Posts Tagged ‘Blogs’

The title “for dummies” is my attempt at self-deprecating humor because I had a lot to learn when I first started and if I can do it I know you can too. This may sound surprising but SEO experts find that getting links from other websites is just as important (if not more) as on page factors such as actual content.

Imagine that, inbound links more powerful or meaningful than actual content. What this means is that the links pointing TO your website from others may be more important than the text on your actual site. As crazy as this might sound, here is the rationale behind it.

In Google’s eyes (they are the largest search engine so we will use them for this example) inbound links are as valuable, if not more so, than content due to the meaning behind the inbound link. The inbound link serves as a “vote of confidence” or “validation” that the content on the page is valuable.

So valuable in fact, that another website chose to link to it and offer it as a reference in their content. This is very strong in the search engines eyes and can move your site up many spots just due to this factor alone.

If you don’t have very many backlinks to your website you may want to get more. The more you have the better so start getting as many as you can. Here are some fast ways to get some inbound links to your site.

• Article marketing.
• Guest blogging.
• Writing and submitting press releases.
• Podcasting.
• Submitting Videos to video sites.
• Commenting on other blogs
• Blog directories
• Link directories
• Interviews on other sites
• Setting up an affiliate program

This can boost your rankings in the search engines and increase your visitors fast. By getting more web traffic, you will earn bigger affiliate checks without having to change anything on your page (other than what you are currently testing) and it won’t cost you anything but your time.

It’s one thing to create great content; it is a totally different thing to create buzz or interaction. If you want to take your business to the next level and “really” drive traffic to your site you need to interact with your customers. Provoke discussion if you have to but make them interact. Once you unveil this super ninja technique its lights out, “bolt the door Katie” cause here comes the flood of traffic!

Seriously, you can really increase the interest level and engagement of your visitors or email list when you ask for their opinions or input and involve them in conversation. This conversation, or feedback, can even be used to guide, tweak, or even create your product or marketing.

It is amazing what people will tell you when you ask them their opinion. It just opens the door to many different areas of information sharing and gathering. Using this information in your marketing can make it seem like shooting fish in a barrel.

Many times we think of the time we take to interact as “wasted”. Nothing could be further from the truth! Interaction does three things, at minimum.

They are:

• Creates Trust
• Builds Credibility
• Makes Price Less Relevant

People trust people they know more about and talk with on a regular basis. The more you have a two way conversation rather than a one way conversation the better off you will be.

Credibility is something you earn and you can’t earn it unless you are engaged. Every email, video, letter, and ad builds your credibility so take it seriously.

Another benefit of interaction is you reduce the relevance of price. People are willing to pay more for a product if they know you and are comfortable with you.

Some of the interactive tools you can use are polls, blogs or a forum. These are the most common but use your imagination to create interactive tools. You can use a whole host of other ideas to get people to interact with you. The key takeaway, interaction creates trust and credibility which in turn boosts sales. People would much rather buy from someone they have talked with (or emailed) and trust than a complete stranger.

Part of promoting your website business is getting in front of as many people as possible. While you are there, give them something interesting the read, listen to or watch that will direct them to your website through a link. One of the ways that people like to hear about new sites is through podcasts.

What is a Podcast?

A podcast is a multimedia tool that people can follow. Think of it as audio or video information that you can listen to or view on your computer, your iPod or any other multimedia enabled device. It’s like having your own radio show on your website.

Podcasts can be syndicated using RSS (really simple syndication). This is the same process that people use to keep up with blogs and websites. The RSS feed allows them to receive updates when changes are made on the site so they don’t have to visit every day.

Creating your Podcast

There is software available to help you create your audio and video files. You can embed code for them on your website so others can view them. Beyond the technical aspects, the purpose of the podcast is to present interesting information to your readers in a new and unique way. People browse the Internet to find useful items. They like to read, but would admittedly like to watch or listen as it is a more convenient way to get the same information.

So what will make your podcast stand out? Use engaging dialogue, present relevant topics and use visually appealing props and sets for video casts.

Going Viral

For one, don’t forget the keywords. You want people to be able to find your podcasts when they use their search engines. Even if you are using mainly audio, include keyword optimized titles, tags and links in your podcasts.

Submit your podcasts to directories. Use every avenue to get yourself in front of the public. That includes creating press releases to announce your podcasts if you are introducing them for the first time. Optimizing your press releases and submitting them to free press release sites keeps people finding them even after you are through using them.

Let your existing customers in on the new podcast. Use your email list to keep them in the loop as you unroll your podcast project. Give them links directly to the podcast so they can view it and hopefully pass the link on to others.

Your podcast can be turned into a radio show with regular guest spots. Interview other business owners in your niche and notable online personalities who would be of interest to your readers. A recurring show can increase your traffic and your following.

Want to get people to your website? Create a podcast. Turn it into a radio show or recurring video cast to create a following and gain more traffic to your business.

(Legally Create) Free Email Content for Your Subscriber List!

One of the least known and least used features of Aweber is the Blog Broadcast feature. This feature enables you to plug in your blogs RSS feed into your email list and when you generate a certain number of blog posts it automatically send the article feed to your email subscribers.

This could generate good traffic from your email back to your blog plus keep your subscribers up-to-date on the topics you are writing about.

Recommended Resources: Aweber