So you’ve got a blog and you know generally what it does (if you don’t, review this earlier post), so how do you do it well? Consider these quick tips on bolstering your blog and your web presence in general.
If you’re the first to write about it, you’re the first authority
Newspapers fear bloggers and particularly social media like Twitter and Facebook it always gets there first. One blogger at Editor’s Weblog notes how social media blitzed the 2009 Hudson River emergency landing before traditional media even got their feet planted:
These traditional institutions breaking away from more conventional means, and embracing the social media revolution shows a resignation, willing or otherwise, to the fact that sites such as Twitter and Facebook are an integral part of the modern world. Newspapers and news sites are constantly trying to use the sites popularity to their own benefit, with direct links and Facebook-ing journalists – but with the head start that Twitter had over the New York Times last Thursday, its seems they may have to try a little harder.
Even if you aren’t getting there first, you may be the first to make that connection, or the first to see something new. In fact, even if you aren’t the first ever to blog about something, you might be the first in your particular network. Let yourself become the local authority.
But once you’ve got the content, you gotta’ sell it…
Never underestimate the power of a good title (or tag)
Unless you’re a blog celebrity, many of your visitors will drop in by accident when a web search drops them onto your blog. The right tags and a clever title could make the difference between an appearance on page one of the search results and page 20. Consider not only what general words describe your content, but what specific words distinguish your content. This not only improves your search results, but forces you–the blogger–to evaluate what makes your content unique. A review/rant about Iron Man II is one thing. A review/poem about Iron Man II, makes for much more enticing bait.
Of course, if you’re going to use the bait strategy…
Put good food in the mousetrap
Some keywords that brought up a band's tour blog.
The front door isn’t the only way into your blog. A fresh, new update on your blog is great. Regular updates show you’re actively involved and generating new content, which gives your readers something to come back for. Always remember, however, your newest post isn’t necessarily your most important one. To a web search engine, old posts are just as much fair game as new posts. You may be surprised to realize that a casual mention of a rare book you found in your attic or a new business that just opened up down the street has suddenly doubled your traffic.
Of course, it isn’t all about you…
You can never have too many links
Ok, ok. You maybe you can, but there’s a point here.
Jorn Barger, who long held to the text-only version of the internet, became the first blogger when he created the first weblog, “Robot Wisdom,” as a means of sharing “links to articles about politics, culture, books and technology that he found interesting.” It both helped him find his way on the net (which was much smaller in 1997) and made him a resource for those who shared his interests. If your readers don’t love you for what you know, they may love who you know. If you’ve got something to say, but you think someone’s already said it better, send them there! That doesn’t mean you can’t offer a little praise and maybe add your two cents.
Of course, if you’re considering adding your two cents…
The comments area: your blog away from home.
Remember the Golden Rule
If you’ve slaved away at your post and have put it out there for the world to see, you know how exciting it can be to get visitors and particularly comments. Don’t expect something for nothing. Blogs don’t intrinsically attract traffic. Be part of the living network. Visit other blogs and make comments, and be sure to leave the directions back to your blog. A good, thoughtful comment may give other visitors–or even the author of the blog–reason to come check out your blog.
This post was in support of a Clark College “30 Clicks” session (click here to download the handout). Sponsored by the Cannell Library, weekly “30 Clicks” sessions are a way for all members of the Clark Community to get together to explore new technologies, learn about information tools, and network with other interested Clarkers. Check out the schedule, come on out, and create a dialogue!
Posted by Julio Appling 
