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Here are some free ways to market and grow your blog
1.Word of Mouth
Let’s start with the simplest and easiest way to get your writing out there, simply telling people about it. Begin with telling your friends and family, which for some reason is often easier said than done for some (including myself).
2. Get Social
While were discussing sharing, take some time to post information on social media regularly and while you’re at it tag friends and family. Ask them to share the post and tell your core group to tell the people they know
3. Use other platforms
Video is a great way to market just about anything, if you already have videos on a platform you can create a link to your blog or book or make a video about it. If you have a podcast, that is another great way to market as you can create your own ads to insert into your show.
4. Email marketing
While building your email list is critical to the longevity of your business, actually getting people to join the list is necessary, you can’t market to your list if there’s no one there! What I mean here by email marketing is simply adding a link to your blog or book in your email signature, this is a great way to set up a marketing feature that is self-sustaining.
5. Forums and chats
Joining and answering questions on forums such as Reddit and Quora are great places to exhibit your knowledge on your niche and at the same time lead people to your blog site.
6. Social bookmarking sites
sites like Reddit have forums dedicated to specific topics, subreddit in this case. There are other bookmarking sites such as Digg and of course Pinterest, which happens to be a gold mine for getting the word out about a blog.
7. Write a guest blog
writing as a guest writer on a popular blog may up your credibility in the game and gain new followers to your site or purchases of your book. Many blogs will clearly state how and if they accept guest bloggers whereas you may have to reach out to some of them to find out the process. Keep in mind, the majority of the time you will be submitting for free and they may want only original posts.
8. Join an online group
The purpose of social media sites was so people would be more social, so it’s no wonder that there is a big push for the creation of and participation in groups. Find a group that is in your niche and get active. Ensure that it is a group that truly inspires you and peaks your interest so you want to stay involved and won’t seem spammy when you refer people to your website.
9. Join a physical group
There is nothing like interacting with people that share your similar interest and in doing so you may find great ideas about how to get your writing in front of new audiences as you tell them about your book or blog. You will probably also walk away with new inspiration to write about as well as a couple new friends. MeetUp is a great place to find people interested in a specific topic.
10. Do a round up list
Create a list of popular products or other blogs or books that you have found truly helpful in your life or business. Tag them or let them know that you are including them, and they may also lead others to your site by telling their audience about the post they are in.
11. Create back links
Create back links to your website by making helpful and authentic comments on more popular blogs. This may not only get people to look at your blog in return but will also up your SEO game in the process.
12. Incorporate Teamwork
Once you get to know other people in your niches circle, don’t be afraid to team up with them and use the leverage of multiples. You can create a bundle deal for your email lists or opt-in to get more people on your email list. I write a little bit more about the various way to collaborate with others in your niche.
13. Get live
This may fall under social media, but using live streams is an entirely different can of worms then simply making a post. Sites like Facebook and Instagram (who are owned by the same company) give priority to those that go live. In addition, don’t forget to use stories!
14. Ask
You can ask your current tribe to help you get the word out. These are people that are already subscribed to or regularly visit your blog. Include a ‘please share’ button on your website so they will heed the call to action, they may be more than happy to do so. As my mother always says, you won’t know if you don’t ask.
15. Get a shout out
If you know someone that is a big name in your niche of choice they can easily guide their followers to you. The process of getting your book or blog in front of someone with a big name so they can recommend it that has the potential to expand your growth tremendously.
PAID
While there are plenty of free options here are some low-cost ones to consider. I would stick with the free to low cost options until your blog begins to create some source of income
16. Create a class or workshop
If you are an expert in your chosen niche then don’t be afraid to show it! You can create either an online class or a physical workshop that exhibits your expertise in the subject and establishes your name as an authority on the topic.
17. Interview a big name
Keep in mind that it may cost you to pull a big name that is willing to write on your blog. But most of the time, it won’t cost anything to interview someone so I would start there.
18. Market On The Go
Don’t be afraid to put one of those big advertisements on your car or truck! People actually do read them (at least I do), and they are a great way to advertise without saying a word!
19.Business Cards
Having business cards on hand to whip out is another great way of telling people about your book or blog. If someone asks what you do, you can let them know that you’re a writer and strike up a discussion while handing them your business card. You will have to pay for the cost of the business cards, but it will prove worth it in the end.
20. Fliers
Purchasing fliers is extremely passé to some, but nothing beats out a good grassroots campaign especially if your writing is locally focused. You can pass them out at conferences, workshops or events where your target group can be found.8
21. Social media advertisements
Social media advertisements can cost as little or as much as you’d like them to. The key is to ensure that you are targeting the correct audience, you don’t want to have all of your hard work and cash end up in front of people that aren’t your people
22. Take out an ad
Finding a conference in your niche is a great way to get it in front of your target audience. Although this may be a more costly option than others listed. (Can be expensive)
23. Get in the news
Yes, people do still read the newspaper! Especially now that most of the newspapers now have an online edition. Knowing your audience and if they read the paper is key research to determine if this is an option for you.
24. Content discovery platforms
Have you ever noticed the articles that pop up at the end of a blog post you’re reading? That would be because they are advertising through a content discovery platform. There are two that most people choose to work through, Outbrain and Taboola. Outbrain is a little cheaper and you don’t have to go through a rep whereas with Taboola you do. Taboola gets more traffic in general. (Can be expensive)
25. Pay per click advertising or search advertising
This is advertising where you are literally paying for your ad placement on google through the number of clicks you receive. These ads seem to work great for some business but not for others, so try it out and see. (Can be expensive)
26. Have a book launch/signing
For you book authors you can have a book launch and signing, although this usually only works well for people that already have a following. Ask your family and friends to share with their circle of friends.
27. seek out your peers
Search out blogs that are in the same or similar niche as your blog or book and see if you can advertise on their site. Many times you will have to pay a fee for doing so, but it will get new eyes on your website.
I hope you found this list helpful, if you did let me know! I’d love to hear your thoughts.
You can download a free copy of the full list here.
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