While blogging starts with the writing, every blogger really has two primary goals: creating great content and driving traffic to her site. Using free and low-cost methods such as local newspapers, Craigslist, and social networking websites, you can increase your readership, community participation in your project and advertising revenues. Getting your blog in front of the public eye and keeping it there is the key to success in blogging.
Instructions
1. Pick a catchy name for the blog. While not technically part of publicizing your blog, this will make it easy for remember your blog. Try to pick a name that's short and that relates directly to the subject of your blog.
2. Harness the power of social networking websites. For instance, Facebook allows you to write notes, post links and create a fan page, as well as list your blog in your "websites." MySpace allows you to post bulletins and write in your blog. You can also create a MySpace (or other social networking site) page for your new blog. Use the utilities of sites you already belong to to alert your friends of your new project.
3. Post an ad on Craigslist.com in the appropriate category. This is another free way to get public exposure for your blog, especially if you live in a large metropolitan area.
4. Identify your target audience and seek them out. Consider taking out ads in a related print publication (such as a trade magazine) or buying advertising on Facebook, MySpace or other sites. Also consider any listservs you might belong to or administrate. If your blog would be of interest to those readers, pass the link along to the administrator or spread the word yourself.
5. Take out an ad in a local newspaper or other publication, especially if your blog is of local interest. Many local publications are free or low-cost and are widely distributed.
6. Hand out half-sheet fliers at a busy street-corner with a link to your site and a brief description or post fliers around your city.
7. Consider working with others. The more people that are invested in the success of the project, the more people are going to find out. Imagine how many people you could tell about your new project with just one or two co-authors following these steps.
