• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Margie ClaymanMargie Clayman

Marietta, OH

  • About Me
  • Marketing
  • Librarianship
  • Random Musings
  • Contact Me

How I Earned My First 100 Subscribers

August 20, 2011 by Margie Clayman 16 Comments

During the course of my Engagement Series, I reached an important numerical milestone for a blogger – I got to 100 blog subscribers. Pam Ross wanted me to write about how I got to that point.

Like so much in the world of social media, my getting to this point was a combination of wonderful support from great people tied to some simple common sense and a pinch of endurance. So let’s talk about each of these three things together, shall we?

Support from Great Folks

My number of blog subscribers has made huge jumps twice during my blogging career. The first time was when I was fortunate enough to have a blog tweeted out by Chris Brogan. The way he worded his tweet inspired a lot of people to come over to my bloggy house, and a lot of you stuck around, a fact for which I am entirely grateful.

Over the course of time, other great people have offered me a hand in growing my online presence. Jay Baer graciously allowed me to blog on his site, as did Danny Brown. Brian Rice of the BtoCommunity blog site wrote a wonderful post highlighting me as an “approachable A-Lister,” which was an incredible honor. And a lot of you I met thanks to Gini Dietrich, who wrote a post about me that I’m still blushing about.

This might all sound like I have four leaf clovers growing out of my ears, and sometimes I really do feel that way. However, I would toss out there that these folks started talking to me (I think) and reading my content because they thought I was doing good work. I don’t nag or beg for favors, and I try to fulfill as many favors as I can. In the online world, as in life, the love you make is equal to the love you take. I am a living testament to that fact.

A Modicum of Common Sense

Before I got an extra lift from these great folks, I figured out something amazing about the world of blogging. Are you ready?

If you don’t let people know what you want, you probably won’t get it.

Strangely enough, I learned this lesson in regards to comments. When I started letting people know that comments are my favorite part of blogging, I started to get more comments. I did not make the great leap of carrying this logic over to the subscriber factor, though. I have no idea why.

The fact is, though, that during my Engagement Series I started asking people to subscribe. I did so very unobtrusively (I think). I didn’t ask on every single post. But I started nudging people on occasion to hit subscribe if they didn’t want to miss a post. I found it a bit uncomfortable, truthfully, to promote this site that way. As if missing a post of mine would just be a travesty of epic proportions, right? But letting people know that I was trying to build a community of blog subscribers encouraged people to subscribe.

It seems so simple in hindsight, doesn’t it?

A Pinch of Endurance

There have been a few different times over my year of blogging that I have wanted to throw in the towel for various reasons. During my first, oh, six months or so of blogging, I had as much traction as a completely bald tire. I wasn’t getting any comments. I couldn’t buy a comment. As for retweets? Phht. Hardly. I didn’t even have a Facebook “like” button on my first couple of blog sites. I feel comfortable in saying that I wouldn’t have gotten any likes in those early days either.

I’d check my traffic and it would be stuck at numbers like 15 visits, 20. My Twitter following wasn’t getting past 60. I did everything the experts said to do, everything that seemed to make sense, and it didn’t make a jot of difference.

I endured though. I stuck with it. I went through big climbs and big dips, complained to friends about how much time I was spending here versus the reaction I was getting, and eventually, things started to shape up a little. That’s the way most people have to build their online communities. Lots and lots of time needs to be spent feeling like you just might be wasting your time, and then more time needs to be spent continuing to write anyway.

It’s Really All About You

Of course this is all just from my perspective. Every day, I looked at the people who come here and talk to me or the people who tweet out my posts over on Twitter and I think, “Man, I am one freakin’ lucky woman.” Why are you all here? Why do you stick around?  I can’t really answer that for you, but I have always been and will always be appreciative and grateful. In my head, I’m still that blogger who is learning the ropes. Every comment is a great gift. Every new subscriber is a miraculous addition to my online world.

I hope that never changes.

So really, you should tell Pamela how I earned your trust and your support. I dare not put words in your mouth. But this does give me a rather convenient time and place to say thank you to all of you, whether you’re a subscriber or not, for coming by here and being your special selves.

I hope that answers your question, Pamela 🙂

Image by Svilen Milev. http://www.sxc.hu/profile/svilen001

Filed Under: Marketing Talk

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David McGraw says

    August 20, 2011 at 8:46 am

    I became a fan of Margie while watching her find her voice, expanding her comfort zone, and demonstrating the courage to be herself in the world. Example for us all.

