This is a guest post from Sue Ellen Rogers
A lot of people love to blog. Unfortunately, it is difficult for a typical blogger to attract readers.
Luckily, there are a few steps any blogger can take to ensure they attract a loyal band of followers. Here are five helpful techniques to attract readers — especially if you are a beginning blogger.
1. Guest Blogging
One way to attract readers is to write guest blog posts.
To do it right, you should contact bloggers in the same industry. Be careful though, don’t guest post with bloggers who are in the same niche as you.
For example, if you write a blog about hiking shoes, you should contact a blogger who writes about hiking, not one that also writes about hiking shoes specifically. If you are a good guest blogger, you will not only gain traffic to your site; your SEO will also improve.
Remember —always create content that is enjoyable, valuable and unique.
2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Every blogger needs to take SEO seriously. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should understand the basics of search engine optimization.
In a nutshell, this means you must make sure to use the right keywords and publish relevant blog posts. Study the basics of SEO and understand keyword density, linking campaigns, and how to make your site more SEO friendly.
3. Content Is King
Remember that readers come to a blog for the content. Make sure you are writing valuable content that at the same time is immediately actionable.
When you write a blog post, it should come naturally. You also should remember to edit the post for any serious grammatical errors.
Without a doubt, good content is the most crucial aspect of any blog, before advertising, outreach or anything else.
4. Reader Comments
A lot of people shut the comment section of their blog off — this can be a tremendous mistake. The comments section is often the only place where a reader can communicate directly with the blogger, and it should not be disabled.
In order to combat spam you can install filtering software (like Akismet for WordPress) or monitor the comments manually.
If your readers can have a dialogue with you, they will come back. Besides, listening to your readers will naturally improve your content, meaning your blog will become better which, again, can attract more visitors.
5. Leave Comments
Not only should a blogger leave their comments section open, they should also comment on other blogs.
Do not take advantage of this and leave spammy comments though. Make sure the comments add to the discussion.
If you leave legitimate comments, you will gain followers to your blog in no time. You can follow other blogs in your industry and make relevant comments when you can add to the discussion.
Readers won’t come to your site overnight. However, as long as you’re on the ball and following these tips, they will come!
How do you attract readers to your blog?
About the Author: Sue Ellen Rogers writes about her career in blogging, marketing & public relations. Her most recent work shines light on The Top 10 Best Affordable MBA Programs, a resource she wishes she had when she was earning her graduate degree in the 90s.
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