Who Should You Link To?
Someone on one of Deb’s posts here asked, “I am working on identifying the important blogs in my various niches - how about a post on how exactly to do that? It’s easy if your niche is tech or web related. You can just look at Technorati’s Top 100. But what’s an efficient way to go about finding other niches? How do you know who’s big? AND how many of these communities is it reasonable to strive to be active in?”
Now, since it was Deb’s post I’m not going to answer the whole question - maybe she’d like to. But I wanted to comment on this, because I’ve always found the whole “who to link to” issue really interesting. I’ve seen people ask this question before on forums, and it’s fascinating to me, because I’m sort of the old school mentality of linking to who I like vs. linking strategically.
Not having performed any serious scientific studies on linking, I can only offer my opinion though. Maybe it would be more beneficial for me to only link to big names, maybe not. I know it’s sometimes beneficial when big names link to me, but the other way around, well, I’m not so sure.
Examples:
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Using Affiliate Advertising in Your Network Blogs
A few weeks ago, we talked about the different ways blog networks pay. Did you know there are other ways to earn money with network blogs than with base pay and traffic bonuses? Many networks allow you to use affiliate advertising in your blogs. Now, I’m not saying you should go ahead and slap on some ads, but if this idea interests you, do talk to your editors about the possibility of using affiliates.
Here’s a sampling of the affiliates and advertising methods allowed by some networks:
Amazon - Amazon if the most popular affiliate program in use by network bloggers. This can be quite lucrative, especially if you put an ad or link for a book or item pertaining to your day’s topic at the bottom of each post.
All Posters - This was a new one for me, celebrity bloggers might especially enjoy this one. Use one of the poster images from All Posters to illustrate your post. The images are legal to use as long as your affiliate link is there, and you have an image for your blog. It’s win-win.
Video ads - If you use video for your blog, you can sell advertising to appear at the beginning and end of your video. Video sponsors pay handsomely and love the exposure.
Other affiliates - If you sell a particular product and use an affiliate link to sign on others, you might be able to use these in your blog posts providing your not spamming your readers. For instance, I know a food blogger who is allowed to sell cooking items on her blog as long as she’s not pushy or spammy.
Keep in mind…
While affiliates are a good way to earn money with your network blog, you don’t want to do it in a manner where you’ll turn off your readers. If every post is a sales pitch, you’ll find yourself with no traffic. There are subtle ways to advertise. For instance, use your affiliate to illustrate your post. Don’t tell your readers to click or buy. Their eyes will already be drawn to the ad and they can make up their own minds whether or not to buy.
Talk to your editor
If you think your network blog can benefit from affiliate advertising, do check with your editor. Many networks are happy to allow affiliate ads as it motivates their bloggers to action. As long as you don’t turn into a spam blogger, your readers will understand too.
Image: stock.xchnge
One Last Post About Comments: Become Part of Another Blogger’s Community
This week on Twitter, someone mentioned how he was getting a little tired of seeing everyone blogging about how to comment and how no one is saying anything new. At the risk of getting his dander up, I’d like to offer up one more post about commenting. Thanks for indulging me…
I’ve been remiss. I’m always talking about the importance of commenting to build traffic and I haven’t been doing it enough myself. My problem is as I get busy with my own blogs, I don’t have as much time to visit other blogs and drop them a line. This is a big mistake. Every blogger should visit blogs within his niche and become part of the community. Here’s why:
Hey Look at Me!
Every time you comment you draw attention to yourself. People remember your name. Soon they’re going to want to click on the link to your blog. More and more people are going to visit and become part of your community as well. This is a good thing.
Yeah.. I Know a Little
By participating in the discussions you’re showing off your expertise. Granted, if you come off as a know it all you won’t be very well liked, but if you’re an upbeat, enlightening part of the discussion people will remember. Commenting at other blogs is a good way to show off your expertise.
So Did Anyone Watch Lost Last Night?
Many bloggers work at home alone during the day. Commenting at other blogs is sort of like chit-chatting with your co-workers at the office. Even the shyest people need to socialize a little bit. Visiting other blogs and interacting with the regulars can be very therapeutic.
Here’s the thing…
When you visit other blogs, you learn:
- Who are the movers and shakers in your niche. Trust me on this, you want to have friends in this business.
- You get your name out there.
- You spread the word about your blog.
- You gather ideas based on others’ blog posts and comments.
