10 tips for promoting your blog online

Posted by Ben on May 13, 2009 | Permalink | Hits: 2119 
Tags: promotion, advertising, commenting, email signature, guest posts, contests, link exchange, twitter, blog directories, blogging networks, forums

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This is the first in a two-part series. In part 1, I'll be looking at ways you can promote your blog online. In part 2 (which may be delayed a week or two, but it will be coming), I'll focus on ways to promote your blog offline. Don't miss the 2nd part of the series - subscribe today!

So - how can you promote your blog online?

1. Advertising.

I've read some reports that suggest the world of advertising is in big trouble due to the recession. I think it depends on the options that are available. More than ever before, anyone who wants to advertise will want value for money. But I'd argue this should always be the case.

I strongly recommend adding your blog to CMF Ads. Not just because I'm the lead developer, but because it's a great service. 30 day ads start at just 1 credit ($0.25), or you can spend hundreds of credits depending on your budget. You can pick and choose the ads you want to place, advertise across a range of sites based on their price and CPM, or combine both approaches.

2. Commenting.

Previously, I've written about how to get more comments on your blog. You should also post comments on other blogs from time to time, as this helps to get some discussions going. People may visit your blog if you write an interesting comment. But don't spam the comment section of another blog. Remember that you're visiting someone else's site.

3. Signature links.

Including a blog link in your signature is a good way to get people clicking through with having to ask them to do so. You can add a link to your email signature or your signature on forums (see #10 for more).

4. Guest posts.

Writing guest posts for other blogs can be a very rewarding experience. Back in February 2009 I wrote a guest post for ProBlogger.net, listing 7 reasons not to have empty ad spots on your blog. Darren Rowse (ProBlogger) wrote a follow-up post to give a few tips for what you can do with your empty ad spots. I couldn't have asked for a better way to promote my post!

5. Contests.

Occasionally, running a contest can be a good way to create some buzz, get some new readers and boost your subscribers. If you require people to subscribe to your blog by email, this is a good way to keep track of who's entered the contest (assuming you use FeedBurner).

But you shouldn't view this as an easy way to get new subscribers. Once you've got a few people to subscribe, ensure you keep writing great content or they will unsubscribe. There may be people who sign up just for the contest and who unsubscribe when it ends, but if you can give people a reason to stay subscribed, everyone wins!

6. Exchanging links.

I'm not keen on straightforward link exchanges, i.e. "you link to me and I'll link to you". There are better ways to get links from other blogs. Follow some of these tips and you'll be well on your way.

7. Twitter.

This is a great way to promote your blog, but you need to do more than just post links to your latest posts. Engage people in discussions and you may find they start to answer back!

If you need a beginner's guide, I have some tips for getting starting with Twitter. I also have some ways to climb to new heights with Twitter, along with 10 signs your Twitter etiquette could be improved.

Follow me on Twitter.

8. Blog directories.

These provide another way to get your blog listed. People looking for blogs can browse by category and find the blogs that interest them. I recommend Bloggeries Blog Directory, you'll get good referrals from this well-optimised site.

9. Blogging networks.

I don't really use blogging networks at the moment, but as some of my blogging friends have had good results, I think it's worth including this as a tip. BlogCatalog is by far the best blogging network out there.

10. Forums.

If you haven't joined the CMF Forums, you're missing out! You should also check out Bloggeries Blog Forum. Contrary to what some might say, forums aren't dead yet.

Can you think of any other ways to promote your blog online?

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Comments on 10 tips for promoting your blog online

2

Ben | May 17, 2009 | 190 comments

Thanks, glad you found it useful!

7

Ben | May 22, 2009 | 190 comments

Thanks for the positive feedback everyone, glad you found the post useful.

9

Ben | July 04, 2009 | 190 comments

As a matter of fact, I have that post ready to go - I'll post it next week!