4 Rules For Using Social Networking To Promote Your Blog
With the latest surge of social networking, new ways of promoting content have emerged. Social networking happens to be a highly efficient way to promote your content. There is a simple science to it though. Simply RSS feeding your links over a public network, or posting links in your messages is not enough. I will provide 4 rules that if followed, should help successfully promote your blog with social networking.
Rule #1- Treat Others As you Want To Be Treated
Sounds a lot like the golden rule huh? It is, and as it is one of the most important rules in life, it also happens be one of the most important rules in reference to social networking promotion.
You want people to visit on your site? Visit their site. With so many people actively trying to promote their own content via social networks, it quickly has turned into a “you scratch my back, I scratch yours” kind of deal. People remember who paid attention to their advertisements, and are more likely to return the favor. Make your presence known. Respond to their articles or even send them a little private mail telling them what you thought about their site/podcast. Never expect them to do the same in return, as everyone won’t be willing to return the favor.
That last sentence leads me to the next rule:
Rule #2- Be Genuine
Only responding and supporting others so that they will hopefully respond to you is a no no. People can spot this person a mile away, and will ultimately result in you being in a worse position than when you started. Someone asks your opinion on their content? Tell them the truth. Be constructive, as this is more beneficial than lying to them saying their content is great, when it really sucks. Supporting others is easy when you actually like doing it. It will come natural, and people can tell. You are likely to get stronger, genuine support from those that you offer the same to.
Rule #3- Never ONLY Promote Yourself
This is a big one, and the most common mistake that I see from others. If the only time that you post is to share something YOU did, and you hardly ever participate in discussions or share anything else, you are doing more hurt to your promotion than anything. People will quickly ignore you. Even if you have GREAT content! One real world example (no names) is a guy who has a great start up social networking idea. Me being me, I whole-heartedly supported the idea because it is great, and it can go somewhere. After about a week, I noticed that I only heard from him when it was about HIM. He never participated in any other form, and he never showed interest in anyone else. Now when I see activity from him, I automatically ignore it because I know what it’s about. Which is only natural. You must actively participate in the community that you are trying to promote in. Again, BE GENUINE and this will be an easy rule to follow.
Rule #4- Don’t Be A Penis
This sort of ties into rule #3, but a lot of good people have broken rule #3. Only penises break rule #4. Always giving negative feedback on others, and just plain being a “hater” is a big no no. Other people spot this a mile away, and no one wants to be a part of it.
As you manage to get readers/subscribers, don’t forget the people that have supported you from the start. Ignoring these people is counterproductive, because their support is part of the reason that more people will support your content.
Unless you are a geek magnet like Kevin Rose, you should be adding EVERYONE that wants to be your friend. Not adding them back makes you look like a penis. Especially when all over your site/podcast you give out your social network profiles asking for people to add you. Sure in the short run it may be ok with your hardcore followers, but if you are also breaking rule #3, you will make new potential people shy away.
I can guarantee that if you follow these simple guidelines you will gain more support in your efforts to promote your content. You may even get help with promotion from people who like what you have to offer. These are the people that will email friends to check out your content, which ultimately will lead to more viewers/subscribers.
Have you been breaking some of the rules? It is never too late. If you are just starting out, self promotion is all you have. Do it wisely.
Posted in How To, Social Networking
You have reached the personal blog of Howard O'Berry. I enjoy blogging about tech and current events, but being that this blog is personal, pretty much anything goes. You can catch me on 
William Smith August 3rd, 2007 at 8:15 pm
I like your posts
Right now, social networking has been the best way for me to promote my site. I get most of my visits from pownce and secondly, to digg - at least that is what Analytics says. It isn’t much but the trend is going up and to the right so thats a good sign.