- You meet lots of new like-minded people.
- You learn about new blogs in your niche.
When I began Freelance Writing Jobs three years ago, I spread the word by visiting other blogs and commenting. Though I did a few other things as well, this is the one single thing that made the biggest difference. People don’t just up and visit blogs. They have to know they exist. If you want that to happen you have to get out and toot your horn…often.
Where To Get Blog Contest Prizes
Since Deb did the previous post on the benefits of contests I thought I’d follow that theme with where to find prizes for said contests.
Sit around and wait: People will come to you if you’ve been blogging long enough. Companies and PR folks will email you and just offer stuff up. Loads of stuff. It can depend on your blog topic though. I never get any decent free prize offers at my blog about weird homes because frankly no one give houses away 
or other stuff related to weird homes. At my other blogs I get many offers a week though. To make sure folks can contact you, a solid contact page and email is an essential blog component.
ProfNet: Deb and I have both mentioned them before but they’re seriously a great place to get prizes. The downside, you’ll also get plenty of offers that don’t match your blog at all. I got an offer for free bleach-based products - at my green blog! Sorting all the emails can be a major pain. Other PR contacts ans sites can work as well.
Amazon.com: Or any bookstore site really. Keep up on which books are soon to be released. Often book authors are looking for people willing to do a book review and will send you a copy or two if you ask. Book contests in my experience do well.
New companies: Brand new companies and online stores are way more willing to give you prizes in trade for some promotion than say Hallmark - believe me, on one particularly brave night I asked Hallmark for some stuff. They were nice but um no. That said, don’t be afraid to ask big companies either - some will give you items.
Use your reader comments to your advantage: If you found a product you liked, wrote a review about it, and got great reader response, email the company and tell them. Companies love good responses and will often send you a prize thank you.
Other bloggers: If you get a prize offer you can’t use send the email you got with the offer to another blogger, they may reciprocate one day.
Local specialty stores: In your area there are likely little specialty stores that would love some free promotion on your blog. Visit said stores, build relationships, and set up a contest. Note that the store is more likely to particiapte if they have an online shop too - not all shops do - so check.
Spend your own money: A gamble that could or could not pay off. I did this at my blog I mentioned above; my weird home blog. Since I never get product offers there, I never do contests. One day I randomly decided to have a contest though because I do appreciate my readers there. That contest I think brought in some 300 plus comments and pumped my traffic up considerably - the extra traffic was enough to cover the amount of the cost of prizes and then some. Plus the traffic never went back down, so I’m assuming it brought in quite a few new readers. That was a good gamble. But just be forewarned I’ve seen blog contests that have zero entries so… It is a risk.
Where else have you scored prizes for blog contests?
Draw Attention to Your Blogs With Contests and Giveaways
Everyone loves free stuff. Fortunately there’s no shortage of businesses looking for people to give stuff away on their blogs. Every day I receive another request to do a product review and giveaway. In the past two weeks, I’ve given away or posted giveaways for two blenders, some refreshing beverages, lingerie, an MP3 player, an external hard drive, and a party planning notepad. In the upcoming weeks I’ll be giving away a toaster oven, bottled water, energy efficient light bulbs, a much in demand book by a couple of well known probloggers (guess who?) , and more. Why am I doing this? For several reasons.
- Contests bring in traffic. Everyone likes free stuff. If you’re giving away a great product all the lurkers will come out of the woodwork to get something for nothing.
- It’s a good way to get backlinks. Nothing says SEO like a bunch of sturdy backlinks. Get other bloggers to talk about you by giving away a tasty prize.
- It’s a great way to reward your readers. Offering up some great prizes to the people who visit your each day is a nice way to say thank you.
- Businesses will remember you as someone who does great product reviews and giveaways. You want this so they can send you more stuff. Of course you may have issues when your family trips over all the boxes in your office, but give them some of that free chocolate you got the other day and they’re sure to be more understanding.
- It makes you feel good. I love giving stuff out to my readers. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
One thing I learned is a contest is a great way to foster community. For instance, when Freelance Writing Jobs was struggling due to lack of community, I ran a contest to reward the month’s most prolific commenter. Many of the commenters are still coming back and participating in the discussions. A contest is also a great way to jump start or bring attention to a brand new blog.
What are you waiting for…go give something away!
