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How to avoid the Post and Hope Syndrome
Is it too late to talk about resolutions for 2010? I’m asking because my resolution was to get my blog more interactive. It’s been a busy start to the year for me at Global Copywriting. Being late with my first post of the year isn’t a great start to my resolution.
I know I’m not the only one to have blogging on their agenda for 2010. Most of my clients are implementing a blog feature on their websites or becoming more active on the blog they already have. I haven’t met anyone who isn’t considering a blog for their business.
Blogs come with two problems. 1) You have to keep them regularly updated. (Yes, that’s a blush creeping up my face.) 2) You have to get people to read them. Let’s face it. Most of us aren’t full time bloggers. Few blogs enjoy massive reading audiences. That’s okay with me as long as I’m reaching the people I want to.
Mike Stelzner, founder of the Social Media Examiner, addresses the second problem in his excellent book, Writing White Papers. He warns not to “Post and Hope”. It’s good advice. Just because you’ve written a post and put it on your website, doesn’t mean anyone is going to come looking for it.
What can you do to promote your blog and attract more readers?
- Update your LinkedIn status telling your network you have a new post and including a link.
- Send a tweet announcing your new post. Send the link 3 or 4 times throughout the day to ensure it gets to everyone in your network.
- Add your post as a news article to your relevant LinkedIn groups. Better yet, start a discussion on LinkedIn using your blog post as a reference point.
- Refer to your own post in comments you leave during the week. (You’re following my advice from Spin Your SEO Web, right?)
- Advertise your blog in your newsletter and update the links to recent posts.
- Include a link to your new blog post in the signature line of your email account.
- Digg yourself.
Writing the blog isn’t enough. You also must think like a publisher and make sure people are showing up to read your content. With a little persistence, you can build a following without spending any money.
How do you promote your blog?
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Comments
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Hi Mike,
It's interesting what you say about guest posting. It's an area I'm considering this year, as well. How about it? Are you game to guest post on Global Copywriting?Posted by Sarah Mitchell, 10/02/2010 7:08pm (6 months ago)
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Actually, I mainly promote my posts through twitter and article directories. Though I do have plans for writing more guest posts this year, mainly because of the borrowed credibility and built in relationship value you get from being featured on other blogs.
Posted by mike, 09/02/2010 7:59pm (6 months ago)
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Thanks for your encouragement, Mike.
Thank you, too, for generously reposting your original comment. I managed to inadvertently kill my blog last night (20 January 2010) along with valuable reader comments. I don't know how you found out but I'm extremely grateful for the gesture.
It's probably a good bet I'll be posting a "Why regular backups are critical for your blog" article soon.
Posted by Sarah Mitchell, 20/01/2010 8:29pm (6 months ago)
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Nice work Sarah!
Posted by Michael Stelzner, 12/01/2010 4:37pm (7 months ago)
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Hi Bambi,
Yes, I too do some of my best work when I'm not in my office and it all seems to get away from me. I have started making little lists but haven't quite got to the point of carrying a voice recorder around with me. I don't think I could handle the corresponding eye-rolling it would provoke in my family.
I haven't given much thought to promoting my blog outside the digital medium. My 5 year old has mentioned he would like a tattoo though. Hmmm..... Now you've got me thinking.Posted by Sarah Mitchell, 11/01/2010 7:25pm (7 months ago)
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Hi Susan,
I haven't heard of bizSugar but I'm going to check it out. Thanks for the tip.Posted by Sarah Mitchell, 11/01/2010 7:15pm (7 months ago)
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I'm blushing too! I seem to have the best topics for my posts when driving, standing in a supermarket queue or at 3am. But come the time to wax eloquent...Oh well.
I think it is interesting to find non-digital vehicles to promote your blog (not just the individual posts). For example, a small manufacturer may be able to use packaging for a pointer to the blog (with possibly a cross-promote); list your blog URL on your business card - not just your main web-site URL (if they are different); stickers on the back window of your car; signage at the front of your shop; base of ads; in brochures - and on and on....Posted by Bambi, 11/01/2010 7:10pm (7 months ago)
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Hi Sarah,
Good tips and I think how you promote also depends on your target market and where they hang out. For example if you are a small business then posting to bizSugar is really worthwhile.Posted by Susan Oakes, 11/01/2010 6:12pm (7 months ago)
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