Even if you are a beginning blogger you already know the basics to keep people from running away the second that they land on your blog. You work hard to drive traffic to your blog so you want to make sure that you are able to effectively bring those people back again!
Otherwise you will end up needing to bring in new people all the time – and that is a lot of work! There is no need for that when you can keep the people that you’ve already brought in.
Have an appealing design and valuable content… Build a Loyal Reader Base
In addition to the basics there are other things that you can do that will remind your readers to come back to your blog to read your new posts.
I frequently receive emails from people because they really like some of my secrets and they want to know how I did that. I have gotten so many requests for tricks that I have created a Blogging Tips Page to save myself the time of repeating myself so many times.
I am going to share my sweet secrets that I don’t even have on my blogging tips page with you! The great thing is that many of them are automated so that you don’t even need to think about it after you’ve got it set up.
Email your replies to comments
There are several plugins that allow you to email your replies to visitor’s comments. The one that I use and have been happy with for a long time is WP Thread comment. It not only emails your replies to the commenter but it threads them nicely in your comment section.
Special message when someone leaves their first comment
When someone leaves their first comment it is a great time to give them a special welcome. If you have left a comment on my site then you’ve seen my welcome message. I not only thank people for leaving a comment but I also let them know other ways to connect with me and different subscription options.
I created this page by using two different plugins. First I use comment redirect to take the commenter to the thank you for commenting page. Then I also use exclude pages from navigation in order to hide that page from my navigation bar.
Special email thanking someone for their first comment
This one is very similar to the one mentioned above but this one goes directly to their inbox within about a day of leaving their first comment. I generally give the same information but in a different way. The plugin that I use for this is thank me later.
Comment on their blogs
Another way to stay on your readers radar is to comment on their blogs. When they see the reciprocation they are more likely to come back to your blog to see what’s new. I’m not the greatest at following this one personally but when I do this I find the law of reciprocation at work. When I have extra time I do like to visit my readers blogs.
Connect with them on social media
Share your new posts on twitter, facebook, pinterest, etc. and your followers are more likely to stop by. I know that I personally need reminders to visit other blogs and sometimes I need more than one. That’s why it’s good to share your content in different ways: emails, social media, RSS feed, tribes, etc.
Also be sure to connect with your readers on a personal level on social media. Don’t let it be all about self promotion. Say hi, ask how they are doing and get to know them! When they feel like you’re a friend they will be a lot more excited to visit your blog.
Appealing newsletter sign up
You can promote your list in different ways on your blog. You can have an opt-in form on your side bar, you can have a check box in your comment box, you can have a page about your newsletter, a page about your free offer, a pop up, and more. My plugin of choice is newsletter sign-up.
Greet them
You can use WP Greet Box to give a special message before they read your post. You can offer to connect with them on social media, ask them to join your list by sharing your free offer, or whatever you want. Your imagination is your only limit. Have fun and be creative!
Send them a personal email
You’ve got their email from when they leave you a comment and it will only take a minute to send them a personal email thanking them for being a regular reader. I don’t do this too often but when I do people are usually impressed or excited. It’s a great way to leave a lasting impression!
It’s your turn: what are your favorite ways to bring readers back to your blog?
To Your Success,
PS: If you found this post helpful please share and vote! Thank you!
(Image by Pink Sherbet Photography)
Thank you for reading! I'm Stacy, the owner of this blog. You can learn more about me here.
I'd love to hear from you, please share your thoughts or questions in the comments section.
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Connect
I try to spend some time every day commenting on my reader’s blogs, in order to maintain that sense of community.
Jean invites you to read… The secret to lifelong flawless skin
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 6th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Hi Jean,
Building a community is a great way to bring people back for more!
Stacy
[Reply]
Hi Stacy
First of all, I love your website/blog. You have such a way to make things simple to understand(at least for me).
I do not have many people coming to my site, but I am working on it…Your tips are awesome and I will try them.
Thank you so much again
Gladys invites you to read… Rekindle a lost belief
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 6th, 2012 at 1:27 pm
Thank you, Gladys. If you need help bringing people to your site in the first place then I would recommend this post: http://growwithstacy.com/2012/05/02/beginners-guide-successful-blog/
Have a great day!
