Struggle with growing/promotion on blog

[Former_Member]

Hello!

I've been blogging since 2008. I started my blog as a personal blog. Very organically it has grown into a space for me to share my art and DIY. I've picked up readers very slowly over the years. I'd like to grown my blog but I am really struggling with how to do it without seeming like I'm selling out or spamming people. I feel like my blog is even more difficult because it is a blend of personal, art and DIY. I know sticking to one would be better for marketing but I like the blend. It reflects me. I'd like grow my site but can't decided what my next step would be. I don't really want to start doing sponsor post and I'm not sure how I feel about ads.

I guess I just wanted to share my tension and see if anyone else struggles with this. If you have any ideas for blog growth (without selling out), I'd love to hear it.

Thanks!
Jaime Barks
www.barksblog.com/

[thevicagirl]

I'd love to hear ideas too.

[justByou]

Here's one easy way to grow your blog: Visit other blogs, follow them and leave comments.

You can do this easy peasy with....
Blog Hops!
There's one on my blog right now and is open until Monday night. Just read the directions, link up and watch your blog grow with new friends. =0)

http://2justbyou.blogspot.com/2013/02/meet-greet-blog-hop-14.html

Another way to grow your blog, join some blogging teams on Etsy. Here are a few of my favorites:

http://www.etsy.com/teams/7491/blogging-buddies

http://www.etsy.com/teams/7789/etsy-blog-team

http://www.etsy.com/teams/9104/interactive-blogging

Hope this helps you out. =0)

You can visit my blog at http://2justByou.blogspot.com anytime!

[Former_Member]

Thanks for all the links!! I applied to join all those groups. I am kind of a shy blogger, which is some of my problem. I am not good at comment and putting myself out there but I am going to start trying. I am sort of an identically blogger. I really just started for my out of town family. I love blogging and I want to connect with more followers. I realize I have to just suck it up and stop being the quiet kid eating alone in the cafetiere! :)

I'm going to send you a message. I'd love to have a giveaway on your blog!!

Thanks!!
Jaime

[Former_Member]

I second JustByou.

Don't be shy, no one is going to bite you :) you are only losing when you're not social on the Internet. Starting a blog is about opening up, after all!

I too had some doubts about placing ads on my blog but when I asked my readers they wanted me too keep them because that was a great way for them to meet eco-friendly crafters!

http://blog.kanelstrand.com

[Former_Member]

I'm trying to do better. I'm attempting to comment on post now. That is a start! :). I'm not sure why I feel so unsure in the digital world. I told a friend recently that I am the most public, private person. Blogging is about putting it out there but in reality I am sort of a private person. Kinda of funny huh?

Sonya . . . your blog is GREAT! Glad you commented so I found you!