Is Your Blog Lonely?

It's tough to be patient. You're making regular posts to your blog covering topics that you are sure your target audience will find interesting. But the hits just aren't coming. Here are a few ideas to help build traffic.

Newsletter
If you are not already sending out a newsletter to your clients and prospects, this is the quickest, most effective way to boost readership. Your blog posts can make for a very powerful newsletter with minimal effort.

Using one of the e-mail marketing automation tools like Constant Contact or MailChimp you can create an attractive e-mail newsletter. Include the headline and a brief summary of several blog posts -- each linking to the full article. Send out that newsletter every month to remind your prospects that your blog is a great place to get information.

Post to LinkedIn
You and your employees can share links to your blog posts with an update on LinkedIn. While you don't want to inundate your LinkedIn connections, if they share your interests they may pass the link on to their connections, as well. Make sure to click the blue "Attach" button to include the link with the update. 

Participate in Online Communities
Find out where your target market congregates online and join them. Whether that is the local Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or an industry professional site, your potential customers are talking to each other and asking questions. Listen to the conversation and suggest your blog posts when they add value. 

Find Blogging Partners
You probably work with multiple partners who deliver complementary services in your region or vertical. Whether they are ISVs, Dynamics or training partners, if they serve the same target audience, why not join forces? Either a group blog or guest blogging on each other's sites can build cross-traffic and expand readership.

Signature Line
Include the headline of your latest blog post and the link in your company's signature line. If each employee includes that link, you are expanding your reach with every e-mail.

Don't give up. Blogs are a great way to build traffic to your Web site through search and establish your reputation as an expert. Results don't come overnight, but they will come if you stick with it.

Do you have a clever way to promote your blog?  Post a comment below, or e-mail me and let's share the knowledge.

Posted by Barb Levisay on August 09, 2012 at 11:57 AM