Stacy
[Reply]
Gelly Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 10:40 pm
aHey Glads… I just went through your blog… Contents are great, try putting in at least 1 700×600 image in every post. Your page won’t just look colorful but when readers can relate to an image they’ll keep on scrolling down. I used to have a blog before but I cut it out cos I got an offline job…
Sorry for the unsolicited reply though..
[Reply]
This is great, Stacy! It’s always such a pleasure to read your posts, because I always learn something new. For instance, I wasn’t aware of some of these plug-ins, and I’m happy to find out about them. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart, and I can’t wait to read your next post.
Anthony Thompson invites you to read… Self Manager – Mental Strengths Needed Before Beginning a Sales Career
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 6th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Hi Anthony,
I’m glad that you get so much out of my posts!
Have a great day!
Stacy
[Reply]
My blogs new so I haven’t tested this, but my theory (maybe it’s a little rose tinted) is that if I produce the greatest content I can they will always come back.
I hope it doesn’t matter if they sign up to my list, or if I don’t go crazy with social media.
When someone comes to my blog I want them to be a lifelong reader. Even if that means coming back once per week to read a few posts, or if they come back once per month to read lots.
As long as they arrive on my blog I hope they come back. Obviously that won’t be everyone but I hope to build a nice following and hopefully become Internet friends.
Jamie Alexander invites you to read… 3 Easy Steps To Make Any Object Magically Appear Behind You
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 6th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Hi Jamie,
Content is extremely important, there’s no doubt about that. But it isn’t enough unfortunately.
It really does help to have people subscribe to something because everyone is so busy these days and needs reminders. I don’t check my favorite blogs without reminders because I can’t possibly keep up.
Have a great day and good luck with your new blog!
Stacy
[Reply]
I’ve been doing most of these without even thinking about my making my readers come back to my blog. I just appreciated their comments so much I thought I’d pay their blogs visits too.
But the thank you email and welcome message are great ideas… I’m not sure how to apply that in Blogger though…
Glori invites you to read… Small Talk Your Way Out of Awkward Silences: 8 Practical Ways to Do It
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 6th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Hi Glori,
I am not sure if you can use those features with blogger. You could look into it but one of the benefits of using a WP blog is the plugins that make blogging so easy to customize.
Stacy
[Reply]
I keep coming back to your blog because it’s interesting and full of tips that I can actually use – so that’s my take on you. Myself, I try to keep the commenting back and forth going. It helps remind people that I ham alive and around lol. Especially since my main focus online is freelance writing right now, and I don’t always get new posts up. That said, I think consistently having new posts helps readers to come back and see what you are doing now – just like I do with you.
Bellaisa invites you to read… I Am Right and You Are Wrong
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 6th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Hi Bellaisa,
Thank you, I’m glad that you like my content. I agree that posting regularly is important!
Stacy
[Reply]
All good tips here, Stacy. I especially think it’s important to keep up with commenters – by responding, thanking them and even visiting and commenting on their blogs. I’ve actually been looking into alternative commenting systems (right now I use Disqus, which I like except you can’t send out automated replies – someone has to specifically sign up to receive replies) just so I could improve the commenting on my blog.
I think you also have to be in front of people a lot. To Jamie’s point, I hate to say it but I don’t think great content is enough. It may be great, but people are busy, they forget, they do a million other things. Unless they sign up they are probably not spending the whole day thinking about your blog no matter how great it is! So reminders on social networks and by being present online are good strategies.
Thanks for actionable tips here, Stacy!
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[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Hi Carol,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I like being able to use commentluv because it rewards the readers in that they can share one of their posts under their comment!
I agree with you that content isn’t enough, it’s important but not enough!
Stacy
[Reply]
Great advice, Stacy. I use most of them and I my favorite is emailing them when there is a direct reply to their comment because I always reply to comments, so there is always going to be something to bring them back
Brankica invites you to read… Facebook Marketing for Smart People [review]
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Hi Brankica,
Thank you for stopping by! That is one of my favorite features too. Before my replies were emailed I felt like I was talking to myself!
Stacy
[Reply]
Wow Stacy, you shared the gold here girl. Thanks for giving us some of your secrets.
