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Things you can do to help & encourage new bloggers

updated on 183 Comments on Things you can do to help & encourage new bloggers

I’m truly tired of seeing bloggers who have been blogging for a considerable about of time with a considerable following trying to “keep their secrets“. Hun, you ain’t Dynamo. Bloggers who refuse to disclose how they get opportunities, what they’ve done to work with brands and those who straight up don’t reply to other bloggers on social media – not through being busy or having a bad day (I totally understand how overwhelming social media can be some days) – solely because they’re a “bigger blogger“. Huh? When did this strange, “there’s no room for all bloggers” mentality come into practice and how can we get TF rid of it?

I truly believe that every single blogger has their own, unique voice and we can all contribute to the community so that’s why I wanted to write a post today about how we can support new bloggers. Because quite frankly, I’m sad of seeing new bloggers unmotivated, uninspired and lacking help because “big bloggers” won’t get off their high horses and answer their questions. Sigh.

1. Politely tell them if they’re doing something wrong

We all make mistakes when we start blogging and more often than not, we still make mistakes even after we’ve been blogging for years. I certainly do, I’m always learning. It’s always helpful to be told what we’re doing wrong and some constructive advice but moaning at new bloggers or slagging them off on social media for it certainly isn’t going to help.

2. Include them in things

If you’re running a comment pod, a Twitter chat or some sort of project in which bloggers are going to be getting involved, I urge you not to overlook bloggers just because they’re new, only been blogging a few weeks or month and don’t have as big of a following yet.

3. Follow them!

Of course you don’t have to follow every new blogger, especially if their not a niché you read. We’re so not about fake engagement. But seen a new blogger who’s writing you enjoy? Follow them! Who cares how many followers they have or how long they’ve been blogging?

4. Reply to them

If you have a new blogger asking you a question on Twitter, don’t ignore them. I remember how difficult it was to make friends and engage with people when I first started – it’s incredibly intimidating and it takes a lot of courage sometimes to ask people things. If it’s not something you want to answer publicly, send them a private message.

5. Write helpful, informative blog posts 

If this isn’t your thing then that’s totally cool but when I was a newbie, I would have killed to find more informative blog posts about certain aspects of blogging. If you enjoy writing “tips” and “advice” type posts then that’s great! Perhaps cater one for new bloggers? Or include a break-down of things in the post for new bloggers to understand the terms. And most importantly, we’re done with the pushy, “you have to do this in order to be a good blogger” posts, okay?

6. Be a positive influence!

On your blog, on Twitter, in the world in general – be someone approachable, someone kind and someone that has a positive influence on new bloggers. The last thing a new blogger wants to hear is that they’ll never be successful or that there’s too many bloggers already and they might as well not bother. WHAT? What a load of hog wash! There’s room for everyone, all niché’s, all types of bloggers. Reinforce that.

7. Remember when and how you started

It’s a phrase as old as time… We were all new once. But it’s so, so true. We all started somewhere, with a little blog we didn’t think anyone would read. A Twitter account with barely any followers with no idea how to make friends or make people want to follow us. We all know these struggles. If you had a tough time when you started blogging, vow to make sure someone else doesn’t and if you have an opportunity to help that, please do.

Are you a new blogger? Do you agree with these tips or do you have anything else you’d like to add that you wish people would do to help and encourage new bloggers? Are you an experienced blogger with anything to add to this post? Let me know and let’s discuss!

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183 Comments

  3. This post <3 I haven’t been blogging for that long and a lot of bloggers have been brilliant. There are some who clearly like multiple posts without reading them to get a follow, which sucks for any bloggers but for a newbie knowing that some of those likes aren’t ‘real’ sucks.

    I know I’d like to meet more bloggers, especially other newbies! I love finding blogs that are super small and supporting each other and seeing how they grow. I know some bloggers do sort of mixers/party posts to help bloggers meet which is a great way to get people involved and build a community.

    Reply

  7. This was such a thoughtful post! I just started a blog and it hasn’t got a post on it yet. sometimes it CAN be really intimidating to write a comment on a bigger blogger’s blog because of how at ease they seem with talking to other bloggers! You feel kind of intrusive!

    I also think bloggers should tell others what they could improve because it would actually be really helpful as new bloggers won’t even know what they’re doing wrong! And it wouldn’t even be rude (unless it wasn’t written nicely!) Thanks for writing this! It was really interesting and I think this should be something read by all bloggers!

