Top Ten Tips on Promoting Your Blog
http://weblogs.about.com/cs/blogpromotions/a/promoteblog.htm
from 
JoeUser Forums
JoeUser Forums
I read articles about how to promote your blog all time, and in fear of looking stupid I refrain from posting comments on these blogs. I think they do provide valuable advice for those who take this blogging seriously. For me I don't think seriously is the right word. It's fun. I get to meet people (in the virtual sense, hehe) I get to share opinions. You know the drill. I'm guessing the majority of people here do this for the same reasons as me. Of course the points motivate some people more than others. I don't see anything wrong with that. They may want points, they post and comment loads to get them, but you still need quality to get anywhere far. If I'm honest I think the majority of people posting here are fabulous writers, and they don't try to be anything they aren't. I think many do it more for the social interaction, than the actual writing. I like the writing part, I love this bit, writing the blog. Makes me sound sad huh, but the thought that after I've finished writing this, people from all over the world will be able to read it, wow. Anyway, I've gone on a ramble. When I read these blogs giving you ways to promote your blog, I am pretty in awe. Because these blogs are so informative, and so helpful to those that want to take their blog to the next stage. I don't think I really want to promote my blog, I kind of see it as I have a small number of readers, and I'm happy with them. Does that make me sound stupid? Anyway I have the ten tips, and I shall give my thoughts on each one. I should call it something like " The top ten tips on promoting your blog through the eyes of a retarded blogger" hehe! Anyway, here it is.....
1) Aim to provide quality content. Whatever the topic or style, popular blogs are always well written. Good photographs and illustrations are also well sought after. Offer them if and when you can.
Whether you want to promote your blog or not the majority of blogs I read are very well written. I was actually pretty shocked at the standard of writing. I mean there are the odd few people who haven't bonded with the concept of paragraphs. The general standard is very good. The content is also very good, it confuses me when people cover loads of different topics in one blog. Most people have a point and they get to it. I have to say I'm personally guilty of the ramble route now and again!
2) Blog regularly. If you don't update your blog often enough, blog readers will move on. There are too many blogs out there competing for attention. Blog readers will go where they can get enough of what they want.
I think there is a fine line between blogging too much, and blogging just enough. Some people blog loads, and when you over do it, the standard is bound to slip at some point. Then there are people who you get really into what they write, but it reaches a point where you check their blog less and less because it isn't updated regularly enough. I think if the quality is to a high standard you will keep going back. Personally I go through phases where I'm in the mood for writing, and when I'm not. Sometimes I do a blog every few days, and other times I do a few blogs a day. It just depends on my mood. I think I'm a selfish writer, i tend to do it for myself, and the rest just comes naturally.
3) Define the type of readers you want to have and create content for them. This will give them reason to link back to your blog on an ongoing basis. Try not to stray from your typical topics and style too much.
I hate this one. I have never wrote for a particular audience, and I never have intention of doing so. Sure the things I write might appeal to a certain audience, but I don't write thinking, 'oh I can't say that because my audience won't like it' One of the things I love about this blogging business is I can branch out, and talk about all kind of things. Variety is the spice of life. I think people generally keep their style no matter what they write bout. Sometimes I can just tell from the titles of things, which blogger has written it, that takes a certain amount of style in its self.
4) Think about keywords with your use of titles, links and blog posts. Search engines like Google take these things in to consideration. The more targeted your keywords, the better the chances of your blog appearing in search results.
I just can't think like that when writing a blog. I know I should, maybe. I just can't think of key words though. I don't want to. I simply let nature take its course, and see what happens. My top article, is the rampant rabbit one. That speaks for its self, huh!
5) Participate in communities. Social networking plays an important role in blogging. Taking part in memes and collaborations, for example, is one way to be active in the blogosphere.
Probably one of the best parts of my blogging experience is the people I have come across. Not in a oooh I want them to read my blog kind of way. Just that it has really made me think, people actually can be nice. Forgetting all the attention seeking arguing, I have come across some of the most kind, genuine, thoughtful people ever. For that I am grateful. I also know none of these people are like that just to promote their blog, and that makes it all the more special.
6) Get involved in people's blogs. Leave thoughtful comments (not just the 'Visit my blog!' type of comments) and try to respond to emails.
Leaving comments on other peoples blogs is great. They may cover issues you didn't consider, or give you a view you didn't consider, and this is your chance to give feedback. There are peoples blogs I read regularly, and comment on. Sometimes it's just nice to say, I liked that blog. Sometimes there is no need to add to it, but I know the words of encouragement are still appreciated. It's pretty easy to tell the people who just comment for promotion, fortunately they are few and far between here.
7) Mention your blog anywhere you possibly can - in your email signature, in forums, in your business card (if you feel you can mention your blog in your business or profession), in address labels and in conversations with friends.
I'm not pimping my blog! No way! For people who are alot more serious, this is a good idea. However I like the element of mystery to my blog. I like the idea people have come to it of their own accord, without being shoved down their throat. I don't really want people out there to know I do this. It's private. Thoughts I feel free in sharing here.
8) Submit your blog to directories and registries
Way to technical for me. I checked it out, I guess is pretty good for promotion of your blog. Just gets your name out there a bit more. So people search for certain topics and if your blog is registered it pops up. Not a bad idea I guess.
9) Make sure you set your blog to ping blog tracking sites like Weblogs.com every time you make an update.