Can I tell you something without you getting upset? I can’t stand the redirect to another page. Mainly because I read your post and comment before I share it on the social sites. When you take me off your page, I have to go back to the home button and then click on your post in order to finish. I would think most people won’t go to that trouble. Obviously this has helped you or you wouldn’t have it in place but I hope you don’t mind me sharing my particular dislike and why.
I like your suggestions though to connect with them on other social sites and even email them. I’ve been known to do the same things.
I don’t think I’ve ever checked out your blogging tips page so I’ll be sure and do that as well.
Thanks Stacy and hope we’re still friends.
You’re the best.
~Adrienne
Adrienne invites you to read… How To Get Traffic To Your Blog
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:02 pm
Hi Adrienne,
Of course I’m not upset with you!
Who could be upset with you, you’re so sweet! I only use the comment redirect for the first time commenter (though if it redirects each time please let me know!)
I’d love to hear what you think of my blogging tips page. I showcase my best blogging posts so that they don’t get lost in the shuffle. This post is bound to be the next addition to that page!
Stacy
[Reply]
Adrienne Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Ah good Stacy, I’m so happy to hear that. Yes, it does redirect me each time. If it were only the first couple of times I wouldn’t mind but every time I comment it redirects me.
I started checking out the first few posts but ran out of time. I’ll get to them though because I can see where they would be very helpful.
Thanks Stacy!
~Adrienne
Adrienne invites you to read… What Kind Of Legacy Will You Leave
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Hi Adrienne,
Does it redirect to my thank you page each time or does it direct somewhere else? I double checked the redirect plugin and it does say that it only redirects to the page of your choice when someone leaves their first comment.
Stacy
[Reply]
Adrienne Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Hey Stacy,
It goes to the thank you page each time. All I’m doing is hitting post comment and I’m taken off this page each time.
Adrienne invites you to read… What Kind Of Legacy Will You Leave
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Thanks for letting me know, Adrienne. I’m going to look into that!
[Reply]
Very nice post and learned about some new plugins. I’m seeing a lot of folks using commentluv also. Why do you prefer that over discus?
And thanks for sharing these great tips.
Val invites you to read… Excellence Is An Attitude
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Hi Val,
I love commentluv for a lot of reasons actually. It rewards the commenters by allowing them to showcase one of their posts. The premium version also helps with spam and has some other great features. Perhaps I’ll have to write a post on that topic!
Stacy
[Reply]
Val Reply:
June 10th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Excellent. I do see that benefit as I am seeing more bloggers use it. Commentluv and livefyre seem to be quite popular. I’m learning more tools to refer others to. Thanks for the reply
Val invites you to read… 5 Ways Scandal Cast Is Crushing Social Media
[Reply]
Hi Stacy,
These are 8 great ways to get people to return to your blog. I have been trying to figure out how to send someone an email thanking them for their comment and now I know how you do it. Thanks for sharing.
Tristram Lodge
Tristram Lodge invites you to read… Blog Posting Tips – Get Maximum Exposure When You Hit The Publish Button
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Hi Tristam,
I’m glad that this helped! That is one question that I have received many times!
Stacy
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I always love coming to this blog, there’s always so much value offered.
Anyways, I will definitely try out “wp thread comment” plugin.
I’ve been trying to keep my visitors coming back, as my blog is start to bud.
Thank you!
Mike Park invites you to read… The Secret to Being Present (One Method You Don’t Know About)
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Hi Mike,
Thank you very much. That is one plugin that I appreciate the most!
Stacy
[Reply]
Hey great tips Stacey, but let’s face it. I don’t think anyone is running away from you. Your blog is great and your personalty matches it perfectly. I think our biggest issue today is time, if we had enough time we would visit all our friends blogs everyday but we don’t have time.
bbrian017 invites you to read… Ready, Set, Chat This Thu #BlogEngage Twitter Chat
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Hi Brian,
I agree, time is a huge issue. It would be great to have enough time visit all of the great blogs out there!
Stacy
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I really appreciate this great article you have shared to be honest for our sites to receive more people all we need to do is to spend some time giving them reply, for them to know that they are important in your blog.
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Hi Kate,
That’s so true. Without readers what would the blog be?
Stacy
[Reply]
Great tips Stacy!
