Tag: How To

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This Is The One Thing You Can Do To Help Bloggers

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts71 Comments

We all know that comments play a crucial role in fostering community and enhancing conversations within the blogging world. When someone takes the time to engage thoughtfully with you, the impact is significantly greater than mere participation. But how?

An image depicting colourful individuals with vibrant comment boxes above them.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Imagine meeting a friend for coffee and hearing the same thing from them every time you meet. It would soon get boring, wouldn’t it? That’s what leaving the same comments on the blogs you visit can seem like.

I remember the first time somebody left me an engaging comment. I felt like they were not only listening to me but were interested in what I had to say. They were taking an interest in me instead of trying to get me to take an interest in them.

The benefits of leaving engaging comments, as opposed to short, non-engaging ones, are not only startling, but they help propel those receiving those types of comments into a whole new dimension of blogging.

Let’s examine some of the ways leaving thoughtful, engaging comments helps.

1. Enhances Community Interaction

Engaging comments foster a vibrant community atmosphere, often sparking discussions among commenters. When readers share their thoughts, experiences, or questions, it sparks conversation and encourages others to participate; even those who would not usually want to speak may be tempted to talk. This collaborative environment is crucial for fostering relationships among readers and between bloggers and their audience.

Short, non-engaging comments tend to have the opposite effect, creating off-page questions such as ‘did this person really read the post?’ or ‘is this person interested in my content or just proving they visited?’

2. Provides Valuable Feedback

When readers leave detailed, constructive comments, they provide valuable insights into your content. This feedback can help bloggers refine their writing and tailor future posts to better serve their audience. This is especially true for those who write fiction or poetry, in helping them become even better at what they write.

Short comments like “Great post!” “Great story,” or “These are lovely photos,” may be easy to type, but they don’t offer the depth of feedback that engaging comments can provide.

Next time you want to tell a blogger that their story, post, or photos are great, explain why you think they are wonderful. By doing so, you’ll be providing them with much higher quality feedback and likely brightening their day even more.

3. Boosts SEO and Visibility

Did you know that certain comments, especially those containing valuable feedback and questions, can enhance a blog’s SEO rankings? Search engines not only favour blogs with dynamic content, but an active comments section filled with meaningful discussions can improve visibility. Engaging comments indicate to SEOs that the blog is active and has a thriving community.

4. Encourages More In-Depth Discussion

Thoughtful comments often contain questions or points that invite further discussion and exploration. This creates an opportunity for dialogue and deeper exploration of the topic at hand. As discussions develop, so can connections and friendships. After all, trying to make connections with those who keep telling you the same thing can be much more difficult when all they are doing is taking you down a dead end every time they leave a comment.

5. Builds Blogger Credibility

When a blogger responds to engaging comments, they can demonstrate their expertise and invest in their readers. This back-and-forth not only shows that the blogger values their audience’s input but also positions them as knowledgeable in their field. Leaving engaging comments or questions can help boost a blogger’s confidence and encourage them to write and share more content.

Disengaged comments may go unnoticed and fail to establish any genuine connection between a blogger and their reader. When this occurs across all their posts, it can leave the blogger feeling disconnected from their audience, which may result in the blog being abandoned or deleted.

6. Increases Reader Retention

Readers who leave engaging and thoughtful comments are more likely to attract new visitors, encourage them to return, read future posts, and join in the discussions. They develop a sense of ownership and connection to the content they’ve interacted with. When other readers see their comments, they are more likely to view that blogger as friendly, engaging, and interested in expanding their audience. Their blog will seem like a fun place to visit.

Many visitors who encounter the same brief, uninspiring comments from the same individual are unlikely to wish to connect unless they, too, post similar comments.

Time isn’t the enemy!

Many will say that they don’t always have the time to leave thoughtful, engaging comments. Instead, they tend to leave numerous short, unengaging comments across the site. However, if they invested the time they spend leaving all those unengaging, brief comments to write just one thoughtful, engaging comment each day, they’d make a significant difference to the blogs and bloggers they visit.

Blogging isn’t a sprint to dash through all the blogs you follow, leaving brief, disengaging comments; it’s a space to take your time, enjoy what you read, and show other bloggers that you are genuinely interested in the content they create by offering valuable feedback that will help them craft and publish even better blog posts. Moreover, other visitors will perceive you as someone who seeks to engage with others.

Absolutely, you should feel free to engage or not, based on your desire! Always share your thoughts if you have something valuable to contribute to the conversation. Your insightful comments will be warmly welcomed and cherished by those who receive them.

And remember that there is nothing wrong with not leaving a comment if you have nothing of value to add.

Conclusion

  • Engaging comments are more than mere feedback; they are an essential part of the blogging ecosystem.
  • While short, unengaging comments have their place with some, the advantages of leaving thoughtful, engaging comments are much more powerful.
  • When you leave a thoughtful, engaging comment, you are not only enriching the conversation, but also enhancing SEO for that blog and providing valuable feedback for the blogger.
  • A blog with a comment section full of thoughtful and engaging comments is viewed by SEOs as having a thriving community.
  • As readers, taking the time to contribute meaningfully can transform a blog into a vibrant hub of interaction and knowledge sharing. It can also help boost the author’s confidence in their writing.
  • The next time you read a blog post, consider the impact of your comments—make them count!

How do you feel about the quality of the comments you receive? Do they inspire you to write more? What strategies do you employ to create engaging comments on other blogs? Have you ever felt discouraged by short or generic comments, and how did that affect your motivation? What tips would you offer someone who struggles to leave meaningful comments? How do you balance leaving thoughtful comments with limited time when visiting multiple blogs?

I’m getting tough with non-engaging comments. Comments such as ‘Nice post’ are marked as spam.

The featured image in this blog post is taken from Pixabay. AI checked spelling and grammar mistakes.

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Copyright @ 2025 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

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    Look! Blame Me For A Painful Drop In Blog Subscribers

    Published on by Hugh W. Roberts97 Comments

    Do you know who follows your blog? Do you care about who is following you? If not, you ought to.

    I’ve recently gained many new followers. Delighted, you may ask? Far from it. You see, I’ve noticed a trend among these followers. They all have a lot of random numbers (sometimes mixed with letters) in their profile names. Here’s an example:

    An image displaying the details of a spam bot account that follows my blog. The profile name is made up of a combination of random numbers and a few letters.
    An example of a recent spam-bot subscriber.

    Not only that, but all of them ended with @gmail.com or @hotmail.com. And they follow in batches.

    They not only seemed strange to me, but I also had no way of discovering who these new followers were, as none of them had any links in their Gravatar profile apart from their email address.

    I soon realised that most of these new followers were spam-bots. What’s wrong with that, you may ask? There are several reasons why permitting spam-bots to follow and subscribe to your blog is not advisable.