    Reply
    • Margie Clayman says

      August 20, 2011 at 9:46 pm

      Gosh, that’s so very kind of you David. Thank you!!

      Reply
  2. Molly says

    August 20, 2011 at 10:38 am

    Thanks, that was really helpful! I just started blogging two months ago, and I’m still mostly talking to myself and family, so I really appreciate the insight!

    Reply
    • Margie Clayman says

      August 20, 2011 at 9:48 pm

      No problem, Molly. Hang in there! Let me know if you need help along the way!

      Reply
    • Jim F says

      August 21, 2011 at 1:49 am

      Hey Molly please share a link to your blog. I will read it.

      Reply
  3. Jim F says

    August 20, 2011 at 11:43 am

    I just subscribed 🙂

    Reply
    • Margie Clayman says

      August 20, 2011 at 9:48 pm

      thanks, friend 🙂

      Reply
  4. Corinne Edwards says

    August 20, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    Dear Margie –

    I found you from twitter.

    The rest is excellent writing. Well done.

    Like to see you put some more buttons on your site to FB, Stumble, Digg etc. People are lazy. Make it easier for more people to love you.

    Reply
    • Margie Clayman says

      August 20, 2011 at 9:49 pm

      Thanks, Corinne. I have all of those buttons. FB is up on top, Stumble is under every post (I think). I appreciate the advice! And the kind words, as per usual! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Robert Litzenberger says

    August 20, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    Hi Margie,
    I have only recently found you and I do admire your posts. They are a demonstration to me of good writing and the hard work of thought expression. Thanks for being a great example to me.

    Reply
    • Margie Clayman says

      August 20, 2011 at 9:49 pm

      Thanks so much Robert. You made my day!

      Reply
  6. Brian Rice says

    August 20, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    Margie,

    Congrats on reaching the 100 subscriber milestone. Your creative writing style speaks for itself and it has been a wonderful priviledge getting to know you.

    Keep up the great work.

    Reply
    • Margie Clayman says

      August 20, 2011 at 9:49 pm

      Thanks, Brian. You contributed, certainly!!

      Reply
  7. Ali Macaluso says

    August 21, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    This is so helpful and motivating! And very refreshing to hear. I’ve been blogging for almost a year now, and I’m not at that 100 subscriber mark. But that is my goal! I have days where I am really discouraged and days when I am feeling great. And I know what you mean about every new subscriber being a “gift.” I love the simplicity of occasionally asking for support. Thank you!!

    -Ali

    Reply
  8. oakleysunglasses says

    October 29, 2014 at 5:07 am

    http://www.louisvuittonoutlet.in.net/,
    http://www.nikeairmax-pas-cher.fr/,
    http://www.sac–louisvuitton.fr/,
    http://www.toryburchoutlet-online.in.net/,
    http://www.truereligionoutlet.in.net/,
    http://www.cheapoakleysunglasses.in.net/,
    http://www.nike-rosherun.fr/,
    http://www.christianlouboutin-outlet.in.net/,
    http://www.polo-ralphlauren.in.net/,
    http://www.christianlouboutinshoes.in.net/,
    http://www.nikeairmax.in.net/,
    http://www.nikefreerun.in.net/,
    http://www.longchampoutletonline.in.net/,
    http://www.sac-longchamps.fr/,
    http://www.nikeair-max.fr/,
    http://www.chanel-handbags.in.net/,
    http://www.coachoutlet.in.net/,
    http://www.red-bottomshoes.in.net/,
    http://www.louisvuitton.in.net/,
    http://www.tiffanyandco-jewelry.in.net/,
    http://www.sacburberry-pascher.fr/,
    http://www.katespadehandbags.in.net/,
    http://www.michaelkorshandbags.in.net/,
    http://www.coachoutlet–storeonline.com/,
    http://www.louisvuittonoutletstores.in.net/,
    http://www.michaelkorsoutlet.in.net/,
    http://www.nikefreerun.fr/,
    http://www.tiffany-and-co.in.net/,
    http://www.louboutin–pascher.fr/,
    http://www.louisvuittonhandbags.in.net/,
    http://www.nikeoutlet.in.net/,
    http://www.outletonline-michaelkors.com/,
    http://www.longchamphandbagsoutlet.us.com/,
    http://www.sacmichaelkors-pascher.fr/,
    http://www.polo-ralphlauren-pascher.fr/,
    http://www.pradahandbags.in.net/,
    http://www.rayban-sunglasses.in.net/,
    http://www.michaelkorsoutlet-online.us.com/,
    http://www.oakley-sunglasses.in.net/,
    http://www.oakleysunglasses.in.net/,
    http://www.guccihandbagsoutlet.in.net/,
    http://www.michael-kors-outlet-online.us.com/,
    http://www.truereligionjeansoutlet.in.net/,
    http://www.katespadeoutletonline.in.net/,
    http://www.louboutinshoes.in.net/,
    http://www.michaelkorsoutletstore.in.net/,
    http://www.burberryoutlet.in.net/,
    http://www.coachpurses.in.net/,
    http://www.pradaoutlet.in.net/,
    http://www.saclongchamp-pas-cher.fr/,
    http://www.coachfactoryoutletonline.in.net/,
    http://www.poloralphlaurenoutlet.in.net/,
    http://www.nikeairmaxinc.com/,
    http://www.louisvuittonoutletonline.in.net/,
    http://www.raybansunglasses.in.net/,
    http://www.longchamphandbags.us.com/,
    http://www.jordanshoes.in.net/,
    http://www.burberryoutlet-online.in.net/,
    http://www.louisvuitton-pascher.fr/,
    http://www.airjordanpas-cher.fr/,
    http://www.truereligion.in.net/

