If you are currently writing or maintaining a blog then you are probably familiar with the most common ways to promote it. You’ve probably been posting links on Facebook and Twitter, writing SEO content, commenting on other blogs or guest posting on someone else’s site. While all of these techniques are important parts of an overall promotion strategy there are some others that most people overlook. Here are five uncommon ways you can increase traffic to your blog.
Start a YouTube Channel
YouTube is one of the most heavily trafficked sites on the Internet. While most bloggers are already taking advantage of Google and Facebook, many overlook YouTube as a valuable tool to promote a blog. Let’s face it, most people would prefer to watch a video over reading a blog, which is why you should be generating video content that is connected to your blog. You could simply read your blog on a video, discuss it with other people or make videos that are related to the content. However you decide to use the video, be sure to have links to your written blog. There is no reason not to take advantage of all of the free promotional tools at your disposal.
Tweet Your Old Posts
Most bloggers will religiously promote their latest and greatest work, but forget to occasionally tweet links to their greatest hits. Tweeting older content is very important, especially if it was successful in the past. If you already know the topic will attract traffic, then why not use it more than once? Another reason tweeting older work is important is that it allows you to take advantage of popular trends or topics. If the topic of “Gays in Sports” is suddenly on every newspaper, then you can generate some hits by tweeting a link to a previous article that you wrote about this topic.
Start a Podcast or Be a Guest
Podcasts have become immensely popular over the last few years, as they allow people more control over the content they listen to. You should take advantage of this popularity by starting your own weekly podcast or by trying to be a guest on someone else’s. Not only will podcasts give you a free forum to promote your blog, but you can draw in potential readers by doing podcasts about topics that are related to your blog. Being a guest on someone else’s podcast gives you a chance to promote your blog to an already established audience.
Use Niche Social Networks
Everyone knows about social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, but there are also a number of niche social network sites that appeal to very specific audiences. You can find social networking sites for Christian dating, athletes, doctors or just about any other group you can think of. If your blog deals with a niche market then you should use this to your advantage by appealing directly to people that you know are interested in this particular niche.
Create a Forum
If there is one thing the Internet has proven it’s that people love to argue and debate. By creating a forum and interacting with it regularly, you can draw in readers that are keen to argue their point of view or discuss the topic with other people. Studies have shown that people tend to return to sites where they can comment and interact with others. Just be sure that you monitor your forum closely and do not allow spam or inappropriate content.
These are just a few uncommon ways you can promote your blog. The most important thing is to be creative and to create good content, which is always the most important aspect of any blog.