Why do you blog? Some people use a blog as an online journal or not-so-private diary. Maybe they just enjoy writing and want to exercise their mind and don’t really care if anyone reads what they put out there.
But most people and businesses have a blog to get a message out. You have something to say and you want everyone to read it. At least as many possible customers or clients in your niche, right?
So I think it is safe to say (almost) everyone wants to increase blog readership.
And while you might think you need to spend every moment on your own blog, crafting great content and writing as many posts as you can, here’s an idea: You can draw more readers back to your blog when you write for others.
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Get more traffic and increase blog readership by guest blogging. http://bit.ly/guestblogs Tweet This
One great way to find more readers and increase exposure to your blog is to write a guest post on another blog.
Think about any relationship. You and your best friend might run around in the same circles and hang out all the time. But even she knows someone you don’t. Another blog out there will have readers you don’t, no doubt about it. By sharing a guest post on another blog, you are introduced to all those new readers.
And guest blogging is unlike a medium such as online advertising where you publish a web banner and hope to get clicks. Forget trying to create a catchy ad and crossing your fingers for clicks. Instead, write an informative, keyword-rich blog post for a friend, mentor or partner in the same or similar niche that has your desired blog readers.
You won’t be selling to them or attempting to gain their trust from square one. Your guest platform has done that for you. You have your foot in the door to reach a new group of readers … Just be sure to offer your best to share without selling to them.
A true win-win will be an informative blog that is appropriate for readers of both blogs. If you are a nutritionist guest writing an article for an obstetrician’s blog, for example, you could highlight healthy eating habits for pregnant women. You will reinforce your expertise in nutrition while targeting your captive readers of the moment. Plus, you have the opportunity to turn those readers into new followers that may look to you later for nutrition advice following delivery and for the rest of their lives.
To wrap up your guest blog article, include an “about the author” bio with links back to your site or blog. And it never hurts to include a few social media links where new readers can find and follow you on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or other favorite networks where you have an active presence.
Please let me know what you think in the comments below or, if you prefer, send me a tweet on Twitter. I appreciate your thoughts and read every one.
Do you agree that guest blogging is a valid way to increase traffic to your blog and gain new readers?
Rob has a strong background in advertising and marketing and a love for social media. He has worked with companies both large and small designing logos, print ads, websites, brochures, newsletters and more. Rob helps businesses — especially solopreneurs and start-ups — develop engaging marketing plans and an eye-catching brand identity with "design that sells." Otherwise, you’ll find him spending time with his wife and kids (and flock of chickens) on their family homestead. Oh, if you like to tweet, follow Rob on Twitter.
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{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Rob, I agree that this is a good strategy but it can also be a laborious one if you are not careful. I have guest posts all over the web, and to be honest, I don’t see a ton of direct traffic (meaning they are not clicking the link in my bio) from some sites. You make some good suggestions as to how to partner with other sites which will be important if you don’t want to waste your time. Nonetheless, it should be part of your overall strategy and can be effective when done right and in conjunction with some other traffic building strategies! Great post!
Angie M Jordan recently posted..The First Rule Of Blogging Is: There Are No Rules Of Blogging
Very true. I saw a tip about getting guest bloggers as a way to take a break from writing. But if you are to return the favor, then true, it is laborious, indeed!
Designer Rob Russo recently posted..On National Hat Day — and Every Day — I Wear a lot of Hats
Great informative article, Rob. I do blog although I haven’t had a guest blogger. It is on my to do list for the very near future. I agree with what you wrote: “A true win-win will be an informative blog that is appropriate for readers of both blogs.” Thanks for the valuable tips as well.
Alexandra McAllister recently posted..Get The Smart Phone App That Pays You – iLivingApp
I’ve only written a few last year, but I’ve got a couple lined up for 2013 already.
Designer Rob Russo recently posted..On National Hat Day — and Every Day — I Wear a lot of Hats
Great post Rob. It is however a double edge sword – the time it takes to produce content for your blog & the time it takes to guest blog for others. Angie, brings up a great point – not a whole lot of traffic back to your blog. Interesting! Think about it . How often do YOU click on a bio link? Unless I think the article is totally amazing I will not investigate the author. On the flip side, if the author is amazing I will typically follow them everywhere and then share content from their site. Just my take. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
Gary Hyman recently posted..Your Business Blog Should Create Clients, Brand You Uniquely, and Develop Loyalty
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Gary. I’m hoping for the flip side, though I know it won’t always be the case. I have found some amazing bloggers (and new folks to follow on Twitter) via the bio line.
