10 Ways To Promote Your Business Blog Locally
It’s easy to get caught up in the global aspects of blogging for business in the online world. But, sometimes all that matters is the local market.
I came across a great article that discusses the emerging trend of hyperlocal blogging where people are blogging about their neighborhoods, cities, towns, states, and all things that matter locally (humm, a great way for Realtors any other service provider professional to connect with potential clients, huh?).
More and more there seems to be a shift online towards local markets and the local community. This is a good thing for professional service providers who are also business bloggers. Networking offline is just as important as networking online and it gets that much easier when you can connect through a business blog.
If you are looking to market your business blog locally then you have to think locally. Here are 10 ways to get you started promoting your business blog locally:
10. Teach - Host a seminar or workshop and direct people to additional information that can only be found on your business blog.
9. Network - Be involved in the local community. Attend Chamber of Commerce meetings and other local groups such as conferences and conventions and pass out business blog cards to everyone you meet. Find local groups at Meetup.com
8. Write Local - Business bloggers targeting the local community should blog local. In your posts, use the name of the city or town whenever possible as well as other local business names and events.
7. Find Local Bloggers - Find other bloggers in your town and connect by commenting on their blogs (value added comments, of course) or sending a friendly email introducing yourself (caution: do not spam anyone). One place to look for bloggers is to visit the local newspapers online.
6. Get Found - Advertise for free your business blog on Google Maps, Yahoo Local, and Craigslist.
5. Social Sites - Look for people in your local area on social networking sites like Linkedin, Facebook, or even do a search to find local discussion forums.
4. Get Promotional Items - Get t-shirts, hats, stickers, etc. and wear them every where you go. Give them to your friends and family too.
3. Public TV - Find a way to get on your local public service channel.
2. Talk - Tell your family and friends. Have them spread the word about your business blog. Don’t keep your business blog a secret - let people know about it. Just don’t be the person who won’t shut up about their latest and greatest endeavor. :)
1. Give - Give away as much information as you can. Create a manual or a how to booklet and give it away. Give a free analysis, consultation, or something similar. Give and expect nothing in return.
*Bonus - Local Search - Optimize your business blog for local search. Here is a great study on Local Search Ranking Factors.
Ultimately, a business blog is a great marketing tool to help you connect with people and build relationships. If your not promoting your business blog locally you may be missing out on some great connections. Afterall, it’s about WHO you know not WHAT you know, isn’t it?
How do you promote your business blog locally?
photo credit: Derek Farr ( DetroitDerek )
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Great tips, I love them all. In our town my goal is to give speeches and lectures at the local colleges when they are back in school. It is an easy way to meet people and share your knowledge. Then at a later time leverage those speaking to your advantage.
Yes! That’s exactly what I am looking to do here in my town. I want to start hosting a monthly seminar/workshop for local business people.