Business Blogging - How to Build A Better Blog

8 Tips for Driving Traffic to Your Blog (video)

When I'm at conferences and workshops I like to get quick tips from people I meet and know about how they're marketing online. At the recent Niche Affiliate Marketing System workshop (NAMS4), I asked a few folks to share their favorite tip for driving traffic to their blog or website.

Here are 8 tips for driving traffic to your blog or website, featuring in order of appearence: Jeff Herring, Chris Cobb, Kurt Scholle, Karon Thackston, Dan Morris, Ellen Britt, Raphael Sanchez, and Kathleen Gage.

Got a traffic tip you'd like to share? Submit it in the comments below.

Recommended:

How to Drive Quality Traffic to Your Blog

Leverage Your Blog Posts to Drive More Traffic to Your Blog

Friday Feature - Kaya Singer's Social Media Success Story

If it's Friday, it's must be time for Friday Feature and a new social media success story. This week...Kaya Singer, talking about her success with a site I hadn't heard of...

Kaya Singer, Awakening Business Solutions
Website/Blog URL: http://www.awakeningbusiness.com

In a nutshell, what success did you have as a result of your blog/social media?

I have been writing articles and posting them online for a few years and have always had some response, however I have started to focus on one specific social media site, Biznik, as there high numbers of my niche market there. They allow comments which is a great feature, unlike other good sites like, Ezine Articles {Ed. note: EzineArticles does allow comments on articles.].

I began writing articles on topics targeted specifically to their problems and issues, and as a result have had huge responses; articles about niche marketing, how to overcome mental blocks, etc. People signed up on my website, contacted me and I ended up with many new clients.

What was the obstacle that you were facing in your business?

I was wanting to expand my market more nationally and to find a way to build trust and expertise via my writing.

What did you find as a result of using a blog/social media?

Huge response from people who read my articles. People left comments, asked questions and wanted to talk with me more. I have had people become clients and customers, buy my book, sign-up for my BizTips and generally be interested in learning more from me.

What specific feature do you like most blogging/social media?

I love the interactive part. Although I do get responses on my blog as well, I get way more on the articles and find that I can be in front of thousands of people. People leave comments and this promotes conversation and sharing. I can comment back and begin to develop a relationship with many people all at once. It is phenomenal!

What other benefits did you experience from blogging/social media?

I received ideas for new articles based on people's questions and comments.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

My main website is an html site and I also have a WP [wordpress] blog. Most of my traffic goes to my main site and the blog is there as a link. I have thought about redoing my site and putting it all on WP and having the blog front and center, however it is a choice as to how to market effectively. Doing longer articles monthly seems to work for me. I used to blog 3 times a week and I never had the kind of response I am getting now from my articles.

More about Kaya Singer
Kaya Singer is the author of "Clear Your Focus Grow Your Business." Her company, AwakeningBusiness.com, helps small-solo business owners to develop a business mind-set and overcome obstacles.

Next week: Paul T. Shafer, Achieving Optimal Wellness

Read more Social Media Success Stories:

Jospeh Ghabi, Author

Kathleen McDonnough, Kevin Lee Allen Design

Sonya McCllough, eastwind productions

Do you have a social media success story?

I would love to hear it. Fill out the form on this page and I'll add it to the queue to feature soon.

22 Social Media Marketing Superstars Reveal Their Secrets

How do you like that for a title? I am excited and proud to be among the 22 Social Media Marketing Superstars included in this brand new book. I'm in fabulous company.

As you know, I talk a lot about why you need to make your business blog the hub of your online platform. And that is the topic of the chapter I contributed to Success Secrets of the Social Media Marketing Superstars, the brainchild of Mitch Meyerson, that launched today.

Right now the book is under $15 on Amazon and after you purchase a copy you can get 8 exclusive audio interviews and videos from the authors at the official book site.

You'll learn:

• The biggest mistakes people make with social media and how to fix them
• Actionable plans for all areas including social networks, blogs, web TV and mobile marketing
• Real-world case studies, best practices and proven techniques from the experts
• Detailed list of resources

Here's the lineup of authors and topics (I have lucky chapter #13!)

