Everyone who owns a computer seems to be writing their own blog these days. And every blogger wants to rule the blogging world. Rising from this infinite sea of bloggers requires formulating an effective strategy for promoting your blog. Getting the word out about your blog is the only way to attract large numbers of readers. It’s just that simple.
You can build buzz for your blog by using these proven promotional tactics:
1. Offer regular quality content
Popular blogs share a common trait. They offer fresh content that incorporates high quality writing and visual media. You can’t build an audience for your blog without creating content worth reading in the first place. Bad writing will turn away potential readers in droves. Make it a priority to write well. Also put emphasis on posting to your blog frequently. Blog readers have short attention spans. Give them a reason to pay attention to your blog.
2. Create an active social media presence
Drawing attention to your blog through social media can feel like holding a conversation with a person across a crowded room. It is difficult to hold their attention and make yourself heard. Using social media effectively requires time and effort, but it is a worthwhile investment. There is no better way to reach mass numbers of your target audience all at once. Focus on submitting links to posts on popular bookmarking sites like StumbleUpon and Digg. This will put your blog content in a place where people will see it and can easily share it.
3. Make your blog easy to find
Submit your blog to traditional search engines like Google, Yahoo or Bing. This will make it easier for your blog to show up in search results. This is only the first step. Make a point to submit your blog to multiple online blog directories. These sites exclusively track blogs and thousands of people search them daily. The best part is it costs nothing to submit your blog URL to many online blog directories.
4. Participate on other blogs
Bloggers form a tight-knit online community. Participating on other blogs is a smart way to join that community and get your blog noticed by other bloggers. You can be a blog writer for hire and write guest posts on other blogs. You can also choose to comment on other posts and embed your blog URL in your email signature to invite readers to come to your site. Leave thoughtful comments that give readers on other blogs a taste of what they will find when they decide to visit your blog.
5. Craft a consistent message
The worst thing a blogger can do is to attempt to be all things to all people. A blog needs a target audience and a consistent message to deliver to that audience. Keep your focus on your audience and create content that meets their needs. It will bring your writing into focus and help you develop strength within a specific niche rather than churning out posts that go in every direction.
John C is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
