Basic Strategies for Marketing A Blog on a Low Budget

by Alex De Mostafa


According to statistics, a blog is born every half second. Blogging is a great way to market yourself online, get your opinions read, and increase traffic to your site but since the blogosphere is saturated, it clearly takes some marketing savvy to get your blog noticed. Here are some specific strategies that will help you get some recognition in the ever-expanding world of blogging.


1. Encourage Comments

Each comment your blog receives is essentially a crawlable piece of unique content, meaning that blog comments are SEO-friendly. Furthermore, readers like blogs where they feel welcome making comments. Generally the more controversial a post is the more comments it will receive. Don't be afraid of occasionally tackling divisive topics on your blog because such posts could attract many passionate commentators on both sides of the argument. You can also ask readers what they think at the end of your posts to encourage them to comment.

2. Write Guest Posts

One of the tried and true ways to market yourself as a blogger is to write guest blog posts for reputable blogs in your niche. It's free to write guest posts but it will require a substantial investment of time. However, the increase in traffic and recognition you will receive are well worth the investment.

3. Leave Useful Comments on Popular Blogs

Which blogs in your niche are the most popular? They are probably crowded with commentators so join in and comment along with the pack but make sure your comments actually contribute to the conversation. People around the blogosphere will start to notice the blogger (you!) making all of those interesting comments, which will help you drive traffic to your site and increase readership.

4. Link Out to Other Bloggers

Some bloggers may feel weary about linking out to other blogs on their site because it drives traffic away but building community and sharing link love is what blogging is all about. Important bloggers are more likely to take notice of you if you link out to their posts and include them in your blogroll.

5. Reply to Comments on Your Blog

New people poking their head around on your blog are probably going to be too shy to comment intially. Make your blog a welcoming place for commentators by responding to comments when you can. Responding to comments helps you build rapport with readers and puts new visitors at ease because it makes you seem approachable.

6. Use Twitter

Twitter is an excellent marketing tool for bloggers because it helps you drive traffic to your website, build your network as a blogger, and connect with people who have similar interests. Share your blog posts with your Twitter followers and find new people to follow by using the search tool to find tweets that are relevant to your niche.

7. Network Offline

While social media sites obviously play a prominent role in marketing and networking yourself as a blogger, don't dismiss offline networking either. Offline networking consists of attending conferences and trade shows or simply meeting up with your fellow bloggers face-to-face. Networking offline is a great way to make important contacts that can potentially expose you to new opportunities down the line.