Blogging can be quite a solitary pursuit. Although you have the ability to interact with sometimes thousands of people at the touch of a button. Most of us write away on our laptops and send our posts out into the world. What happens after that is largely beyond our control.
I believe that to be a successful blogger you need a blogging tribe.
So what is a blogging tribe?
There are so many tribes in life, your work tribe, hobby tribe, your family, the list goes on. Basically a tribe is a group of people sharing the same niche/interests. For the purpose of this post I am talking about a blogging tribe.
Your tribe is a small group of like minded individuals who are your biggest supporters, and you theirs. All tribe members should be on a par with each other, rather than competing against each other.
You might have 10k twitter followers, but you’re really only getting engagement from your true fans. Those who are tuned into you and the rest is just padding. Within your true fans may well be potential tribe members.
The people in your tribe will share your posts for you and they will be regular commenters on your blog. You and your tribe members will develop a friendship that’s mutually beneficial.
Together we are stronger
A tribe works best when people are fully engaged and committed to each other. This is easier when the numbers are quite small. Imagine if you had a group of twenty people and you had to stop by commenting, sharing the content of all of these people. You would probably run out of time to write and share your own posts. So a good number would be below six give or take. You can of course belong to as many tribes as you like, but you must ensure you have the time to invest in order to benefit the most.
Check out what Seth Godin thinks about tribes.
Finding/Creating your own tribe
So you like the idea of a tribe, a group to support and promote each other.
Now how do you find one?
- Chat to people on social media. Do you have people on Twitter, for example, with whom you chat regularly to and that you share the same goals? You could ask them if they would like to work with you.
- Talk about your blog to friends. A lot more people write a blog than you realise. Talk to people about your blog and you never know who else might have one.
- Blog conferences and meet ups. These are a great way to connect and meet people in real life. So they could be a place to start to form a tribe.
- Facebook groups. There are lots of blogging Facebook groups and you might well find like minded people in one of those.
- Collaborative projects. Collaborating with other bloggers is a great way to build relationships and start creating a tribe. You could run a linky together, do charity work, guest post for each other or even start a joint blog.
When you have a tribe? What’s next?
- Support – The most important thing you can do for your tribe members is to support them. Be a sounding board or even a shoulder to cry on, but be available to them. If you’re in the right tribe, this will be reciprocated.
- Share – Share your knowledge, as well as sharing their work.
- Be Honest – Be honest with your tribe, can you see something they could improve on? Can you help them do so?
- Celebrate – Praise each other and celebrate each other’s successes. We all need a pat on the back sometimes.
- Recommend – Recommend each other for opportunities that come your way or recommend the content from your tribe to others.
- Collaborate – You could collaborate on a project, a series or even a competition.
I’m so lucky to belong to a couple of small tribes and a larger tribe in the form of my blogging niche. Do you have a tribe? How did you find each other?
Comments 120
A tribe is definitely important to keep you sane. You need to know other bloggers are going through the same ups and downs. Definitely use my tribe as a sounding board for ideas too. x
Author
So important to surround yourself with wonderful people x
I love being part of a tribe. Not only does my blog get a huge amount of support but I, personally, gets lots of support too. And these women have become really close friends. It is win win situation. Great post lovely. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Author
Me too huni. Glad you liked it xxxx
Such an interesting post, love the TED talk as well! I’d never thought about my group of friends as a sort of tribe before!
Author
So glad you enjoyed it x
This is really interesting, hadn’t thought about it this way. Great post as always x
Author
Glad you enjoyed it x
I think a tribe is the next logical step for me(us) but I must admit to being a little warey about the whole thing, and where to find such people, but part of blogging for me is stepping out of my comfort zone more.
Oh and loved that TED talk, really motivating stuff.
Author
I hope this post helps huni xx
This is such a great post! I do think I have a tribe but at the moment I am working on making it better and stronger.
Author
Thanks huni. Glad you enjoyed it x
I love the concept of having a blogging tribe – I guess I probably am part of a small tribe although had never thought of it that way – there are certainly a handful of bloggers whose posts I’m more likely to look out for and share and vice-versa. Great post as always.
