’s one of the first things I look for on someone’s blog – you can get a good feel for someone’s taste from the blogs they love@
Friend activity is slowly becoming one of my favorite things — interesting to see who some of my faves follow and enjoy!
I’ve found some great lifestyle blogs by starting on one blog and just clicking on ads and following them wherever they take me! It’s kind of an adventure sometimes 😉
Blog hunting is DEFINITELY an adventure 🙂
I stumbled upon your blog from friend activity on bloglovin’ so I will support that one!! Thanks for the tips!
I came across your blog from having commented on another blog I was reading and you had also commented there. And I’m happy I did! Your blog is pretty awesome. This first few of the year, my blog is going through a transition (switching hosts, revamping and relaunching to a full time blogging schedule). It’s still up and running for viewing my old posts as of current though. (at http://afroniquelyu.com)