Blog To Great

Article Marketing Tips to Increase Your Blog's Traffic

BLOG TIPS - One very effective way to increase your blog's web traffic is through the use of article marketing.  Hundreds (maybe more) article database websites are available to you.  They're filled with articles on any topic that you can think of, so finding content approprite to your blog or website is easy, and conversely, you can place your article for distribution.  You should consider leveraging article marketing to help your blog or website build your web traffic and increase your status as an "authority" in your niche.

The top article websites have solid pageranks,  so if your article is written properly it can get a good listing and distribution.  This way, it will get a higher listing in search engine results because of the site's rank.  But if your keyword or niche is too competitive or if many high ranking blogs are out there, and you won't likely rank high enough, so using article websites can help you get an improved listing in search engine results.

10 Great Tips for Marketing to Women on Facebook

Blog Tips - With over 56M women using Facebook in the USA, and growing, bloggers and marketers must pay attention to and use of Facebook effectively to get proper traction and to be noticed by this audience.  But, if you're new and women aren't already aware of you and your blog/brand, simply being on Facebook doesn't accomplish much. 

And even though Facebook has done a wonderful job of helping you through their Pages product, it doesn't run itself and guarantee increased awareness for you. To help you in this effort, Brette Barow (President and Founder of Girls Guide to) has created a list of the 10 tips for marketing to women on Facebook.

See her full post, here

New Life For Your Blog From Old Posts !

BLOG TIPS - As your blog ages and you add more & more qualtiy posts / content you might find yourself losing track of past posts and the trail your blog has left behind .  Check our your Blog Archive, not just to remember the work you've done, but for opportunities to update past posts (with new posts) or to create new ideas.  Use you past posts for new content to continue to inject life in your blog.

I recently visited a blog that I came accross thru a Google search.  It turned out to be an old post from 2008.  As I read it I wasn't very impressed and could tell the info was dated, but I stayed on the blog and when I clicked to read more current posts on the topic, the difference was quite shocking. The newer posts looked considerably more professional,  contained better and current info and you tell that the blogger / writer had grown, yet she hadn't gone to the additional effort to update the blog's archive.  I wondered why, since there was a good chance that after reading the old post I might have just clicked off the blog thinking it was of low value, and not known of the improvements.

Here are a few tips and ideas to help you update your archive-

Adding Photos to Your Blog Posts

Blog Tips-  You've written another great blog post in your blog's niche.  What can you do now to make the post more interesting and better for SEO purposes?  Why not add a photo, artwork or video to the post?  Using other media in your post will not only improve your the blog's presentation, it helps keep the reader interested and can help you get more traffic.

In addtion to using your own photos (always have your camera handy), one of the best places to get some image help is Google.  Enter your keyword, and click search image. Go to the site pointed by google, right click, and save as...  Make sure to name the image with something appropriate to your blog and blog's keywords. You can name it with Music_news.jpg or Blog_tips.jpg for example.  Don't save as Photo1.jpg and similar generic names.  But before actually using the image and posting on your blog, check with the source site to make sure the photo is not copyrighted, and if it is, obtain permission before you use it, and give credit to the photographer and/or artist.

Naming the photo with a keyword is important in order to make it  SEO friendly.  When others search for images, an appropriate name will make it more likely that they will find yours image and visit you post / blog.  It's a great way to get additional visibility to your blog.

Here’s a simple guideline to add an image to your post:

1. Use jpg, png or gif format.
2. Don’t use too many images in one post. One or two images will suffice
3. Don’t use images that are too large. 400 pixels wide is big enough

And, make sure you've created a special folder for BLOG IMAGES to easily find them later for possible re-use.

It's so easy, but not used by many blogs.

Do You Write Good or GREAT Blog Posts ?

       BLOG TIPS- How to write a good vs a great blog post is one of the primary issues in blogging.  In order to rise above the average blog posts that are out there, I've learned that you need to determine what you want to say before you even start the post.  If you don't have a guide, a roadmap before you begin there's a good chance your post (and your blog) will wander aimlessly and your readers will quickly lose interest. Once you’ve decide on the post topic, set your goal. Will your post inform your readers, make them think, ask a question or start a debate?  In this way, you're able to stay on target during the post and reach your goal.

Truly great posts are clear in their topic and goal.  Good posts only accomplish one of the tasks, but not both.  So know what you what to say before you say it!

When, and only when, you’ve decided on the topic and the goal, you can start writing. Don’t be overly concerned about sentence structure, grammar, etc just now; put all of your coherent thoughts down-  you'll edit and fine tune later.

After you expressed your thoughts, and made your point clearly, go back and clean up the post; edit your post and make sure your writing is clear and conversational.  Remove the typos, grammatical errors, repetitive statements, etc.   Quality is important in blog writing, even more important than quantity.  Remember, just because you've writing alot doesn't make it a good post!  Does it express your thought, cover the topic well and reach the goal?

Then, when you're done -- go back and re-read the post from start to finish and verify that it reads how you intended it to. If you need to step away for a few hours or a day, go ahead.  When you're sure you've been clear and concise, you can post it.  How the readers react will let you know if you did a good job, so make sure to ask for comments !!!