    Reasons to Not Allow Spam-Bots to Follow Your Blog

    1. Reduced Engagement
      • Spam followers do not contribute meaningful interactions, which can skew your engagement metrics and give a false impression of your blog’s popularity. They will, however, try to bombard your blog with spam comments and try to spam the comments box of your readers, too.
    2. Dilution of Community
      • Genuine followers are lost in a sea of spam accounts, making it harder to build a real community around your blog.
    3. Potential Security Risks
      • Spam-bots may pose security threats, as they can be linked to malicious activities such as hacking attempts or phishing schemes.
    4. Impact on SEO
      • Search engines may see high numbers of spam accounts as a sign of poor-quality content, which can negatively affect your blog’s search ranking.
    5. Email Spam
      • Spam-bots can lead to unwanted comments and email communication, and may even compromise your email’s reputation if they harvest your blog’s content.
    6. Negative Perception
      • A blog with many spam followers can create a negative impression on potential genuine followers, who may question the legitimacy of your content, especially if lots of spam comments show up on your posts.
    7. Lack of Valuable Feedback
      • Engaging with real readers provides valuable feedback and insights, whereas spam accounts offer no legitimate input on your content.

    It’s simple to unsubscribe anyone (including spam-bots) from following your blog. Here’s how to do it. I’m doing this using an iMac Desktop computer.

    • On your blog’s dashboard, select Jetpack – Subscribers.
    An image showcasing Jetpack - Subscribers on a WordPress blog's dashboard.
    Click on Jetpack – Subscribers
    • You will see a list of all your subscribers.
    • Click on the three dots (also known as a kebab menu) next to the subscriber you wish to delete and select ‘Remove.’ You have now unsubscribed the account from your blog.
    • If you wish to discover more about the subscriber, click the ‘View‘ button. Doing so allows you to gather further information about the subscriber, including whether they have a WordPress blog.
    An image displaying the Remove and About links on a subscriber list of a WordPress blog.
    Click the view or remove button.

    While removing these spam-bots from my blog, I noticed that WordPress had also been busy informing me of purged subscribers.

    An image of a suspended WordPress account.
    WordPress has also been working to suspend suspicious accounts on my behalf.

    I had no idea WordPress did this. However, I still had to unsubscribe the purged accounts and remove them from following my blog.

    By being vigilant in monitoring your followers, you can help ensure that your blog remains a vibrant and secure space for genuine interaction.

    And here’s what happened when I unsubscribed these spam-bot and purged accounts.

    An image depicting a sudden decline in subscribers on a WordPress blog.
    Sometimes, a drop in subscribers is a sensible thing.

    Summary

    • Allowing spam-bots to follow your blog can lead to several issues.
    • They don’t contribute meaningfully, skewing your metrics.
    • Genuine followers can be lost among fake accounts.
    • Spambots may be linked to malicious activities.
    • High numbers of spam followers may harm your blog’s search rankings.
    • They can lead to unwanted communication and damage your email reputation.
    • Many spam accounts can diminish your blog’s legitimacy.
    • Real readers provide insights; spam accounts do not.
    • Unsubscribing spam-bots is straightforward through the Jetpack – Subscribers section on your blog’s dashboard.
    • After removing these accounts, you may notice a decline in subscribers, which, although concerning, can be a healthy sign of clearing out ineffective followers.
    • Staying vigilant about your follower base is key to maintaining a genuine and engaging blog.

    Are you aware of who is following your blog? How do you protect your blog from unwanted subscribers?

    Layout, content, settings, and format might differ on self-hosted blogs.

    The featured image in this blog post is taken from Pixabay. AI checked spelling and grammar mistakes.

    I’m getting tough with non-engaging comments. Comments such as ‘Nice post’ are marked as spam.

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    Copyright @ 2025 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

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      How To Make Yourself Safe Online: 7 Ways

      Published on by Hugh W. Roberts38 Comments

      In this digital age, sharing personal stories and experiences has become a hallmark of blogging, but it comes with its dangers.

      It’s not something I do much, as I prefer to keep my personal life offline. However, I also don’t want to share personal information that anyone could use to scam me, others or steal my identity. Additionally, I don’t want that to happen to anyone who visits or leaves comments on my blog posts.

      However, while authenticity can resonate with readers, there can be hidden dangers in revealing too much personal information in blog posts.

      1. The Privacy Risks

      When you share intimate details about your life, you may inadvertently attract unwanted attention. After all, do you know the identity of everyone who visits your blog? No! And how many of you get unwanted direct messages?

      Scammers and trolls are always on the lookout for information that users freely share about themselves online. This could lead to online harassment, being scammed or identity theft, particularly if you disclose sensitive information such as your full name, location, birthdate, or financial details.

      I’ve no problem with bloggers announcing it’s their birthday, but when they also disclose their age, I ask myself if they would give out their name and full date of birth to a room full of strangers.

      A dark image of a sponge cake with candles that spell out 'Happy Birthday.'
      Image by Pexels from Pixabay

      Of course, if they don’t use their real name on their blog, then it’s not a problem; however, some bloggers seem to want to share as many details about themselves as possible online, believing they are only talking to family and friends, when the reality is that many people reading their posts are likely strangers.

      Always remember that the internet is a public space, and once information is shared, it can be challenging to retract.

      Don’t be tempted. Keep in mind who is reading your posts. Keep your personal details safe.

      2. The Professional Consequences

      Many bloggers use their platforms to advance their careers, but sharing too much personal information can harm their professional reputation, especially when they leave comments or say things considered discriminatory or hateful towards others. Potential employers or clients may judge you based on your blog and the comments you leave, including those on social media.

      I’ve witnessed professional people leave discriminatory comments on various social media platforms, despite their bio listing the name of their employer. It’s important to ensure that your personal narratives align with your professional image. Maintaining professionalism in your blogging and online presence can protect your career and help you present yourself in a positive light.

      3. Impact on Relationships

      Blogging about personal experiences can impact your relationships, as friends, family, and work colleagues may be uncomfortable with how you portray them. It’s important to seek their consent before sharing their stories and to communicate openly about your blogging intentions to maintain healthy relationships.

      If you are considering blogging about personal experiences that affect family, friends or anybody from your past, consider using a pseudonym for those people so that visitors to your blog cannot trace themselves or people they know to what has been said about them.

      An image of a group of silhouetted people inside a metal tube.
      Image by Maike und Björn Bröskamp from Pixabay

      Also, think about any photos you publish on these kinds of posts and whether they show the identity of the people you are talking about in your posts.

      4. Legal Implications

      Just because your blog is small, don’t believe that facing legal implications will never happen to you.

      While you may be familiar with the defamation laws in your country, they can vary by region. Sharing certain personal details about others without their consent can result in legal action.

