ITC 298: 8 Tips for Blogger Outreach

Assignment 8: 8 Tips for Blogger Outreach

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/8-tips-for-blogger-outreach

This article caught my attention because much of my work in the past has been with a form of blogging. I am doing more of it these days, in conjunction with magazine publications. According to Vancouver blogger Jon Chow, writing guest posts is a great way to increase readership and make a few bucks.

SEOs should be building relationships through outreach - a responsive network of bloggers with whom you have an ongoing conversation can help make your promotion efforts much easier. Contacting bloggers cold and only when you want something is bound to be less successful than if you put the groundwork in first.

1. Flattery is easier on Twitter

I follow people I admire, and my list is small and select. Recently I discovered the very funny work of Mike Calahan and began reading his blog and following his tweets. Just today he began following me. I was extremely flattered. Just a click from this guy and I’m swooning. So yes, flattery is easier on Twitter.

2. Finding email addresses can be tough

website owners hide their email addresses and flog social media relentlessly. It’s quicker to reach bloggers through social media.

3. Use Twitter's search to find opportunities

Tweetdeck is recommended for more advanced Twitter use.

4. Tailor your Guest Posting ideas

If you are offereing to write for another blog, Include a few ideas for headlines straight off.  Find out what sort of content has worked well for them in the past. Who’s likely to turn down a free post on a subject that earned them loads of links last time round?

5. Twitter Lists FTW

You can create lists of favorites in your twitter account. If you keep it private you can use it for prospecting without seeming to calculating. If it’s public it might be a source of flattery, see Item 1.

6. Get an introduction

LinkedIn will show the Kevin Bacon style association between you and the person you’re targeting. I’ve never had any luck getting introductions through LinkedIn. Really, what kind of ice-breaker is going to get someone’s attention?

7. Show your credibility

Your profiles and resumes can be checked out any time by (usually) anyone.

8. Set up custom RSS feeds for key bloggers

RSS is something I’ve never used, but there is a method to set up the feed to include a keyword.

In all, social media is no substitution for building relationships in person, but it does offer the chance to build awareness.