Success Secrets Of The Social Media Marketing Superstars
By Mitch Meyerson

Section One: Strategies and Principles

1. Building Your Social Media Relationship Strategy – Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz
2. The Psychology of Social Media – Brian Clark
3. Mastering Online Marketing: Six Key Principles – Mitch Meyerson
4. Creating Content People Care About: The Cornerstone of Social Media – Ann Handley
5. How to Create a Mega-Following With Social Media – Gary Vaynerchuk
6. Personality: How To Stand Out In Virtual Crowd – Andy Wibbels
7. Build Strong Online Communities Using Social Media – Chris Brogan
8. Social Media Success Qualities – Joel Comm
9. How To Communicate With Impact Using Social Media – Craig Valentine
10. How To Profit From Your Social Media Efforts - Starr Hall
11. PR Strategies for Social Media – Dan Janal
12. Making Your Content Go Viral With Social Media – Michael Stelzner

Section Two: Applications and Websites

1. Business Blogs: How To Make Your Blog The Centerpiece of Your Social Media Enterprise – Denise Wakeman
2. Facebook: The Essential Rules For Building a Large and Loyal Following – Mari Smith
3. Twitter: Your Power PR Tool for Attracting A Tribe of Raving Fans – Deborah Cole Micek
4. LinkedIn: Transforming Networks into Dynamic Business Connections – Barbara Rozgonyi
5. YouTube: Leveraging the Power Of Google To Get Your Video Content To Millions – Julie Perry
6. Podcasting: Leveraging the Power of Apple To Get Your Content To Millions – Paul Colligan
7. Using Social Bookmarking To Improve Your Traffic, Links and Visibility – Chris Garrett
8. Mobile Marketing: How To Integrate this Powerful Tool With Your Social Media Marketing – Kim Dushinski
9. Online Video: A Mini Guide to Your Own Web Show – Shama Kabani
10. Social Media In One Hour A Day – Dave Evans

Check out the book now and grab the bonus interviews. There's excellent, actionable info from top thinkers and do-ers in the industry.

By the way, Brian Clark's chapter on The Psychology of Social Media Selling is a must-read if you're doing business on the Web.

Friday Feature - Sonya McCllough's Social Media Success Story

This week, I'm pleased to feature Sonya McCllough's social media success story...

Sonya McCllough, eastwind productions
Website/Blog URL http://www.eastwindproductions.net

In a nutshell, what success did you have as a result of your blog/social media?

Due to Facebook activity from early January of this year my website hits have increased from less than 280 monthly to a record high for July of almost 1900.

What was the obstacle that you were facing in your business?

After a successful run in 2004/2005 I was forced to rethink graphic design as a business. Although I remained in business, other life issues forced me to take an extended break. After the break, other than family and close friends, no one knew EWP was still open for business.

What did you find as a result of using a blog/social media?

Blogging and social media provide a platform for anyone wishing to do anything. All one needs is one idea from which to grow. Social Media has increased my confidence and validated my belief in the hidden power of me through self discovery via my blog.

What specific feature do you like most blogging/social media?

As a solo business owner Twitter allows me to share random biz thoughts with little judgement. I treat Facebook as if it were the Cover of MY newspaper and I use my blog as the JUMP.

What other benefits did you experience from blogging/social media?

In June I joined a private/niche Facebook community of creative business owners (mostly women) where I have found some cyber support.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Yes, after attending a family reunion & attempting to sell an e-book I have realized the importance of staying connected to the non internet world with regular old mail. Although, a print newsletter was part of the plan. I let it slip to the bottom of the list. This was a BIG mistake. It's about balance.

More Info about Sonya McCllough
God has blessed Sonya with a rare gift of conceptual vision backed with solid design skills & education. She has more than a decade of experience delivering print, web, and multi-media projects to clients.
sonyamacdesigns [at] gmail.com

Read more Social Media Success Stories:

Jospeh Ghabi, Author

Kathleen McDonnough, Kevin Lee Allen Design

 

Do you have a social media success story?

I would love to hear it. Fill out the form on this page and I'll add it to the queue to feature soon.

POLL - Do You Use Your Blog to Promote Charitable Causes?

Social marketing and blogging have become heavy-weight tools for promoting charitable causes. And there have been huge successes and lots of money and awareness raised for great causes that may have gone unnoticed just a few years ago. I'm curious to know if you use your business blog as a tool for raising awareness and funds for your favorite causes. (See poll below.)

I guess the first question should be: does your business (or you) have favorite causes or organizations you support? I do.