      Now, I do not want to alarm anyone, but please exercise caution when discussing events or situations that might portray someone in a negative light. Always consider the potential legal implications of your content before publishing it. If you are not happy with it, don’t publish it.

      If you want to write and publish a post about another blogger, always ask for their permission first, even if what you want to write is giving them lots of praise. After all, they may not want any praise or be in the limelight.

      Ask first, then consider your actions.

      5. Images and photos

      Be careful with what images or photos you include in blog posts. They may contain personal information about you that you never considered unsafe. For example, I’ve seen pictures on blogs that show a blogger standing by the front door of their home. On the wall next to the door is a number and the name of the street on which they live. Nothing too bad, you may think, but on their ‘about’ page, they inform visitors of the city, town and country where they live. Now, anyone visiting that post and checking their ‘about’ page will have their full home address.

      Think before you include any images or photos and ask yourself, ‘Does this reveal any personal information about me or my family that I do not want revealed?’

      6. Going away?

      If you are taking a break from blogging, there is nothing wrong with informing your readers that you will be away from the blogging world for a while. A simple notice can help maintain transparency and keep your audience informed about any pauses in your content schedule.

      However, you do not need to disclose any personal reasons for taking a break to them, especially if it means you are going away; it’s perfectly acceptable to keep the specifics private.

      Your readers likely understand that life can get busy. Amid daily activities, it’s essential to communicate concisely while maintaining clarity. However, suppose you have disclosed personal information about your location on your blog (including in photos) and informed readers that you will be away from home for an extended period. In that case, there is a potential for anyone reading the post to know your home is empty.

      An image of a burglar holding a SWAG bag and a torch.
      Image by katigori from Pixabay

      This can inadvertently expose you to risks, as not only are you sharing your plans, but you are also providing a crucial piece of information that can be misused. This is why it’s vital to exercise discretion when discussing your travel plans publicly; consider omitting specific details about dates and duration to ensure your privacy and security remain intact. Ultimately, while it’s important to engage with your audience and keep them informed, maintaining your home’s safety should always be a priority.

      7. Moving Forward

      Connecting with your audience is essential, but just as when checking comments on your blog, moderation is key. Share relatable experiences without revealing too much personal information. Consider using pseudonyms or altered details to disguise identities while still sharing relatable stories. Consider the potential consequences of your content before publishing it.

      Summary

      • Over-sharing personal details can attract unwanted attention and increase the risk of scams, harassment, or identity theft. The internet is public, and once shared, it’s hard to retract information.
      • Excessive personal sharing can affect your professional reputation. Employers may judge you based on your blog content, including comments that could be seen as discriminatory.
      • Blogging about personal experiences may strain relationships, especially if friends, family or work colleagues are depicted in ways that make them uncomfortable. It’s important to obtain consent and clearly communicate your intentions.
      • Even small blogs can face legal consequences for sharing personal information about others without consent. Be cautious when discussing sensitive topics or portraying individuals in a negative light.
      • Photographs can inadvertently reveal personal information. Consider whether photos might disclose details about your location or identity before including them in posts.
      • Informing readers about breaks is fine, but keep personal reasons private. Avoid sharing details about travel plans that could risk your home security.
      • Engage your audience while being mindful of privacy. Use pseudonyms or alter details to protect identities and think through the consequences of your posts.
      • While blogging fosters connection, it’s essential to share experiences without compromising privacy or safety. A balanced approach helps maintain your integrity as a blogger.

      Are you disclosing too much personal information regarding yourself and your family online, or do you consider what you are disclosing to be safe? What safeguards have you implemented to shield both yourself and your audience from potential scams, identity theft, and unwarranted scrutiny?

      The featured image in this blog post is taken from Pixabay. AI checked spelling and grammar mistakes.

      I’m getting tough with non-engaging comments. Comments such as ‘Nice post’ are marked as spam.

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      Copyright @ 2025 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

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      The Best Ultimate Guide To Why Alt-Text Is Important

      Published on by Hugh W. Roberts47 Comments

      What answers would you provide if I asked you what alt-text means and what advantages it offers to bloggers?

      What is alt-text, and why is it important?

      Alt-Text (short for alternative text) is a commonly used term. It is essential to include it in posts that contain pictures, images or photographs. This unsung hero of the digital world ensures that everyone can access and benefit from the images included in your blog posts.

      Blog posts that contain images, pictures, or photos attract, on average, 70% more traffic and clicks than those that do not. However, how many bloggers include alt-text information for these images, pictures, and photos? Unfortunately, the answer is not many. Furthermore, bloggers who fail to add alt-text to the images in their posts are missing out on providing some visitors with additional and important information.

      Alt-Text assists those with vision impairments understand the content of the images and photos used in your blog post. Without it, they would be unaware, potentially missing out on crucial information. Imagine you’re showing off a brand new cover for your next book and don’t add alt-text to the image. They won’t have any idea what that new book-cover looks like. But that’s not all.

      Utilising alt-text enhances your blog’s SEO rankings and helps search engines understand the content of your images. How will search engines determine what your pictures depict if no information is provided?

      Search engine crawlers extract several key details from an image, including its file name, captions, title, and alt-text. When these details are absent, the post containing the images is ranked significantly lower. Visitors using a screen reader or other devices that inform them of the image’s content will remain unaware of what those images depict.

      How to write alt-text.

      When writing alt-text, keep it descriptive and straightforward—ensure it aligns with the content on the page. Include some keywords where appropriate, but avoid overdoing it. Keyword stuffing is not advisable, as it disrupts the user experience and can lead search engines to consider your site spam. Trust me, you don’t want that!

      But where and how should you add alt text to your images, photographs, and pictures?

      How to add alt-text to your images, photos, and pictures.

      • Click on the image you have uploaded to the media library.
      • On the right-hand side, you will see several boxes to which you need to add information.
      • Alternative Text – In this box, add information that describes what is in the image.
      • Title – Give the image a title.
      • Caption — Add a caption to the image, although you don’t need to if it’s unnecessary.
      • Description — Describe what’s in the image. You can use the same information you added for alternative text if you like.
      • File URL – This information will already be populated.

      Here’s an example from my media library for the following photo.

      A photo of two Welsh Cardigan Corgis sitting on a sandy beach, gazing towards the camera. In the background, there are several buildings of a city and some mountains. There are a few white clouds in the sky.
      A walk on the beach with Toby and Austin, the Welsh Cardigan Corgis.
      • Here are the details of the alt-text and information I added to the photo.
      An image provides information about the Alt-Text added to a photo in the WordPress media library.
      Always add Alt-Text information to images, pictures and photos

      The next time you add an image, photo, or picture to your blog post, don’t just add the image and run. Make sure you include the details outlined in this post.

