Don't Lose Your Favorite Blogs! (Google Reader is Going Away- Alternatives?)

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Today's post is a quick Public Service Announcement for anyone who reads blogs. Since you're reading this, I assume you fall into that category! I know many of you are already aware of the fact that Google is retiring Google Reader, a favorite online "blog post organization service" for bloggers and readers everywhere, as of July 1, 2013. I didn't realize that they are also retiring Google Friend Connect (the little gadget on my sidebar with so many friendly reader faces). I wanted to share some alternatives with you today.

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Why do I care? I've worked really hard on this little blog for the past few years, and I love to interact with my readers! I want you to keep dropping by to read posts here at Serenity Now.

I haven't used Google Reader, but I do use Google Friend Connect to keep tabs on many of the blogs I love to read. It looks a little something like this when I log into my Blogger account dashboard. I loved it because all the blogs I "Followed" through GFC showed up here:

Needless to say, if you've been using Google Reader or your Blogger dashboard, it looks like you'll need a new method as of the first of July. And, if you don't use a reader, you may want to consider it to streamline your reading experience and keep track of new posts!

How Can You Keep Up with My Blog if You Don't Have Google Reader Anymore?

I did some research and found that the two most recommended new readers out there are Bloglovin' and Feedly.

Feedly
Feedly will transfer over your existing subscriptions and your folders! From what I've heard, it's also fairly easy to navigate.

BlogLovin'
BlogLovin is highly popular right now with bloggers. It will transfer over your subscriptions, but not your folders. My blog is registered with BlogLovin', so feel free to follow me there too.


Other Ways to Keep Up with My Blog

Subscribe via Email
You can receive posts from your favorite blogs by simply signing up for each blog to send you a daily email. If you read a lot of blogs, that could really clutter up your inbox though!

Facebook
I regularly update my Facebook fan page with each day's post, as well as links to other projects and posts around the web. I also like to throw in some personal pics and funny stuff.

Twitter
My Twitter account always shares the latest posts from Serenity Now, as well as dozens of other projects, posts, and articles from bloggers, magazines, and companies.

Still have questions? I know it's a major bummer that Google is phasing out products that bloggers and readers truly enjoyed and relied on. I'll share some links here from other bloggers and sites who offer suggestions on Google Reader alternatives:

The SITS Girls
The Country Chic Cottage
Measured by the Heart
The Shed
PCMag.com
Tech Crunch

These are just a few. Do a web search for "alternatives to Google Reader" and page after page of results will pop up.

I do hope you'll consider joining me on a new reader, or even subscribing via email!

What's your favorite new way to read blogs?

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments!

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