For years I have supported Doctors Without Borders, KCRW (my local public radio station) and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team in Training events. I also actively support Kiva.org with 3-4 new micro loans every month. And, if a friend or family member requests support for a cause, I usually happily donate. I have no qualms about using this blog or Biz Tips Blog to ask for support when I'm campaigning for a cause.

Not only do I want to spread the word about my cause, I believe it also gives you a glimpse at what else is important to me, outside of my passion for blogging and business. That can help create a better connection between us, attract new readers, and open doors to new opportunities through shared passions.

I'm currently involved in a huge effort to raise money for Dr. Mani's Children's Heart Fund, to provide funds for heart surgery for children in India who have congenital heart defects but family poverty prevents them from getting help. It's a great cause and I've written a couple of posts about it. Please check this out - it's a big win for you to participate!

So here's the poll question: Do you use your business blog to promote charitable causes?

What's your opinion - for or against - about promoting causes on your blog? I'd love to know your thoughts. Please post in the comments and if you would like, post a link to your favorite cause and why you support it. Let's take the opportunity to share the love and boost awareness for great work people are doing around the world.

Related Posts about Charitable Causes:
NAMS4Kids Makes Good Business Sense

How I'm Using Social Media for my Big Five-O Birthday Challenge

Blog Action Day 2008: Focus on Poverty

How to Get Your Flip Video Embedded in a Blog Post (video)

If you're new to video, you may be wondering how you get the video you shot on your cool new Flip Video Camera onto your blog post.

Online video is fast becoming a must-have element on your blog, website and sales pages. In the last few years it's become easier and easier to shoot and add video to your sites, yet there are a few steps that you need to go through to make it all work and sometimes it's not so obvious what to do. I got a question about this the other day and thought a video could answer best.

Kymberly asked:

How do I move a Flip share video clip from Flip Share to my blog as a post? I tried uploading from Flip Share to a doc in movies, then pulling the file into my word press. org "new post" site via "insert video image." But the  video did not show up visually plus the loading was slow. Any tips on the best way to go from Flip to blog? Also, what do you use and do to add text to the Flip clip - convert to iMovie or some such with text editing? These basics are tough!

Here's my reply...[can't see the video in your reader? Click here.]

In the video I mentioned that you cannot edit your video on YouTube. That's not entirely correct. You can add annotations and captions. There are detailed instructions on how to do that on YouTube. Do you have a video tip or quicker, easier way to get your video from camera to blog? Please share it in the comments below. Vlog on!

Resources:

Online Video Made Easy (self-study course with me and Lou Bortone)

Get Seen: Online Video Secrets to Building Your Business

YouTube: An Insider's Guide to Climbing the Charts

TubeMogul

Sony Vegas Studio (video editing software)

Related Posts:

3 Tips to Get More Out of the Videos You Post on YouTube (video)

Interview with Lou Bortone

Friday Feature - Kathleen McDonough's Social Media Success Story

It's Friday! And that means it's time for my new Friday Feature Spotlight on a social media success story. This week, Kathleen McDonough shares her story.

NOTE: When I put a call out for social media success stories, I was not soliciting testimonials. I won't say "no" to a testimonial though, and Kathleen shares her experience of putting my Online Visibility Secrets program into action. I am ecstatic to hear about the results she's getting from the program.

Kathleen McDonough, Kevin Lee Allen Design, Inc. (KLAD)
Website/Blog: http://klad.com/blog

In a nutshell, what success did you have as a result of your blog/social media?

When I signed up for OVS [Online Visibility Secrets], I averaged 682 visitors per month to my blog. I now average over 3,700 visitors per month. Via twitter, I connected with a well known food writer and TV personality with whom I have worked on designing a landing page for his award winning food and wine newsletter. Working LinkedIn, Twitter and our blog, I have connected with potential clients in film, TV, Theatre, and corporations where our helpful expertise is creating interest in our work.

What was the obstacle that you were facing in your business?

I had no idea how to find people to engage, I felt like I was writing to no one, and my blog had no focus.

What did you find as a result of using a blog/social media?

Entertainment has always been a very social, personality driven business. Prior to OVS, I disliked writing and engaging people via social media or networking events. Working through each lesson, I've gained confidence as a writer, and a networker, as I've learned to engage people and converse. Nothing like a 140 character limit to sharpen one's communication skills!

What specific feature do you like most blogging/social media?

Using OVS, I've found a mix of blogging and tweeting both informative business related information and purely social commentary has opened many doors. My firm's activity has increased so much that I've not been able to finish OVS, I'm only on lesson 16!

