subject: Build Links to Your Free Website by Posting on Blogs and Forums [print this page] Build Links to Your Free Website by Posting on Blogs and Forums
Where to Post
Don't just start posting willy-nilly. Create a posting strategy. You want high quality, targeted links to your website rather than a large quantity of unrelated links.
Start by writing down the types of readers you want to attract. Who are your prospective customers or who would be interested in your topic?
Next, determine what websites those readers may already visit. List some of the top websites in your field, or do a Google search to find some websites you admire.
Find out if any of those sites offer the opportunity to write a guest commentary. If so, write away!
If the site has a forum or chat room, check it out. Read other people's comments and questions to get a feel for the style of forum. Are the posts highly technical or intellectual in nature, or casual and humorous? Make a note of the forums that attract you the most, or add them to your "favorites."
Look for sites that are closely related to yours, with readers that would also enjoy visiting your site.
Search for blogs related to your website on Technorati.com or Alltop.com. Again, note the blogs where you feel truly engaged.
Once you've picked your most likely candidates, just hang out and continue to monitor conversations.
What to Post
OK, you've created your strategic list of blogs and forums that relate to your website. You've listened in on some of the conversations to get a feel for their tone and style. It's time to step in and add your comments, questions or opinions.
When you post, add something real to the conversationuseful information, a genuine question, or advice based on your experience. You never want to post a useless comment just to get your link on the site. Readers will notice a lack of sincerity right away.
You may want to add a link to an educational or entertaining video you think the readers would enjoy. Share a story related to the topic or add some historical perspective. Show your expertise without being a show-off. After a while, the other readers will get to know you, trust you and want to check out your site.
The more you participate, the easier it will be to come up with posts and comments.
How Often to Post
Participating in the blogosphere can be fun, but it can turn into a full time hobby if you don't use your time wisely. Remember, the purpose of your posting strategy is to get visitors to your site. So set aside a specific time each day or week to read conversations and make posts where appropriate.
Target the most high-profile forums and blogs first, as those will send you the most visitors.
The more engaged you are in the network, the more traffic you'll generate. If you can find time to participate each day that's great. If not, try to at post on some blogs and forums at least once a week. Remember, you're building a relationship while getting links to your website out there.
Most of these posts will be short and shouldn't take much time. Some posts may be as simple as a question or a link to a helpful article.
Start Small, then Expand Your Network
Start posting on two or three of your favorite, high profile sites. Once you feel comfortable doing that, go through your list of sites and add your comments to a few others. Keep adding to your list, and posting to additional sites as you find time.
Be sure to check your website statistics to determine which sites are sending you the most traffic. Use that information to refine your strategy. If you're only getting a trickle of hits from a site or blog, don't waste your time posting there.
By posting engaging, valuable comments on high quality related sites, you'll build a strong readership for your website.