      Summary

      • Alt-Text, or alternative text, is crucial for bloggers who include images in their posts.
      • It enhances accessibility for those with vision impairments, ensuring they understand the content represented in images.
      • Additionally, it plays a significant role in improving SEO rankings by helping search engines identify image content.
      • Despite these advantages, many bloggers neglect to add alt-text to their images, missing out on valuable audience engagement and search engine visibility.
      • To effectively write alt-text, it should be descriptive, straightforward, and relevant to the content, with a mindful inclusion of keywords.
      • Bloggers can easily add alt-text by accessing the media library and providing a title, caption, and description of the images.
      • Overall, including alt-text enhances the user experience and optimises blog performance.

      Do you add alt-text and other details to the images and photos included in your blog posts? If not, what’s holding you back?

      The featured image in this blog post is taken from Pixabay. AI checked spelling and grammar mistakes.

      I’m getting tough with non-engaging comments. Comments such as ‘Nice post’ are marked as spam.

      Layout, content, settings, and format might differ on self-hosted blogs.

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      Copyright @ 2025 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

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      Simple Blogging Tips And Insights Every Blogger Needs To Know

      Published on by Hugh W. Roberts41 Comments

      Occasionally, I receive questions or comments about blogging and social media that inspire me to share key insights with my readers. Here are three recent examples of those topics. Hopefully, you’ll learn something from them.

      How to get less spam!

      In my recent post, “Astonishing! Some Bloggers Disable Comments on Their Blogs. Why?” many readers mentioned that they turn off comments due to the overwhelming number of spam comments that often come through. This is a valid concern! However, it’s worth noting that WordPress offers a setting that can help prevent you from seeing most spam comments. Activating this feature is simple.

      • On your blog’s dashboard, go to Jetpack – Akismet Anti-spam.
      Image highlighting Jetpack - Akismet Anti-spam on the dashboard of a WordPress blog
      Click Jetpack – Akismet Anti-spam
      • On the page that opens, look for the Settings box. Under Spam Filtering, ensure ‘Silently discard the worst and most pervasive spam so I never see it‘ is selected.
      Image highlighting the 'Silently discard the worst and most pervasive spam so I never see it' setting on WordPress.
      Ensure ‘Silently discard the worst and most pervasive spam so I never see it’ has been selected.
      • Click the ‘Save changes‘ button.

      You’ll now see much less spam in your blog’s spam folder. On average, I’m seeing no more than a few spam comments every week.

      For more details, check out my post, ‘Turn This Setting On To Stop Seeing Too Much Spam On Your WordPress Blog.’

      How do you find the people you want to follow?

      Author Liz Gauffreau recently left a comment on my post, ‘The Ultimate Guide to Engaging on Bluesky: Tips, Features, and Strategies for Success,’ saying she was struggling to find other users on Bluesky who read or write literary fiction.

      I asked Liz if she had checked out the Bluesky Starter Pack directory, where users can search for other users with similar interests. I included a link to the directory. This is how Liz replied.

      An image showing a reply from a blogger thanking me for the information I sent her.
      Job done!

      If you’re a Bluesky user, I recommend checking out the information about Starter Packs. They are an excellent way to discover other bloggers, writers, authors, photographers, and more. Starter Packs are also great for getting noticed and connecting with other users. Click the following link.

      What are Bluesky Starter Packs?

      And click the following link to check the Bluesky Starter Pack directory I sent to Liz.

      Bluesky Starter Pack Directory.

      I recently passed a milestone on Bluesky: getting over 5,000 followers. Given that I’ve only been on Bluesky since November 2024 and it took me nearly 12 years to reach 9,000 followers on X, I can’t emphasise enough how every blogger and writer should consider using Bluesky.

      If you haven’t already, give Bluesky a go.

      How to stop the theme you’re using from crashing your blog.

      Amanda, who blogs at ForestWood, recently published a post titled ‘It’s Time For A Change Of Theme.’ She was referring to a change of blog theme. I’d recently published a post about WordPress themes, so I was interested in what Amanda had to say. Needless to say, Amanda’s post inspired me (and many others) to leave a comment.

      You’ll have to read Amanda’s post to find out what she and I had to say, but it contained an important lesson some readers may have forgotten or may not know about regarding WordPress themes. Do not attempt to change your WordPress blog’s theme unless you’re using a theme still supported by WordPress.

      If, like Amanda, you are using a retired theme and click ‘activate’ on any of the current themes WordPress offers, you won’t be able to return to your retired theme!

      If you are using a retired WordPress theme that isn’t causing you any issues, you can continue using it. However, be cautious, as there are drawbacks to using a retired theme, including those related to online security. For more information, check out my recent post, “WordPress Themes: Something Exciting Is Happening,” which provides further details.

      Let’s wrap it up!

      • Use WordPress’s Jetpack – Akismet Anti-spam feature to significantly reduce spam comments. By enabling the option to “silently discard the worst and most pervasive spam,” users can keep their spam folder manageable.
      • Use the Bluesky Starter Pack Directory to connect with other users with similar interests. This resource helps you discover other bloggers, writers, authors and photographers and gain visibility.
      • If you are thinking of changing the theme of your WordPress blog, be aware that if the current theme you are using is retired and no longer supported by WordPress, you won’t be able to return to it.

      Do you have any questions about blogging or social media? Leave them in the comments section.

      The featured image in this blog post is taken from Pixabay. AI checked spelling and grammar mistakes.

      I’m getting tough with non-engaging comments. Comments such as ‘Nice post’ are marked as spam.

      Layout, content, settings, and format might differ on self-hosted blogs.

      Click the buttons below to follow Hugh on Social Media

      Copyright @ 2025 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

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      WordPress Themes: Something Exciting Is Happening

      Published on by Hugh W. Roberts43 Comments

      Have you ever found yourself lost in the rabbit hole of themes while setting up your WordPress blog? Are you an existing blogger who needs to change an outdated, unsupported theme? Many bloggers embark on this journey—one filled with excitement, anxiety, and the quest for the perfect layout.

      As I look back on my blogging evolution, I can’t help but recall the days of choosing that first simple theme, a decision that would shape my entire online presence. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of an adventure that would change with every new theme and update!

      How did it all begin?

      The first theme I chose was straightforward. It featured a space to add a profile picture and little else. It targeted first-time bloggers who sought a simple layout and a quick start. It got me off to a great start.

      As the years progressed, I became more confident in changing the theme of my blog. I wanted a side widget bar to add information, such as a follow button, links to my social media accounts, and a box with links to previous posts.

      That first theme change took me a whole weekend to complete. It wasn’t particularly complicated, but it required much work to ensure everything was as I wanted. After all, my followers had increased, and more people were visiting my blog, and I didn’t want anyone to think I was stuck in 2014 or going backwards in the blogging world.

      Other theme changes occurred; each time, I found it easier and took less time to change themes. Then it came to a grinding halt.

