If you want to grow your blog without spending money let me tell you that there is nothing wrong with you and you are not alone. Maybe you’re just testing the waters if blogging is really your thing and you don’t want to commit a penny, that is okay sweetie I understand where you’re coming from – because I was there too.
How To Grow Your Blog Without Spending Money
Within a year of blogging there are A LOT of things that I tried to push this blog to grow and some helped some just wasted my time. Today, I’ll share with you what worked for me personally and I hope that it will work on you too!
1. Ask yourself what GROW means to you.
Okay so before you freak out, let me tell you that this is the most important thing so we will start on this one. You have to be ABSOLUTELY clear on your goals as a blogger or biz owner.
You should never ever compare yourself to the bigger bloggers because I can guarantee your failures if you do that .What I can suggest is you focus on one specific thing at a time and go further once you see a results.
If you want to grow your blog’s traffic in one month. Define what’s your target traffic to consider as growth. It could be monthly, quarterly or yearly. Say last month you got 5,000 page views a good growth meter for next month would be 10,000 page views. Set this as main goal and work your butts off to get it!
Tip: If traffic is your target growth, do not look at your stats every minute of the day – that will not help you. Check your stats before the day ends to see what posts are working and which ones are not.
2. Choose a SOCIAL platform that you enjoy
It’s easy to get caught up in social media these days. When I started blogging, I remember I was losing sleep over Instagram because I cannot make it work for me. I got depressed over Facebook because when people like my page some will unlike it the next day.
Then I found myself totally stressed out for weeks until I found Pinterest and Twitter. I gave myself ample time to learn how these two social platform works and how it can benefit my blog and my audience in general. And so far, it’s doing pretty good.
Stuck on what to write? Download my free list of blog post ideas here
3. Reach Out
The blogging community is huge. Whatever you write about, there will always be another blogger that can relate to you and will be willing to help you out. Take advantage of Facebook Groups and Pinterest Boards to widen your horizon and reach out to other bloggers.
By joining these groups, you can also generate a decent amount of traffic since there are promo days in these groups where you can share your work.
4. Guest Post or Collaborate
In relation to item #3, once you joined a blogging group based on your chosen interest you can check other blogs if they accept guest posts. I personally haven’t done this before but in this blog, I’ve already featured a lot of guest posters in this blog and I loved them!
So you might be thinking why the heck would I waste my precious time writing for other blogs where in fact I can write in my own blog? Well, because you need to make friends and take advantage of the bigger audience that other blog’s already established.
Oh and if their audience is the same with your target audience its a perfect opportunity for you to make friends with other lovely people online!
5. Free Goodies
You might be thinking that in order for your blog to really grow you gonna need to spend money for tools/ software etc. What I can suggest is to take advantage of free trials to see if the tool can help you out.
Like this one for Tailwind’s 1 Month Free Trial
The trial services are limited however, it will give you the perfect opportunity to see if the tool suits your business/blogging goals well. If you’re not keen to this tools well, no problem! There are bazillion other tools that you can use and they are ultimately free.
Related: Top Free Tools Every Blogger Should Use
6. Link Ups
This is something that I haven’t tried personally but I included it in this list because I’ve read a lot of good feedback from people who join link ups. If you want to join any link ups, you can Google “Day of the Week Link Up” and see if there are any active link ups that relates to your post. Google link ups that interests you and align to your blog’s topic.
If you leave your link, be sure to visit other blogs and leave awesome comments on their posts! You might stumble upon a good blogger friend! One of the must-see link ups is the Five Minute Friday hosted by Lisa Jo. Yes – I know what you’re thinking, I got interested to join when I saw a lot of bloggers loved it so see you there?
Stuck on what to write? Download my free list of blog post ideas here
7. Network..work..work.
It’s super important that you encourage other bloggers and visit new blogs. Also, don’t forget to respond to people who leave comments to your blog – I have difficulty in this since I work full time but I make sure that within a week I’ll respond to as many as possible. Use your favorite social media to network and make friends, I personally like Twitter and almost all of my blogger friends are active on that platform.
8. Don’t focus on money
When you finally hit your goals in numbers (I mean page views and engaged readers) it’s the time to get start monetizing. But, do not focus on making money because your readers and new visitors will suffer from it and as a result, they will leave your site and never come back.
Ensure that when you monetize it’s not something that will sound salesly but something that your readers will appreciate as you recommend products to them.
PIN FOR LATER!
Cassie
Thank you for this! These are such great tips. I just started the free month of Tailwind and joined 2 Tribes/requested another 2 to join… I’m so frustrated over it already haha. I just don’t understand quite how it works yet, but I’m working on it!
Rasna Mondal
All tips are very much useful.Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Summer @ Coffee With Summer
Such awesome tips! Definitely depends on what certain people’s goals are!
Janica Khemlani
Yes dear! It’s SO important to set clear goals that is unique to you and to your blog/business 🙂
Brittany Ferrell
These are great tips. I especially love “Ask yourself what grow means to you.” I think this means different things to different people and you definitely do not want to compare yourself to someone else…although we often do! Right now, grow for me does not mean money SOMEday, I would love to write full time, but right now grow means getting engaged readers to visit. Having a clear goal and purpose is so important. Thank you for the advice!
