For my How to Write an Ebook series I thought I would compile a list of creative (as well as tried-and-true) marketing ideas. But really, these tips can be used to spread the word about almost anything.
So far, I've collected almost 40 ideas. But because in my enthusiasm I have a tendency to overwhelm, I thought I'd present them a little at a time. I'll sprinkle in some you'll be familiar with as well as some that might be new. Some will be for the new blogger and some for the seasoned blogger. I've tried to direct you to helpful resources for each. Pick the one(s) that strike you and leave the rest (or bookmark?).
Here's the first batch. I hope they spark some great ideas!
- Take part in blog carnivals. Avoid this blog carnival mistake.
- Use StumbleUpon. Here's a great guide to StumbleUpon.
- Vlog. That is, put a video on your blog! Check out Simple Vlogging Tips. You gotta love Jendi! (Here's her, behind the vlogging scenes.)
- Comment on other blogs (of course). This is an easy way to get your face/brand in front of people and to "be everywhere" — a great strategy for establishing yourself as a pillar in a niche. Don't forget this simple commenting technique. And don't forget a gravatar!
- Create an iPhone app. Mobile is exploding, so consider getting in now! Not sure where to start? Try this ebook iPhone App Entrepreneur (flink). I bought it and am slowly making my way through. So many possiblities, so little time!
Note that most of these tips are not intended for pushy sales but simply a way of getting your name (or your product's name) out there and recognizable. When it comes to marketing, building relationships, being helpful and establishing trust are key. As Aesop says, "Slow and steady wins the race!"
*Flink=affiliate link.
Hi Amy! I think I just heard you on Dave Ramsey's radio show???? I don't follow any other blogs that blog about blogging, but how many Amy's can there be doing what you're doing out there? How exciting to hear you on the radio!!!
It was me.
Posed the question to readers too.
Jendi is a sweet heart!
Thanks for the great tips, Amy!
I would LOVE to know what made the difference in getting your Facebook "likers" to grow exponentially… to skyrocket. I have a file I keep on a number of blogs and how many followers they had at a point in time so I can see the growth rate. So, I know that as of Jan. 28th, you had 418 FB likes. In less than 2 1/2 months your follower base has grown by a factor of 2.42. WOW!!! PLEASE share…
Well, I've been experimenting. Don't worry, as soon as I come up with some solid answers, I'll let you know.
Do you think it is wise to invest in advertising on different blogs when you are just starting out? I'm realzing how hard it is to get the word out!
I've also made business cards and hand them out at work, the doctors office, church, retaurants…
I would not advise a new blogger to advertise to spread the word about their blog. Not only does it cost money, but blogging is so much about community and relationships so concentrating on those is key. It might be slower growth, but I think in the long run, it'll be better growth. I think your best bet is to concentrate on posting very useful, non-spammy comments on other blogs, get involved in forums/groups/Twitter, write guest posts for other blogs, etc.
I've done most of these (thankfully my husband loves to make funny videos, so I didn't have to come up with the vlogs…) and just recently am trying to figure out Stumble Upon after a post of mine was Stumbled and shot my numbers through the roof!
I wonder if you could expound on the iphone app- is having the blog in an optional mobile format enough or is there more to this point? And I'm assuming you mean all mobile devices and not just iphone, as I just read that android sells more than iphone…
Thanks!
Yes, I'm talking about more than just making your blog mobile-friendly. With the rise of cell phone use in our everyday lives, apps of all kinds (not just related to our blogs!) will become more and more popular in my opinion. Certainly, creating an app probably isn't a good move for a new blogger — gotta keep the projects to a minimum
— but many veteran bloggers look for new ways to monetize and that might be one.
The flink to the app book isn't working for me.
OK, I walked away for a few minutes and now it works!
Thanks Amy for the great tips! Always enjoy finding more ways to improve my blog! I appreciate your insight!
I decided to join the millions of people on the blogosphere, I will definitely try out those tips.
Thanks!