      Full-Site editing themes

      Fast-forward a few years, and I considered changing my blog’s theme from the Classic theme I had been using to a new Full-Site-Editing (Block) theme. However, it seemed too complicated, and I was reading posts from other bloggers detailing the difficult transition they had gone through and a list of problems they faced. It reminded me of stories I’d read when some bloggers switched from WordPress.com to self-hosting their blogs.

      Today, I’m still using a supported WordPress Classic theme (Toujours), and even though I have thought long and hard about switching to a Block theme, I haven’t jumped ship.

      Future themes are here, but there’s a catch!

      Last week, WordPress announced that anyone using WordPress could build a blog theme using AI for free. All you have to do is give AI some information about the type of layout you are looking for, and it’ll build the theme and do all the work for you.

      Not only was I excited by this news, but it got me thinking about all those bloggers experiencing problems with their blogs because the theme they use is outdated and no longer supported by WordPress. These bloggers could let AI build a theme for their blog and eliminate all the problems they’re experiencing once and for all.

      But what about those who won’t use AI? Would they rather continue using outdated, unsupported themes than allow AI to help them?

      Using an outdated, unsupported theme can lead to several issues. Here are a few.


      1. Security vulnerabilities: Without updates, the theme may become prone to security risks that could compromise your blog.
      2. Compatibility issues: As plugins and WordPress itself update, an outdated theme may not function correctly with newer versions, causing layout glitches, functional problems such as not being able to leave comments and issues with WordPress believing you are not logged in.
      3. Lack of support: You won’t have access to official support for troubleshooting any issues or queries that arise with the theme. WordPress will advise you to change to a supported theme.
      4. Performance issues: Unsupported themes may not be optimised for speed and performance, leading to slower load times.
      5. Missed features: Regular updates often include new features and improvements; sticking with an unsupported theme means missing out on these enhancements, which could benefit your blog’s features and user experience.

      We’re not quite there yet!

      Unfortunately, after a few messages exchanged between a member of WordPress staff and me, I discovered that this new service of AI creating a theme for your blog is only available to those who want to start afresh with a brand new blog. The AI software can not change themes for an existing blog. However, WordPress is working on this, and it will become available sometime in the future.

      An image showing a message conversation about the AI theme building.
      Would you allow AI to help you change the theme of your blog?

      Given that I’m not confident about changing my blog’s theme from my current theme to a full-site-editing theme, I’m looking forward to AI doing the work for me. I just hope it’s something I’ll be able to do sooner rather than later.

      Recommended reading about AI in blogging from other bloggers.

      If you want a guide on AI on WordPress, check out this excellent article from Fedora, ‘A Guide To WordPress.Com’s AI Assistant.’

      This post from Debbie at Deb’s World, “Reinventing Blogging: A Look into the Future,” dives into the controversial realm of AI in blogging, and trust me, it’s a must-read that has ignited plenty of debate. Are you ready to jump into the fray and add your voice to the discussion?

      Would you use and trust AI to help change your blog’s theme? Are you still using an outdated, unsupported theme and experiencing problems? Are you someone who will never use AI, even if it means the problems you’re experiencing with your blog will continue? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s chat!

      The featured image of this blog post was generated using the WordPress AI blocks.

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      7 Common Blogging Mistakes and How to Avoid Them for a Successful Blog

      Published on by Hugh W. Roberts27 Comments

      We’re all human, so we all make mistakes. When it comes to blogging, whether bloggers are just starting out or have been writing for a while, some make more mistakes than others.

      But what are those mistakes? And do some bloggers not make any mistakes at all?

      1. Not Defining a Target Audience

      One of the most critical mistakes of bloggers is not clearly understanding their target audience. Writing for everyone often leads to writing for no one.

      Solution:

      Take some time to define your ideal reader. Consider their demographics, interests, and problems they want to solve. Tailoring your content to a specific audience will make your blog more focused and engaging. For example, I target most of my posts at other bloggers by giving blogging tips and helping to solve problems users are experiencing with WordPress.

      2. Ignoring SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Best Practices

      SEO might seem daunting, but ignoring it can severely limit your blog’s visibility. Many bloggers neglect to use relevant keywords or proper formatting that can help their posts rank better in search results.

      Solution:

      Invest some time in mastering the essentials of SEO. Consider creating blog post titles with keywords that appeal to visitors and make them want to read your posts.

      If you’re not interested in attracting more traffic or followers to your blog, you can disregard SEO.

      3. Inconsistent Posting Schedule

      Consistency is key in the blogging world. Many new bloggers either post too sporadically or overwhelm their readers with too much content at once. I’m guilty of this mistake, having cut back on how often I publish posts.

      Solution:

      Develop a realistic posting schedule that you can maintain. Whether it’s once a week or biweekly, staying consistent helps build an audience that knows when to expect new content. Some will not publish any posts for many weeks or months and then suddenly publish many posts within a short time as if they are in a race. Space the publication of posts out to give readers time to read and engage before publishing your next post.

      4. Failing to Promote Content

      Creating great content is only half the battle; the other half is getting that content in front of readers. Many bloggers publish their posts and assume readers will find them, which rarely happens unless you have a loyal audience who reads all your posts.

      Solution:

      Share your blog posts across various social media platforms, engage in relevant online communities, and consider using email marketing to reach your audience directly. Never believe that an audience will find you.

      5. Not Engaging with Their Audience

      Some bloggers overlook the importance of conversing with their readers through blog comments, social media, or emails. Never ignore your audience.

      Solution:

      Make it a priority to respond to comments and questions, ask for feedback, and create a community around your blog. Engaging with your audience not only builds loyalty but also provides you with valuable insights into what they want to see.

      6. Neglecting the Visual Aspect

      A blog’s visual appeal can significantly impact reader retention in the internet age. A blog that looks outdated or cluttered can deter visitors.

      Solution:

      Invest a little time learning about basic design principles, using user-friendly blogging tools and updating your blog’s theme. Choose clean layouts, appealing colour schemes, and high-quality images to enhance your blog’s aesthetic.

      You don’t need to spend tens of thousands on re-branding, but if your website still looks stuck in 2015, it’s worth updating. People judge quickly. A blog’s look and design play an enormous role in how professional (or trustworthy) it looks.

      7. Writing Without a Clear Purpose

      Blogs that lack direction can confuse readers and fail to deliver value. Having a clear purpose behind each post is essential.

      Solution:

      Before writing, outline what you want to achieve with your content. Are you aiming to inform, entertain, or persuade? Staying focused on your purpose will guide your writing and make it more effective.

      Conclusion

      Recognising these common mistakes is the first step toward becoming a successful blogger. By defining your audience, optimising for SEO, maintaining consistency, actively promoting your content, engaging with readers, improving your blog’s design, and writing with a clear purpose, you can significantly improve your blogging experience and expand your reach.

