When you hear the word “Marketing”, I’m sure you
automatically think…social networking, but what about the other types of marketing,
i.e. media releases, banner ads, blog talk radio, online networking groups to
name a few. So let’s look at how you can use these marketing avenues outside of
just Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.
Media Releases
I’m sure some of you have at one time or another sent a
media release. If you haven’t, it is time to start doing so. You don’t have to
pay a PR firm to do this for you. In fact, you can easily do this every time
you host a blog hop, guest interview or post, giveaway, and even if you’ve made
some changes or updates to your blog such as a new look or addition. Releases
are a great way to let local and online media outlets, publishers, companies,
PR firms, buzz sites and more know about you.
You can post a media release free or for a small fee if you
want to reach a bigger audience. Here are a few of my favorites:
Not sure you should write a media release about something, do
it in anyway. What do you have to lose? Nothing!
Banner Ads
Many of you have your favorite places to make buttons/banners
and even offer space on your blogs, however, are you posting your banner places
other than your blog? I see blogs with their banner ad saying, “Grab my button
here.” However, many sites will only post on their site if they do a link
exchange or pay for ad space.
What does this mean as a blog host? You need to look for
sites you feel your blog will benefit its readers. Contact the site and see if
they will do a link exchange. If they say we only do paid ad banners, find out the
fee or pass. Another place to put your button is in newsletters. Many
companies, authors, publishers, teachers, libraries and other bloggers put out
newsletters.
Online Network Groups
Online network groups such as Brand Buzz Network are a great
place to find others looking or sharing about the same things you’re passionate
about. However, you need to make connections that grow your blog following. By breaking
out of the blog sphere and joining groups where your followers hang out, you
increase your blogs marketing. If I only joined writing and editing groups, I
would be missing connections with my fan base as an author. Yes, editors and
authors read, but what about librarians, teachers, homeschooling parents, etc.
This is true with bloggers and their fan base. If you’re into recycling and
showing how to live a green lifestyle, are you in an online group with others
who only talk and share about this passion? If not, then it’s time to start
looking for a group and join.
Blog Talk Radio
This marketing style isn’t’ for everyone, but I encourage
you to try it. I started doing blog talk radio two years ago. I’ve been a guest
many times because of my writing, however, hosting a show wasn’t something I
considered until then and now I host over four shows every month (http://blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork).
The first show I started was titled after my personal blog, The Writing Mama.
The show was an extension of what I blogged about…writing, balancing family as
a writer and sharing stories of others just like me. The point is you can use a
blog talk radio show to drive more traffic to your blog and vice versa.
The opportunities are endless. Now it’s time to start
letting others know you are there!
This post was first published at Brand Buzz Network