If you don’t have a great deal of money to dedicate toward marketing your blog but you do have plenty of time, social networking is a great way to boost your traffic while also building a community with your blog. In fact, one of the great things about social networking is that it can really help you build a solid reputation within the community of your target audience while also helping you build-up the popularity of your website.
There are many ways you can go about conducting social networking, but the basic premise behind this marketing method is to get out there and interact with others so they will want to come check out your blog. One common method of social networking is visiting blogs that seem to be targeting the same audience as you. Take some time to get to know the blog and its community, then start making your own comments and participating in the discussions. Each time you leave a comment, you can also leave a link to your blog. If the members of that blog community like what you have to say, they will likely click on your name in order to learn more about you.
You can use the same type of technique with forums. With forums, you may be able to set up your account so your forum log-in name is linked to your blog. If not, you can include a link to your blog in your signature. That way, your link appears every time you leave a message on the forum and, once again, those whose interest you pique will click on the link and visit your blog.
Video websites such as YouTube also provide you with great opportunities for networking. If you create humorous videos, instructional videos or informational videos that become popular on the website, you can potentially bring a great deal of traffic to your blog. In fact, any time you create a video to post on your blog, you should also post it on sites such as YouTube in order to get even more use from your video and to increase your chances of reaching more readers.
Sites such as MySpace and Facebook also provide opportunities for social networking. By interacting with those communities on a regular basis, you can build relationships with other people that might be interested in reading your blog.
The key to successful social networking is to leave comments that are meaningful to the blog or forum you are visiting. Simply saying something such as “Great post!” is not going to be enough to draw in traffic. Rather, take the time to build relationships with the communities you find at these sites and you will soon find them coming to your blog to interact with you there as well.
Hey Larry,
Looks like our blog article coincides. Social networking is indeed a great way to build authority, traffic and backlinks. Moreover, it is cost free and the only resource need is time and sincerity. Great post.
Wei Liang
Wei Liang | ABloggerBlogs last blog post..Lesson 17: Social Media Marketing
Thanks Wei, Social Media is a Good way to get traffic. In my case I wish I had the time to get the full impact of it’s capabilities. I do a little each day, but I know I could do more if I had the time.
I’ve never really thought about promoting my blog at all. Always assumed people would just come. I’ve had a few floating around the net with my thoughts but never thought about “driving traffic” to it. Maybe I’ll try and see what happens.
Seamus Hughess last blog post..Golf Clubs A Key To Your Golf Game
I’m just getting back into it myself, but slowly one site at a time.
I’d love it if you could leave some of your knowledge on this post as well. Lots of link love there for ya if you share.
One thing people need to keep in mind with social media is patience. Many people think that by jumping into it, they are going to see great results overnight. Like you said, the biggest thing is interaction, leave meaningful comments and be a part of the community. If people do not grasp that advice then they should look elsewhere.
Steve
@imaccess on twitter
@Seamus Hughes
You have to do some type of promoting to get your blog’s seen. I wish it was like you said that if you build it “they will come”
@Dennis Edell
I know how you feel, it is hard for me to do all I need to do because I am not a stay at home worker yet. But I try to do all I an with the time I have. Btw I did visit your link and left a comment. Can you please edit the links I think I left a “”" on the end of the links and they are not showing properly.
@Internet Marketing Access
I know exactly what you are saying. If you jump in and don’t do anything, you will not see results or if you are always leaving one or two word comments, people will see that all you are doing is trying to get a link and therefore get turned off by you.
Done…this ones a freebie.
LOL
Dennis Edells last blog post..Successfully Marketing Your Blog with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Techniques
I have been working extensively to build up my social networking credentials. This is one of those techniques that will be a direct result of the efforts you put in, and once you become famous within a community it will snowball and help you greatly in the long run.
James Spinosas last blog post..How to Get your Site Indexed in Under 2 Days
I have been working on mine also, wish I had more time to really get involved.
Great series, Larry! While advertising can help boost your blog, there are so many indirect ways, such as social media, to help get readers as well. Interacting with other bloggers will build fans, friends, and readership. I love the idea of using video sites such as Youtube, too! Thanks for the great info!
MLDinas last blog post..MarketLeverage TV 11/24/08 Your Source For Affiliate News
Hello Larry,
You have picked a great topic that many people overlook.
I have been a long time forum marketer & think that by building trust is what has helped me get so many ‘word of mouth’ sales. Just as @Internet Marketing Access said - it takes time! It also takes effort. You must be willing to actually read other peoples post, answer questions, and even notice if they have been absent for a while…Just like you would if you ran a brick & mortar store.
To many people think you can just throw out a copy & paste advert telling others that they MUST have your ____, and you will see sales rolling in. HA!
I do social networking sites but I am very picky as to who I add to my friends list. For one I do not need their ad’s only info. You know the ones that PM you & start the messages with Dear Friend & then all you ever see from them is an ad. I also know that when choosing people to invite into my group, I look to see who they have on their list. It not only gives me an idea of what their interest is but, sorry to say that if they hang out with spam & run people I sometimes avoid them because of the old ‘Guilt By Association’.
One day I will become brave enough to try video. I have done allot of conference room time but, that is different than me talking to a camera.
Blog on,
Sheryl
Sheryl Lochs last blog post..When was a Site Last Updated
I used to focus more on social bookmarking sites with dofollow only but that’s more for backlinks. So I might just start visiting the other nofollow sites as well. That will bring in more traffic. But agree with you, it does take time to do this.
Peter Lee
work at home ideass last blog post..200+ Passive Income Resources, Tips & Home Ideas
Never thought that being a blogger would be so exciting!
Hi,
I’m a newbie in the blogger world. Still need to learn a lot. Thanks for providing these useful lessons.
eko budhis last blog post..7 Must Visited Sites For Blogger
great!!!
global personal networking is also a comprehensive company that deals with a network of freelancers and trainers dedicated to assisting the growth of businesses, organizations and individuals.The energetic and flexible nature of the network allows one to increase productivity and maximize the benefit for the clients.