      Keep these tips in mind as you continue your blogging journey. Good luck!

      Do you have any blogging mistakes you’d like to share? If you’ve faced challenges or learned valuable lessons throughout your blogging journey, I would love to hear about them! Please leave the details in the comments section and join the discussion. By sharing your insights, you can help others avoid similar pitfalls and foster a supportive community of bloggers eager to enhance their craft. Let’s learn from each other and make our blogging experiences even more rewarding!

      The featured image and title of this blog post were generated using the WordPress AI blocks.

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      An image of a man using AI on a laptop computer.

      Harnessing AI in Blogging: Benefits, Challenges, and Personal Insights

      Published on by Hugh W. Roberts61 Comments

      In today’s digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a progressively popular tool across various domains, including blogging.

      WordPress integrated AI into its platform a few years ago, joining numerous other sites that now offer AI as an option.

      I have witnessed many bloggers who are afraid of what AI can do, but I have also seen many bloggers embrace AI and utilise it for the benefits it can offer.

      However, like any tool, there are pros and cons to consider.

      What are your thoughts about using AI to blog?

      This post examines the advantages and disadvantages of integrating AI into your blogging process.

      Pros of Using AI in Blogging

      1. Improved Efficiency

      AI tools can streamline the writing process. From generating topic ideas to creating content drafts, AI can save bloggers considerable time, allowing them to focus on refining their unique voice and style.

      This may prove beneficial to bloggers who publish daily, but those bloggers who publish less often may not see any benefit.

      2. Enhanced Creativity

      AI can assist in brainstorming and generating creative content ideas. With access to vast databases and algorithms that identify trends, AI can offer fresh perspectives and innovative suggestions.

      However, some consider this to be plagiarism, a term that specifically refers to taking another person’s work—words, ideas, and so forth—and presenting it as one’s own without proper attribution.

      Did you know that WordPress users can choose to stop their blog’s content from being shared with a WordPress-licensed network of content and research partners, including those that train AI models? To achieve this, navigate to your blog’s dashboard, select Settings—Reading, and tick the box next to ‘Prevent third-party sharing...’.

      An image highlighting the box to tick on a WordPress dashboard to prevent AI tools from scraping your site.
      Tick this box to stop AI from using your blog content.

      3. SEO Optimization

      Numerous AI-based tools can analyse keywords and optimise content for search engines. They offer insights into the types of content that rank well, assisting bloggers in enhancing their visibility and reach.

      I utilise AI to generate titles for blog posts when I struggle to think of a captivating title that will entice readers to read and engage further. Consequently, I have observed a significant increase in engagement and visitors to my blog.

      4. Data-Driven Decisions

      AI can analyse reader behaviour and feedback to inform content strategy. By understanding what resonates with the audience, bloggers can create more targeted and engaging content.

      However, your WordPress statistics can also provide this information by analysing the stats of posts that receive higher engagement. Typically, you’ll observe a correlation between those posts that engage readers more and those that attract less engagement.

      5. Consistency

      AI can assist in maintaining a consistent posting schedule by automating aspects of the content creation process. This guarantees that the blog stays active and engaging for readers.

      It is widely known that blogs which publish on a schedule tend to retain readers; however, it is unwise to publish content merely for the sake of it. There is nothing wrong with occasionally missing the publication of a blog post or taking a break from blogging. Nevertheless, if you choose to take the latter route, ensure that you inform your readers.

      Cons of Using AI in Blogging

      1. Lack of Personal Touch

      AI-generated content often lacks the emotional depth and personal touch that human writers naturally provide. Readers tend to connect more readily with personal stories and unique experiences that AI is unable to replicate.

      If you let AI compose all your posts, you’ll soon notice a decline in visitors and engagement.

      2. Quality Control

      While AI can generate content rapidly, the quality does not always meet high standards. Bloggers must review and edit AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with their voice and is factually accurate. Remember, it is your blog, not that of AI. Your voice matters.

      3. Dependence on Technology

      Over-reliance on AI can hinder writing skills. Bloggers may grow overly dependent on tools, stifling creative development and originality. This is particularly evident in the fiction world, where I have observed AI produce stories that lack emotion or feeling, thus making them dull and unappealing.

      My advice is that if you use AI, mix it with your written content.

      4. Ethical Concerns

      The use of AI raises ethical questions, such as plagiarism (which I discussed earlier) and authenticity. Bloggers must ensure that their use of AI does not compromise their integrity or mislead their audience. Always check (and check again) what AI produces.

      5. Costs

      Although some AI tools are free, many come with a cost. For bloggers on a tight budget, investing in AI technology might not be practical. However, this won’t affect those who choose not to use AI.

      Do I use AI in blogging?

      Yes, I utilise AI to assist with spelling and grammar corrections. I have also used AI to verify if I have omitted anything essential from a post, as well as for generating titles for blog posts.

      The featured images I use in my blog posts (including this one) are primarily created using the WordPress AI image tool. However, I have found that the tool is not always particularly effective at generating images, especially when more than a few words are included. More work is needed to improve it.

      Conclusion

      Utilising AI in blogging offers both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. While it can enhance efficiency, creativity, and data-driven decisions, it is crucial to maintain a balance and preserve the unique voice that attracts readers. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, bloggers can make informed choices about incorporating AI into their writing process.

      If you wish to utilise AI, do so with your own writing rather than generating posts entirely composed by AI.

      Finally, we must never forget that we all have a choice regarding AI. We can either use it or leave it be. What we must never do is persuade other users to use it or not. It’s a personal decision. Never criticise those who choose to use AI if you are against any use of AI in writing. Likewise, don’t criticise anyone who refuses to use AI if you use it.

      Recommended reading about AI in blogging from other bloggers.

      If you want a guide on AI on WordPress, check out this excellent article from Fedora, ‘A Guide To WordPress.Com’s AI Assistant.’

      This post from Debbie at Deb’s World, “Reinventing Blogging: A Look into the Future,” dives into the controversial realm of AI in blogging, and trust me, it’s a must-read that has ignited plenty of debate. Are you ready to jump into the fray and add your voice to the discussion?

      Are you hopping on the AI train in your blogging adventure? If so, what tools are you using, and what benefits has AI brought you and your blog? Does the use of AI in the blogging world concern you? Are you against using AI in Blogging? If so, what are your reasons? We want to hear your thoughts if you’re for or against AI. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s chat!

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      11 Tips to Craft Irresistible Blog Post Titles That Attract New Visitors

      Published on by Hugh W. Roberts74 Comments

      What do you consider the most crucial factor in attracting new visitors to your blog or website?

      Many may immediately say, ‘content.’

      However, content is not always king.

      An essential element that nearly every visitor encounters first before deciding to read a blog post in depth exists.