    Reply
  9. oakley110 says

    February 6, 2015 at 2:23 am

    http://www.sac-burberry-pascher.fr/, http://www.airjordanpas-cher.fr/, http://www.canada-goose-jackets.ca/, http://www.nike-airmax.nl/, http://www.moncler-online-shop.de/, http://www.monclerjacketsoutlet.net/, http://www.michaelkorsoutlet-store.in.net/, http://www.vans-scarpe.it/, http://www.oakleysunglasses.jp.net/, http://www.air-jordanshoes.com/, http://www.nike-airmax-pas-cher.fr/, http://www.michaelkors-outlet-online.us.com/, http://www.uggs–canada.ca/, http://www.borse-gucci.it/, http://www.ugg-australia.it/, http://www.soccerjerseys.com.co/, http://www.oakleyglass.in.net/, http://www.coachpurse.in.net/, http://www.juicycoutureoutlet.com.co/, http://www.poloralphlauren-pascher.fr/, http://www.nikefree-running.co.uk/, http://www.louisvuittonoutlet-online.org/, http://www.asicso.com/, http://www.valentino-shoes.net/, http://www.christian-louboutin.me.uk/, http://www.occhiali–oakley.it/, http://www.doudoune-monclerpascher.fr/, http://www.reebok-outlet.in.net/, http://www.lululemon-outlet-canada.ca/, http://www.ugg-pas-cher.fr/, http://www.raybansunglass.in.net/, http://www.uggs-outletboots.in.net/, http://www.nikeair-max.fr/, http://www.coachoutlet.jp.net/, http://www.converse-pas-cher.fr/, http://www.p90x-workout.us.com/, http://coachofficialsite.blog.com/, http://www.ray–ban.it/, http://www.rayban–sunglasses.in.net/, http://www.true-religion-jeans.in.net/, http://www.nike-roshe-run.fr/, http://www.replica–watches.me.uk/, http://www.nike-freerun.com/, http://www.katespade-handbags.in.net/,

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Post: « The Unspoken Crisis in America
Next Post: Margie’s Top 40 – For Today »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Seeing Double: African American Literature
  • Book Review: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
  • Book Review: Land of Lincoln, by Andrew Ferguson
  • The portrayal of the infertile woman in entertainment
  • Chapter 3: A Weird Thing Happened Today

Recent Comments

  • Delores Baskerville on Are you locking out blog subscribers?
  • frank c tripoli on Book Review: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
  • Lyv on #30Thursday number 10 (we’re in the double digits?!?)
  • Fitoru on New Recipes, 2013
  • Anna Wyatt on Help me petition to deactivate driver-side airbags for Little People

Archives

  • February 2021
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • April 2017
  • October 2016
  • July 2016
  • April 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • December 2014
  • October 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • February 2014
  • December 2013
  • October 2013
  • August 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • June 2007
  • April 2007

Categories

  • Book Reviews
  • Crafts and Charity
  • Gardening for Renters
  • Marketing Talk
  • Molly Maggie McGuire
  • Musings
  • PassionPlayers
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Footer

marjorie.clayman@gmail.com

   

Margie Clayman © 2022