SEO Won't Work By Itself, Some Tips to Help

     BLOG TIPS - In the quest for increased blog readership, you'll likely use SEO techniques at some point in your blog career, either on your own or by hiring someone.  Fine, but without great blog content SEO will not help your efforts.  Most SEO techniques will get your blog additional clicks, but what happens when the reader arrives at your blog but they are disappointed by the content.  You could actually do more damage with SEO, by attracking readers that may leave negative comments or tells others they didn't like your work!

Instead, remember the basic rules of blogging in order that your SEO efforts truly enhanced your blog and you get the results you desire.  Some tips-

Effective Blog Post TITLES - You're writing for real people, make sure your titles peak the readers interest and make them WANT to read on.  Also keep in mind the keywords that folks may use to find the content you're writing about

Post NEW & INTERESTING Content- Seems obvious, huh.  Post what others will want to link to and talk about. If all you do is repeat the same topics/issues covered by other blogs, people will notice and not regard you very highly.  Post content that's new and unique with your own style.    If your blog covers news, make sure you've added your own "spin" to make it personal (see next tip) and interesting.

Add a Personal Angle - Most readers like to know who the author is.  Add personal stories, anecdotes from your own past.  The core information in a post can be the same, but it's much more interesting to the reader if the author has added some "heart" to the story.  What's your feeling on the topic?  Why do you feel that way?

Again, human beings read our blogs, so personal stories hit home with readers and enable them to relate to you, and the post.  Plus, they're more likely to return to your blog as you develope a relationship with the reader.

Engage the Reader - Ask for their response, reaction, reply, comments.  They'll have one, but you need to let them know you're interested in what they feel....

So, let me know what you think...  and offer your advice.  Please comment below.

"Re-Program" Your Blog For More Readers

BLOG TIPS-  Read thru this, we'll discuss how it relates to blogs, blogging and marketing later..

HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT?
 
You have to try this, it takes 2 seconds.   It's from an orthopedic surgeon.   This will boggle your mind and will keep you trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't.  It's programmed in your brain.
Without anyone watching you, and while sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so, amazing, huh !!!  And there's nothing you can do about it! 

-----  

Amazing how your body and mind is programmed to perform in a certain way.  But is your blog?  For those that have blogged for some time, and in the blogosphere that could be six months, step back and review your blogand your blogging habits.  You might find that you've programmed your blog into one that may surprise you, but it doesn't have to be that way. Is the blog you have now the one you started out to have.  You may be pleased with what you have, but if not, you can always change & improve your blog.  Often thru only minor tweaks.  

Well, one important reason may be it's stuck in a rut and your readers have grown tired  !  You've inadvertently programmed and engineered your blog for so long that you're not keeping it new and fresh.  Some simple ideas on how to "re-program" your blog-

*  Keep up with news and trends in your niche and expand on them for your readers. 

*  Renew relationships with bloggers in your niche.  Jumpstart the category !

*  Change your layout, design.  Especially your ads, no one likes a stale look.

*  Invite New guest bloggers to add a different prospective.

*  Start a readers column, get them to participate thru Q&A's, guest authoring, etc

But do it, and do it now.  What else works for you?  Share below in our comment section, thanks !

 

 

MOMMY BLOGGER Calls for PR "Blackout" Week

    BLOG TIPS - A popular mommy blogger,MomDot, that called for a week-long "PR blackout" by her peers has told PRWeek that she didn't intend to sound anti-PR industry in her pitch, but that the boycott should be a lesson to agencies that inundate bloggers with irrelevant pitches. 

We were surprised when we heard about her campaign, as Mom Bloggers have gotten considerable attention, power and press over the recent years and have become a blogosphere force that's been willing to promote products and services to the unsuspecting public (do readers know that the bloggers get free stuff?).   This is less a PR industry problem, but a blogger problem.  Why an organized "blackout" would be called for is confusing to BtG.  Momdot, why not organize productive campaigns and blogging services for Mom's Bloggers to help them create better blog content that doesn't require the services/products from PR and Marketing firms.  To blame the PR industry and call for a PR Blackout, which in itself is quite a PR move, calls attention to the problem of bloggers losing focus on the point of their blog.  Most blogs don't start out to be servants of the PR community, but if you take "free stuff" for too long, you get hooked.

I suggest Mom's Blogs, and all bloggers, always remain focused on the point of their blog, whether it's monetizing a blog, kid's activities, camp ideas, college selection process, breastfeeding, etc.  Don't get trapped by promoting goods or services not in your niche.  You're not forced to post anything, so when you do, make sure it's worthwhile.

Your thoughts?  Do you post about free stuff, services?  Do you feel used by the PR Industry?

More at PRWeek

Reasons Blogs Fail, and How to Avoid Them

     BLOG TIPS- New bloggers read up as much "How To Blog" information that they can, and there are numerous experts who are happy to offer advice.  You have your domain name, and are set to blog.  But what about reasons blogs, and bloggers fail in their blogging efforts?  Let's address several that Blog to Great has heard of so that you can avoid them!

