How to get more traffic and build your brand by doing something as simple as commenting on blogs that your target market flock to.
I've noticed that a lot of people participate in the blogosphere by commenting on their favorite blogs and taking part in the discussions.
But I've also noticed that most people haven't fully taken advantage of their participation by using it as an opportunity to build their brand.
Or worse -- if they DO push their brand, they push too hard by spamming their links all over the place.
Like always, I look for a happy medium between blatant annoying self-promotion and being a wallflower too afraid to join the fun.
A good place to start is with a picture (or "avatar"):
Pictures let people get to know you more and, in the case of blog comments, they also increase the chance that people will click on your link.
An easy way to make sure your picture shows up on any blog is by going to:
Just sign up for a free account and upload your picture, then your picture will show up whenever you comment on blogs.
Here's an example of pictures being used and not being used:
It makes a huge difference -- especially if you use the same picture everywhere else, because people recognize faces much better than they do names.
Next time you're at your favorite blog, keep an eye on this.
Pay attention to what kind of reaction people's pictures have on you and how much of a difference it makes when you're reading what they had to say.
Also, you're going to want to use a consistent website you enter when leaving comments -- this would be your "Nerve Center" -- the site you use to build your brand and capture people's contact info.
This is important because leaving a web address makes your name and picture a clickable link.
Now this shouldn't be the ONLY reason you leave comments, but you can get some good traffic to your site this way if you leave thoughtful, intelligent comments.
Which brings me to my next point -- Always add VALUE to the conversation!
Don't just stroke the writer's ego by saying, "I love your post, you're the best!"
(At least not ALL the time ;)
What you want to be thinking of when you're out there leaving comments is, "How can I add VALUE to this discussion?"
The more value you add, the more ATTRACTIVE you become to your target market.
And that is what attraction marketing is really all about.
P.S. If "attraction marketing" sounds like gibberish to you, you should definitely check out these videos. They will explain everything:
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Thanks for your point about using avatars, Monique. I never considered how much better a face stays in your memory than a name does.
Keeping that happy medium of balance is something I strive for, too (not always easy! LOL) — like commenting on some blogs that may not have a ton of traffic, but I want to support that business owner. And then other times, I’ll make a point of commenting on blogs with very high-profile authors.
Each type of comment draws different folks back to my site, and I get to strengthen my connections with the blog authors, too. I love it!
Thanks for your great suggestions about this whole topic.
Always a fan,
Janet
Yes, and when you have a really great picture like you do Janet it’s even better!
It’s amazing how attractive PARTICIPATION is.
Great point I heard this in a call yesterday. ;)
Thanks, Kalise — I heard that call, too :)
I found you through a comment you left — what a coincidence! Or are you secretly one of the bloggers at Jason Better? hmmm
Hi Justin,
Glad you found us!
And no, I’m not secretly one of the bloggers at Jason Better — that’s pretty funny, though.
Great post once again. I’d also like to add strategic commenting also gives you some SEO juice as well. Make sure to not only brand yourself properly, but visit high traffic sites like BetterNetworker and leave comments there as well.
Mark Gubuan
http://www.MarkGubuan.com
P.S. Thanks for the Gravatar link. My picture will now be everywhere. I hope people find me “attractive”. Bad joke. I know.
Hey Mark, good to see your smiling face (LOL)
Yes, link juice definitely helps, too.
The thing I like about you is you’re always having fun with what you do — your email headlines always get my attention — that’s for sure.
Derek & Monique,
Interesting topic here, which is something I like about your blog. Sometimes it IS about the small details instead of the big picture.
Anyways, Gravitars are great and something that we recently discussed with my team on a recent webinar.
Two things I find interesting about them — 1) Lots of people still don’t use them. 2) If you are using one, why aren’t you using it to brand you — instead of a scene, magical art drawing, or an animal?
If you are branding YOU — I would want to know what YOU look like, not your fantasy idea of what you represent.
Just my two cents,
~Linus
Hi Linus, Glad you dropped by!
Yes, OCD people like Monique and I can sometimes get into details a little too much (LOL)
“If you are branding YOU — I would want to know what YOU look like, not your fantasy idea of what you represent.“
You are absolutely right — a picture says a lot about you.
Your picture, for example, portrays an authentic, genuine person — I’m sure that helps when people are deciding to work with you or not ;)
Appreciate the teaching re commenting. Until very recently, this wasn’t a part of my routine. i am now starting to understand that it is a great opportunity to network and truly give without want. thanks again.
Yes, definitely Peter,
It’s a great way to get some conversations going and connect with your target market
– Be they higher up on the ladder, same rung, or looking up…
This is so true. I have visited a lot of different nerve centers simply because of what the owner left as a comment somewhere. If they leave a useful comment or tip, or funny, or just make themselves stand out in a positive way, I will often click on their name to see what’s behind it.
Thanks for getting the message out there Derek!
Susanna
You’re most welcome, Susanna!
I’m the same way — someone makes me laugh and I’m there!
Thanks Derek„, You must have been reading my mind. I was going to ask you that question. Now I know : – )) Your posts always have info that I can use and more importantly „ should use !!
Thanks Vernon,
I’m a mind reader!
Derek, You’re the BEST! Appreciate the gravatar help to cut through it to the heart of branding — NOW I’m much more aware of how to build my value to others too! :))
Glad I could help, Jana!
Ok, now I think I have the missing gravatar solved! If my photo shows when I submit this reply, I’ve mastered it! :)