Author
Thank you lovely. I am glad you enjoyed it x
What an interesting post, and what a great thing to be part of, I think it would be lovely thing to be part of and hopefully as time goes on and I have been blogging a bit longer I can be part of a tribe, I like the idea of supporting each other and celebrating each other and being honest.
Author
Glad you enjoyed it huni x
I have to say that I sometimes feel very lonely in this big blogging world and that it can be exhausting just trying to get people’s attention! I think that it’s important to demonstrate support to others by commenting, encouraging and even just dropping them a little tweet or email to say you’re thinking about them and you’ll generally get the support back! Anyone who wants a buddy, look me up… I could do with some tribe mentality! Thanks for the post!
Author
I think these these happen organically too. You haven’t been going that long, just make connections and give it some time x
I don’t think I really have a tribe, but I do have a couple of other bloggers who I chat to quite regularly and we all comment on and support each others blogs. I guess that’s sort of the same thing 🙂
Author
Yes a tribe is just a mutually supportive group, just taken to the next level x
Great points! Thank you!
Author
My pleasure x
i love this concept and so true and while I felt so lonely living in another country and alienated from friends and not having anything in common with the mothers around me blogging changed all of that, my numerous small blogging tribes changed all of that for me. I couldn’t be more grateful for my supporters on my blog they help living so far away not feel so lonely and painful. Glad you have them too. They are amazing. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me. #sharewithme
Author
Yes how wonderful are our blogging tribes 🙂 x
I don’t have a tribe at all but i so want a one now as it sounds like a brilliant thing to be a part of in blogging , hopefully as time goes on and i get back into blogging i will make some close blogging friends of my own x
Author
Good luck, I am sure you will find yours soon x
Love this post I’d say i am part of a tribe it’s awsome to have regular support and good friends to chat too! X
Author
Thanks huni, glad you enjoyed it x
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I love this post Aby – thank you 🙂 I had never even contemplated there being a blogging tribe until very recently – I too felt I wrote in solitude. It’s a wonderful thing to uncover! #brilliantblogposts
Author
Thanks huni, so glad you enjoyed it x
A blogging tribe I think would be very beneficial to many bloggers. Social media can be a lonely place without a supportive like minded group around you x
Author
Yes, I think it is vital to your blogging happiness and success. I feel so lucky to be a member of wonderful tribes x
Some really great points and as always it’s really interesting to read about how blogging evolves. I’m far to new to have a tribe but have been both touched and fascinated by how socialable and supportive the blogging community is. X
Author
It is amazing isn’t it, the blogging community it truly awesome x
Bizarrely, this has been on my mind this week, just before I saw your post. The promotion bit doesn’t mean so much to me but it would be really nice to have a little group to run ideas past. You know, for content ideas, look and feel of my blog, and also whether opportunities that come my way are the right ones to agree to or pass over. I think I need some friends 🙂
Author
I bet you have people you interact more regularly with? Then my not ask them to be in a group, set up a FB page and there’s your tribe 🙂 x
Thank you for your wisdom as always Aby! I would say the hardest thing is actually telling my friends I have a blog. I tell them I have one and then don’t tell them the url so they can’t read it haha I’m awful! hopefully I can pick up on some of your tips
Author
Oh ‘real’ life is different, I have only just shared my blog on my personal FB page. You will have a blogging tribe I am sure, however informal x
Love this. I do think a tribe, community or belonging is really important. I’m not sure whether I’ve got a clear blogging tribe yet? There are definitely some regular people I link up with and read but it’s funny, you never really know how they feel about you. There are some bloggers I really admire. I’m so new perhaps people are still forming their opinions…
Author
Why not start your own tribe 🙂 x
Great post Aby. I would say I have an informal tribe or two going on – I love having regular blogs that speak to me, whom I’ll always try and read and support with shares etc. To me, it’s a lovely and relaxed way to engage and support blogs – and get support back too. #TheList
Author
Lovely, as long as it works for you that is wonderful x
So so true, I love the lades that I have made friends with, they have not only been someone to bounce ideas off, but become friends I feel so lucky to have them in my life, xx
Author
Yes I feel the same as you xx
I think tribes can be wonderful as long as they don’t get territorial or start competing with other ones! They can be great for support and all of the other reasons you gave, particularly when you’re just starting off or trying something new!
