| e writing a blog, but not even your mother reads it | | | | simple and easy way to get it out there. |
| regularly. How do you get people to visit and keep | | | | Four: Post, Post, Post |
| coming back to your site? By following a few simple | | | | No matter how much you advertise, unless there's |
| steps, you can begin to see immediate increases to | | | | something new to read, you won't generate traffic. |
| your traffic. | | | | You don't have to post daily, but in most cases you |
| One: Let them know you're there | | | | should post a few times a week. The more you |
| This one may seem overly simple, but it's a step | | | | post, the more motivation readers have to come |
| many people overlook. Tell your friends and family | | | | back and see what you're up to now. |
| that you have a blog. Send them the url and | | | | Any old post won't do, either. Your readers want to |
| periodically remind them when you update it. Don't | | | | know who you are and what you're doing. A few |
| send notices too often, but it's perfectly okay to | | | | lines or a post thrown together before bed won't cut |
| send an occasional e-mail to let your friends, and | | | | it. There are too many other blogs out there; give |
| acquaintances, know what you're doing. | | | | your readers something they really want to read. If |
| You should also register with blog aggregators and | | | | they feel that you've taken time for them, they'll |
| sites that track blog postings. Most blog software | | | | take time to come back for you. |
| enables you to do this by default. | | | | If you plan to be away for a while, then let your |
| Two: Participate on Similar Blogs | | | | readers know that you won't be posting for that |
| People who want to read your blog are probably | | | | time. Announce when you'll return, and be sure to |
| already reading other blogs. Those blogs are likely | | | | post on that day. Even better, schedule a few posts |
| very much like yours. Most sites will offer an option | | | | to come out while you're away. Most blogging |
| to list your own url as a part of your profile | | | | software allows you to schedule when posts will |
| information. By commenting on others' sites, you help | | | | appear on your site. Whichever route you choose, |
| those bloggers and increase the chance that | | | | don't just leave the blog idle. You don't want your |
| someone will try out your blog in the process. | | | | hard-earned readership to go elsewhere because |
| One word of caution concerning this technique: You | | | | they think you've abandoned your blog. |
| should spend time on the blog and participate in a | | | | Five: Get your readers involved |
| meaningful way. If you're a frequent commenter, | | | | If there's anything blog readers love more than |
| then the site host is more likely to go out of his or | | | | reading your blog, it's getting to participate in your |
| her way to help you promote your own site. Posting | | | | blog. Host a contest to select a guest blogger for a |
| a single comment that you have a blog too is poor | | | | day. Give away a small prize to the person who |
| etiquette and will probably result in your comment | | | | brings in the most new readers. Ask your readers |
| getting deleted entirely. Treat the blogger as you | | | | what they'd like to see on your blog, and take their |
| want to be treated when your traffic is booming. | | | | suggestions seriously. |
| Three: Add your link to your signature | | | | With a little creativity and patience, you'll soon see |
| You may already use an e-mail signature, so why not | | | | your traffic growing. These simple steps will allow |
| add your blog's url to it? Every time you send a note | | | | you to attract and retain your readers as your blog |
| to a friend or forward your children's latest school | | | | develops. |
| pictures, you'll also be including your blog link. It's a | | | | |