More info about Kathleen McDonough
KLAD creates scenery and lighting for entertainment industries, special events, museum exhibitions, specialty interiors, commercials, TV news and corporate events/trade shows. Kathleen McDonough can be reached at km [at] klad.com, 973.477.7973, and twitter: @KathleenMco

Tweet

Read more Social Media Success Stories:

Jospeh Ghabi, Author

 

Do you have a social media success story?

I would love to hear it. Fill out the form on this page and I'll add it to the queue.

How to Drive Quality Traffic to Your Blog - It's Back!

Just a heads-up to let you know that today, Thursday, August 12, is the last day you can get the re-released copy of "How to Drive Quality Traffic to Your Blog" for the deeply discounted price of $17.

After tonight at 9pm PST/12am EST USA time, the price go up to $27.

One of the keys to a successful blog is getting a steady stream of traffic to your site. Without traffic you have little opportunity to connect, engage, and convert readers to raving fans and clients/buyers of your services.

There are many, many ways to drive traffic, yet most people implement very few, then wonder why they're not seeing the results they want.

Last year I did a class about how to drive quality traffic to your blog. Needless to say, it was popular.

About six months ago I took the audio program off the market. I wanted to review it and add some new content.

Now it's back and better than before.

You get a 61 minute audio interview and the transcript with active links to sites and resources. I've also added a chapter with 19 tips you can implement immediately to drive traffic to your blog plus a bonus interview on how to use 30-day blogging challenges to boost your traffic. It's all digital, delivered as an mp3 and pdf documents.

I'm offering the program for a limited time for only $17 as my way of thanking you for being part of my community. On Friday, the price goes up to $27.

http://QualityBlogTraffic.com

Here's to boosting your traffic...blog on!

SEO Made Easy with Scribe

Recently I posted a query on my Facebook page asking what plugins bloggers felt were essential to make their blogging easier, more effective and more fun. Several people mentioned Scribe, the brainchild of Brian Clark of Copyblogger fame.

I have a monthly subscription to Scribe and I confess, I haven't used it much, only because it's not top of mind, not because it's not a fantastic tool. I was grateful that several people reminded me that I need to back on track.

I also get a lot of questions about search engine optimization (SEO) and how to find and use keywords. I'm the first to admit that I'm not an SEO expert. Optimizing your content for keywords is as much a science as an art. It's possible to adequately optimize your blog posts with your natural writing style and focusing on a central theme in your post.

But wouldn't be nice to have a tool that will help you optimize your content?

If you use Wordpress, you can install Scribe as a plugin. If, like me, you use TypePad, you can use the web-based version of Scribe.

To quote the Scribe website:

Friday Feature - Spotlight on Joseph Ghabi, Author

Recently I've been soliciting social media success stories. It's something I've been thinking about for awhile and finally got my act together to put the word out. The reason for doing this is two-fold:

1. There are so many amazing people doing amazing things, using blogs and social media tools to make their dreams come true. I want to meet these people, hear their stories and share them with you.  Selfishly, I also get the satisfaction of shining the spotlight on great people and giving them and their business more visibility. And, maybe you'll be inspired to try a new tactic or two and achieve your dreams as well.

2. I like to practice what I preach. One thing I preach around blog content is to leverage other people's content, whether as blog posts or interviews. This is a hybrid approach. I directed people to fill out a form. Then I review, get a photo, do some minor edits for readability, then post. I'm a filter and it helps bring new voices into the mix. I'll post the stories every Friday until I run out!

I'm pleased to introduce the first Friday Feature (a hat tip to Friday Follow on Twitter!). Joseph Ghabi was the very first to respond and submit his story...

Joseph Ghabi, Author
Website/blog: http://theblueprintofyoursoul.com/

1. In a nutshell, what success did you have as a result of your blog/social media?

I have 5000 friends on Facebook. I am a Numerologist. I have published a new book titled 'The Blueprint of Your Soul.' So what I started doing on Facebook since June 16, 2010, is to post on each one of my friend's birthday a few words wishing them happy birthday, giving them a free chapter from my book on the 9-Years Cycle, and a link to my new fan page for them to join me and their friends to pick up. The result is very interesting... An increase in my book sales, more traffic for my website, more people are liking my fan page, building my e-mail list and some private Numerology consultation by spending 10 to 20 minutes a day doing those  posts and it has become a habit now like brushing my teeth... Cool!