Designer Rob Russo recently posted..On National Hat Day — and Every Day — I Wear a lot of Hats
Guest blogging can be great and your article is very good. Thanks!
You made good points! I have heard that for this strategy to work, the blog where you are posting should have a really big audience! Thanks for the article!
Meire Weishaupt recently posted..The State of Online Engagement 2012 – [INFOGRAPHIC]
Thanks Rob for the tip. I have done guest blogging sometimes with great results and sometimes not as good. Do you have any strategies to find blogs to post on.
jean recently posted..Getting Results
I would just do some research on Google. The biggest point to remember — find blogs *your target market* frequents, which may or may not be the same ones you visit personally.
Designer Rob Russo recently posted..On National Hat Day — and Every Day — I Wear a lot of Hats
Great post! I have found that it is in my best interest to check out Alexa scores before agreeing to guest blog…if their score is too high I suspect the traffic attention will not be worth my time…as my Dad used to say ‘Time is Money’!!
denny hagel recently posted..3 Main Components to Law of Attraction Parenting
I definitely agrees that guest blogging is a valid way to get more traffic to your blog. I also check out the Alexa scores, too before agreeing to do guest blogging. There are some tricks to repurpose material that can help save time, rather than recreating something from scratch. Great post, Rob!
Lisa Birnesser recently posted..How Procrastination Blocks Your Happiness
Great strategy and one that I have to look at moving into 2013.
Anita recently posted..Business Productivity Trap – Perfection vs. Excellence
Agree that guest blogging is a good strategy – I think it would work really well if you become one of the usuals who writes posts for a very popular blog. Then people would not necessarily check your bio but see you all the time and start following you because they want to.
Also good advice to pick and choose where to write, I’d go for a business blog that complements my services. I’d check Alexa ranking as well and I absolutely always read that blog beforehand to make sure the content that they have is aligned to my values as I want to pay attention who I am associated with.
Delia recently posted..3 blog formatting mistakes that make you lose readers
Great thoughts, Delia. I *just* scored a reoccurring guest post on a social media blog that complements my services perfectly. Looking forward to the role!
Designer Rob Russo recently posted..On National Hat Day — and Every Day — I Wear a lot of Hats
I am sure this is a good idea…but I haven’t found (made?) the time yet to consider writing additional blogs as a guest. It is on my to-do list!
Meryl Hershey Beck recently posted..AWARENESS – the ASPIC Way!
Good tips here on guest blogging. I have done a few and have decided to be checking the Alexa scores for the ones I will do it the future. I think it is a great guide as to where to put the effort.
Norma Doiron @Start, Grow or Strengthen Your Business Online recently posted..Visitors Are Window Shopping on Your Blog
Great resource here to bookmark. I think guest blogging is a great marketing strategy IF you are on the right blogs. Thanks for the information Rob!
Susan Myers recently posted..Website Traffic-5 Fast And Easy Ways To Get There
Good ideas for getting your name out there and strengthening relationships. I find myself checking out the bios of guest bloggers and following them on Twitter if I appreciate what they have to say, so I can see how this is a good way to lengthen one’s reach.
Amy recently posted..Into the Maddening Crowd
Thanks for all the great comments, all! My blog is relatively young and my Alexa school is dropping (slowly but surely) but could be better. If that doesn’t sway you, I’d love to have some guest bloggers. Let me know if you are interested.
Designer Rob Russo recently posted..On National Hat Day — and Every Day — I Wear a lot of Hats
Does anyone still post on blog carnivals? I’ve found a couple that are still very active and get a lot of traffic. I’m hosting one on May 15th and expect it to bring a lot of new visitors.
Jim Liston recently posted..White Swans Blog Tour
Oh, the blog carnival! I remember that concept … And I’m sure it is still out there, Jim. At least some variation of it. You’re hosting one … So, yes… They are still out there. Lol!