In this article, I will explain how to promote your blog effectively with twenty-one different ways to get the job done from providing data-driven content to creating captivating graphics, diagrams, and illustrations. Want to learn more? Read on and let’s get started.
1. Bonus Content for Guest Posts
When starting, guest posting is an excellent approach to expanding your blog.
The issue is:
It takes time to direct readers from your guest post to your website.
A study revealed that the average guest post only attracts 50 visitors.
The answer? Bonus content for guest posts.
Instead of simply adding a link at the end of your post, provide something that entices readers to visit your website.
2. Create Data-Driven Content
Data-driven content is gaining popularity.
And for a good reason: Content with data helps your blog stand out.
Although data-driven content requires more effort than a list post, it doesn’t have to be THIS hard.
Lastly, we analyzed the data.
3. Refresh and Enhance Old Content
A few years back, I initiated a major project: Update every post on our site.
It was a challenging task. Updating content can help boost traffic.
Here’s how to do it:
First, navigate to the last page of your blog feed. Next, update and improve each post.
I hadn’t updated this post in YEARS, for example.
Most strategies in my post were still relevant. However, much of the content needed to be updated. So I revamped the post, replaced old visuals and images, and removed outdated strategies.
And overall, it made the post far more current. Finally, I published the changes and updated the “last updated” date on the post.
Rinse and repeat for as many posts as you can manage. This process can take months (or even years), depending on the number of posts you have. But, as you can see, it was worth it.
4. Leverage LinkedIn Syndication
LinkedIn now has 756 million users.
Despite these impressive figures, only a few people discuss LinkedIn.
That’s beneficial for both you and me because LinkedIn remains largely untapped.
In fact:
You can gain substantial LinkedIn traction by reposting your best content there.
For instance, I once reposted a post on LinkedIn. I copied the post word for word.
Despite being an old post, it garnered 3,800+ views.
This works because there needs to be more interesting content on LinkedIn.
By publishing something unique, you can instantly stand out.
5. Boost Facebook Posts (With Retargeting)
It’s no secret that Facebook’s organic reach is practically nonexistent for most pages.
This means you need to boost your posts to get them seen.
However:
CPCs on Facebook are becoming increasingly expensive.
You can reduce your CPC by 25-75% with retargeting.
6. The Ultra-Simple Newsletter
An early lesson I learned was: Newsletters are an excellent way to promote new posts.
Over the years, I’ve tested more than 25 formats and layouts for our email newsletters.
The key takeaway from all the testing: Ultra-Simple Newsletters work best.
- No fancy graphics.
- No lengthy introduction.
- No images.
Here is a brief intro and a link to the post.
As our newsletters focus on the main message (that we just published a new post), our CTRs are 2-3 times higher than the industry average for a list of our size.
7. Cross-Promote Your Audience
I don’t post much on Twitter.
My secret?
I encourage new email subscribers to follow me on Twitter. As a result, that simple button has generated thousands of Twitter followers.
8. Partner with Other Blogs
In recent years, I have collaborated with other blogs on infographics.
This collaboration was beneficial for both parties.
I obtained valuable data for a data-driven article.
And they got exposure for their product (and revamped blog) to thousands of individuals.
9. Highly Personalized Outreach
Have you ever received a generic outreach email? You’re not the only one.
An increasing number of people are using blogger outreach to promote their content. Bloggers report strong results based on the type of promotion. Unfortunately, they’re doing it incorrectly.
Specifically, they send the same pitch to hundreds of people.
That’s the bad news.
The great news is that you can EASILY differentiate yourself.
How? Customize every outreach email you send.
The outreach study I mentioned earlier discovered that personalized messages received 32% more replies than template-based ones.
Personalized messages significantly improve response rates.
For example, I found a broken link and realized we had a guide to be the PERFECT replacement.
So I sent a tailored message: Because I didn’t use a generic template or beg for a link, they happily added my link to their article.
From extensive testing, I can assure you that your social media image makes a significant difference.
For example, we used to throw together our social media images at the last minute or use a random image from the article.
10. Create Social Media Images to Stand Out in Someone's Twitter or Facebook Feed
For example, when we publish something data-driven, we feature an engaging chart:
(We resize the chart to fit Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn image dimensions.)
If we publish a list post or step-by-step guide, our designer creates something eye-catching.
It takes more effort.
But the increase in traffic makes it completely worth it.
11. Transform Blog Content into YouTube Videos
I used to create every YouTube video from scratch.
It was time-consuming.
I spent 10 hours on a single 15-minute video.
(About 70% of that time was dedicated to the video script.)
Today, I base my videos on existing content from blog posts, newsletters, and keynote speeches. It simplifies the process considerably.
Note: I’m not merely converting a blog post into a video. Instead, I use bits and pieces of high-quality content as the foundation for my script. That needs to be more original.
12. Respond to Every Comment
You might have noticed that I receive a fair amount of comments on each post.
What’s my secret?
First, I ONLY publish top-notch content. (Content worth commenting on.)
Second, I respond to almost every comment, especially in the first 48 hours after a post is published.
That’s quite remarkable. And replying to comments takes time and effort.
But these replies show that I care about the people who take the time to leave comments, even if it’s just a simple “Thank you.”
It also allows me to answer questions that people have. Ultimately, responding to comments is one of the main reasons we’ve been able to build such an active community.
13. Create Blog Posts on NEW Topics
Is your niche filled with established competitors?
I understand; I’ve been there.