    Reply

    1. Thank you for your comment, it can definitely be daunting commenting on blogs when you first start but honestly, just do it. Nothing bad will come of it and comments are always so appreciated 🙂 Good luck on your blogging venture!

      Reply

  9. That’s incredibly kind of you. This place is amazingly supportive and I have come across a few pros who are very welcoming. Thank you from a new blogger😊

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  11. I really love this <3
    I started my blog a week ago and have not stopped all week, I've found my new passion, its hard to know where to start to get people to your blog. Its a learning curve but I've had a lot of great people reach out to me so far and I'm really happy to be apart of this community, and I'm happy to see a post like this from a senior blogger supporting newbies
    <3 🙂

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  12. I started a blog in 2016 but lost interest a year later due to college being really overwhelming, but I started a new blog this year!
    It’s tough sometimes, thinking of good ideas, working hard writing them, taking the time to post them, and then not get the reaction you thought you’d get, but when you do get comments and interactions it’s lovely!
    I think this post is great because people seem to forget that they were once a new blogger too!

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  14. This. Post. Is. Everything!!!! I am behind all of these 100%, we all started somewhere and we all had that one person that took the time to reply and comment on our things!! I love you’re using your audience to share this value xxx

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    1. Awh thanks so much! I had one person who I reached out to and help me set up my blog when I started, I couldn’t thank her enough! It never hurts to share your knowledge xxx

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  16. Thank you for taking the time to make this post! I recently just started blogging and using WordPress. It’s a bit overwhelming to understand how to use everything at first, so I really appreciate it when I’m able to talk to other bloggers. Words of encouragement are definitely a plus for motivation, and simply just getting through the day 🙂

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  24. Thank you, Jenny! It is nice to know there is support from seasoned bloggers. Being new to the blogging world, I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing, What I do know, is I enjoy writing and I will continue to write every day, and hope for the best!

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  26. I’m a new blogger and I love your attitude! I agree there is always room for a new voice, and surely this is what keeps blogging vibrant and fresh? There are blogs I have followed for a while and it would mean so much if they just took a little peep at my blog and gave encouragement. I’ve found so far that the joy of blogging is in the comments you get, not in viewing figures. Thank you!

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  27. […] Things you can do to help & encourage new bloggers […]

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  28. I have similar feelings and honestly I’ve come to one conclusion: Those who are unwilling to divulge basic advice under the guise of “not wanting to give away their secrets”are terrified of the success of others.

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  33. I completely love this Jenny, and I agree with every word. When I first started blogging I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, and if it wasn’t for people in Twitter chats being so friendly and welcoming I’d have given up years ago. Even now, two years into it, there are bloggers who won’t reply to my tweets which is seriously disheartening. It doesn’t take much to be kind to others and help them get started. And you’re right – there’s room for all of us so there’s no need to be cliquey.
    Beth x

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  37. Thankyouuuuu m8!!!people like you make all the difference. Youre are great, honestly. Ive just started blogging barely 2 days ago and this is my first blog ever.
    Im a teenager struggling with my amateur writing skills. I love writing and do it for the sole purpose of easing my thoughts out. But i kinda find it awkward to pour your thoughts out in front of anyone so ive never really shown my writeups to anyone so i just thought of starting a blog to show my work to a world which doesnt know me. But now its like kinda disheartning because i do not know how to go about it. I dont uave many viewers and its making me feel like my poems arent really worth it.

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  39. Would you give any advice on how to make a blog successful if they have only just started and wanted to make it just a personal blog, but for a purpose? I have just done my first blog, hoping people will come across it and it actually helps someone – Any advice would be appreciated, especially on my site and blog. Thank you xx

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  40. I’m a new blogger and think this is a brilliant list 🙂 Thanks for being so generous and open with your advice.

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  45. The k you for this. I haven’t had to deal with the big bloggers, but I’m definitely a new blogger who is trying to figure out how to be successful. And I don’t mean money wise, i simply just mean interactive and build a community

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      1. Oh ya definitely. I think I’m still in that sweet spot area where I’m also trying to figure out the mechanics of the site. Like pingbackd, idk what those are or how to reblog stuff.

  46. As a newbie in this world, I can only say thanks for this post. My insecurities have been and are a lot. I would love to find someone to show me the correct way but I guess slowly I am finding my path.

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  47. Bravo to you! Many thanks for writing such an informative piece. I’ve only been blogging for a couple of months, and have so far found the blogging community to be really friendly and supportive. However… I nominated someone for the Liebster award, sheesh, you’d think I’d committed a heinous crime. Their public response was really quite hurtful, so it’s great that your post has put me back on track.