Janica Khemlani
Britanny, I love what you said right there (I can totally relate to the comparison-ville we often fall into!) So happy you find these helpful it means a lot to me <3
sweetsnsnarks
Great tips! It can be frustrating when you have to blog for free, but I have found that it has taught me how to do many of the various components myself and find what works best for me. Great post!
Janica Khemlani
Yes dear, I agree. Sometimes it feels like you’re giving yourself for free but actually it can come to you tenth fold, the way I look at it is when I am of service to other people regardless if it pays or not, I know I’m doing my job 🙂 I wish you and your biz the very best <3
Danielle Fairhurst
Excellent tips – especially the ones about networking and reaching out to others. Most of my blog traffic comes through networking and connecting with other bloggers. It’s also really helpful to have a network of support, like-minded people around you
Dani x | http://www.flourishingfreelancer.com
Janica Khemlani
I agree with you 101%! It feels great to have people in the same boat 🙂
Corey Wheeland
These are really great tips. I’m six months in to my blogging journey, and it’s amazing how much is involved in growing a blog. Every little bit of knowledge helps!
Janica Khemlani
Definitely! But be careful not to overwhelm yourself 🙂 Take it slowly and enjoy the journey.
Sade Tamara Lee
Wow! This is so helpful to me. I’ve just passed my 1 year of blogging and totally loving it AND you have answered questions if been wondering. Definitely going to use your tips. Thank you x
Janica Khemlani
Who hoo! Happy 1 year blogsary buddy! What’s up for the celebration? I’m so happy for you keep it up! <3
Amanda Middleton
Thanks for the tips! Love that you mentioned not to check your stats all of the time. That can be so discouraging some days. 😉
Janica Khemlani
It can be encouraging and discouraging depends on how you look at it really. But sometimes, it falls flat and it does not feel good LOL. I’m happy to see you here Amanda, hope you’re having a great day. 🙂
Sarah Jean
I definitely need to guest post more on other people’s sites more to increase my traffic. Doing all the other tips though!
Janica Khemlani
Hey Sarah, why not try on this site? 🙂 I’d love to see what you’re coming up with don’t hesitate to reach out. <3
Namira Gemma
Very useful and lots of great tips in this, especially the one about not checking your stats every minute of the day!
Janica Khemlani
Hahahaha! That is something I remind myself almost everyday (and yes, I tend to fall into the trap every single time – errrr it’s hard not to check!)
Victoria Goodman
This was great and really useful! I have learnt to use social media very recently and it definitely has helped!
Victoria | VictoriaaHelenn
Janica Khemlani
Yey! Thank you dear for your sweet words 🙂 Just continue what you’re doing and you’ll be OK. I checked your blog and it’s lookin’ great. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help 🙂
Milton Coyne
these are truly useful and I will definitely keep them all in mind! I recently learned how to utilize social media and how they can be very beneficial in promoting my blog without costing me a thing (except for the time and effort though)….even though I have been into blogging for less than ten years now, i am still new in this kind of thing and I am still learning.. this post helped me a lot to make me more effective!
Janica Khemlani
Aww… that is awesome Milton! Sooooo happy you liked it! Let me know if you need more tips 🙂
Carola
Growing your blog takes so much time. I spend more time on that than on writing haha. But it helps a lot. These are nice tips. I agree, networking makes a big difference!
Janica Khemlani
YES! I looooove chatting to fellow bloggers too! Thank you for reaching out! <3 Happy you liked the article 😀
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karyl henry
Thank you so much for this! I work full time as well, and I find it really easy to get frustrated when I’m not seeing growth I “think” I should. I really need to look more into collaboration/guest posting.
Janica Khemlani
I totally feel you! Hey, speaking of Guest Posting why not try to submit to this blog? 🙂
Berlin Domingo
I appreciate and like your tips. This is so helpful for bloggers like me who is just starting. I have seen a number of bloggers giving away something on their anniversary. Perhaps I might do so on my birthday. Again, thanks for the share
Janica Khemlani
Thank you Berlin for your sweet words! I’m so happy you liked and yes doing giveaways are great! Try ’em on and let me know how it goes 🙂
Ram Kuizon
As I am a novice blogger myself, I honestly is still on a testing water on this new adventure I’m in. I am in need of a comprehensive and easy to understand tips. This is a good reference. Thank you mate!
cheers, http://www.masterryo.com
Janica Khemlani
Ram, happy you liked it! Feel free to read more blogging tips under Blogging category of this blog – all of them are catered for newbie bloggers who needs help 🙂
Eens
Very nice post! Such a good read for someone new to the community of blogging.
