When I began blogging in 2007, I didn’t have a plan. I knew I had a ton of  ideas, but I had little inkling of how to share them. From the start I recognized that blogging could lead to immense opportunities for those who did it well, so I set out to make a mark by doing things the “right” way.

I was young (still in high school) and I wanted to look professional, so with my first blogs, I adopted a formal, disconnected tone. After months of churning out, what I considered to be, great content, I couldn’t figure out why my blogging efforts weren’t flourishing.

Not until I began writing honest, relaxed essays on my personal experiences did I receive the feedback I desired. That’s when I realized that people connect with people not brands.

Don’t remove yourself from your blog. Find your voice, and inject it into everything. Do this no matter what your blog’s focus.

Familiarity drives the blogosphere. We want to feel connected to the bloggers we read.This doesn’t mean you have to expose yourself completely. Give as much of yourself as you feel comfortable, but give something. Tell an anecdote. Make a joke. Be honest. Your readers will appreciate it and respond accordingly.

Have you noticed that the majority of the most successful bloggers infuse their posts with their personalities. Think of Necole of Necole Bitchie, Patrice of Afrobella, Demetria of A Belle In Brooklyn, and Claire of The Fashion Bomb to name a few.These women found success by rejecting internet anonymity. They show us that rewards are waiting for those willing to go public.

Try this: 

• Create an About page to tell your story. Share who you are and why you blog. Include a photo if you wish.
• Use personal pronouns.
• Engage your readers on social networks. Don’t just share your content.

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Kimberly N. Foster is the founder of Black Girls Blogging and Editor of For Harriet. Email or Tweet her.