This is a guest post by Gordie Rogers.

If you have a blog with a readership, then you already have a built in support group.

Recently, I wrote two posts where I shared some personal struggles I was having in regard to my blogging and my weight gain. I was amazed at the support I got from my readers in the comments section encouraging me and giving me great advice as well as sharing some of their own similar struggles.

It’s amazing that if you open up on your blog, how many of your readers will also be willing to open up on your blog. That is what creating a caring blog community is about. By telling your readers your struggles and asking them for advice occasionally, you’re leveraging your readership in a positive way to be a support group.

The reason, I decided to write about this today is because I’ve just read a really powerful and personal post called I Don’t Want To Be The Alcoholic That I Am. Read it and the comments Karen’s readers left her below. It’s obvious she has a real caring community there. Don’t forget to come back to this blog though. :)

Admittedly, some types of blogs are more suited for opening up than others. If she wrote that kind of post on a blog specializing in SEO, then it may or not go down so well. However, no matter what kind of blog you have, you can still tell your readers about certain struggles you’re having in regard to your blog or niche.

However, if you don’t get any response, then I think there is some reason for concern that your readers don’t feel close enough to you. You may need to start building a closer relationship with them.

Some things you can do to build a closer relationship with your readers.

• Let them see your personality through your writing. Write how you’d speak.
• Tell some real life anecdotes that have happened to you.
• Have a picture or pictures of you on your blog.
• Give your readers an update of your progress through either a blog post or email from time to time. Mike CJ from Mike’s Life does this well with his email updates.
• Reply individually to as many comments as possible. I make an effort to reply to every comment left on my blog.
• Initiate a personal email to a few readers or send a direct message to a few followers on Twitter asking them how they’re doing.

Tell us below what are some other ways you can build a closer relationship with your blog’s readers?

About the Author.

Gordie Rogers is a Kiwi, who currently resides in China.

He writes a blog about lifestyle design and personal development.

I would encourage you to browse on to his blog. Read his posts and support the man. He is a great friend and a passionate blogger. You will not be sorry.

Remember you can win a weeks worth of free ad space just for commenting. The best comments during the week will get a weeks free advertising space. Check out: Win free advertising for your blog