The thing about blogging is that it’s not just blogging – you have to push your work out to others in order to be read. It’s an aspect of the job that is so intimidating for some that it totally holds them back from reaching their blog’s full potential. But without it, your blog is one of millions begging for attention and not getting it. “Build it and they will come” unfortunately doesn’t work here!
I was recently asked by a reader how to tackle this head on:
I’ve been blogging now for a few months and have built up an archive of posts that I think are useful for those who might find them – but I’m struggling with one big question – how to get people to read!I’ve listened to some of your episodes on growing readership and understand the techniques I probably need to use – but my problem is that I’m scared to start.More specifically my issue is that I don’t want to get too self promotional and come across as a complete jerk by over doing it and always be in people’s faces. Can you help?
In today’s episode of the ProBlogger podcast, I do just that.
The thing is, you do have to promote yourself, there’s really no way around it. From episode 33 to 37 of the podcast, we talked about finding readers but I guess what Samantha is asking is how do you do it the right way? In this episode I discuss the best ways of showcasing your expertise without coming across as a know-it-all.
I also touch on how to work to the best of your ability, why you should focus on exchanges rather than just broadcasting, what topic you should lead your blog with, where you should admit your knowledge deficits, the usefulness of storytelling, and more – including why you shouldn’t go overboard with the modesty thing. It’s all about what I think the secret to being a good influencer is and how it can make a difference between promoting yourself and promoting yourself so much you turn others off.
You can listen to this episode in the player below or over on the episode 55 shownotes.
I’d love to know – what are your favourite self-promotion tips? And is it something you struggle with, like Samantha does?
This is a great topic Darren and something that bloggers really need to take note of. The unfortunate reality is most bloggers spend the majority of their time creating content and not promoting it. If you want to get traffic to your blog you should spend more time promoting your content than creating it. That’s not to say that good content is not important because it is. However, if no one reads that great content it doesn’t matter.
I’ve recently built a little momentum on my blog and am turning my attention to promoting my content and engaging with a wider audience. It IS hard to put yourself out there and not come across as spammy, or a jerk. I’ve been paying attention to what turns me off when other bloggers promote their content, and it’s that sense that they’re not interested in conversing or engaging with others, just throwing their blog posts out there and disappearing. I’m glad your podcast focuses on ‘exchanges’, I think that’s so important. I’m off for a listen. Cheers!
What Is Link Clocking in SEO Plz Tell ME ANyone ???
I know what you mean.
but lets face it if you have real quality content you don’t really need to be worried about it just be direct.
on the other hand if your content is worth less junk then….. well yes you have a problem.
Hi Darren,
Great post indeed!
We should work on blog promotion not only on blog creating, No doubt Content is King but without promotion blog is nothing. it’s just like a book that don’t read any one.
Any way thanks for sharing your knowledge with us
Regards:
Areesha Noor!
I think it is all a matter of confidence. If you don’t feel that you know enough about something generally people can tell. If your talking about something you know well than you will sound authoritative and intelligent. Also try to right things to the everyday Joe. Don’t spoon feed your readers just make sure they have enough information to understand what you are talking about. If they are reading your article it’s because they believe you have something to tell them.
This is a topic I struggle with … thanks for all the tips in this episode!
Hi Darren,
I struggled so much with this for years Darren. Then I got clear. Linked in to all of my 122 eBooks on my home page. Promotion time now. No turning back. Being clear helped me feel clear on my eBooks and on my blogging business.
Ryan
It may not come easy, especially if you are humble or quiet by nature, but there are times in your career when you’re going to have to step out of the shadow of politeness to shout about your abilities and achievements.
Thanx for such an effective piece of information .. I had a question , How is it possible to get your article to the desired target group?
Hi Darren,
Great topic and something that I too struggled with for some time. We should not feel too shy of the content we produce and we should get our content out there, that is why we wrote it in the first place. No matter what you do there will always be criticizers or non-believers, but that shouldn’t stop you from achieving your dreams.
Thanks again,
Joep