1. A Lack of Dedication & Passion: Failed bloggers are not truly passionate about their blog and niche. Failed bloggers are caught up with the "idea" of blogging but don't grasp the nature of blogs, blogging and their niche.  Once they use up their limited post ideas, they wander off and the blog wastes away.  SOLUTION-  Be truly passionate about your topic, blog about something you love, enjoy and stay current with.

2. A Lack of Determination:  Failed blogs and their bloggers look at the top bloggers, are envious of them and decide they can do it too.  What they fail to realize, or accept, is that to be a TOP blogger, you'll have to stick with it for possibly years to develope a following and a quality reputation/standing in the blogosphere.  SOLUTION- Don't see blogging as a chance for overnight success or fame!  It has to be worked at and you have to accept short term failures (low traffic).

3. A Lack of Caring When Posting: Good blogs and bloggers rarely dash off filler posts.  Spend time with your work (your posts) and make sure you're proud of what you write and that it offers the reader real value. Proof read your posts at least twice. SOLUTION- Write wisely and carefully and determine what you want to say before you write a post.

4. Use of Black Hat Methods: Some bloggers are tempted to short cut in order to get quick results.  By using these methods, you need to realize that short term gains will not guarantee true, long term success.  Black Hat methods will deminish your, and your blog's, reputation.  SOLUTION- Work hard, and use White Hate methods only for true success.

4. A Desire for Quick Money: Again, failed blogs are blogs and bloggers that are looking for fast cash and a not to share knowledge, build a  good reputation and learn about a topic. Failed bloggers believe (falsely) that money is easily found with a few blogs, by stuffing their blog with ads or by joining click fraud groups. Good blog ads are helpful,  part of blogging and a good way to monetize a blog, just don't overdo it.   It's not worth the short term gain if you plan to stick around, and there's a good chance you'll get scammed and won't see the money anyway!  SOLUTION- Know why you're blogging, and if it's only for money, don't attempt it.

6. Failure to Interact with Readers: These bloggers, if they're fortunate enough to gain readers, fail to engage, challange, excite their audience.  When this happens, readers will lose interest and move along to other, better blos. SOLUTION- Offer new, fresh, valuable and sometimes controversial content.  Ask your readers to reply, comment and join in the discussion with you.

7.  Fail to Make a Call for Action: As in #6, comments are great for blogs, but if you don't encourage your readers or challenge them to think, they won't enter into the discussion.  SOLUTION- Be direct, ask your readers to join in !!!

8. Poor Grammar: Readers need to know the writer has some expertise in the niche.  If you grammar is poor, you will not be considered smart or a leader and expert.  SOLUTION- Re-visit basic grammar rules to brush up.  And, have someone with good skills (friend, family member, co-worker) review your work before posting.

9. Failure to Develope a Brand or Identity: Popular blogs and bloggers need to be known and stand for something.  Make sure your domain name says something about you.  Make sure you know what your stand for, and be consistant at it. SOLUTION- Stay on topic and be true to what your about.  Even something simple like current, well written, accurate About Page and Contact Information Page reflect who you are to your readers.

10. Failure to Network with Other Bloggers: As a blogger, you're part of a network already, but you need to be an active member.  Search out other bloggers in your niche, share information (a little at a time) and share success/failure information.  Be willing to learn, comment and link !

Comment below and share the "failure" stories you've heard (or experienced) so that we all can avoid them.  And, Blog to Great !!!

Striving for Better Blog Content, A Few Tips

     BLOG TIPS-  Blog writing should be hard work, so coming up with new, fresh blog content is often hard.  But that's OK, because it will separate you, your blog from others in you niche that don't work as hard.   And sometimes, blog post ideas come to you, but you don't know if you have enough to go on to build a solid, worthy post out of it.  Look at the tips below on ways to draw more out of "slim" content ideas -

1. Have you looked at every angle?  Go beyond the basic idea and look at every possible side. Become part of the idea. Get inside it and act as if you were telling the story first hand, not just as an observer/viewer

2. Make the post controversal, make it into a discussion.  Don't just give one side, gave both and argue against yourself.  Make your readers ask questions, draw them into it!  It works on every topic / niche, as there are many sides to every issue.  By doing this, you'll likely get other post ideas from the varying viewpoints

3. Write as if your reader knows nothing about the topic.   This works for nearly all blogs, unless you're writing a highly scientific blog (in which case why are you reader my stuff - you're too smart), take to extra time to be very clear and start with the basics.  Don't worry, you won't offend anyone, as long as you're clear about your topic and post.  When you start with the basics you allow yourself feel refreshed on the topic and helps you be reinvigorated.

4. Keep the information fresh, new.  Always put a new twist on the information, readers want the latest.  Keep it to your blog's niche (though as your blog grows, you can expand and test the limits) but always present it in a fresh, unique way.  Don't get trapped into using the same phrases and cliches.  Be you, but always a better you.  The freshness angle also helps you find new post ideas.

5.  Read, read, research.  Always work to learn more on your topic so you can give the news to your readers and followers.  Ask questions of other bloggers and experts and by challenging them, you'll learn more in order to write better. Blogger networking and discussions will help you grow your post ideas too.

Let me know how these work for you, feel free to comment below.