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  49. “Hon, you ain’t Dynamo” I’m screaming!!! Too funny. But you’re right, some older, bigger bloggers can be quite hostile and I really don’t see why. Everyone starts somewhere and we’re all just trying to find our own way. Nothing wrong with occasionally helping out!
    Anna xxx
    http://www.glass-shoes.com

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  50. I’ve found it so hard as a newer blogger trying to navigate around the cliques and mean people, I wish I’d found bloggers like you sooner! Now I’m nearing my one year anniversary of blogging I’m trying to keep an eye out for newer bloggers so I can make sure they feel included and happy.

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  52. I love that you wrote this. I wish people had reached out when I started blogging. I had no idea what I was doing and criticism is always nice. This is really such a great post!

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  53. So true, so true! I’m a new blogger myself – under 1 year – and there is so much to learn when you first get started. I am always so incredibly grateful to those seasoned bloggers who actually respond to my questions or emails. And you know what, I’m loyal followers of those that have helped me. The Golden Rule applies to blogging, just as it does to life 🙂

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  54. There is no right or wrong way to do a blog. When I see a new blog I often check in and look around, say “hi” and comment. Just like if someone passes me in the mall and says Hi, I wouldn’t think of not speaking to them.

    Worried about “a theme?” The best kind of theme is NO THEME, in my opinion. I write poetry, publish photos, write biographical stuff about myself, try to be funny, gripe about politics. Some followers like what I write, some don’t, most regulars just see what’s there and do whatever. My most popular topics have been cookies, crazy pictures, Cats, and stories about my own experiences.

    After 5+ years and a few hundred followers there is a handful (maybe 30)_ regulars, people that show up a lot in the LIKES group. A few are friends that regularly write and comment.

    I can chat about potty training with newish Moms… I still remember the feeling of despair and visions of the kid walking onto the stage to get their diploma with a diaper…

    just write whatever and post it….if it sounds stupid change it or take it back down. More than one of my lofty smart alec writings have been obliterated and if they show up in cyberspace just ignore it because I will swear it wasn’t me that wrote it!

    so new or old… come on over to visit any time.

    gradmama2011 SOMETIMES…

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      1. style is neither bad or good…one blogger can read something they think is trite and annoying…another thinks its the coolest post ever! I love it when I have no “likers” or commenters… I’ve met some really cool people this way 🙂

  55. This is a great list, Jenny. I’m not really a new blogger — I’ve been doing it off and on since 2009, but my current blog is my most serious effort at it. I’ve found that new bloggers are lot more approachable than the big popular bloggers who have been in business for a long time.

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  57. I was nodding so hard reading this, I’m a bit dizzy now. As someone who has only been blogging a few months I was (and still am) amazed how quickly I managed to grow a following, even if it isn’t huge. I love following back smaller accounts. I remember how excited I used to get when someone ‘big’ would follow me back! x

    Sophie
    http://www.glowsteady.co.uk

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  59. What a great post. I am all for supporting other bloggers and sharing your tips and tricks. I do think you don’t have to bare it all – like the exact way you take each photo or how you edit but you can at least write about the general tips and tricks etc. It would be amazing if 2018 more bloggers would support each other, xx.

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  61. This is such a lovely post and it is so true! We’re all in this together so we should all support one another 😀 I used to make the mistake of not linking my blog properly in comments and another blogger kindly emailed me out of the blue to tell me how to code it properly so that the link works and I was so grateful for it! I never forget that helping hand she gave me 🙂 I hope I can be as kind and helpful to others who need it too 🙂

    VioletDaffodils
    xx

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  63. I am a new blogger, have been ‘going’ for about a year, perhaps less, I have dabbled here and there, but thisis the first time that I have truely worked on my blogging.
    I have been snubbed so many times because I am small and not that many followers, it is a shame, because some of the ‘big’ Bloggers / YouTubers think they are way too big for thier boots and see us smaller bloggers as something they have trodden upon.
    Great post and advice , Thank you 🙂

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    1. Ugh yep exactly – that’s why I wrote this post! Like everyone’s saying… everyone starts somewhere don’t they? Hope it hasn’t put you off or dampened your blogging spirit at all! xxx

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      1. nope, i blog because I like to and it is a creative output for me, i love reading and talking about said books, it is nice to be able to ‘talk’ with people about these things and hope to engender some friendships along the way.
        It is such a shame that the ‘big’ people were once small.

