It’s tough to make a blog. You can write all the great content you want, but if nobody sees it then what’s the point? Luckily there are a few things you can do to help make sure people become readers of your blog.
1. Trackbacks
Not all blogs allow these, but trackbacks are comments that are automatically sent to a blog when it’s been referenced. If you’re talking about something, and somebody else has written about it, reference it! Either directly in the post or at the end put a “Further Reading” section and put links there. This will not only get you a (most likely nofollow) link out in the blogosphere, but there’s a chance the owner of the blog you referenced will check the site out.
2. Social Networking
This topic has been done to death, but make sure you’re doing it. Especially Twitter. It’s “hawt” as hell right now. Also make sure that you’re reading other blogs and being active in the blogging community by leaving comments etc.
3. Social Bookmarking
Putting your links up on social bookmarking sites can get your website out there in the internet world, and if you get lucky, get you massive amounts of traffic. Don’t count on that, but it doesn’t hurt to try. Add a plugin like Sociable and it will make it easier for you to rise the ranks at these social bookmarking sites.
Some popular social bookmarking sites:
Digg
Stumble Upon
del.icio.us
Reddit
Technorati
4. Search Engine Optimization
Ok, it’s almost 2010 now, and if you’re NOT doing heavy SEO then you need to start over with your internet exploits. There’s no reason not to make effective headlines, have keyword rich posts, and get backlinks. I’m not going to go into SEO because that’s a whole blog on it’s own, but make sure you’re aware.
Some SEO tutorials:
Search Engine Optimization 101
8 tips to enhance your Wordpress blog SEO
Some SEO forums:
Digital Point SEO forum
Wicked Fire traffic & content forum
Warrior Adsense/PPC/SEO forum
5. Link Exchanges
Not as popular as they once were, but participating in a link exchange can have some definite benefits. This isn’t just limited to Google Juice either; you’d be surprised at how many clicks I have gotten just from having a website listed in the Blogroll section of some sites. Just email all the websites you would like to exchange links with. You’ll be more successful with smaller sites, but don’t be afraid of emailing some bigger ones. The worst that can happen is they say no and you’re where you are now.
Secret Tip #6: Write! I can’t say this enough: The more content you have, the more people will talk about it. Keep writing.
