Mack Collier posted a great primer on growing your blog readership with 8 easy steps. I’ve listed his steps below as a handy reference with my comments following each step. His article goes into additional detail so don’t forget to read the whole thing. Published at MarketingProfs.com, Eight Easy Ways to Grow Your Blog, is good stuff.
Mack Says…
1. Post regularly
3 times a week to start and spread them out. I’m guilty of posting multiple times on one day and none on others. I’ll spread out from now on. It’s attractive to both readers and search engines alike.
2. Develop a comment policy
Encourage comments and make sure they get posted quickly – just beware of the spam monsters ready to kick the crap out of your blog if you let them in…
3. Reply to comments
Hadn’t thought of this one until somebody else mentioned it but yeah, show ‘em you’re listening and you care about what they have to say even if you don’t agree with it. It’s true, people like and respond better to others who express an interest in them.
4. Showcase readers who make special contributions
Giving your commenting superstars the VIP treatment encourages them and others to keep the love flowing.
5. Build your blogroll with your readers’ interests in mind
You build your value by being not only a resource but a portal to other, relevant and valuable resources.
6. Offer unique content aimed at your blog’s target audience
Like the old groaner goes, “Why was the farmer so special? Because he was outstanding (out standing) in his field!”
7. Make your blog’s feed available for RSS subscribers
Hey, how many of us would read the newspaper if it wasn’t delivered to our front door?
8. Offer email subscriptions to your blog’s content
Like step 7, don’t make them come to you–cuz most won’t)–go to them.
Mack’s advice is grounded in applied common sense so listen, learn, implement and watch your blog grow.
Want more of Mack Collier – start with his own post on his Marketing Profs article and go to town…
