How to Use WordPress Plugins to Build Relationships

Recently I blogged about just how valuable WordPress is for business and especially for web marketing newbies.   One of the biggest advantages of WordPress, and the reason it has improved tremendously over the years, is that the software is open source.  This simply means that any web developer can add value by creating additional features and additions, such as “plugins” that improve the functionality of the software.  In essence, this means developers in the WordPress Community help you make better use of your WordPress blog.

All you have to do is find the plugin you’d like to install from your plugins option on the left hand side of your WP dashboard and get it (all without having to know a lick of code or have any programming background)!  And there are many plugins you can use to help you build a community on your blog and build relationships!

You know the adage your clients must know, like and trust you before they buy from you.  Well, because WordPress is constantly being improved by the many web developers who are continually making it do more things to help you build relationships, and make your job as a blogger more effective, you can leverage their work on these “plugins” to help you rock your WordPress Blog out.

How To Use WordPress Plugins to Connect with Your Audience

So, let’s admit, with a normal static website, we have to code ourselves or hire that webmaster/developer for, we would have to go through hoops and processes to get stuff done.  Well, with WordPress, you can quickly and easily install plugins to pimp your blog out for maximum relationship building power.

Now, just because you have fancy plugins at the grasp of your fingers does not mean you do not have to respond to your readers’ comments and expect a plugin to do it.  In fact, I believe plugins and automation should not come at the expense of letting your relationships with your readers (and potential clients) fall by the wayside.

More on that balance later.  Today, I’ll share my favorite WordPress plugins to help you build relationships with your blog readers.

3 WordPress Plugins to Help You Build Your Blog Community

1) Thank Me Later Plugin:  This Plugin allows you to create a custom “Thank You” message after a reader has commented on your blog.  You can personalize a message that fits your personality.  In fact, doing this will help you connect with your new reader even though they may not have subscribed to your blog’s RSS Feed or subscribed by email.   The cool thing about this plugin is the fact that it allows you to send the message several days later, so that your message does not seem like a “canned” response from your “auto-responder.”  You can also add a link to your favorite social media profile to further build the relationship or recommend they subscribe to your blog.  Test and play and you will see what works for you.  (Comment below to receive an example of the message that I am presently sending with this plugin.  Your feedback is welcome)!

2) DD Add Sig Plugin:  The DD Add Sig plugin will help you craft a mini bio for every blog post you write.  This will help you build your business coaching brand.  Add something with personality and that gets to the core of who you are.   The more your readers see it the more they know exactly who you are at and what you help others do.  Again, tweak and see what works for you.  You can look at your metrics for feedback.

3) WP Greet Box:  Use this plugin to add a special message if someone gets to your post from one of the social marketing sites.  This will alert a user that has found you on Facebook with a custom message welcoming them to your blog and suggesting that they subscribe to your feed.  You can edit and tweak the settings to read the way you want it to read.

The Balance Between Automation and Relationship Building on WordPress

There is a balance between using automation and building relationships.  However, certain WordPress plugins as named above, will make your job of reaching out to your visitors and readers to help them engage them into your community, build the relationship, and possibly convert them into a client.

Have any other favorite plugins or have any WordPress questions?  Please share with us below by commenting.

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About The Author

Dali Burgado, also known as "The Dali Blogger" teaches creative entrepreneurs how to carve a web presence that connects with their Inner Guru and their target audience. Her first online marketing love is SEO. She's an avid connector on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. When she's not coaching or teaching, she's tweaking sites for Search Engine Visibility, working on her PHP and Javascript coding skills, Singing Opera, or learning about gardening. Circle Dali on Google+