When I first started this blog, I entertained a misconception that I believe is shared by most new bloggers, and some experienced ones too. I believed that all traffic is created equal. How wrong I was – and perhaps for more reasons than you think.
I have spoken on previous occasions about how targeted traffic is by far the most valuable to a blogger. That 10 highly targeted visitors are far more valuable to you than 100 “random” browsers. But it goes beyond that. The most highly-targeted of your visitors, what I like to call your “groupies“, are a rare asset when you first start blogging.
These guys and girls are the first to comment, the first to share, and the first to make contact with you. And if you want to build your blog upon solid foundations, you should treat them like rockstars.
Consider Your Own Blogging Habits
How many brand new blogs do you visit and get involved with? Probably not that many. By blogging’s very nature, you are far more likely to become attached to big blogs – ones that carry weighty social proof.
That is why it is so hard to gain momentum as a new blogger – the odds are stacked against you. Even if you produce stunning content, you’re still in for a struggle, as the social proof isn’t there.
So every single person that casts contemporary means of judgment aside and chooses to engage with you should become your new best friend. As I say, not all traffic is created equal, and one rabid fan in the making can potentially be worth 1,000s of visitors in the future.
How So?
A few reasons. Each new “groupie” is likely to:
- Tweet out your new posts on a regular basis
- Heartily recommend your blog to others
- Comment on your posts
All three of these vital ingredients combine to make a delicious blog growth cake. They form the explanation as to why all traffic is not created equal.
Some visitors just bring themselves to the party. Others can bring visitors in their tens, hundreds, or even thousands.
So please – recognize each and every one of the “early adopters” to your blog for the valuable asset that they are. Help them as much as possible. If you can cultivate a group of highly-loyal fans, not only will you have a wonderful foundation upon which to build your blog’s exposure, your following should grow exponentially over time.
Creative commons images courtesy of Simon Davison, John Seb Barber and HMCNews