Will You Beat the Best Blogs? Ten Tips to Help

     One of the blogs at the Wall Street Journal, Independent Street, ran a great post recently, entitled, Independent Coffee Shops Don’t See Starbucks as Threat Anymore.  Do you view popular blogs as a threat??? Whether or not your independent business is a coffee shop, dry cleaner or blog, you can learn from this piece.  I ask you to look at your blog and compare it to the biggies of the blogworld -  you know who they are.  What's the difference between their blog and yours???  They've done it longer, know more people, have more readers, shout about their blog more ???  Is there anything you can't do or learn that they do?  NO. The big difference, is that most of them, but not all, take chances and try new things.  No matter what your niche, you can rise above if you care more and want it more!  Whatever your goal for blogging is, more readers - respect in your specialty, money, fame - no blogger that has it now can prevent you from reaching your goal.  ONLY you can stop you.  Don't let it happen.  Use these tips below to keep growing your blog....

10 Tips to take your blog farther-

• Write that extra post you've thought about. Avoid the tendency to quit at quitting time - make one more call, write one more post -  it will add up considerably.
• Advertise in a new medium.  Do you use adwords, advertisement on other blogs or forums? Expand your marketing push with new efforts.
• Focus on a social media marketing campaign. Don't spread yourself thin on numerous sites, work one and build on it.
• Approach an additional blogger about guest posting.
• Include your blog link in your email signature and on your Business Cards.  Keep spreading the word!
• Create other blogs on new topics and link them together, especially when your "core" blog is established, keep challenging yourself.
• Write additional "Link Bait" posts to attract attention.
• Syndicate a press release. Take necessary time to make it the best it can be and circulate it widely.  Track who runs the story and approach them about a follow up.
• Depending on your category and services, check out  Craigs List for cheap or free classifieds to promote your blog.
• Keep relating to your current readers.  Excite them with valuable content and ask them to bring in friends, co-workers, etc.

Are you already doing some/all of these?  What has worked best for you and your blog?  Comments are welcomed!!!  Thanks.