Why Bloggers Love Twitter
It’s no secret I’m addicted to Twitter. This virtual water cooler makes me feel like I’m not working alone - even when I am. I can send out a Tweet and receive advice, answers to questions and drink orders. Plus, I can let everyone know when a new blog post is up. Really, what’s not to like?
Darren Rowse recently asked Twitterers why they love Twitter and then put the response in this clever video:
Why do you love Twitter?
Pros & Cons of Being A Confident Blogger
To a point, confidence, even a bit of conceit is a useful tool for bloggers for hire. It can also sabotage your blog. There’s a balance when it comes to confidence and blogging. It can be beneficial for you to find that balance in yourself.
Pros of being a confident blogger:
It can help you land jobs. Clients want to hire bloggers who spout confidently about the blog topic at hand. You telling a potential client, “I might be able to do a decent job writing about auto mechanics,” is not good enough. In my former writing life I wrote a lot of work and college resumes for folks. I saw people play down skills often because they didn’t want to sound cocky. Super cocky and confident are different. If you’ve got the skills to write about a topic don’t hide behind modesty during the application and interview process.
It can help you set proper pay rates: Confident bloggers ask for, and expect to get paid what they’re worth, or at the very least the going blog salary rate. Modest, unsure bloggers sometimes take lower wages because that’s what they feel they’re worth.
It can help you get over rejection: Actually it can help you to avoid rejection woes altogether. For example, at the right job I know I can bring in traffic, I’m confident in my specialty topics, and I know I’m a nice person to work with, so I tend to think if a client picks someone else; that’s their bad. Being confident helps me to almost entirely avoid rejection issues. I’ve been down exactly twice about a gig. Once for a query I sent to my favorite magazine on the planet (rejected but nicely, which only made it worse) and another time for a blog gig with super questionable hiring practices so the process pissed me off. Being upset about rejection twice isn’t bad. However, if you get upset every time you apply for and don’t get a gig, you’re going to spend a lot of time upset. Confident bloggers know another gig is around the corner and get on with it.
It allows you to say no: Along with avoiding rejection, confidence can help you learn to reject when necessary. I used to have issues saying no to a writing or blogging gig. Even if I had no extra time for a new job, I made time. The market is unsteady, it could be my last chance! Not true. With time, confidence in the blogging world as a whole allows you to see that no job is the last job. My stress is lower now that I feel fine turning down jobs.
It can make your blog better: When you’re confident about a topic your posts will sound confident. You’ll be more likely to make bold statements that draw comments, and have the ability to interact well with readers. Wishy washy blogs are dull to read and leave no reason for anyone to comment. If you’re confident in your blog topic say so, don’t do a lot of “Maybe this is the way it is” posts. Say how it is. If you signed on for a topic you’re not confident about, I’d say you should get some research going so you can learn confidence in your topic.
Cons of being a too confident blogger:
Freelance Writing vs. Freelance Blogging: What’s the Difference
A question I’m often asked is, "What’s the difference between writing and blogging? Aren’t the same thing?" Technically they are. Blogging is a form of writing, but there are differences between freelancing for blogs and freelance writing in the traditional sense.
Freelance Writing
- Can pertain to print or web. Freelancers can write scripts, novels, advertising copy and more.
- Must work within specific word counts.
- Must fit the style of the magazine, newspaper or website.
- Follows a more tradition writing format.
- Unless you work for certain web content companies, don’t have to have "X amount of articles in X amount of days."
- Many publications pay only after a piece is published and that can mean months, sometimes years. Others pay on acceptance.
- Many print markets pay more than blog networks or markets.
- You don’t have to worry about building traffic or community - in most cases.
- More formal than blogging.
- Many times requires more research and interviewing of expert sources.
- You have to submit the finished product to your editor who will publish your work
Blogging
- Web based only.
- Most blogs don’t require a word count, though many employers request a certain amount of posts per week.
- Blogging pays less than many traditional forms of writing.
- Bloggers don’t have to wait as long for their paychecks.
- The more you blog the more traffic you receive.
- You’ll be expected to promote your blog, foster a community, and get the traffic ball rolling.
- Most networks offer traffic bonuses.
- A more personal style of writing. You can make it all about you.
- Can be a written post, a video, a cartoon or anything pertaining to your niche.
- You can write as much as you want whenever you want.
- Publication is immediate.
What are some of the differences you see between blogging and traditional freelance writing?
