Replace Google Reader: How to Transfer to Bloglovin

Today is your last day with Google Reader. Last week I kicked my procrastinating self into gear and focused on exploring the options to replace my Reader addiction.

Check out my posts "So Long, Google Reader," and "5 Steps to Export Your Google Reader Data" for some more info.

I'll walk you through the very easy setup options for the programs BlogLovin and Feedly (click for post). I'm not sure if you'll be able to directly export your info after July 1, 2013, so I'd suggest setting up accounts TODAY or exporting your data to transfer later.

BlogLovin

For the personal blogging types (specifically a lot of craft, mommy and fitness blogs), Bloglovin seems to have been promoted in those communities as the only option to replace Google Reader. Great marketing, Bloglovin!

Here are some steps to import your data. It is very easy and very self explanatory.

Step 1: Go to Bloglovin.com. Click button that says "Join Bloglovin"

Step 2: Set up your account either through Facebook or an email. (I'm one of those who does not like things all connected to Facebook...I don't know why.) If you select Facebook, it will pop up with an option to grant access. Otherwise you'll enter your info and click a link that is set to your email account.

Step 3: Once you verify your account through email or Facebook, you'll have the option to import your blogs from Reader.

Step 4: Walaaa. You are done. Check out the home screen. 

Bloglovin's features do a lot more for blog promotion than a simple RSS feed program. For example, even when you check your feed's, you'll be able to see it in the blog frame, i.e. you'll see the blog design with a Bloglovin bar across the top. 

You'll also be exposed to a lot of different blogs (and as a blogger, you'll be able to promote your blog in different ways). You'll find options to visit popular posts and many featured categories and more. Bloglovin has a lot to offer if you want to explore some more.

So long, Google Reader

I feel as though I am losing a close friend. Pretty much every person in the blogging world knows that Google Reader will no longer be available after July 1, 2013—which means come Monday morning, my go-to source for following blogs and news feeds will be gone. Gone. Gone. Gone.

Aw, now I'm getting all nostalgic. Anyone remember the post I wrote in 2009 (WHAT??) about using Google Reader and setting up your subscriptions? Good times.

When Google made the announcement of Reader's demise back in March, I quickly started researching what I'd use as a replacement for Google Reader.

Admittedly, I didn't get very far and have been operating these last several months in complete denial. Until that lovely popup showed again last week.
Here are some articles I've skimmed: 8 Google Reader Alternatives, Google Reader Alternatives: What's the Best Replacement, Google Reader is going away, but here are some options to replace it, the ReplaceReader.com poll for favorite programs, 6 Feed Readers to Replace the Google Reader Void, and Turns Out Google's Reader Replacement is Pretty Much Useless.

Some of the most popular suggestions are Feedly, The Old Reader, NewsBlur, Bloglines, Pulse, Digg, My Yahoo, and, the program getting the most hype for the bloggers: Bloglovin.

I've already imported my data to Bloglovin but actually loved what I saw on Bloglines and will be looking into that program a bit more.

Come back Saturday morning for some last minute tips to transfer your Google Reader info to the new program of your choice. Next week I'll also explore some of the features of Bloglovin and probably Bloglines.