How much do people talk about you?
Aaron Brazell of Technosailer asks that question in a wonderful post about a key goal of blogging - to get people talking about you.
Picture the situation. You're standing around in a crowded bar at a social event after a conference. There are 150 people standing around in various states - some drunk, some not. Everyone's talking. Most likely, they are talking about some hot button issue in whatever industry you're in. They might be talking about their newest product or pitching a potential partner...... In one conversation, an industry expert is referred to and the four people participating in that conversation laugh and nod. In another conversation, another industry experts new startup is opined about and everyone questions the business model. The point is, people are talking about these other people and conversation is flowing. Those people are not present. Can't give business cards. Can't pitch their product. Can't talk about their new experience or their new lines of thinking. Yet, their messages are getting out. For better or for worse, their personal brand is alive and well and well represented in this crowd.
Aaron nails a common misconception in blogging - if you produce good content, people will come. "While that is true to a certain extent, that theory will never amount to much in the broad scope of things." He explains there a lot of people who write 500 to 750 word thoughtful and well written posts a week that no one hears about.
When you write that great content, try to get that content in front of other SMEs (similarly minded experts). Find ways to market yourself. Give away your knowledge. Speak at industry events. Host meetups related to your industry. Be social and network. Go drink a beer with others in your industry. When an opinion is asked for, be aggressive and share your opinion in a succinct, well-spoken manner.
I'll add that a lot of this can be done without leaving your office or home. Be social in your blogging.
- Comment on other blogs leaving your name, blog url, and email address.
- Reference other people's blog content on your posts. You may get a trackback link and you'll certainly be seen by the blogger whose content you referenced who may subscribe to your blog and blog about your content.
- Let reporters know you've blogged about their stories. It won't be too long before you'll be quoted in a publication which your clients and prospective clients read.
- Blog about conferences you want to present at. Let the conference coordinator know you blogged about them and your availability to speak on a niche topic.
99% of bloggers don't understand blogging is an art. Effective blogging to get people talking about you will put you light years ahead of your competition.
Inspiring post! I look forward to visiting your blog more often.