      Crafting Compelling Titles for Your Blog Posts

      Why Great Blog Post Titles Are Essential…

      “On average, 5x as many people read the title as read the body copy. When you’ve written your headline, you’ve spent eighty cents out of your dollar.”
      — David Ogilvy

      Indeed, the secret lies in your blog post titles. Craft captivating titles, and you will witness a surge in new visitors eager to read your posts and explore your website.

      I don’t know about you, but some blog post titles can make me sleepy, especially when they have been used repeatedly.

      Blog Post Titles: The Equivalent of Book and Movie Titles

      I consider blog post titles akin to the titles of books or movies. If a title captures my interest, I am likely to begin reading the book or watch the film.

      Titles are as significant as the content itself, yet many bloggers give their blog post titles little, if any, thought. Master both, and you’re on the path to success.

      If your blog post title isn’t engaging, how many potential new and existing visitors will scroll past it without a second thought?

      I often find myself doing the same. If a title fails to grab my attention, I quickly move on.

      Think about this: how many visitors to your blog are likely to do the same?

      Tip: When creating titles for your blog posts, consider what title would motivate you to click on the ‘read more’ link.

      Strategies to Make Your Blog Post Titles More Enticing

      Certain words in blog post titles can attract readers’ interest in learning more. Here are a few examples:

      • How
      • How to
      • When
      • Have
      • Have you
      • Don’t
      • Did
      • Do you
      • This
      • This is
      • Who
      • Why
      • What
      • Where

      Additional Techniques to Enhance Your Blog Post Titles

      Incorporate Numbers

      Numbers can greatly affect the effectiveness of your titles. Think about these two examples:

      My thoughts on Ways to Get People to Read Your Blog Posts.

      7 Blogging Tips That Will Boost Your Post Engagement And Get Visitors Reading Your Blog.

      According to Janice Wald of MostlyBlogging.com, odd numbers generally perform better than even numbers in titles, with prime numbers yielding even greater results.

      Odd numbers tend to attract more attention as they seem less predictable compared to even numbers.

      Tip: Opt for numerals instead of spelling them out when using numbers. Digits tend to stand out more in headlines and require less space.

      Utilise Hashtags

      Hashtags can enhance your blog post titles, aiding both SEO and drawing in visitors seeking specific topics.

      Explore trending hashtags around your post’s publication time. Bluesky and X are great resources for identifying these trends, but always ensure your hashtags are relevant to your content.

      Warning: Excessive hashtags can lead to search engines flagging your post as spam. To maintain a professional appearance, limit yourself to no more than three hashtags in your blog post title.

      Incorporate Bluesky and X Usernames

      If you mention someone in your blog post with a Bluesky or X account, including their handle in the title can be beneficial. When your post is shared, the individual mentioned receives a notification and may expand your reach by resharing it.

      For example, when writing a book review, in the blog post title, include the Bluesky or X handle of the author.

      Optimise Word Count

      Research from CoSchedule.Com suggests that blog post titles around 55 characters long typically earn the highest click-through rates. Titles within six to ten words also tend to yield better engagement.

      To establish a foundation for creating your blog post titles, consider these templates:

      1. How To ____
      2. How To Find ____
      3. How To Completely Change ____
      4. How To Create ____
      5. How To Use ____
      6. How To Get Rid Of ____
      7. How I Made ____
      8. How To Save ____
      9. How To Help ____
      10. How To Develop ____
      11. What To Do With ____
      12. Here’s How To ____
      13. Where To Find ____
      14. What No One Tells You About ____
      15. (#) Questions You Should Ask Before ____
      16. (#) Secrets To ____
      17. (#) Signs You Might ____
      18. (#) Rules For ____
      19. (#) Facts About ____
      20. (#) Ideas For/To ____
      21. (#) Essential Steps For/To ____
      22. (#) Foolproof Tips For ____
      23. (#) Handy Tips For ____
      24. (#) Tricks For ____
      25. (#) Key Benefits For ____
      26. (#) Reasons You ____
      27. (#) Wrong Ways To ____
      28. (#) Most Popular ____
      29. (#) Tips For ____
      30. (#) ____ Mistakes You Won’t Make Again
      31. (#) Things I’ve Learned This Month
      32. Why My Weekend Was Amazing
      33. You’ll Never Believe What Happened Last Week
      34. Why This Is The Only Chocolate Chip Recipe You Need
      35. Meet ____ ____ Who Reveals Their Writing Secrets
      36. Why I’m Recommending These (#) TV Shows to Fans of ____
      37. Book Review: (#) Reasons I’m Giving ____ by ____ ____ (insert Bluesky or X username) 5 Stars

      (Remember to insert a number in place of (#).)

      I’ve used many of these title ideas and seen excellent results. My titles frequently include words that draw readers in.

      Warning: Always remember to add a title to your blog post. Any title is better than having none. WordPress replaces empty titles with a five-digit number, which does not encourage visitors to click the ‘read more’ link.

      AI – can it help with blog post titles?

      Yes, it can.

      Did you know that WordPress has an AI block? Just ask it to suggest a title for your post, and see the result.

      Not sure how to use AI on WordPress? Check out this excellent post from Fedora, who blogs at Fedora Pancakes – ‘A Guide to WordPress.com’s AI Assistant.‘

      Conclusion

      • Blog post titles are the first impression for visitors; make them as compelling as possible.
      • Titles are as important as the content of your posts.
      • Consider what would encourage you to click ‘read more’ when crafting a title.
      • A poorly chosen title could mean missing out on countless new readers, likes, and comments.
      • Ensure every post has a title; it doesn’t have to be perfect—just better than a default number.
      • Use engaging words like How, What, Why, and Where to entice clicks.
      • Odd numbers usually outperform even numbers in titles, making them more appealing.
      • Use numerals for numbers in titles for better visibility.
      • Keep hashtags limited to three to avoid looking spammy.
      • Mentioning Bluesky and X usernames can help boost your post’s visibility on social media.
      • Use AI to help generate blog post titles.

      How do you generate titles for your blog posts? Are there any extra strategies you would like to share or questions about title creation? Join the conversation in the comments!

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      An image depicts a group of people, some holding mobile phones, engaging with a lecturer about Bluesky.

      The Ultimate Guide to Engaging on Bluesky: Tips, Features, and Strategies for Success

      Published on by Hugh W. Roberts88 Comments

      When I joined Bluesky in November 2024, I thought it might be just another social media platform, but I was mistaken. It has now become a place where I visit and engage every day. Plus, it’s already driving traffic to my blog and has introduced me to many amazing people worldwide.

      Bluesky is a friendly, easy-to-use platform for interacting with other users, and many bloggers, writers, authors, and photographers have already joined.

      However, it’s not all plain sailing. Bluesky has its fair share of bots and scammers, but they’re easy to deal with.