Bloggers I Appreciate
Since Darren declared this blogger appreciation day (a nice plan by the way), I thought I’d note some bloggers I appreciate. I adore so many bloggers that honestly this list could be endless, but since this is a blog about blogging networks I thought I’d shout out to people who rock at one of my networks - b5media. (If I did all my networks I’d be here all day).
Thankfully Deb works at b5, so I can include her. We’ve actually worked at three or four of the same networks altogether I believe, and she’s always been nothing but cool. I could say more, but I think if you like someone enough to start a blog with them that’s enough said.
My co-blogger at Tree Hugging Family - Peggy. I was so nervous about getting a co-blogger there but it became obvious pretty quickly that she makes the blog a much better place to be, and she’s great fun to work with. Plus she’s up at 3am like me. Actually that might be a bad thing since I can’t get work done when I’m emailing her for the ninth time… Hmm.
Marye - because well, if you knew her you’d appreciate her too. I could write an entire blog about the good Marye’s done, she constantly amazes me.
Gayla my editor at b5media of course. I’ve said it before but you won’t find a better editor than her.
Some bloggers you appreciate even when their blogs are puzzling. For me that blogger is Jeanne who really only blogs about topics I can’t handle but I adore her anyhow. If I lived closer, I’m sure we’d go see the new X-Files together when it comes out.
Linette; totally sweet, a great blogger, and always generous with links.
Kori has actually done lots of little things for me that I really appreciate. She’s endlessly helpful and always nice. We tend to talk late at night so maybe I forget to say thanks… here it is though. You’re noted and appreciated.
Sandy because she always sends me little clips to blog about, even though I never get her back 
Seriously, I know nothing about holidays. I’ll have to find something obscure for her one day.
Hilary who can call me Jen if she wants.
Susan and Mary Jo who I grouped together because at they both managed to draw me out of my little niche area at b5. Before I knew them or their blogs I never visited the business or travel blogs. But both their blogs are swell enough to make you want more. Plus they’re both really nice bloggers to boot.
Shai and Christina - Every single time I’ve interacted with one of these two they’ve been helpful and upbeat. Who is helpful and upbeat all the time? Seriously though, they are, and it’s appreciated.
Last but never, ever least - Liberty who is maybe one of my best online pals around. But she knows that, so instead of talking a lot, I’ll just leave her a little note - “I swear as soon as I hit publish I’ll email :)”
And beyond that there are seriously at least 30 other b5 bloggers who improve my world often - I feel really bad to stop now, but I have work to do, and I just can’t fit them all here. But that’s one of the perks of network blogging, there’s always someone fun, helpful, or inspiring around to hang with.
Now, before the day is over, why not celebrate Darren’s idea and blog about some bloggers you appreciate. Or tell me who you appreciate and why in the comments.
Don’t Forget Your Sense of Humor
Before I forget, happy Blogger Appreciation Day! Show another blogger how he or she is appreciated by offering encouragement and support.
Yesterday I chatted for a bit with another network blogger who was a bit down about the direction her blog was taking. As a health blogger who discussed a chronic condition she felt her posts, and her community’s comments about their health issues, was bringing the community. She felt her blog was so depressing she didn’t want to do it anymore. A couple of other bloggers chimed in and we discussed ways to add positivity to the blog. Especially through humor.
I think as bloggers we feel our primary goal is to teach, but it’s also to entertain. There are people who come to read our blogs not to learn something new, but to read and interact. Humor is a great way to encourage positivity and get some great comments rolling.
The benefits of using humor in your blog posts:
- Humor makes people smile and laugh. It makes them want to show your post to others and encourages them to come back for more humor.
- Laughter is contagious. Laughing makes people positive and upbeat.
- Humor shows a human side. People like to see you’re not perfect or that the same things happen to all of you. "Slice of life" humor is always well received.
- Humor helps others to forget about their problems for a while.
- Humor lets us all stop taking ourselves seriously for a while.
- Humor breaks up the day.
How to use humor in your blog posts:
- Tell a funny story or anecdote.
- Find a funny video.or
- Ask readers for their own funny stories.
- Look for humorous cartoons or articles and bring them to the attention of your readers.
I think bloggers forget they don’t always have to be serious. Bloggers who discuss topics such as illnesses or sad topics especially have to be careful not to become too depressing. Don’t forget to inject a little humor in your blog posts. Watch and see the difference it makes with your community.
