I think building a following happens over time, and sometimes a LONG time. I have been blogging for over 2 years and only have just over 200 followers. I don't care a whole lot as I enjoy blogging as a diary for myself.
If you just want followers then doing things like giveaways and follow alongs should be at the top of your list to do, which takes time and work. I prefer a slower pace of more relevant followers, I try to blog often and interesting topics, not soley about me or my shop - but this is what I enjoy.
I have joined link parties showing off items I have made for myselft of tutorial that I have done, this get attention and it is fun. Again you have to do it consistantly and often. Like if I made something new and interesting I might post it to 10-15 of these link parties in that week.
Finding appropriate times to promote or share your blog is a good way too. Sometimes if I see someone wanting to do a home show I will share my series I did on home shows.
When I first started blogging I did a few giveaways and an entry qualification was to follow my blog, that helped a lot with just numbers, which is sometimes what you want. I used etsy giveaways to further promote my giveaway which has a pretty big audience as well.
Ultimately you need to define why your blogging then search out the crowd that helps support that goal.
For me I like to blog and think it is great compliment to selling handmade, I however have not found it to be a great sales tool - directly. So for me slow and steady is fine.
