This article explores a unique method for driving traffic to blogs, a method distinct from strategies used for typical websites. While fundamental techniques like article marketing, link building, and high-quality content creation are universally effective, blogs possess unique characteristics that allow for specialized approaches.
A highly effective, yet often overlooked, strategy involves actively engaging with the blogging community through strategic linking. Early internet communities thrived on reciprocal connections, with direct communication being common. While widespread spam has curtailed the effectiveness of unsolicited emails, the principle of community engagement remains vital. Introducing yourself and demonstrating a willingness to contribute are crucial for successful blog marketing.
To effectively implement this strategy, identify the key players in your blog’s niche. Utilize search engines like Google and the Alexa toolbar to pinpoint influential blogs in your chosen topic. Evaluate these blogs. If they resonate with your vision, incorporate them into your blogroll. Regularly consume their content to stay informed about community trends. Conversely, it’s perfectly acceptable to refrain from linking to or engaging with blogs that don’t align with your interests.
Actively explore the blogrolls of established blogs in your niche, identifying potential new connections. The Alexa toolbar remains invaluable here. Evaluate blogs with relatively low Alexa rankings (under 100,000) and, if their content aligns with your values, add them to your own blogroll. This active participation fosters a sense of community and positions you as an engaged member.
The core principle mirrors real-world community integration. Just as moving to a new town requires engaging with its residents, entering the blogosphere demands active participation. This involves getting to know the other bloggers and the content they produce.
Through consistent community linking, tangible results emerge. Links from fellow bloggers translate into increased traffic and a loyal readership. This growth often occurs organically, without explicit requests for reciprocal links. A natural give-and-take develops as you contribute to the community.
The WordPress platform, with its user-friendly interface, significantly enhances this strategy. WordPress provides readily accessible blog statistics, including a prominent display of inbound links. This immediate visibility creates an irresistible curiosity. When a new link appears, bloggers are naturally inclined to investigate, leading to increased exposure for the linking blog. Quality content will encourage return visits and a potential place on the blogroll.
While non-blog websites can track referrer logs, the information isn’t always as readily accessible or actively monitored. Bloggers, particularly those using WordPress, benefit from the platform’s emphasis on inbound links. By strategically linking to other blogs, you introduce yourself, signal your engagement, and increase the likelihood of reciprocal links and increased traffic. This proactive approach establishes your presence within the blog community and sets the stage for sustained growth.