Blogging 101

1. Organic Search Engine Optimization.
   See the post on Top 10 SEO Techniques.
2. Submit articles to online article directories.
   This is one of the most effective free methods for generating site traffic. See the Article Directory Listings.
3. Add a “tell-a-friend” script to your site.
   Make it easy for your clients and customers to tell their network about you. Remember there is no better marketing than word of mouth.
4. Start a blog.
   Blogs are a great way to generate content fast. The search engines love them. And they encourage interaction and participation from your clients and prospects.
5. Post comments on related blogs.
   And speaking of blogs, get into the habit of interacting with other bloggers out there. The Blogosphere is an incredibly dynamic space these days. You’re bound to find a few blogs that are related to your products and/or services.
6. Join online communities and/or Social Networking Sites.
   Online communities are springing up all over the web. And they are a great source of information, inspiration and connection. When you join, be prepared to invest some time in cultivating relationships with other members of the group and adding value to the community. See the Traffic Building Techniques – Social Bookmarking list.
7. Join online discussion groups related to your business and post to the forum on a regular basis.
   Forums and other online communities are wonderful arenas for establishing your “expert” status. And while they are not the place to overtly market yourself, when you make consistently quality posts other forum members will naturally be drawn to your website – they’ll know about it from your email signature… right?
8. Provide testimonials for services and products on sites that offer a link back to your website.
   Most websites that ask for testimonials will provide a link back to your website. This is a great way to increase your incoming links.
9. Exchange links with related and reputable websites.
   The key here is related and reputable. No link farms please. And a link from Joe’s auto body shop to your massage therapy site will probably not count for much.
10. Send out an e-zine at least once a month.
    Consistent quality communication is the key. If you offer your clients and prospects something of value on a regular basis, they will reward you by remaining loyal and referring their friends.

Technorati Tags: blog traffic, promoting blog, online traffic sources, SEO, article submission, forums, discussions groups

1. Business Cards: You do have business cards, right? And your web address is prominently displayed thereon, correct?
2. Letterhead and Envelopes. Put your web address right under your postal address, both on your letterhead and in the return address area of your envelopes or labels.
3. Brochures, Flyers and Postcards: Anything you send out to clients or post on bulletin boards should have your web address clearly visible.
4. Newsletters: Do you send a printed newsletter to your client base? If so, this is a prime opportunity to drive traffic to your site. Include a statement such as, “You’ll find much more information about this topic at our web site.” Or, “Read the complete interview online at: www.”
5. Outgoing voicemail message: One great way to get people to your website is to let them know about it when they get your voicemail. “Hello this is A-Z Plumbing. Please leave a message after the beep, and remember, answers to many commonly asked questions about our services can be found on our website at www.AtoZplumbing.com”
6. Retail shop signage: If you have a “bricks & mortar” shop in addition to your online presence, by all means, promote your website at your shop. You never know when someone’s cousin in Tuscaloosa will need the unique little eyeglass neck hangers that only your shop carries. You might have business cards or better yet, postcards available at the checkout counter promoting your website. You can also put your web address on your “shingle” if you’re a service professional.
7. Signage at trade shows and conferences: If you sell products, services, or offer educational materials at trade shows and conferences, this is a prime time for web promotion.
8. Handouts at workshops, seminars and talks: Do you teach, speak, lead groups or have other opportunities to get in front of a group of people? If so, you have a prime opportunity for plugging your website. Make sure you have something to hand out and make sure that your web address is listed on the handout.
9. Fax cover sheets: Even if you’re sending a fax that is unrelated to your business, you never know when someone on the other end might be intrigued by your domain name and click on over to your site when they sit back down at their desk.
10. Print Ads: If you advertise your business in newspapers, magazines, the yellow pages or other print mediums, make sure that you include your web address.
11. Promotional Products: Magnets to go on your clients’ fridges, pens for the check out counter, t-shirts, hats, Frisbees: All of these can be fun promotional products. And all of them should have your web address clearly visible. Vehicle Signage: If you own a business vehicle with signage make sure that your web address is listed right there next to your phone number.

Technorati Tags: blog traffic, promoting blog, offline traffic sources