I discussed yesterday that Blog Networks are a powerful tool for bloggers. A network will provide more exposure and opportunities for your blog. You will also gain learning opportunities and friendship from those in your network. Networks should be small in number so keep it around eight to ten bloggers. Too few bloggers and you will not have an impact but too many bloggers and the network will become overwhelming to manage. Think of a core group of individuals who are likeminded and share a passion to blog and to grow. That is the concept behind a network.
Starting a Blog Network
Niche: Consider your niche and begin to find other bloggers who write quality content that compliment your own. Your best friend may write about race cars while you write about gardening. That is not the beginning of a beautiful network. Be wise when inviting other bloggers to join your network.
Requirements: Before contacting other bloggers have a clear vision for your network. Remain flexible as you may learn sage advice from other bloggers on what works best. However, you do not want to go in without any rules or vision established. Be firm from the beginning that one must adhere to the requirements to be a part of the network. While you can make exception for a member going through a personal situation you cannot always bend or break the rules or your group will lack cohesion.
Active Bloggers: Only consider bloggers who actively blogs two to three times a week at least. The blogger does not have to blog daily or put out massive amounts of content. The content needs to be consistent in quality and activity.
Handle Professionally: Your network needs to be handled in a professional manner. Friendships and close ties may be formed and flexibility is always nice but your network has a goal and every member must be working toward that goal.