Author
I don’t think I have ever seen that sort of thing, much more relaxed than that I think x
Thanks for this! I’m a newbie in the mummy blogger sphere and when you first start out it does feel very solitary but I feel the beginnings of a tribe now and that makes ALL the difference! #thelist
Author
That is fabulous huni, good for you x
Mummy bloggers is the tribe that I am in I think. This group of people are just so supportive! Members of that tribe give tips like this post =) #ShareWithMe
Author
Yes I think we are all one big tribe too! x
Some great points in here and it’s interesting to think as our support as tribes, I think when you start blogging it’s all mind-blowing and then when someone shares your post you’re like Wow – and then when you share someone’s post and they thank you, the whole thing starts to fall into place. There’s lots of strong, supportive women (and men) in blogging and it’s always much appreciated (and I hope reciprocated) #TheList
Author
You are right, we are lucky to be within such an amazing community x
I think I’m still finding my ‘tribe’ as I still feel quite new. It must be so lovely finding your tribe and connecting and supporting each other x
Author
It is fabulous huni, the best things about blogging. I am sure you will find yours x
A tribe – what an empowering way to put it! I think the parenting blogging community is definitely the most supportive of each other and we all love to have a little support team to connect with regularly 🙂 xx
Author
That’s great, I am so glad you have your tribe xx
I don’t think I have yet… definitely need to be more social and interactive! #thelist
Author
Good luck huni x
Having a blogging tribe is almost like working for a company! The people in your tribe feel like your work colleagues. All in the same boat (regardless of how high up in the company you are) and all going through the same issues within the ‘business’ (blogging in this case!).
Plus it’s such a great support network.
Just like being at work, your tribe is on hand to offer emotional support for things going on inside AND outside of the business. I feel utterly privileged to be part of a special group of bloggers, who I now call my friends X
Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk
Author
Exactly huni, great isn’t it x
I don’t think I have a blogging tribe with my new, more personal, blog yet. My underwater photography blog is such a different paradigm. Its hard to break into a new tribe when the mummy blogging sphere seems so big. If your tribe is only 6 or so you have to pick the right 6 who are interesting and who’ll reciprocate (as you said no one has time to read and comment on everything). How does one find those special folks? If anyone reads my blog/twitter and finds me interesting drop me a comment I guess 😉
Author
Hopefully the post will give you some ideas of how to find your own tribe x
This is a great perspective on it, I must admit I have found the blogging community to be so overwhelmingly supportive, and I know that there are lots of tribes but it never feels clicky & always feels so inclusive. This I like 🙂
Author
It is an amazing community x
What a lovely post, Aby. I agree completely – I’ve spent most of the past year in self – imposed solitude, but thanks to the love and support of my blogging tribe, I’ve never felt alone. You get out what you put in, I think, it’s about making friends, being kind, and sharing just like you do with friends who aren’t online xxx
Author
Thanks so much lovely, I am glad you liked it. Blogging is so supportive, it is truly wonderful xx
It does really help to have a tribe. I met mine at Britmums, but I keep meeting people who are wonderful. Blogging can be such a gift!
Author
Exactly is it a wonderful gift x
This is a great post. I agree that its important to have a tribe in the blogging world. I feel alone in real life and blogging has brought me so many people I can chat to.
Author
Thanks. That is so great to hear what blogging has brought that into your life. x
Finding a tribe is a difficult task. I have a few people that I consider a relaxed tribe, or an unspoken one. I have blogged for years, in a vacuum, so now I am reaching out, searching and having a great time reading all types of blogs. I feel that the tribe will come when it is time, but I am enjoying how things are developing. Thanks for the great post.
Author
My pleasure, I hope you find your tribe x
Great blogging tips 🙂 as usual!
I don’t have a small tribe (yet), but I do feel that I belong to the larger blogging community, which feels great 🙂
#TheList
Author
Thanks my love x
This is such a good post and so true – for the blogging world and real life. I just love people and am always astounded and amazed at the loveliness and talent of everybody. Take the school playground – flustered, haven’t-had-enough-coffee parents and yet absolutely bursting with skills, humour, talent and know-how. I love it.
