7 Ways to Build Relationships in the Blogging World

As a blogger, it's super important to build relationships with other bloggers and brands. Doing so will not only get your blog out there but also open up so many more opportunities for you, whether it be doing a collaboration with another blogger or working with a brand to do a product review.

Here are seven ways that you can easily network in the blogging world to get those vital connections.

ONE // JOIN FACEBOOK GROUPS

Joining Facebook groups is easily one of the best things ever. There are so many Facebook groups out there that cater to different areas of blogging, such as your location, what type of blog you have, your age, etc. These groups are a great way to market your posts, meet other bloggers, attend blog events, get brand sponsorship opportunities, and so much more. My favorite groups are the Her Campus Blogger Network (apply to be in the network here), Millennial Blogger Network, and FBL. I tend to not like Boston-based Facebook groups because I have found that the majority of the members are adult bloggers. Finding the right Facebook group(s) for you is a lot of trial and error; you have to pick to see which ones you do and don't like.

TWO // PARTICIPATE IN LOOP GIVEAWAYS

Loop giveaways are a great way to gain more followers on Instagram and expose your blog/business. The point of a loop giveaway is to team up with a bunch of other bloggers and businesses and chip in a certain amount of money to buy a really nice item to give away. In order for a person to participate in the giveaway, they must follow everyone who is hosting the giveaway on Instagram. This is a quick and efficient way to expose your Instagram account and gain more followers, which in return will lead your new followers to your blog. The only thing that is a downside to loop giveaways is having to pay your way to host it; depending on how many people want to host it, you could either be paying anywhere between $15-$50. However, loop giveaways can also get annoying; people get frustrated with the bloggers who host one at least once a week because it is basically just a way for them to get "fake" followers. Participate in one every once in a while!

THREE // COLLABORATE WITH OTHER BLOGGERS

A common way to collaborate with other bloggers is through outfit posts. Know of a blogger who has a similar style to you? Reach out to them and see if you two have any similar clothing pieces that you could use in a collaboration! Collaborating with another blogger will allow you to get to know each other better, and it opens your blog up to their blog audience.

FOUR // DO PRODUCT REVIEWS FOR COMPANIES

One of my favorite parts of blogging is doing product reviews for brands. It isn't because I get free items out of it; I just love connecting with other brands that are similar to my style and giving them exposure. Chances are the brand will share your post on their social media channels, allowing their customers to find your blog and read it.

FIVE // ATTEND MEETUPS AND EVENTS

Attending blogger meetups and events is so fun. There are so many times that a company will host an event and invite bloggers to. If you find an event that interests you, attend it! They're always so much fun, and you're bound to meet other bloggers. (Side note: The HCBN is great for informing Boston bloggers about events like these!) Blogger meetups are great to attend as well. Information about these meetups can often be found in the Facebook blog groups that are specific to your location. You can even set up your own meetups if you know of a few bloggers in your area that you'd like to meet. Rachel and I have been dying to meet for coffee once I get out of school!

SIX // WRITE GUEST POSTS

I used to always have other people guest post on my blog and I used to guest post on other people's blogs, but I've been so busy that I don't have the time to plan them out. If you find a blogger that you really like and have a similar style blog to her, email her and ask if you can write a guest post for her or have her write a guest post for you! You both will benefit from this because you will be exposed to different audiences. Plus it's nice to switch things up every once in a while and have your readers read things from a different person's perspective!

SEVEN // CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is definitely the easiest way to connect with other bloggers and brands. Love a post that one of your favorite bloggers had today? Tweet a link to it and tag them in it. Obsessing over a brand's clothing line? Feature it on your Instagram. There are so many ways to connect on so many different social media platforms that it's just easy! You'll gain more followers and allow other people to see your blog.

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One thing to remember when connecting in the blogging world is to not just think of only yourself; think of how these relationships could benefit the other blogger or brand. If a relationship is beneficial to someone else, chances are he or she will want to keep this connection with you!

How do you build relationships in the blogging world?