I’ve recently been working with a client on his blog’s marketing & promotion assets – and put together this simple little checklist for ways to get his blog rolling. These tips apply to all blogs.
Beware. Humor has been injected.
- Make sure a link to your blog is listed in your forum signatures/community signatures and profiles.
- Tweet roughly 10-20 times daily. Mix your replies and unique tweets evenly. Make sure you Tweet a link to your posts as soon as they’ve been posted – to let your community know of your new content. On Twitter you’ll also want to share tips, insights, and links to articles you believe are important. Usually I preface articles I like with “Reading:”. This is customary – as it lets your followers know what they’re looking at.
- Use Google Reader or another feed reading service. This is a great way to find new content for your Twitter feed, and get more versed in your community.
- Feature reviews on books and products from your blog’s niche.
- Get your blog name burnt into the face of the moon.
- Use Twitter’s Search feature for your use. Search for terms you are familiar with – and find tweets you can offer advice on. As you begin offering advice, thoughts, etc…you’ll become more recognized and trusted in your community.
- Begin commenting (useful comments) on other blogs in your niche. Find roughly 10 blogs per day you can comment on – and offer good advice to add to the post. This will slowly start to generate more inbound links for your blog.
- Place your blog URL as a hugely large graphic decal on your vehicles.
- Include a link to your blog in all outgoing emails. Preferably in your signature along with other contact details.
- Begin amassing emails for a future newsletter offered along with your blog. Many readers enjoy these services.
- Tell your Grandmother about your blog. You’ll be amazed at how many people she’ll blab to about your latest online adventures.
- Meet other bloggers in real life situations. I’ve met many great people in my community – only because we were introduced via Twitter.
- Send press releases regarding your blog to local news broadcasting agencies, blogs, and forums.
- Spend $5,000,000 on a Super Bowl ad. Seems to have worked for GoDaddy.
- Never alienate blog commenters by not responding. Make them feel welcome by acknowledging their thoughts – and giving thoughts in return.
- Develop a brand that is recognizable and easy to relate to. This includes brandable logos, and a custom blog theme. Give your content somewhere comfy to live – by giving them a well designed blog.
- Include social bookmarking options on your blog posts for readers to spread the word of your content. Plugins for WordPress include ShareThis, TwitThis, and many more.
- Wear clothing branded with your blog address.
- Although some consider it old fashioned: carry blog business cards. You’ll be surprised at how many people ask about your blog in real life.
- Name drop. Never feel afraid to quote famous bloggers – and compliment/link to them in your posts.
- Occasionally take the time to thank readers and people that comment on your blog. Send a sincere, non-automated email.
- Give away free products and/or start contests on your blog. This is a great way to attract a mass of attention towards your blog and its contents.
- Be sure that your blog is easy on the eyes, simple to navigate, and inviting to readers.
- Spend time on your content production. Each week develop a blog post that has many, quality man-hours put into it – as these will return the most links.
- Feeds are a huge tool for leveraging readers to new heights. Offer feeds via email, place feed subscription buttons in prominent locations – and explain to your readers why signing up will benefit them.
- Host your own WordPress or other blogging platform. This is more reliable then free blogging methods – and readers will take you more seriously.
- Never cease building links for your blog in every possible location. Never lower your standards – and build links with non-spam methods.
- Become active in the video community. Create a YouTube account with your brand in mind, and possibly even begin producing your own video blogging posts.
- Post regularly and on a predefined schedule. Give your readers comfort in knowing new content will be produced.
- Interview professionals in your industry. These have a high potential of being linked to by the interviewee and will help gain credit for your blog.
