Sometimes we get stuck in the constant quest for perfection and never get our content out there because we’re not sure the theme is “perfect” or whatever just isn’t quite right yet… Don’t let that stop you! Instead, focus on getting it good enough for now and then making improvements as you go.
So, instead of asking yourself if it’s “perfect” yet… ask yourself, “Is your blog ready for promotion?”
Here’s a quick checklist to help you answer that question. Remember, you don’t have to answer these with “it’s perfect!” but instead just “it works for now!” so that you can get out there, promote your blog and share your expertise, mission, causes or random thoughts with the world.
1. Content
Do you have a dozen or so posts published on the blog? You want to have content ready before you start sending traffic to your blog. They’ll need something to read when they land on your blog… don’t just give them a “coming soon” post.
2. Branding
Does your blog theme choice and header graphic express what your blog is about and support your branding? Make sure your theme conveys the right style and feel. Your blog header should include your blog’s title and make it obvious what readers will find on your blog. If you’re adding a blog to an existing website, does the design complement your existing website and tie in so readers can tell they’re connected?
3. Contact
Is your about page setup and does it include an easy way to get in touch with you? Share a photograph of yourself, and information about your inspiration to blog about the topic you’ve chosen. Let your readers in on who you are and why you’re blogging. Offer links to your social networking profiles as well as an easy to use contact form so readers can connect with you in the way they prefer.
Try FollowMe plugin for WordPress to link to your social profiles, and the Contact Form 7 plugin for an easy contact form.
4. Subscriptions
Have you setup an easy way for readers to subscribe to your blog with an RSS feed and email delivery option? Your blog probably has an RSS feed built in and just waiting for you to link to it. You can use FeedBlitz or FeedBurner to deliver your blog by email. If you use Aweber or GetResponse you can also deliver your blog by email through their services.
5. Sharing
Can readers easily share your posts? Try a plugin like ShareThis, AddtoAny, Sociable or Sexy Bookmarks. Also look at adding a Facebook like button or Tweet button. Make it easy for readers to share your posts with their friends and they’re more likely to do so.
6. Email Capture
Is your ezine subscription box/offer on every page of your blog? The header or top of your sidebar are good places for it. Have you given readers a good reason to give you their contact information? Offer a free report, audio file, or other gift in exchange for their subscription. Be sure you also have a privacy/spam policy noted by your opt-in box to increase confidence.
With these 6 important aspects covered, you’re ready to start promoting that blog!
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Blog promotion already may begin much earlier, when choosing the right domain name for a business. New website owners have basically 2 options: Going for a search engine friendly domain name that includes the main keywords or a modern short name such as fiverr, digg etc (the funnier the letter combination the better) in order to easily brand their business.
Good points, Andreas. It’s important to choose the domain for your blog wisely.
I just spent the last month having a new website designed to do exactly what you have shared here so I am ahead of the game BUT, I seem to be struggling with having the sign-up box on every page. I know the reason for it but many of the pages look better with no sidebar. Now I feel like I don’t have a process for deciding which ones will and which ones will not have the sidebar. Basically if the page has the sidebar showing, the sign-up box is there.
Any thoughts on making that decision?
Linette Daniels
http://EmpoweringYouthForSuccess.com
You might consider putting the sign up box in an alternative spot: the header, or in a slide up footer, slide down header bar, or pop up lightbox.
There are some page though that you may not want that box on anyway. :) For example, sales pages.
When I’m trying to decide what to put on a page (sidebar, no sidebar, etc) I ask myself what the #1 action I’d like visitors to take on that page is. If it’s to purchase a program, then no sidebar and no distractions. If it’s to subscribe then I need that box on there somewhere.
This checklist is right on the money – literally and figuratively!
I need to get off my duff and get serious about adding a contact form to my blog. And I need to get back with you about my header – whenever you can squeeze me in. You created a beautiful logo for me that needs to be seen. I love it and it needs to take its place of honor in my header (and in my blog broadcast and in my email marketing and in my signature line and …)!
This is a post that every success-minded entrepreneur and blogger needs to set their eyes on,
Melanie
Melanie Kissell recently posted… My Get Up and Go Got Up and Went
Anytime you’re ready, Melanie! :) I’d love to see it on your site. :)
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