How did I stand out and gain traction?
I published content on NEW topics that my competitors needed to cover.
This is a strategy that I still follow today.
14. Podcast Extras
This is similar to the Guest Post Bonus strategy I mentioned earlier.
Instead of creating a bonus for each guest post, you create a set of extras for each podcast you participate in as a guest.
Here’s the exact process.
First, create something that podcast listeners would want.
Your extras complement what you’ll discuss on the podcast.
Second, run it by the podcast host. Most will be fine with it since you’re offering something valuable to their audience. But it’s always good to check beforehand.
Finally, host the bonus section landing page on an easy-to-remember and type URL.
Then set up your email marketing platform to deliver the extras after users sign up. That’s all there is to it.
15. Speak at Events
Speaking at conferences is a GREAT way to promote your blog. But not for the reasons you might think. Did speaking in front of 300 people skyrocket my blog’s growth?
Probably not. So how did these conferences help me?
Because I got to meet other speakers. (Speakers who are leaders in the SEO and marketing space.)
Speaking at these events helped me create partnerships, mastermind groups, and friendships with intelligent people.
These opportunities wouldn’t have materialized if I had randomly emailed these individuals: “Hey, do you want to partner up on something?”.
To be clear:
Now that my blog has gained traction, I’ve mostly stopped speaking at events. But that’s another story for another post.
However, when I was starting, speaking at events was extremely beneficial.
16. Schedule Posts for Optimal Timing
When is the ideal moment to publish a fresh blog post?
There isn’t a significant distinction among various days of the week.
However, Every bit counts.
To maximize traffic and social shares for each post, publishing at the most reasonable time is crucial. The “best time” varies for each blog.
But no industry study or “optimal time to publish a post” article can reveal that to you. You must experiment.
17. Leave Incredibly Useful Comments on Other Blogs
This was a strategy I employed extensively when I was first starting.
For instance, I’d contribute comments that added value to the discussion or support bloggers I admired.
This approach helped me gain recognition without coming across as pushy.
These constructive comments directly resulted in several guest posts and podcast interview invitations.
18. Form a Blog Alliance
A “Blog Alliance” involves forging friendships with fellow bloggers. These calls proved to be incredibly valuable.
It was not only beneficial to discuss writing, hiring, tools, products, and newsletters with someone, but we also exchanged specific tips and tactics that contributed to our mutual growth.
If you find another blogger at a similar level to yours, send them a brief message like this:
Hey [Name],
I’m a fan of your work on [Blog Name].
[Something They Teach] greatly influenced how I approach [Blogging-Related Thing].
I’d love to connect on Skype and exchange ideas if you’re interested.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
19. Feature Reader Case Studies
I’m a huge fan of reader case studies.
They were one of my secret weapons for rapidly expanding my blog.
Here’s the step-by-step process.
First, pinpoint a strategy, technique, or tip you’d like to emphasize.
Second, find a reader who achieved success with your advice.
Finally, collaborate with your reader to create a comprehensive case study.
In other words: they provide the specifics, and you write the narrative. This way, it’s not a guest post, and the writing retains your unique voice.
20. Develop Engaging Visuals, Charts, and Images
You may have noticed that I include several custom visuals and charts in each post. That’s intentional.
I’ve found that these custom visuals are shared and linked without the need for outreach efforts.
The takeaway? Incorporate 2-3 visuals, charts, or mini-infographics in every post. If the post performs well, other bloggers will notice your visuals. A small yet significant percentage will use your visuals in their content.
21. Focus on List Posts
List posts remain a staple in the blogging world.
And they’re not disappearing anytime soon.
People appreciate practical tips and tactics they can implement immediately.
A list post offers numerous such tactics on a single page.
Bonus #1: Begin List Posts With Your Most Distinctive Tip
A common mistake bloggers make with list posts:
They place the most valuable and helpful tip at the top of their list.
Why is this an issue?
When someone arrives at your list post, they search for something novel.
So, you must present your most exceptional strategy right away.
In other words, start and conclude your list with techniques your reader likely hasn’t encountered before.
Is this the most crucial aspect of garnering more views? Not!
However, it is a tactic that most people need to become more familiar with, so they’ll continue reading.
Bonus #2: Incorporate Tweetable Quotes into Your Content
This is a SIMPLE method to encourage more people to share your content on Twitter.
Here’s the process:
First, identify a share-worthy quote from your post.
In other words, a Tweetable Quote.
A Tweetable quote is a brief, captivating statement that comfortably fits within Twitter’s character limit.
I included a “Click to Tweet This” link beneath the quote.
When someone clicked the link, they received a pre-composed tweet containing that quote.
That’s all there is to it. If your quote resonates with readers, they WILL share it.
(Even those who wouldn’t have shared your post otherwise.)
From experience, I can confirm that these “bonus shares” accumulate significantly.
Final Thoughts
Will you publish more list posts? Or comment on other blogs?
In conclusion, effectively growing your blog’s traffic and audience requires a combination of unique strategies and a focus on engagement. By beginning your list posts with distinctive tips, adding Tweetable quotes to your content, publishing at the right time, leaving helpful comments on other blogs, and forming blog alliances, you can maximize your blog’s potential.
Remember, experimenting and adapting are essential as you discover what works best for your particular blog. You’ll be well on your way to a successful and thriving blog by implementing these techniques and continuously refining your approach.
See also: A Guide to Creating SEO-Focused ChatGPT Prompts.
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