      How does Bluesky work?

      If you have ever used Twitter or X, the Bluesky platform runs similarly. However, Bluesky is the new kid on the social media block, so it doesn’t do everything you could do on Twitter/X. However, it does have a couple of features that Twitter/X does not have.

      Since it has over 33 million users (as of this post), it’s a social media platform every blogger, writer, and author should consider joining.

      How Bluesky Works

      Users publish posts (known by some as Skeets), including links to blog articles, books, images, and photos. Other users can view these posts and engage by commenting, clicking the ‘like’ button, and resharing the post (a ‘reskeet’). It’s very similar to what occurs in the blogging world.

      The more you interact with other users, the more rewarding and effective your results from Bluesky will be.

      Here are the key components of how Bluesky functions:

      1. User Registration: To start, users must create a quick and straightforward account. A missing banner, avatar or profile description makes you look like one of those quickly thrown-together bot/scam accounts that frequent many social media platforms. Be sure to include that you’re a writer, blogger, author or photographer in the description. That helps ensure you connect with fellow writers or photographers rather than those who post about subjects you’re not interested in.
      2. Publishing Posts: Users can share content, including text posts, links to blog entries, images, videos and photos. They can also reshare (known as reskeeting) the posts of other users.
      3. Engagement Mechanisms: Other users can engage with posts by commenting, liking, and resharing. This interaction helps foster a sense of community and encourages dialogue.
      4. Discoverability: Bluesky’s algorithm allows users to discover posts that may not be directly connected to the author, broadening the audience reach. For example, I am also interested in astronomy and have connected with users who publish images, photos and posts about space.
      5. User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed to be intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate and effectively use its features. I quickly learned how the platform works.
      6. Building Connections: Users can follow others, creating a network of connections that enhances the engagement on the platform.
      7. Community Guidelines: Bluesky implements guidelines that users are encouraged to follow to maintain a friendly environment. These guidelines help minimise conflicts and foster positive interactions. Unlike other social media platforms, Bluesky does not tolerate any hate speech.

      With over 33 million users at the time of writing, Bluesky is emerging as a significant platform for bloggers and content creators seeking to broaden their reach and engage with a broader audience.

      What not to do on Bluesky

      I’ve seen numerous bloggers share links to their posts and then leave immediately. They do not interact with any other users.

      It’s no surprise that their posts receive little, if any, engagement or shares.

      Unsurprisingly, in the four months I’ve been on Bluesky, I’ve not seen any increase in the number of users who follow them or the number of accounts they follow.

      Their accounts resemble stepping onto a new planet that could rapidly be populated but is desolate due to a lack of visitors and engagement.

      Avoid dropping links to your own posts and then running away. The general advice for any social media platform is that 80% of your posts should feature the content of other users, while the remaining 20% can be your own material.

      Avoid overlooking comments on your posts (except those from scammers or bots). At the very least, show appreciation to anyone who leaves a comment.

      Be friendly, helpful, and positive toward others. Remember that Bluesky differs from X/Twitter. Avoid seeking out or engaging in arguments. Ignore, delete, and block any comments from spammers, bots, or troll accounts.

      How to spot bot accounts and scammers on Bluesky

      The majority of bot and scammer accounts can be easily spotted.

      They generally have a high following count but a very low follower count, while the number of published posts is low and primarily consists of posts shared from other users.

      Lots of numbers will appear after their BlueSky user name – e.g. hughblogger123456789.bsky.

      The account will have a generic, poorly written Al bio and posts.

      The account will primarily feature reposts, with very few original posts.

      If you accidentally follow one, they will immediately send you a direct message saying ‘Hello’ or asking how you are or where you are from.

      They will continue to bombard you with direct messages.

      Their bio may sometimes indicate they are seeking love, a partner, or requesting a donation. Some will also claim to be experts in book/blog marketing or able to make you lots of money with little effort.

      Their profile pictures may seem too good to be true and are often taken from other sources online. Be cautious of accounts featuring military uniforms and those revealing body parts you might not anticipate seeing in their bio picture.

      Here’s an image of a scam account that recently followed me. I immediately blocked it.

      An image of a scammer account on BlueSky where a donation link is visible.
      Beware of scam accounts asking for donations.

      Sadly, 338 people are following this account, some of which will have donated.

      Here’s a warning from one Bluesky user about the type of scam account I mentioned.

      An image of a warning from a BlueSky user about not donating money to certain accounts on BlueSky.
      Never donate to any accounts asking for these kinds of donations.

      More helpful tips from other Bluesky users.

      Helen describes ways to stop receiving direct messages (DMs).

      An image showing how to turn off direct messaging on BlueSky.
      Don’t want direct messages on Bluesky? Follow this advice.

      Follow Helen on Bluesky at @helenmaryme.bsky.social.

      Follow these two accounts on Bluesky to discover which hashtags are trending: @trendtags.bsky.social and @alphasky.social.

      An image showing popular hashtags on Bluesky.
      An image showing an account that publishes trending hashtags on BlueSky
      Follow these accounts to discover trending hashtags on BlueSky.

      Bluesky encourages the use of hashtags, so I recommend using them.

      Curious about who has blocked you or added you to lists or starter packs on Bluesky? Follow @listifications.app.

      An image of a post showing an account to follow on BlueSky to find out who has blocked you or added you to lists or starter packs.

      For authors, some Bluesky users offer to add details about your books to their author websites. While this may initially seem suspicious, I recommend sending information only to those you have been following or believe are trustworthy. Here are the details of one author who recently posted, inviting other authors to send him details of their books so he could add them to his author’s website. As you can see, I took up his kind free offer.

      An image of a Bluesky post by an author providing free marketing on their author's website.
      Free marketing offers on Bluesky.

      Follow JP (James) at @pangeanchronicles.bsky.social. Visit James’ author’s website by clicking the following link.

      The Pangean Chronicles

      Create and get yourself added to BlueSky Starter Packs.

      I highly recommend creating at least one starter pack and trying to get added to the starter packs of other Bluesky users. This will allow you to connect with numerous other Bluesky users who share similar interests, thereby increasing your exposure and that of your blog.

      For more information about the benefits of Starter Packs on Bluesky, click the following link.

      Introducing Bluesky Starter Packs

      I have created a Starter Pack for Bloggers. Click the link or scan the QR code below to see it.

      https://go.bsky.app/D5Nztv6

      Please let me know if you’d like to be added to my bloggers’ Starter Pack by leaving a comment with your Bluesky handle.

      And finally…

      Don’t forget to add the BlueSky sharing button to your blog.

      Ready to dive into Bluesky? Share your best tips for navigating the platform! If you have questions or want some help with its features, don’t hesitate to reach out. Feel free to drop your Bluesky handle here so others can easily connect with you.

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