You might not be a big name blogger, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune to social media attacks. Anyone can come across something you’ve posted at any time and decide to defame you and bash your blog.

You cannot please everyone. If you’re being honest and open in your blog, someone will undoubtedly be offended.  However, once you see backlash brewing, address it. Attacks increase the likelihood of someone discovering your blog through negativity. This will hurt your reputation with new and old readers.

Most bloggers are purposeful provocateurs, but backlash is nearly inevitable. Having a solid plan to address negative feedback in place before it happens will help you make it through.

Think before you respond. When someone is attacking your work, it’s difficult not to respond to criticism out of anger. You have to restrain yourself. Once you make a nasty comment, you can never retract it. Once it’s out there, it’s out there. Don’t permanently damage your reputation over a momentary outburst. 

Monitor what people are saying. This is one reason why a Twitter account is so important. Use Twitter search to update you when someone tweets your URL. This shows you mentions of your blog even when your Twitter handle is not mentioned. 

Respond to legitimate concerns. Listen to what people are saying and then go out of your way to over communicate your position. Don’t leave anything open to chance or interpretation. All concerns are legitimate until proven otherwise. Approach all criticism with an open mind. 

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