Think all of us should stick to our goals too 🙂
Janica Khemlani
I agree! Goals are what keeps us going 🙂
Ana S
Very good points here and great tips. The only thing I’d say is that it’s absolutely worth to invest even a tiny bit just to get your own domain and hosting package in order to own your blog and content. Even if you don’t even plan to monetize. It’s not a super expensive investment either. Also I agree that if monetizing comes up that’s great but my priority is always the content and writing about what I love and believe in. My blog is my channel to the world
Janica Khemlani
That is so true! Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
Lester Pioquinto
Aweseome article, especially for new and upcoming bloggers out there. #8 is extremely on point. If you focus to much on making money, you’ll lose track of the real goal. And that is to give value to your readers. 🙂
PS: I don’t know if it’s just my computer but it’s a bit hard reading your articles in this layout. I hope you can fix it. 🙂
Janica Khemlani
Thank you Lester! Hey what’s the problem with the layout? Are you viewing the article in mobile or desktop? Let me know so I can fix asap! 🙂
Kristine Redillas
Those are quite the pieces of advice that any blogger would love to read. It’s always a tough thing for others since they don’t blog full-time. But items 6 & 7 are really on point! It’s also connecting with other people not just merely posting. 🙂
Janica Khemlani
Write to connect isn’t it? Thanks for your thoughts Kristine! 🙂
Dunja
I’m still a newbie so these tips are really useful for me. I’m a student and always on a budget so i don’t really have much money to spend on blogging. Plus, I think we should focus more on the blogging itself and creating great content then to lose our minds and bunch of money over traffic, earning etc. 🙂
Janica Khemlani
Just enjoy the writing don’t focus much on earnings because that’s when the stress comes in. Remember the reason why you started a blog that will lead you through this blogging journey
leonamanutd
having blogged for a good many years, I just really enjoy writing whatever comes to mind and usually those I wrote from the heart are what gets the most views at the end. Not looking for any exponential growth here, just some appreciation of my writings even from 1 person is enough to make my day
Janica Khemlani
Totally agree with you Leona! I also realized that when you write authentic pieces people will be able to relate and appreciate your work! 🙂
Martine Cosio De Luna
Great tips! I would have to agree with all of them, since I’ve done all of them myself, in my six years as a blogger. I am changing direction though, and soon my blog will not be focused on the same strategy anymore. I will be leaning towards niche blogging, so traffic won’t be the main motivator for me, but a loyal following that frequently returns for the content and also my services in social media and branding.
Janica Khemlani
Wow Martine! I didn’t know you’re blogging for that long. You came in the perfect timing since I’m currently looking for someone that offers social media + branding services <3
Martine Cosio De Luna
Outstanding! Yes been doing it for six going 7, but I built my own website already back in 2001 using HTML 1.0!!! I can help. You can email me at info@martinedeluna.com My work site is under construction, but I posted some of my services here: http://www.makeitblissful.com/work-with-us
Janica Khemlani
Yay I will dear! Excited for this 🙂
Alyssa Tuangco
Good read! I think you also need to be social to grow your blog. As a shy person that’s why I need to conquer. Thank you for the tips! I will surely bookmark this.
Janica Khemlani
Thanks Alyssa! Don’t hesitate to ping me (chat) if I can help you with anything. I’m also an introvert <3
Ma Yvette Heart Calimlim
I agree we don’t need to spend much to make our blog grow, it’s a matter of connecting with fellow bloggers and write a good content 😉
Janica Khemlani
Thanks for your thoughts Yvette! <3 I totally agree with the "connecting and writing good content" that is the heart and soul of our blogs 🙂
Janica Khemlani
It all boils down to why you started a blog. If you use your blog as the only source of income daaang! Its obvious that you do everything to make something out of it. But if you have a blog for hobby then you may not want to some a penny on it.
Berlin Domingo
These are seriously good tips. Thank you for being generous and sharing these with us. I also believe that using the appropriate social media platforms is a great help same with conducting giveaways and the likes.
Janica Khemlani
Hi Berlin happy you liked it! Yes I agree with you with the social media thing it does help a lot when you enjoy what platform you are using. Thanks for your thoughts! <3
Nilyn EC Matugas
The only money I spent for my blog is for domain. The rest is help from other bloggers, social media and many more. And since I don’t earn money out of it too, I’d rather just keep it that way. I don’t have that much view, I’m hoping to learn more about seo and writing so boost my views. Nothing beats a great content.
Janica Khemlani
It really depends on your end goal why you started a blog in the first place. Thanks for sharing your thoughts <3
Nilyn EC Matugas
You’re welcome! Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Michelle Adriano
I totally agree to you on all of the points you stated above. Blogging can be very overwhelming for beginners. When I was still beginning to blog, I wanted to inmediately dive in to self-hosting my blog site until one blogger friend made me realize to test the waters first. Glad that I listened to him first. I tried to relax and stopped comparing myself to other professional bloggers and start focusing on what my niche is. It made me enjoy blogging even more rather than being stressed out on how I can grow my blog.
Janica Khemlani
I couldn’t agree more. When I compare myself to other bloggers “or other people in general” it makes me feel so bad about myself and started to doubt my abilities so yes, no no no to comparison 🙂
Sam
I agree that you don’t need to shell out lots of money to promote your blog. It really is important to know your definition of Grow. Sometimes you can exert so much effort only to yield different results. You have to go back to what satisfies you.
Janica Khemlani
Agree <3 it's important to set standards for yourself.