While I do use most of the tips mentioned, I still need to check out a few of them. I think when we greet people or those who leave their comment for the first time or those who subscribe to our blog, it gives it all a more personal touch.
Thanks for sharing.
Harleena Singh invites you to read… How To Make Quality Family Time?
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Hi Harleena,
I agree, the more the personal touches that we can offer the more people will take note!
Stacy
[Reply]
Very nice post and learned about some new plugins.
Thanks for sharing
honey
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
I’m glad that you found this helpful!
[Reply]
Hello Stacy, First of all nice blog. It’s my first time in your blog and really like the design, unique look, the line spacing and the font. So I believe, even having a beautiful blog design in itself can help visitors stick to your blog.
I have most of the recommended plugins/functionalities in place in my blog and was just searching for the redirect after first comment plugin and that’s how I reached your blog. I just read Adrienne’s comment, I think she is right, even though conveying a thank you message may be a good idea, it can take the visitor off the page they were reading. Also since they commented on the page, they sure would like to go back to the page anyway. So a better option will be to install a plugin which offers the ability to display the url from which they are redirected, so that they can go back to the post easily.
Dr.Spencer Jones
Spencer Jones invites you to read… 4 Keys On How To Build A Mailing List Quickly Using Forum Marketing
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Hi Spencer,
Thank you and welcome! That is an interesting idea to look into. Thanks for sharing that thought!
Stacy
[Reply]
I love the “Recommended For You” pop that you have in the botton right hand corner, because of that I just read and commented on another one of your posts. Great was to make the visitor stick. May I know the name of the plugin ? Thanks…
Spencer Jones invites you to read… 4 Keys On How To Build A Mailing List Quickly Using Forum Marketing
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Hi again,
It’s called the slide and you can get it at https://www.simplereach.com/ It’s quick and easy to install!
Stacy
[Reply]
Thanks for the awesome suggestions. I’m looking forward to trying these plug-ins.
I reciprocate when others comment on my blog and I comment when I read blog posts filled with helpful information (this one is a perfect example!).
Thanks again!
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Hi Lisa,
I’m glad that you found this useful!
I agree those are great ways to bring people back! It’s great to see you here again!
Stacy
[Reply]
These are great, Stacy. Some I was aware of, but I’m going to have to check out a few others. And I can’t believe I haven’t gone to your Tips page yet. Planning that journey.
Thanks for sharing what works for you, Stacy.
Cathy Miller invites you to read… Caught Between Dreams and Reality
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Hi Cathy,
I’m glad that I could show you some new tricks!
Stacy
[Reply]
Hi Stacy,
Great tips, indeed.
As a blog reader I really appreciate when I leave a comment on someone’s blog and they reciprocate by coming to my blog. To me it’s says a lot about the blogger.
So, as a blogger I definitely try to go asap to anyone’s blog who has left a comment. This also encourage them to come back.
I also go back other times without waiting for them to come first all the time, because this is no noticeable it’s not even funny
Thanks for those tips, Stacy
Sylviane Nuccio invites you to read… Why Writing For Peanuts When You Could Write For Big Buck?
[Reply]
You are right Stacy what will happen to our blog site if there are no people, readers visiting it.thanks for your reply.
Kate invites you to read… כת בני ברוך
[Reply]
Hi Stacy! Thanks for sharing this. I’m still new to blogging and I can surely make use of your tips. I have learned that blogging is not just about sharing what you know or feel, it’s also about interacting with your readers and letting them know how much they are appreciated. I especially love the idea on reciprocating blog comments. Thank you.
Shelon invites you to read… Positive Attitudes toward Mental Health
[Reply]
Thanks for sharing this wonderful and amazing post
As usual your writing skills is fantastic!
Carol invites you to read… Majestic Murano Glass Chandelier Rescued after Earthquake
[Reply]
Hi,
Thanks stacy, I’m looking forward for these plugins and hopefully will improve my productivity.
Suraj invites you to read… HOW TO: Sell your Product for a Tweet or a Facebook share?
[Reply]
I have learned that blogging is not just about sharing what you know or feel, it’s also about interacting with your readers and letting them know how much they are appreciated. Thanks for sharing.
tinafreysd invites you to read… Chamonix Chalet 1802
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One of my secrets for having my readers and clients coming back for more is that I make sure that they are valued in a way that I give premium discounts and free items for my valued customers. I also make sure that I personalized my blog making them a part of it as oppose to just being a customer.