  64. As a pretty new blogger I’m still finding my feet and have been lucky enough to connect with really supportive people so far, it’s a shame not everyone feels they can be that way 😞 Another great post Jenny

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  65. Some years ago I dealt with an author who only wanted their book reviewed by bigger blogs. I thought that was so short sighted – because today’s newbie blogger with ten followers can turn into next year’s hugely successful blogger with thousands of followers, and if you’re nice to people when they’re just starting out, they tend to remember that when they are winning at whatever they do. A blog is more than its subscriber list. The quality of a review is not automatically reflected in the number of blog followers.

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  66. Thank you for this! I am a very new blogger and for some reason, I am very afraid to advertise my blog over social media. I know I need to in order to be successful, but it scares me! Thanks for your support & encouragement for all of us beginners!

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    2. Me too!! I haven’t really told anyone in my life about it because I feel kind of stupid. I keep thinking its just for me and if I never have a follower I don’t care. It’s really nerve wracking to think of failing even though this blog is a self imposed exercise!

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  68. Such a wonderful post – I think many ‘big’ bloggers sometimes forget what is was like to just start out and not know what you are doing. Social media in particular can be quite intimidating, and there is always something quite disheartening about when you build up the courage to finally speak to a blogger you admire just to be blatantly ignored. Thank you for these amazing tips!

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  69. I couldn’t agree more! I’ve found that a lot of the ‘bigger’ bloggers can also be incredibly cliquey and look down on newer or less experienced bloggers which can really be off-putting when you’re just looking to make some friends x

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  71. Great post Jenny. I’ve been blogging for over 3 years now and in that time I hope I have always been kind to new bloggers. I don’t understand why some people aren’t. It’s nice to help and encourage people. That’s what blogging should be all about. We all have to start somewhere. And it’s a learning curve for all of us, new and not so new!

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  72. I completely agree with all of this! I’ve been blogging for nearly 8 years and I still feel pretty lonely. It’s really sad, but it’s true that if you don’t have a following you don’t really get noticed a lot. I don’t want anyone else to feel like how I feel so I do my best to keep checking out blogs regardless of following because at the end of the day, it’s the content that I love. Your stats don’t do anything for me.

    So another thing I want to add is to always go out of your way and comment on other people’s blogs. It’s nice to be nice!

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    1. 8 years! Blimey that’s an achievement Lizzie! I agree though, I still feel a bit “meh” within the community sometimes. I mean, stats are important for brands because at the end of the day, the brands wants to make money and promote to a wider audience but in terms of other bloggers, it shouldn’t matter AT ALL xxx

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  75. Thanks so much for writing this! It feels so daunting when you first start out, but I’m amazed I managed to get any followers at all so it gives me hope! If you ever get a chance to have a look at my blog and tell me what I could do better it would be so appreciated but I completely get that loads of people must ask you for help and you’re busy!
    Great advice though, thank you ☺️

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  76. I love this! I wish there had been a post like this when I was a new blogger so I knew what to expect from other bloggers!xx

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  77. This post is great! it’s true – we were all new to the world of blogging at some point. I hate how some bigger bloggers basically think they’re Zoella because they have more followers or worked with well-known brands. It also really annoys me when those said bloggers tweet about how bloggers should be supportive and things like that when they clearly aren’t being (ugh). I personally love following and reading new blogs and watching them grow 🙂 x

    astoldbykirsty.co.uk

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  78. Not a new blogger but i completely get what you mean. Everything you said is so true! I do think encouraging and supporting other is essential to make this community a good one! xx corinne

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  79. 100% YES to all of these! I’m not necessarily a new blogger as I started in January 2017, but I’m still a tiny fish in an overwhelmingly huge pond, and if people (including me, even though I’m nowhere near a “big blogger”) would stick to this list more often, I’d feel so much more welcomed into and part of the blogging community – and I’m sure many others would, too.

    xoxo
    Freya
    tgifreya.wordpress.com

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  80. Fantastic post Jenny! 💕 Being a new blogger on social media can be so daunting and overwhelming at first. Thankfully there is such an awesome supportive community out there 😍. I remember you were always so encouraging and helpful ever since I joined Twitter so thank you for that ☺️ xx

    Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com

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    1. Awh you’re so welcome! When I started, I felt SO lost. I don’t remember ever getting involved in the “community” until a good year or so in because I just didn’t know what to do! xxx

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  82. Hi, loved reading this post it is important to help and support fellow bloggers especially when they are new to it. We all have to start somewhere and its an ongoing learning experience, and totally agree interaction with others is so important.

