You’re up and running; writing up a storm! But wait, there’s an important element missing…where is the audience? Sure you can write great stuff, but if it isn’t seen, what’s the point?
Where the heck are the PEOPLE? Well, the first question I’m going to ask you is this: Do you already have a presence in social media? If you don’t, leave a comment here and we’ll talk about getting you started. However, today I’m assuming that you are active in at least one of the “Big Three” (no offense to MySpace), Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Twitter. Okay, so you’ve been tweeting. Well, now you have something to tweet about, so get it on out there. Make sure what you tweet about your blog has a catchy phrase. It doesn’t have to be that ho-hum but descriptive title for your blog post. As you meet new tweeps you’re on some common ground and if you feel like you know them a little, why not tweet to them that you’re blogging now? Chances are they’ll at least look at it; they may subscribe. If they don’t, no harm done.
On your Twitter home page, you may want to do a custom background and include the link there as well. Of course, do search on key words and find tweeps to follow who would be interested in what you’re writing about. Don’t be discouraged if there’s little response at first, but do rejoice when you see your first tweet about your blog get retweeted! Thank them for it!
Facebook. On your personal profile, you may want to announce that you have a new blog and welcome your friends to check it out. A more targeted approach is sending a personal message to friends that have an interest in your subject matter and inviting them to check it out. Post the blog posts on your profile with a short summary of what it’s about. Do NOT be upset if your friends aren’t interested or never comment on your posts. It’s not for everyone.
Start a Facebook business/fan page. If you have the time and energy, go for it. Suddenly, you’ve opened yourself up to millions and millions of people! Some of your friends will like your page. But if you’re in a hurry (aren’t we all), then consider a Facebook ad. A TARGETED Facebook ad may yield results quickly. Will all of them be interested and comment on your blog posts? No. But some will be there because they are VERY interested in what you have to say. And they may tell their friends, perhaps by sharing one of your posts. And that’s how it all starts.
Add the URL for your blog to your personal info on Facebook. This won’t generate a lot of traffic but may likely be seen by your new Facebook friends who will explore your info to get to know you better.
LinkedIn. You’ve got a profile there, right? There’s a space on your home page directly to the right of your smiling mug (you DO have a photo of course) where you can post your link and some commentary. Let your professional connections know that you’re blogging and have something to say. Imagine my surprise the first time I received a comment there from someone who happened to be a connection that I hadn’t heard from in a long time. I immediately sent a message thanking him and then catching up on what he’s been up to.
Networked blogs. There’s a nifty app on Facebook where you can register your blog. People can vote on your posts and the more votes, the higher up on the Networked Blogs page you’ll be. You’ll gain followers much as you would on Twitter or on the original location of your blog. The point here is that followers, subscribers and the like can come from several places. And you need to make sure you are hitting them all. For more on Networked blogs, go here.
These are just a few things you can do to promote your blog and SEO needs to be explored as well. I do want to point out that my approach could be labeled as “soft”. It’s up to you how aggressive you want to be with your marketing efforts. I recommend slowly building a quality audience rather than “chase the numbers”. Certainly experiment a bit and find the best solution for you.
Click here for Part Four, here for Part One, and here for Part Two.
2 comments:
thank you gerry for the informative article. SEO is very important.
i highly can recommend the following book!
Search Engine Optimization: Your visual blueprint for effective Internet marketing [Paperback]
by kristopher b. jones
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470620757/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0764567586&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0K6KXXNWYWFN9SJ4D3ET
success and happiness!
kris
Hi Gerry! It's been so lovely meeting you! I think your post above is really good :) And you're right of course :D Many thanks!
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