Optimising Your Blog

Now that you have set up your blog, you need to get it ranking high in the search engine result pages (SERPs).  This requires a lot of link building which in turn will generate traffic to your site.

Here are a few tips to help you on your way:

1.    Create a sitemap
Your CMS system should have allowed you to create a sitemap.  Once you have this, upload it to webmaster tools and it will let Google know your site is live and ready to be crawled and indexed.

2.    Directory submissions
Submit your blog to directories such as blog catalogue and ukblogdirectory.  This is free and allows you to write a mini description about your site with a link back.

3.    Networking
Meeting people at different blogging events, marketing and technology shows is a great way to talk about and promote your blog.  But you can also advertise your blog at other social events, weddings, parties, or even down the pub.  Every time you are out and about, think of it as an opportunity to promote your blog.  Make sure you have you business cards to hand with the URL to dish out to all those people.

4.    Guest posts
Write relevant posts on other blogs.  They will usually give you a link back to your site. If you target blogs in your field then you will get relevant traffic to your site.

5.    Comment on blogs
Visit blogs you like and be the first to comment on posts. Make sure you comment on relevant sites to your own blog and add real value, do not just comment for the sake of it.

6.    Sponsor events
If you are able to do so, sponsor networking events.  This can just be small meet ups, such as the events on meetup.com.  You may also be able to give a talk about your site and your speciality, attracting more interest.

7.    PPC
Yes that’s right, you can do some targeted PPC ads.  There are often free promotional codes given out by Google which gives you up to £30 free valid for 6 weeks.  You can set your ads to appear at certain times for example lunch times and after work when people are browsing during their free time.

8.    Twitter
If you already have a twitter account, make sure you have a link to your site on your profile. All the people you are following and that are following you will then visit your blog.

Remember to love your blog, always add to it regularly, even talk about it at work (if related).  The office is a great networking place and you will certainly boost your blog profile.

Guest post by SEO expert and blogger seojoblogs.