By now you know that blogging is an essential online marketing tool. The trouble is, your competitors have most likely realized this, too, as have practically all businesses seeking to succeed online.
As a result, your market is probably swimming in a torrent of business blogs, all seeking to monopolize their attention and pander to their interests. In such a crowded arena, how do you ensure that your blog gets seen, visited and read by as many potential customers as possible?
One of the most effective ways to get prospects to patronize your blog is by establishing your expertise even before you launch your blog. Let me share with you some ways you can effectively presell your blog.
Formulate a Strategy for Commenting
One of the best ways to let people know that you are an expert in your field is by leaving comments in popular blogs covering your market or industry. But it is equally important to draw up a strategic plan for carrying out this approach.
And your strategy should be built on creating and sustaining conversation. The trick is to refrain from leaving the ubiquitous smiley faces and "thank you" remarks, and instead ask insightful questions that compel other readers to answer, thus extending the conversation.
This approach lets you accomplish two things:
-
You entice people to share their two-cents-worth to the conversation, thus increasing the level of engagement; and
-
You demonstrate that you are an expert in your field, as evidenced by your piercing questions and (hopefully) insightful comments.
At some point, the opportunity will arise for you to share a link back to your own blog and by that time, you will hopefully have several prospective readers to take back with you.
Be a Guest Blogger
Identify blogs that target the same audience you would like to cater to then make arrangements to contribute to these blogs. Once again, this approach helps you promote yourself as an expert in the subject matter, and you will have the blog owner's endorsement. It also helps you broaden your reach and expand your audience.
When your blog is finally up and running, return the favor by inviting friendly blog owners to themselves contribute to your blog. Or pay it forward by inviting known industry experts to post on your blog. I do this from time to time with my blog.
Work Your Social Media
If there's one thing that social media networks are good at, it's expanding your circle of contacts. Take advantage of this strength and build your social media contact base. Then build your reputation by consistently posting relevant content. When your blog is finally churning out content, you will have a ready audience on Facebook, Twitter and your other social media accounts.
Create a Monthly Newsletter
In many ways your monthly newsletter can serve as both a prototype and a promotional channel for your blog. The newsletter lets you discover what content resonates with your audiences so that you can elaborate on these topics through your blog.
At the same time, you can use the newsletter to promote your upcoming blog, and even announce upcoming content. When your blog is ready, the newsletter further provides a direct portal into your blog via links embedded in the newsletter.