Do you consider yourself a likable blogger? Do you have people skills online?

It’s been proven that (in-person); non-verbal cues make up the majority of communication. The words you use only make up a small percentage of what people are hearing from you. Online it’s a different ballgame. All we have are our words.

People skills (online and in-person) are some of the greatest assets an entrepreneur can have. As a blogger and entrepreneur it’s vital for you to have good people skills, in order to, network with other bloggers, listen and respond to comments and feedback, and convey your mission in a clear way.

If you want to become a more likable blogger, keep reading. I’m going to show you seven ways to have better people skills online. By practicing these tips, you’ll enjoy the benefits of increased friendships, subscribers, traffic, and profits.

1) Become interested in your visitors and other bloggers

Obviously, you want people to be interested in what you have to say. So it makes sense that others want the same. Whether it’s someone who left you a new comment, or another blogger, people will like and trust you much more if you take a genuine interest in their lives.

Sure, blogging is about getting your message out to as many people as possible, but it also serves a greater purpose of building quality relationships with like-minded individuals. Make an effort to become interested in other people, in person, and online.

2) Use your online smile

No, I’m not suggesting you overuse the smiley in order to appear friendlier. I’m talking about the tone you write in.

In person, a smile is golden to make you more likable. Even over the phone, people can literally, “hear your smile” by the way it changes your tone of voice.

Online it’s more difficult to convey that you are a happy, nice, likable, and friendly person, unless you make an effort to keep your writing positive and upbeat. People like positive messages. For example, I could say, “You shouldn’t use a negative tone in your writing, because people won’t like you very much”. But it may be better to say, “You should use a positive tone in your writing, because people will like you much more.”

Remember, keep it positive, and exercise your online smile.

3) Use the persons name whenever possible

This is equally, if not more important, in person. But it is much easier online, since you can see the other person’s name in the comment section or on his or her blog. People like to hear their name used in conversation. Make an effort to use the person’s name any appropriate chance you get.

In the comments section you can use “@name” to address the person. If you refer to another bloggers article you can link to it by saying something like “Kevin Givens (Self Improvement for Entrepreneurs) has a great new article about being a more likable blogger”, as opposed to, “I read this great article on being a more likable blogger”. While I would sincerely appreciate either link, I would feel more honored to have my name mentioned.

Calling the other person by name gives them the sense that you find them important. This will cause them to appreciate your response, advice, and opinion that much more.

4) Be a good listener

Bloggers open their selves up to criticism on a regular basis. Nevertheless, remember all feedback, even negative, is positive. Wait, did I just say negative is positive? That’s right; it’s good for your blog and humbling to your ego (unless it’s spam talking about how small your …. never mind).

Take the opportunity to listen to what others say. Whether it’s criticism, compliments, or a question, try to understand the person’s point of view and respond appropriately.

5) Talk about the other person’s interests

This goes hand-in-hand with #1 (becoming interested in your visitors and other bloggers). Get to know and build relationships with others. Instead of being concerned about what’s in it for you, take the opportunity to get to know what makes others tick. Talk to them about their goals, dreams, passions, and other interests. When people feel that you honestly care about their interests, they will take an interest in you.

6) Make people feel important

People love to feel important. It’s just how we’re built. Take the time and effort to make your visitors and fellow bloggers feel special. One way to do this is to email each first-time commenter personally. It will make them feel valuable and important, and possibly turn a first time visitor, into a lifelong reader. Ask for their opinions and advice, link to them without being asked, give them a free review, or just send them a compliment about the hard work they’ve done.

When you make others feel important, they will see you as a friend and ally.

7) Show sincere appreciation

As a blogger, your loyal readers are your livelihood. Make sure you let them know you appreciate them by providing quality content to enhance their lives. You can also do some fun things, like giveaways, to show your appreciation.

Maybe another blogger is putting out content that has helped in some big way. If you can, donate a few bucks to him/her. If they don’t have a donation button, look for products or services they recommend and click their affiliate link. I’m not saying you need to purchase something you don’t need, but if they are writing about a product that you are going to buy anyway, show your appreciation by clicking their link.

You can also show your appreciation by adding a quality article to Digg, StumbleUpon, or other social bookmarkting site. At the very minimum, you should let them know how much you appreciate their work in a comment or personal email.

Will you become a more likable blogger?

You can (and should) start putting these suggestions to work immediately on your own blog. It may take considerable effort for some to become a more likable blogger,but trust me, it will be well worth the effort. The most successful blogs practice most, if not all, of the tips I outlined. By practicing my 7 tips to have better people skills online, you will reap the rewards of more quality relationships, loyal fans, and income.

What are your suggestions for becoming a more likable blogger? Are you practicing any or all of these tips with success?

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