This made me giggle. I don't know why. This basically is just another thing you can register your blog to and when you update it lists your blog. Many people seem to be already doing this as there is loads of them listed. So I can't see it getting people that much extra traffic.
10) Consider making use of free and inexpensive advertising tools. If you decide to advertise your site, either online or offline, make sure you prepare attention grabbing ad copy. Study the type of ads that attract you and see what makes them work.
I don't really have anything to say on this one. That takes it to the next level, one I won't be stepping too
All in all good advice I think. Though most of it you do anyway. Is it that we want to promote our blogs? Or do we just do it for the sense of sommunity? We all have different motives I'm sure. We shall eventually reach a happy medium. We all know one thing though, blogging is damn good fun!
1) Aim to provide quality content. Whatever the topic or style, popular blogs are always well written. Good photographs and illustrations are also well sought after. Offer them if and when you can.
Whether you want to promote your blog or not the majority of blogs I read are very well written. I was actually pretty shocked at the standard of writing. I mean there are the odd few people who haven't bonded with the concept of paragraphs. The general standard is very good. The content is also very good, it confuses me when people cover loads of different topics in one blog. Most people have a point and they get to it. I have to say I'm personally guilty of the ramble route now and again!
2) Blog regularly. If you don't update your blog often enough, blog readers will move on. There are too many blogs out there competing for attention. Blog readers will go where they can get enough of what they want.
I think there is a fine line between blogging too much, and blogging just enough. Some people blog loads, and when you over do it, the standard is bound to slip at some point. Then there are people who you get really into what they write, but it reaches a point where you check their blog less and less because it isn't updated regularly enough. I think if the quality is to a high standard you will keep going back. Personally I go through phases where I'm in the mood for writing, and when I'm not. Sometimes I do a blog every few days, and other times I do a few blogs a day. It just depends on my mood. I think I'm a selfish writer, i tend to do it for myself, and the rest just comes naturally.
3) Define the type of readers you want to have and create content for them. This will give them reason to link back to your blog on an ongoing basis. Try not to stray from your typical topics and style too much.
I hate this one. I have never wrote for a particular audience, and I never have intention of doing so. Sure the things I write might appeal to a certain audience, but I don't write thinking, 'oh I can't say that because my audience won't like it' One of the things I love about this blogging business is I can branch out, and talk about all kind of things. Variety is the spice of life. I think people generally keep their style no matter what they write bout. Sometimes I can just tell from the titles of things, which blogger has written it, that takes a certain amount of style in its self.
4) Think about keywords with your use of titles, links and blog posts. Search engines like Google take these things in to consideration. The more targeted your keywords, the better the chances of your blog appearing in search results.
I just can't think like that when writing a blog. I know I should, maybe. I just can't think of key words though. I don't want to. I simply let nature take its course, and see what happens. My top article, is the rampant rabbit one. That speaks for its self, huh!
5) Participate in communities. Social networking plays an important role in blogging. Taking part in memes and collaborations, for example, is one way to be active in the blogosphere.
Probably one of the best parts of my blogging experience is the people I have come across. Not in a oooh I want them to read my blog kind of way. Just that it has really made me think, people actually can be nice. Forgetting all the attention seeking arguing, I have come across some of the most kind, genuine, thoughtful people ever. For that I am grateful. I also know none of these people are like that just to promote their blog, and that makes it all the more special.
6) Get involved in people's blogs. Leave thoughtful comments (not just the 'Visit my blog!' type of comments) and try to respond to emails.
Leaving comments on other peoples blogs is great. They may cover issues you didn't consider, or give you a view you didn't consider, and this is your chance to give feedback. There are peoples blogs I read regularly, and comment on. Sometimes it's just nice to say, I liked that blog. Sometimes there is no need to add to it, but I know the words of encouragement are still appreciated. It's pretty easy to tell the people who just comment for promotion, fortunately they are few and far between here.
7) Mention your blog anywhere you possibly can - in your email signature, in forums, in your business card (if you feel you can mention your blog in your business or profession), in address labels and in conversations with friends.
I'm not pimping my blog! No way! For people who are alot more serious, this is a good idea. However I like the element of mystery to my blog. I like the idea people have come to it of their own accord, without being shoved down their throat. I don't really want people out there to know I do this. It's private. Thoughts I feel free in sharing here.
8) Submit your blog to directories and registries
Way to technical for me. I checked it out, I guess is pretty good for promotion of your blog. Just gets your name out there a bit more. So people search for certain topics and if your blog is registered it pops up. Not a bad idea I guess.
9) Make sure you set your blog to ping blog tracking sites like Weblogs.com every time you make an update.
This made me giggle. I don't know why. This basically is just another thing you can register your blog to and when you update it lists your blog. Many people seem to be already doing this as there is loads of them listed. So I can't see it getting people that much extra traffic.
10) Consider making use of free and inexpensive advertising tools. If you decide to advertise your site, either online or offline, make sure you prepare attention grabbing ad copy. Study the type of ads that attract you and see what makes them work.
I don't really have anything to say on this one. That takes it to the next level, one I won't be stepping too
All in all good advice I think. Though most of it you do anyway. Is it that we want to promote our blogs? Or do we just do it for the sense of sommunity? We all have different motives I'm sure. We shall eventually reach a happy medium. We all know one thing though, blogging is damn good fun!
. Good point!
