More and more, bloggers start to realize that relying only on Google to get readers is not a safe way to go. As some latest examples of earthquakes (or rather GoogleQuakes) show, readership coming from SERPS can be seriously affected by bans, algorithm changes or competitors’ smart moves. A quick scan of the blogging world reveals several reader appreciation initiatives organized during this month:

Story of a Startup decided to go for a “Reader Appreciation Month” at RedFlagDeals.com, in their wish to highlight the members who go the extra mile to help out and inspire other members to get more involved.

At TipTail: From Agility to Zen, we found a reader appreciation contest which is now in the stage of voting for the winners.

A Stenopad for My Thoughts had a Reader Appreciation Day on July 6th: they gave out some handstamped index cards to their readers.

Internet Duct Tape comes with a special tip on creating a private area for your RSS subscribers, saying:

It’s important to build a rapport with them, and one of the ways to do that is by giving them special offers that aren’t available to regular readers of the website.

Live The Power mark their blog birthday with two contests: a readers appreciation contest and a blogger appreciation one. There is still time to join in, if you wish.

At A Different Kind of Romance, Arin Rhys shares some thoughts on author, blogger and reader appreciation.

Monique’s Scrappin’ Blog runs a periodical Blog Reader Appreciation Gift Day. The second edition was on June 27th, so stay tuned, maybe the third edition will occur any of these last days of July.Later update:Monique was kind enough to tell us that she’ll be giving the 6th one tomorrow. They have been given out every Wednesday. Starting in August her Blog Reader Appreciation Gift Day will be the first Wednesday of every month.

Some people even moved the Reader Appreciation events offline, one example being Lora Leigh’s Reader Appreciation Weekend, which is announced for September 14th.

Queer Joe’s knitting blog had a Reader Appreciation Day on July 11th, by simply thanking their readers in a few words:

I wanted to send out a special thanks to all the folks that either enthusiastically embrace my ideas, or minimally put up with them and read my blog anyway.

I’m sure that these are not the only examples of bloggers trying to emphasize their appreciation for the readers, so if you know such examples, please fell free to share them with us. Also, if you intend to organize some special reader appreciation events on your blog, please let us know, so we can announce them to our loyal readers, too.

Clarification note: reader appreciation can’t be measured in the number of contests, giveaways or parties you organize for your readers. It is a matter of respect, in the first place. A very good example of a great host is Chris Garrett, who recently started The Authority Blogger Forum. His host abilities and his respect for the readers turned the forum into a cozy place where bloggers can find support, understanding, appreciation and a lot of useful resources for blogging and communication. If you want to see it for yourself, you are invited to join the forum, via our above link.

This is part of a forum contest: the more of you subscribe referred by us, the more chances we have to benefit from Chris Garrett’s experience and have him as a guest author here, at Reader Appreciation Project. I’m waiting for you at The Authority Blogger Forum, so please subscribe and let’s make our blogs better.

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