In recent times, the bandwagon effect has been presented as a form of peer pressure - as something negative. Although in some cases the bandwagon effect could cause people to make negative decisions, let’s hope that it’s not a negative decision whenever someone decides to follow your website.

Whether it’s the amount of comments you receive or the amount of RSS subscribers that you have, it’s easier to get more when you already have more. What does this mean? To put it simply, starting out is the hardest part. Once you get the blogging-ball rolling, it still takes work and maintenance, but you won’t have to push your blog quite as hard as you did those first few months that your blog was open.

However, if you don’t promote your blog early, you’re going to have to do it sometime. From my best estimates, I would say that 100 subscribers is a landmark for bloggers. If you can get past 100 subscribers, then it’s a lot easier to convince your visitors that they should subscribe or visit again in the future.

I’ve written before about how important it is to reach that mark, but I didn’t explain how to reach that mark. I’m only halfway there at the moment, true. But, I can share some of the strategies that I’ve used to go from 0 to 40 subscribers in a single month, and how I’ve continued to keep a slowly upward climb to my subscriber count.

Be Unique
Although it’s great to check out the big blogs in your niche to see what they are writing about, don’t copy them! If you are always writing about the same things as another blog that you look up to, then your blog becomes nothing more than a rewording of that bigger blog. To your readers, they might as well go read the blog that yours is based off of! Think of ideas on your own and try to look at them with at least a slightly unique point of view.

Teach Something
People feel like they are spending their time more wisely if they are learning something while reading. Although it’s okay to do from time to time, don’t write too much about subjects you are confused about or know near nothing about. People might be led to believe that they are wasting their time if all they read about is how confused you are.

Subscribe And Participate At Other Blogs
Over a time of participating at other blogs, you may find that you’ve formed a type of friendship with the other blogger. These type of blogging relationships really help blogs take off - this is sometimes known as the loyal reader base. It takes a lot of work to go visit so many other sites on a daily basis, but it’s worth it. You meet new people and you learn new things, both of which can help you and your blog become better.

Promote Yourself, But Don’t Be Too Confident
Especially in the early stages of a blog, you really need to put yourself out there on a consistent basis. Send articles that you are proud of to your friends, ask them for feedback. Post your blog in appropriate discussions at blogging forums, and ask for people to tell you what they really think of your blog. It’s important to note that you don’t want to brag, either. Only state the facts - let your visitors decide for yourself that they love your site.
Although getting the first 100 subscribers is the hardest part, don’t let yourself give up. Giving up is the only fail proof way to fail at blogging!