5 ways to promote your blog

I conducted a “Reaching Your Blog Users and Keeping them” workshop this evening for the NYC Webgrrls members and community. We learned how to build a plan for your blog, the details and possible pitfalls to watch out for to ensure that you gain more readers and as importantly keep them (Over the holidays I will create a screen cast of the presentation and offer it to the Webgrrls members…so stay tuned).

At the workshop someone asked me how they can start promoting their blog if they are just starting out and I wanted to share the answer with all the Webgrrls. Below are 5 ways to promote your blog.

1. Write great content

According to surveysite.com, 74% of people come back to a site because of good content. If your content is good, you have to do very little marketing. Your readers will much ofl the work for you by telling their friends about “this really cool blog..”.

Also, good content gives you a better chance of getting quoted on other people’s blogs. Not all bloggers write original content. Oftentimes, they comment on other people’s content and add their own perspective to the information. When you get quoted or mentioned on someone else’s blog, all of that blog’s readers now know about you. And again, if your content is good, chances are you will get new subscribers.

2. Become a part of the blogging community by commenting on other people’s blogs

The blogosphere is one large community. The more blogs that you comment on, the more people “get to know” who you are, which will help you with the promotion of your blog. Also, join networking groups, like Webgrrls :), and become an active member in that community. Comment on discussion list and forums and always include your blog URL in your signature.

3. Utilize Social Networks

Find appropriate social networking websites, like Facebook, MySpace, etc, and create a profile. In your profile, mention your blog. Make sure you do the research and find the appropriate networks for your target audience. This is a free and low effort way of getting found.

4. Publish articles or guest blog on other people’s sites

This is a great way to showcase your expertise and gain readers. Again, make sure that your blog URL is mentioned and that you get a link back to your blog.

5. Submit your blog into blog directories

Blog directories are great for generating traffic. There are numerous blog directories out there. One of the first ones you should submit to is Technorati. If you are a female blogger, you can add your blog to Blogher.org. Also, WE Magazine for Women published a resource page on 100 blog directories that you can submit your blog to.

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