31 Days to Building a Better Blog: Day 1

For some time now, I have been thinking about doing the '31 days to building a better blog' challenge which was first proposed by Darren Rouse. I have dipped in and out of it, courtesy of Sue Waters, but didn't want to do the challenge my own - without someone to hold my hand! Anyway, I have found Kate Olson via twitter who is doing to same thing, so I am sure it will be much more fun going on this journey with a 'mate'.

Day One's activity is to email a new reader of the blog. The reasoning behind this action is to connect with the blog's readers with the aim that this will encourage them to visit again. I have been aware of this as a strategy and because my readership is so small, I have religiously been in touch with all the people who leave me comments. However, I have a friend who has just started to comment on this blog and whilst I have verbally thanked her for visiting the blog, today I also emailed her. I have certainly noticed as a blog reader that I feel a lot more positively about a blogger who responds to my comments, be they on the blog itself or by email.

The other thing I have done is join the 'Building a better blog' Ning Community. This is community of people who did the 31 day challenge last year, so I am hoping they have lots of hot tips for us.

I would be really thrilled if anyone wants to join me on this challenge. Would also love to hear from anyone else who has done the challenge - what was the most effective activity you carried out?

Image: 'iron' Atanas Entchev
www.flickr.com/photos/76434874@N00/102048077