Summary of I want more tools to reach my readers, not monetize them! at andrewchen

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    Leveraging Twitter for Audience Growth

    The author emphasizes the power of Twitter in building a blog's audience, highlighting how it can be used to connect with potential followers and expand a business network.

    • Twitter allows users to see followers' bios, offering insights into their interests and backgrounds.
    • Tools like Tweepsearch enable targeted searches for followers who are interested in specific topics or industries, facilitating direct outreach and networking.
    • While Twitter may not be as effective as email for capturing audience data, it provides a valuable platform for passive network building, creating opportunities for future connections and collaborations.

    The Importance of Email Subscriptions

    Email subscriptions play a crucial role in audience building, providing a direct and personalized channel for communication.

    • The author highlights the benefits of using Feedburner, a tool for managing email subscriptions, as a means for collecting email addresses, which can be valuable for understanding readers and establishing relationships.
    • Email subscriptions allow for targeted messaging and provide a more personal touch compared to other social media platforms.
    • Email addresses can be used for personalized outreach, facilitating deeper engagement with the audience.

    Exploring the Benefits of LinkedIn for Business Connections

    LinkedIn offers a platform for professional networking, enabling bloggers to connect with individuals in their field and build relationships that can lead to valuable insights and opportunities.

    • LinkedIn profiles provide detailed information about users' professional backgrounds and experience, making it a valuable resource for understanding their expertise and interests.
    • While LinkedIn is skewed towards marketing and business professionals, it can still be a valuable tool for building connections and expanding a network in specific industries.
    • LinkedIn provides opportunities for professional collaboration, sharing knowledge, and finding mentors or partners.

    Rethinking the Value of Google Friend Connect

    The author criticizes Google Friend Connect for its lack of functionality and its inability to provide value in terms of audience engagement.

    • The limited profile information and lack of communication tools hinder the potential for meaningful connections and interactions.
    • Without the ability to reach out to followers or understand their interests, Google Friend Connect becomes a passive platform that does not effectively contribute to audience building.
    • The author emphasizes the need for tools that enable meaningful interaction and communication with followers, rather than simply collecting data.

    The Limitations of Disqus for Building Relationships

    Disqus, a commenting platform, is also criticized for its limited functionality in fostering meaningful relationships.

    • Disqus profiles often lack detailed information about users, making it difficult to understand their interests and background.
    • The reliance on public comments restricts direct communication and limits opportunities for personalized interactions with followers.
    • The author advocates for tools that facilitate direct communication and deeper engagement with followers, enhancing the value of audience building beyond simple comments.

    Prioritizing Audience Engagement over Monetization

    The article stresses the importance of audience engagement over monetization, arguing that for the majority of bloggers, the primary reward is connecting with interesting people and building a following.

    • Tools that help build relationships with readers and facilitate communication are more valuable than those that solely focus on monetization.
    • The author emphasizes the need for tools that pierce the veil of anonymity, with reader consent, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and deeper engagement.
    • Building a strong audience, through meaningful interactions and communication, can create a foundation for future opportunities, including potential monetization avenues.

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