Author
What a lovely comment. Yes there are phenomenal people all around us x
I’d never really thought aboiut having a tribe before, but I guess I kida do. Very thought provoking post. #TheList
Author
Thanks love, have a good weekend x
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I’ve found quite a few different tribes – great description by the way – online. Meanwhile my non-online friends and family just don’t understand how I feel a connection with so many other bloggers
Author
Yes I think most people think it is weird, but I guess we all know how it feels to be part of this blogging thing x
Only been blogging for 1 month but can see how being part is very important and rewarding. I think being part of a tribe will happen in the future. I look forward to developing new friendships in the future. Thank you for sharing your advice.
Author
My pleasure huni, your blog is lovely, good luck with it x
Another fab post Abby, thanks for this xx
#sundaystars
Author
My pleasure, glad you like it xx
Author
My pleasure xx
Interestign read. I don’t really have a tribe, but I remember I used to with my old blog (which was in a very small niche).
Author
Thanks huni, and thanks for sharing x
Love being part of a tribe. The amount of supportI get personally is brilliant. Great post lovely. #sundaystars
This is a great little post. I’d never thought about it like that but it’s pretty much all true. Apart from the bit where you say all tribe members should be on a par. I want to be tribe leader 😉 Like the lemur from Madagascar!
Author
Glad you enjoyed it ! x
what a lush idea for a blog post – go forth and find a tribe! I love the word tribe too – it completely and utterly signifies what is required of everyone in your blog group 🙂 xxx
Author
Thanks my love xxx
Tribes rock! I think being part of a tribe is actually the best part. Friendship and companionship are what we all need. No matter what we do. Jess x #sundaystars
Author
They certainly do my lovely x
Love this post – I can see the formation of tribes around me and hope one day I can establish myself in one for mutual support and encouragement. I’ve been blogging since December and although o come across as pretty confident, I’m a terrified mouse deep down so the support would be great from a tribe! Hopefully im adhering to good blogging etiquette in general
Author
Thank you. I am so glad you liked it. I hope the tips can help you find or form your own tribe x
Oh I do love this and love my tribe, that word conjures up such images in my head and explains exactly what a blogging support network is. Wonderful wonderful post darling xxx
Author
Thanks so much lovely xxx
Ah Aby I absolutely adore Seth Godin so thank you for this. And you’re right finding your Tribe is SO important. I’m lucky in that I’ve found various super tribes over the past few years, including the blogging world, and I have to say I think I’m a happier and more successful person because of them. Great post! xxx
Author
Thank you lovely lady. Tribes rock! 😉 xxx
A great piece of advice Aby. I think that tribes kind of develop naturally over time – on twitter and by people reading your blog regularly. These are the people you need to cultivate. I don’t really have a defined one but do have regulars and the feeling is mutual. Great post.
Author
Thanks lovely, glad you liked it x
fab post – What a lovley way to think of blogging friends, some just happen, and others evolve slowly. Mummy just wishes she had more spare time for this x
Author
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it x
I really liked this post! I don’t have my own tribe yet but you definitely have some good ideas on how I can find it!
Love this post and Seth, I have lots of tribes from my closest friends to my film colleagues and of course the brilliant blogging world, I feel so lucky because of it, they make me feel strong and together that support is priceless, fab post, thanks for linking up to #brilliantblogposts x
Author
Blogging rocks! 🙂 x
Great post! Really enjoyed reading this.
I read about the concept of a ‘tribe’ in a book called ‘The Chimp paradox’ but didn’t really think about it in a blog networking type situation. But having read your post (and watched the TED video) it makes perfect sense.
Author
Glad it made sense and you enjoyed it. Tribes are so important x
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I’m late to this thread add I only just found your blog, but what a fascinating and encouraging. I feel I’m at a crossroads of either giving up or pushing on. I need to get more involved in social media and promotion, and I really need to find ‘my tribe’. Very inspiring read. Thank you x
Author
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. I hope you find some support, it is a wonderful community x
My tribe is my church family 🙂
Great post! So important to stay connected to those people who support your blog as you do theirs!
Congratualations someone loved this post so much they added it to our #blogcrush linky
Author
Thanks so much x
I just started blogging so still looking for my tribe! 🙂 x
Great post! I have a lot of fellow mommy bloggers on my Twitter, but I love the idea of finding a Facebook group to join and I’ve never even considered a conference until now. Thanks for the tips!
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