Q1: Blog Comments: What platform (ex: disqus, facebook) do you use? What are your do’s & don’ts to responding to feedback/comments?

@ParkerEtc @Squarespace’s platform is seriously user intuitive. I’ve never had to think of implementing any other platforms.

@floralandfrayed: I installed disqus after a previous brunch at the suggestion of @17thandIrving since then I’ve had more engagement than ever

@inspiredtoshare: I simply use Wordpress and I try my best to respond to thoughtful, constructive comments or questions!

@17thandIrving: I use @disqus. It’s easy to manage and allows you to sign in with a Twitter/Facebook/Disqus account. Great spam protection.

@muellermm: I use the “Social” plugin for wordpress, which automatically pulls likes & comments from Facebook + mentions from Twitter

@Chelsea_Costa: I try to respond to every comment I can! To me, the woke point is to actually converse with readers

@writeousbabe: I also try to comment on the blogs of readers who comment on mine.

@caseemarie I implemented a FB commenting plugin with my standard system (self-hosted WP) and I saw interaction from Facebook right away.

@prettyandfun Don’ts: don’t bother responding to negative comments, just ignore them. Not worth fighting!

‪@lalalovelythngs It’s IMPORTANT to always reply to someone who has a question or makes a point that contributes to the conversation.

@BudgetFairyTale If I know they are on Twitter, I’ll also thank them for their comment on Twitter. Please like to see their name mentioned!

@hello_vanny: I also LOVE when I receive emails that someone has replied to a comment I’ve left on their blog.

Q2: What’s the best way to connect with your readership outside of your blog platform? 

@mackenziehoran: Twitter for a quick hello, email for questions & to discuss collaborations, & of course in person when possible!

@amymoorestudio: Nothing beats IRL meetups!! I’ve met some of my best friends from blogging! :)

@StudioDIY: Twitter has been my biggest way to engage. I’ve found Instagram great too! People LOVE seeing sneak peeks of what’s to come! #blogbrunch

@17thandIrving: Twitter. I’ve become good friends with people that commented on my blog once!

@ParkerEtc: Make time to meet up when the opportunity arises. Coffee, cocktail hour or invitation to an event youre hosting.

@mspinkandblue I love email! It feels so personal, Ive definitely emailed as a response to a tweet or comment and had positive results.

Q3: Being a Blogger can be BUSY, how do you organize/manage submissions, requests, contacts, emails & questions from your readers?

BestofthisLife: I block off time to do certain things: post brainstorm, photography, visiting blogs, email response. Schedule it in!

HitchDesign: I try to keep template emails to help save time on responses.

InspiredtoShare: I do my best to respond within 24 hours but in the end we’re all human and it’s ok if life getsin the way! Just be genuine.

PinegateRoad: @TeuxDeux is a godsend. If it doesn’t go on there, it doesn’t get done.

MsPinkandBlue: Twitter lists are great for organizing contacts! (just be careful what you name them, everyone can see)

MackenzieHoran: Email folders, iCal reminders, and making a concerted effort to keep my inbox under 50 emails at all times!

Sister_Mag: Can I confess: sometimes I use a paper pad ;)

FloralandFrayed: My readership is a bit smaller so I do my best to answer emails as they come in.

AlliePal: All my contact forms go to one email and I respond at the end of the day. I schedule guest posts on Google Cal.

LaLaLovelyThngs: Using gmail is a great way to stay on top of things. Creating Folders, Filters and Color Coding E-mails.

Q4: What’s the best way to receivefeedback from your readers, and how much do you tailor your content to your readership?

17thandIrving: Comments are like bits of encouragement. That’s why I leave them for others & respond to mine.

ScoutRentals: I propose questions to my readers at ends of posts where I feel like additional engagement would enhance the topic overall.

Chelsea_Costa: Important to give your readers what they need and want, but more important to stay true to your voice and vision.

ParkerEtc: I simply adore emails from readers on anything. Advice, questions, photo & layout inquires.

Carbarton: I check analytics to see what my readers respond most to, but it doesn’t define my blog or my content!

NessaBirdie: There has to be a balance. You don’t want to completely change for your readers. You will begin to loose your voice!

HelenaMarie: I think you have to strike a balance between “posts that will get hits” and “posts that you love to write” to staygenuine.

OfAnselm: If we didn’t want readers we’d keep locked journals. Tailoring to the readers (at least to a point) is important to blogging.

FreeSpiritReign: Comments on posts! They make such a difference in knowing what content is being read.

BudgetFairyTale: I pay attention to what people are responding to on FB, Twitter, Pinterest & look for a pattern, and tailor my posts to them.

Q5: Does your blog content affect the way you communicate on your social media? What’s the best way to track your social media engagement?

@bestofthislife I post from the heart & when others can relate to a subject, I ask if they want more of it. That can be inspiration or a recipe!

@ParkerEtc I never track engagement by numbers. Track it with depth of relationships.

@elembee_ I try to look for ways to expand my content across other social media channels, offer something extra or start a conversation.

@HitchDesign I focus as much of my social media on showing an extension of the content I supply day to day.

@mackenziehoran I started a “tell me about yourself” feature to learn more about my readers & what they love! http://bit.ly/MFiopO

@mspinkandblue I track with @sproutsocial often and Google. It can connect with your analytics!

@carbartonI try to maintain the same personality across platforms. My voice is my brand, and I keep it consistent.

@floralandfrayed Blogging for me is about making connections. I try to post things that will build those connections.

@Chelsea_Costa When YOU are your brand, everything you put into the world is what builds your brand. Make sure it’s a good representation.

@arashmazinani I check the Facebook pages stats and followers. But you have to engage to be engaged, its no good sitting back and waiting

@ohmyhandmade I build engagement by being deeply interested in the stories of others & creating spaces for those stories to be shared 

@alliepal Lastly, I need to be a dedicated reader of OTHER blogs to stay relevant & part of a community. I’ve met amazing people.