Your Blog Strategy ... part 2

by guest blogger Rodney Page

Last month I wrote on the importance of developing a blog strategy. I hope you found the comments helpful, and thanks to you who provided feedback.

Several of you requested additional information regarding the “how’s” of creating awareness for your blog. I’ll share some ideas that that have been effective for me. But remember, your blogging objective, target audience and desired actions of your readers are unique.

Following is a recap of the major elements of a blog strategy for a non-fiction writer. Today we’re focusing on the third question.

• What is your objective? It will likely focus on establishing your expertise.
• Who do you want to read your blog?
• How do you make them aware of your blog?
• What do you want the readers to think or do after they’ve read your blog?

First, develop a comprehensive list of appropriate publications, websites and other related blogs

When blogging to promote a non-fiction work, this task isn’t quite as daunting as it may seem. You are likely already familiar with many of the specialty or trade publications and websites appropriate for your topic. To identify other bloggers, start with these blog list websites (…and there are many others):

• http://www.blogher.com/network  
• http://www.searchenginejournal.com/20-essential-blog-directories-to-submit-your-blog-to/5998/ 
• http://blogsitelist.com/dir/
• http://www.bloglisting.net/

Now, get creative with your Google search terms. Below are a few generic terms, applicable to almost any subject, to add to your topic search:

• Marketing
• Customers
• Media
• Articles
• Comment
• Editorial
• PR
• News
• Recent articles
• Experts
• Readers
• Books

Second, communicate with a person, not a blog, website, or publication

For the targeted blogs, websites, or publications you choose to target, identify the names and email addresses of living, breathing human beings. It sounds simple, but it seems to be getting more difficult as the ‘humans’ hide themselves behind website pre-formatted email templates…and when you fill out one of those, it’s the same as addressing a letter ‘To Whom it May Concern.’ If you’ve searched and searched and can’t find a name or email address, here’s a little trick: in the Google search window type @the organization’s website URL. You’ll be surprised how often names and email addresses turn up.

Third, learn something about the blogs, websites, or publications you will contact

For goodness sake, read a couple of blogs, scan recent press releases on the website, review the last couple issues of the magazine. Weaving a few pertinent facts into your message will work wonders. Doing so demonstrates you are familiar with and taken the interest and time to learn about them.

Lastly, realize that in order to get, you must also give

If you want another blogger to re-post your blog, will you reciprocate? If it would be a boon should a regional publication mention your blog, are you willing to highlight the magazine in your blog before you ask for their help? If a brief mention of you and your expertise on a prominent website would boost your book sales, will you take the time to contribute to the site’s online forum?

I hope you find these additional thoughts useful and, happy blogging!

___________________________________________________

Rodney Page is the author of the upcoming novel Powers Not Delegated. 

A native of Georgia, Rodney's business career includes a variety of senior management positions and consulting engagements in a broad range of industries, from startups to Fortune 500 firms. In 2005 Rodney co-authored Leading Your Business to the Next Level...the Six Core Disciplines of Sustained Profitable Growth. He lives in Atlanta. His passions include hiking, photography, reading, and, of course, University of Georgia football.

Website: www.powersnotdelegated.com

Blog: http://blog.powersnotdelegated.com

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It's Always Personal

by Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor

Do you have a Blog? Are you on Twitter? Have you set up your Facebook account? Do you Post? Do you Tweet and Retweet? Do you Share, Like and Friend? I hope you do. I hope you do all of these things to promote yourself, your interest and your craft. In our society today it is so important to be a part of the Social Media. It is so important that it has become a major part of marketing.

YouTube reaches millions in minutes it seems. People become overnight celebrities with millions of hits from around the world. Many times they are able to use this as a platform for their pursuits. They are seen on early morning and late night television. What a fast track they seem to be on.

How fortunate for them we all say as we begin to pursue these same paths. As we do we tend to expect the same immediate rewards, immediate celebrity, and overnight success? Not all of us will be greeted with the same success or the same timeline we have seen in others. The odds are not in our favor.

Should we not be so fortunate what then do we do?  Many will become disconcerted. Frustration will set in and lack of success, or the tardiness of it, will bring questions concerning the path they have chosen. They may even question the dream they have pursued. They have failed to see the fundamentals of marketing, which deals with personal relationships. It is a personal thing.

When all the doubt sets in and the quick paths to success seem to have failed we must ask ourselves, “Were there any relationships built along the way? Did others sense I cared about them? Did they realize I was there to encourage and help them as I sought out my path? Or was I seen as a black hole taking in all around me for my gain?” People will know and respond according to their relationship with you.

Thomas J. Peters, author of In Search of Excellence, said "The simple act of paying positive attention to people has a great deal to do with productivity.” So much of what we do is determined by finding out what others are looking for and responding to their needs. If we take the time to build those personal relationships as we go we will find we will have many lifelong supporters.

There is no doubt in order to reach more people with our message we need the social media. I think it is obvious that we at Southern Writers Magazine are on board with that. As we reach others we should bring them into our extended family. Just as a smile can be heard over the phone, your desire for a personal relationship can be read between the lines. Lasting personal relationships are a must. Build them as you go.