Resolution to Start Blogging
Let’s talk about Life Hacks. The term “hack” started out in the digital lexicon as a reference to virtual breaking and entering into a computer system. Hacking has now become a term of endearment for getting the most out of life. According to Wikipedia, “life hacking” refers to any trick, shortcut, skill or novelty method that increases productivity and efficiency in all walks of life.
What better place to apply tips, tricks and life hacks than your blog? It certainly gives new meaning to hacking the blogosphere, turning life’s lemons into a kind of Citron Frappé.
If you are a blogger and especially if you are an author, your goal ought to be finding the best marketing hacks – not be to seen as a hack writer, heaven forbid. The more high quality exposure you can garner, the more positively it will reflect on your reputation. A high traffic blog is a great way to do that.
If you want to gain exposure for a book, a point of view or a project, talking up your topic is not only good publicity, it’s expected. The blog on your website is an excellent platform for broadcasting your point of view. Be it known, however, that there are blog hacks aplenty. What we’ll cover here in this brief space is just a sample.
What To Blog About:
Start by blogging about your process of developing ideas. How does your work evolve from concept to creation? For example when an author faced with a blank page, how do you fill it with meaningful notions that readers can savor?
You can also write about the various types of inspirations you have. What was the first seed idea you had for your book, your team retreat or your upcoming product launch? Where did that initial inspiration come from? What related themes arose from this kernel? Whose work inspired you most, and how did they impact your point of view?
Next, try taking one small aspect of your work and expounding on it in a single blog post. Better yet, create a series of posts that break down the topic into several thought-provoking segments. For authors, give some background to a key point in your how-to guide or a pivotal scene in your novel.
Another great topic of choice for your blog is to discuss where your work is headed. Let your readers see a glimpse into the future – just enough to tease and keep them wanting more. If you help them to see over the horizon, they will loyally travel the distance with you.
Content curation is a great way to add value to your blog without breaking much of a sweat. Find images, memes, videos and reference materials that your readers will enjoy. Don’t just re-post them – amplify the reasons this content is worth your readers’ precious attention. Whet their appetites, then shine a light on where they can get more mind food like this.
Where To Blog:
Reach out writers and offer to serve as a guest author on their blogs. Better yet, become an active voice in select blogs and groups as a regular contributor. This applies leverage to your blog campaign, giving you multi-faceted exposure.
Another tactic is to choose four or five blogs that are related to your topic, and engage in conversations in the comments areas. Don’t be spammy – that will actually hurt your reputation. Offer thoughtful input, be polite, and think of how you can add value to the conversation.
Besides blogging on your own website and capitalizing on guest blogging, there a loads of opportunities for posting your content on the Internet. Article directories and social networks are reliable places to start. For example, you might create posts on your Facebook and LinkedIn profiles. You can also join groups where you can become an active and credible voice in the conversations.
When To Blog:
The best answer to this question about timing is, be relentlessly persistent. Whatever schedule you establish for yourself, pursue it with regularity like a Swiss watch.
The easiest interval to maintain for posting on your blog is a weekly schedule. More than that may become a burden to you, unless you have a willing assistant. Posting less than weekly allows your brilliance to slip from the minds of your readers, so err on the side of more frequency. Post at least twice a week in the social media groups and forums you belong to, and show up daily on your favorite social networks.
However you promote your ideas, be generous. Give away great content, cool tools, fun tips, helpful hacks and sincere praise. Engage others in your work, and reel them into your world. Let them be delighted when they come to read you, and pay them off with goodies to reward their loyalty.
Your readers are the reason for writing. Without them, you’d simply be keeping a journal. Show them your appreciation, and you will hack your way into their hearts.
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Bryan Heathman is the President of Made for Success Publishing. Bryan works with best-selling authors in the role of publisher and marketer, including the late Zig Ziglar, Chris Widener and John C. Maxwell. Bryan is the author of Conversion Marketing, a marketing book that condenses knowledge on website conversion from 7-years running an online ad agency. Bryan’s Fortune 500 experience includes running high impact marketing campaigns for Microsoft, Eastman Kodak and Xerox.