Mark Sanders invites you to read… NEW E Z Roll Wire Dispenser
[Reply]
Great ideas Stacy, keeping people on your blog is very important. Getting them to comment is more important. I try to visit people’s blog that do me the same favor. I think it is also important to visit blog in your niche.
Michael Belk invites you to read… My weight is not a requirement for the job!!!
[Reply]
Thanks for the tips. I am going to try WP thread comment… I didn’t realize that those emails were the result of a plugin. Thanks for sharing the information.
Kristen invites you to read… The Benefits of Yoga for Kids: Our Family’s Experience
[Reply]
Great tips – And yes , I must admit , A special email (even one offering them another chance to follow the RSS feed to your website) is a great way of engaging with a user and showing them sincere gratitude for visiting. This way the user feels a lot more appreciated and also stands a better chance to visit your website again – especially if they were impressed and left a positive comment. This type of plugin can prove to be quite valuable from a marketing perspective.
Anton Koekemoer invites you to read… 10 tips on starting with social media marketing
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I don’t think emailing replies to comments will work. People may think this is spam email and they will feel annoying and uncomfortable. This may cause bad effects, you know.
[Reply]
Lovely blogging secrets always, Stacy! I am insanely jealous you post these impressive stuffs and hygienic tips to get higher natural traffic in my blog. I am sure community people like these sparkling suggestions amazingly. Looking forward more! Keep it up, thanks!
Emma Hixton invites you to read… Deliveries over the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend
[Reply]
Great tips as newbie in in the field of blogging it is very useful and it serve as a guide to all newbie in blog.thanks for sharing a nice post I appreciate it.
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Some wonderful tips Stacey and I think it is my first visit to your blog – and I will be back! I am reassured to see I use most of the plugins you mention, but I did not know about the first visit welcome email, (so I will look forward to receiving that after my visit today!)
Nicky invites you to read… 5 x Free MLM Lead Generation Tips
[Reply]
What I love about this post is how you used every opportunity to connect with your readers from start to finish. That was genius and very welcoming to new readers to your blog. People want to be acknowledged and know that their comment meant something to you and you have some great tools in place to get them started. You mentioned some I didn’t even know and I will have to implement them on my blog. Thanks Stacy for the share girl!
Sonia invites you to read… How to Avoid Sounding Fake, When You Feel Your Writing Sucks
[Reply]
Thanks Stacy, great tips there. as a new blogger i am trying to apply all the tips i have been reading from your website but it seems like i am stuck in a rut when it comes to followers and readers. I know this is a time game but i feel like giving up somedays
[Reply]
These are some really nice tips for bloggers, i personally reply to every comment on my blog but never thought of replying to them through mail. But i think that can be very handy in making our visitors permanent readers of our blog. I will employ this strategy and see how it fares . thanks stacy:)
Suroor invites you to read… Mozilla Thimble launched – simple webmaking app
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 20th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Hi Suroor,
I’m glad that you were able to get a new idea!
Stacy
[Reply]
Good stuff Stacy, I didn’t even know about some of these plugins. I’m going to look into them now. Thanks
Lea invites you to read… Positive Affirmations – I’m inspired by all
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Another one of those things that I really should be thinking about with my up coming blog.:(
But is not quite tedious to do so? Is it okay to outsource the job? Thoughts anyone?
memory-improvement-tips invites you to read… Five Tips For Improving Memory In Old Age
[Reply]
In my opinion the main reason why people actually come back is great content and lovely people, so I always try to connect to my readers, talk on twitter, facebook. Just be who you are and don’t be afraid to talk!
Karolina invites you to read… Natural Hair Masks for Damaged Hair
[Reply]
Great content is the starting point, and then putting the effort into replying to comments and using tools such as newsletters can keep the commenters coming back for more and helping you build a community.
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[Reply]
I totally agree that by greeting people for their first comment and offering email subscription options are great way to keep people returning to your blog. However, I think if you focus too much on replying to comments from other people, you might scare them off. What do you think about that?
Lyuben Georgiev invites you to read… Social Media: How Linkedin is good for business marketing
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