Build Reputation vs. Increase Traffic

[t. olmsted]

I’ve found hundreds of articles online with names like “How to increase the traffic to your blog”, but I have found very few (barely any in fact) on how to increase a blog’s reputation. For me, (in my own, personal dreamland!) that would mean making my blog more of a must visit destination for serious readers, as well as for people in the writing/publishing industry. And while I think a first step is trying to put up the best possible content – and hopefully filling some of the book review void slowly being left by newspapers and magazines – how do you make sure the right people/your target audience will hear about it?
Has anyone else hit this wall yet? And if so, can you offer any advice?

[Trish Collins]

I think the best way to find your target audience is to go find them.

SO! That means going to blogs who are similar to yours, commenting on those blogs, and then seeing who leaves comments and going and checking out those blogs. Once you get the ball rolling, your target audience will come to you, because people will tell their friends about you.

[t. olmsted]

Thanks Trish. I've been trying to do that, but now that I think about it I may not have been looking at the right sites. Funny how the simplest solutions can be the hardest to think of!

[Trish Collins]

Well, sometimes you'll find a blog where they just won't reciprocate the visit, no matter how often you stop by or the great comments you leave. I promise you'll find some great bloggers who will love you as much as you love them. :)

[Alison]

I think the key is to think outside the box. A truly successful blogger isn't someone who gets hits and comments only by other bloggers. Sure, in the beginning, while we're trying to find our footing, this is the best way to become a part of the book blogging community. We find out what other bloggers are doing, sign up for one another's challenges, comment, and interact with your fellow bloggers. But, if you really want to be successful and increase your traffic, figure out what your demographic is and seek out other sites that your audience visits -- message boards, websites, Facebook, My Space.

Everyone's first stop should be to their local indie bookstore to see what kind of partnership you can create. I love my Indie guys...and when I review something they have recommended to me, not only do I give them props on my review, but they will also link to my review from their website or their Facebook page.

If you have a local MOMS club in your town/area, see if you can put up a link on their webpage, if that's your demographic. Put an ad in the High school bulliten if you read and review young adult lit.

If ou really want the site to grow, and you have the time to put into your own promotion...go for it.

[Amy]

Hey Alison,

Since building partnerships with out local indies is something we've discussed in this group before, I'd love to hear more about yours. I don't actually have a very local indie, but I'm interested in hearing how yours works.

[drey]

Hi Alison ~ What a great idea! I've seen a few indie bookstores around, but I don't have much time to browse, so I don't. I should take a day & go visiting... Thanks for that nugget!