Bloggin Ads

This continues the final 5 methods left for the “10 Best Ways to Promote Your Blog” series. Enjoy!

If you missed the first part. Here it is.

Signatures

If you’re online as much as I am, you’re probably sending hundreds of emails out a day. A simple way to keep what you do visible at all times is to make sure that your blog is everywhere you are. I include the URL to my blog in my email signatures, so everytime I send something, the link is visible to those who read it. I also make sure that when I join forums that my signature contains what I do, because I want to make sure people know where they can find me or read more on what I do.

Taking this concept to the physical world, I make sure that anything that I pass to co-workers, new business partners, or friends has my branded information on it. Business cards, flyers, and other promotional material are just some ideas for you to think of. By putting yourself out there you increase the chances that someone will come across your information.

Leadership

Leadership is a great skill to have, but not everyone has it. I’ve excelled in being able to host events and organize large events to bring like minded creative individuals together. I’ve been able to put on several camps like Barcamp, Social Media Camp, Podcamp, and I’ll be sponsoring Green Camp and putting together my city’s first Freelance Camp. By putting yourself out there and taking charge within your community, you build interest, and before long people will ask you what you do. Gladly share with them what you do and where they can find you and you’ll increase your traffic and visibility.

Real World Networks

It’s not always who you know online, sometimes it’s who you know in real life. Never forget what life was like before the internet, and the ability of social networks. Chances are you know someone who can help you get some exposure and perhaps as a result some traffic to what you do. For example, I happen to know people who write various newsletters, work for the newspaper, and even people who can invite me to speak in local seminars, class rooms, and other public settings. I make sure to take advantage of every opportunity I have.

Two days ago I was in the paper, on the front page of the business section sharing what I do, along with six other people. I just happened to come across someone who was writing a piece on media mavens in our city and I made sure to show him what I did, I was not shy about it, and I end up being in the article along with a few others I recommended. That alone has gotten me several phone calls for consultations, but it’s a small example of how real world networks can be just as important.

Word of Mouth Advertising

Word of mouth is probably the best way any product, brand, or person can get great press. Typically by providing something worthwhile or doing something noteworthy, people will share what the news is with others giving you the opportunity to capitalize on this.

Writing a good post will leave people thinking, and perhaps carry their thoughts into real world conversation. Through this conversation they might influence someone to visit your site and read what the person had spoken about and you’ve just increased your traffic number by one. Multiply that by the hundreds of readers you have, and if they all share that info with several of their friends you can see how word of mouth can increase your traffic exponentially.

Contests/Giveaways

And finally, a sure fire way to get traffic, give something away. I’ve seen sites give away memberships to exclusive areas to their site, computers, software, coupons, and other merchandise. Depending on what you can offer, readers will surely come to your site if you’re providing them something they want. Sweeten the deal by making sure they interact and leave commentary on your site by making that a part of “rules.”

Word of warning, don’t base your sole existence online due to giveaways. You want to be able to sustain your traffic because of the quality of your work, but sometimes shaking things up is a good thing.

So there you have it, the 10 best ways to promote your site quickly, freely, and efficiently. I’d love to hear what other things you do to get the word out for your site!

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