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  83. Love this post! I’m constantly trying to find more blogs with tips for new bloggers. I feel ridiculous always asking questions-like an annoying younger sibling so it’s so nice to see someone who WANTS to help young bloggers! Do you blog through WordPress?! I’d love to get your help on a few things!!

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  84. I love your blog 😊 you’re so supportive and seem like such a genuine person. I agree with everything you said. It’s so hard and intimidating to get started in the blogging world. I still consider myself a newbie and still learning the ins and outs. I’ve done it all on my own as nobody ever seems to want to give advice…but that’s ok, doesn’t stop me! I would love if you checked out my blog 😊😊

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  85. Great post Jenny! We are a new site and really want to encourage other bloggers and build a community for women and bloggers, no matter how big, small, popular, or not. There is definitely room for everyone and blogging is so versatile. No two are the same! Thanks for being such a positive influence and being so encouraging!

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  86. Thank you for this! I’ve literally started blogging about 5 days ago, I love it but I know I need to put in a lot of work but I’m totally down for that. I’ve had many “bigger blogs” just blank me, especially after seeing they’ve replied to Every. Single. Comment! We all start off somewhere, I feel amazing when I can help others because at the end of the day we can’t get anywhere without each other’s support! So willing to make new friends and share the love Xxx

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  87. I always have big respect for the bloggers who respond to comments. Sometimes I just give likes, but I always try to make the person knows I saw their comment and appreciated their input.

    Great post. I hope more bloggers follow it.

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  88. Loved this post, Jenny! And I’m very happy to say I had (still have) a lot of encouragement from fellow bloggers when I first started out on WordPress 🙂 They already had blogging experience and were wonderful to feel me more welcome into the blogging world. It’s always a great and inspirational atmosphere. I think all a new blogger needs is a warm greeting and attention and constructive feedback to their posts, which I think any good blogger will feel ready to bestow.

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  91. Great tips! I remember when I started my blog that I saw something awesome on another blog, a banner in the side menu scrolling up and I sent that blogger a mail through her contact form. Never got an answer 😥 So I’m never going to make the same mistake, even if I don’t know the answer I’ll tell it 😊.

    Reply

    1. Awh that’s a shame. I’ll admit, a few years ago when I was trying to work out the ropes to sponsored posts and earning money, I messaged 2 bloggers who I really liked (still do like – nothing against them) who were well into the blogging groove and asked if they had any advice and I basically received the most blunt, unhelpful answer back. Like they desperately did not want to tell me, ugh!xxx

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  92. Aw Jenny, you really are one of the most supportive bloggers I’ve met and had the pleasure of getting to know. I’ve only been blogging for just under a year but I still regard myself as a newbie and there are very few bloggers I feel confident enough to approach with (possibly silly) questions but you are right up there. Sending someone a DM is such a good idea, as is encouraging us newbies to join Twitter chats. That’s definitely how I got to know some of my fellow bloggers. Thank you for such an encouraging post xx

    Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com

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    1. I still get nervy Dm’ing some people! I think when you’ve had negative experiences with people being blunt or unhelpful it can put you off a bit but I try and not be like that! I thought you’d been blogging WAY longer than that! xxx

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  93. Great post.
    I felt really good whenever a big blogger followed me, liked my post or dropped a comment. It made me feel heard and seen.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  94. amazing post! This is so so true. Im a new blogger and sometimes it is hard to talk to others, never know how polite or rude they will be. 🙂 Thank you for the post hun its very inspiring to know new bloggers like myself are not alone. 🙂

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  95. I completely agree!
    Although I can see how some “big bloggers” might not have the time to help all the new bloggers. The wordpress community is huge!
    However, in all honesty, I always appreciate some good advice!

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  96. Such a great post! I don’t understand how anyone can not support new bloggers. We were all new bloggers once, it’s so important to support the newbies. And there’s plenty of room for all of us, we definitely should not be discouraging bloggers starting because there’s ‘too many bloggers already.’ Thanks for sharing these tips!

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    1. I hate those comments, I can’t believe some people have the nerve to say that there’s too many bloggers or you know, there’s no room for anyone else / the industry is oversaturated. Who are they to tell someone they can’t do what they want? xxx

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  97. I agree with all of the things that you mentioned. I am lucky enough that some of the bigger bloggers that I’ve encountered so far are really helpful, and friendly too. I do get an occasional cold-shoulder from some, but I just let it slide.😁

    Reply

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