As someone who’s currently on a couple of group blogs (and who has been a regular contributor on as many as five), I found a recent post by author/social media guru Kristen Lamb interesting.
In it, Kristen says:
I have run into writers who were very prolific, contributing to multiple group blogs. Group blogs are wonderful. They can help us learn to blog better and can offer accountability. Yet, if we are writing for three different group blogs, but then not blogging on our own site? That is BAD. Group blogs will not brand an individual author. Yes, we will have a social media presence…but that isn’t a brand.
I have to agree with Kristen. In fact, on some group blogs, it’s hard to tell who that day’s contributor even is. Many, many times I want to tweet something that someone has written on a group blog and I can’t find the writer’s contact info, blog or Twitter handle. Sometimes it’s even hard to figure out who wrote the post (sometimes it will even say by guest.)
I think it’s better to make sure that a byline with your contact info (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and blog or website link is at the bottom of every group blog post. If you’re allowed to, a book cover is nice, too. Because, this is branding we’re talking about. You want to be associated with the book you’re promoting.
I agree with Kristen’s point about making sure we’re still blogging on our own, individual blogs. You won’t make much of an individual splash on a group blog, especially if you’re only occasionally posting.
It’s also a good idea to write for a group blog that reaches a different audience than your personal blog. I’m primarily writing for writers here at my blog. At Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen, I’m blogging for readers. And on A Good Blog is Hard to Find, I’m blogging for readers who enjoy Southern-themed books (as opposed to just mystery writers.)
How group blogs work:
There’ll be a set schedule—either a particular day of the week or month, or an emailed schedule.
Saturdays are usually not popular with writers for posting. It’s thought to be a day that gets less blog traffic (although I haven’t actually noticed this to be true.) Sometimes, rotating out Saturday duties is nice so no one gets upset. I’ve also been on group blogs where no one posted on Saturday, but book news or news on events and appearances were posted.
Usually, group members are expected to support the other members by commenting on their blog posts at least every few days.
Group members are usually expected to respond to comments on their day.
Promoting the group blog on social media like Facebook and Twitter is usually appreciated.
Trading out guest posts with other group blogs is a nice way to get cross-exposure for both groups.
Have you thought about forming a group blog or asking to join one?
It’s on one of my “one day maybe” lists to do.
But as to the byline issue: one thing that’s also important about putting in a bio or byline is Google (and other search engines).
Search engines use all sorts of data to judge and connect up content. You want your name associated with your work so that Google can do its magic. You’re creating a footprint that makes you easier to find, easier to run across accidentally. Search engines turn the whole internet into a bookstore — be present!
I’m involved in a group blog. But honestly, I have failed to post or host faithfully every month when it is my turn. Life is just too crazy right now. So I amy opt out next month. Just out of a courtesy to the other members who are posting and hosting faithfully.
Elizabeth – Thanks for your insights on group blogging. I have to admit, it’s something I haven’t considered doing. I very much enjoy reading group blogs like Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen, and I think the concept is terrific. But I simply don’t have time in my life to do justice to two blogs. One thing that makes the group blogs I like great is that each post/contribution is carefully crafted. All the members of the team work hard. I’m not sure I could fit that kind of work in…
Hi Elizabeth .. I’m not involved in a group blog .. but I can quite see what you’re saying here – individuality is so important, as well as sharing with others .. it’s the mix that needs to be got right.
Love your byline thoughts as The Daring Novelist confirms our footprint is an essential .. have a good weekend .. Hilary
I’ve never been asked to write for a group blog, and that’s a good thing. I am challenged to keep up with my own posting.
However, YOU do it all with great efficiency.
Have a great weekend!
I’ve looked into it and decided it’s not for me, for all the reasons you’ve listed and because I”m stretched pretty thin as it is. I really love the social part of being online and I can see where it can be tempting to do more and more. And personally, I don’t enjoy reading group blogs. I’m a one on one kind of person.
I’ve been asked to join a couple group blogs. The first one never panned out and the second one I said no to because of everything that’s happening on my own blog right now. Someday I might though!
I can see there may be advantages, but I have also noticed that the members of those blogs tend to blur for me so even though I have followed a handful, there are only two left on my blog roll.
And as Stephen mentions, life may be too crazy sometimes (and my life often is) so I would probably not dare to join one if I should be asked for fear that I couldn´t live up to my own expectations. Having my own blog is much easier; I don´t owe anyone anything.
I was invited to be part of From the Write Angle blog and I’m so glad I teamed up with the others. They’re a terrific group of people – and it’s been a very positive experience!
Thanks so much for coming by, everybody! I appreciate your leaving your thoughts and your experiences here. :)
nice info, very useful to me…
Late for this party, but I wanted to say that in my experience, group blogging was more trouble than it was worth. I was invited to join a prestigious blog where I was a relative unknown. It took a whole day out of my week and didn’t seem to drive any traffic to my own blog. People often directed comments on my piece to other, better known bloggers. So when I read Kristen’s post, I decided to let it go.