Have you ever wanted to jump into bed with a particular blogger? Hang on, hang on… before everyone yells out a collective nomination for Sexy SEO, I should clarify that I’m talking metaphorically. Despite the smutty nature of my last post I won’t be delving too deeply into the bedroom today. Instead, I’ll be concluding my guest blogging series by explaining how donating guest posts to fellow bloggers can build deeper relationships and strengthen your social network.
Before we delve into the topic, let’s take a quick recap of the guest blogging series so far. The first chapter investigated how guest blogging helps to attract new readers. The sequel looked at how to improve search engine rankings via guest blogging. And of course, the final installment in the trilogy explains how guest blogging can help you build kick ass relationships with fellow bloggers and create a strong social network around your blog.
The benefits of a social network
I’ve discussed the value of a social network in previous posts. But for those who missed it, here’s a quick summary of the benefits:
- Your network tends to consist of your most loyal supporters, who read most of your work.
- Your network will contribute and extend the discussion via comments.
- Your network will share and support your work in social media avenues such as Digg & StumbleUpon.
- Your network will link to your work.
Building a network around your blog should be one of the first tactics to grow your readership. In a previous post, I wrote about how blog commenting can be a great way to introduce yourself to a blogger and create a relationship/rapport. The premise is simple… when you consistently contribute intelligent thoughts and discussion to a blog, most authors will sit up and take notice. At the very least they’ll respond to your comments. Most will take the time to visit your blog. And if you’re really lucky, they’ll subscribe and begin to reciprocate the contribution. I like to think of blog commenting as a great way to get to first base.
Using guest blogging to deepen relationships
If blog commenting is the perfect ice breaker, guest blogging is the ideal way to take your relationship with fellow bloggers to the next level. Most bloggers are ultra busy individuals. For many, blogging is a part time gig driven by passion. We love what we do, but the ongoing maintenance of a blog is time consuming. Any heavy duty blogger will be writing regularly, promoting their work, following other industry blogs, networking, using social media, monitoring their stats & more. That’s a lot of work to squeeze in around the rest of your life. So when an offer arises to temporarily alleviate the most time-consuming task (writing), it’s a big deal. Consider it a big ass virtual favour.
In my experience I’ve found that this favour changes the nature of the relationship. It takes it from a somewhat superficial/casual nature to a far more engaged level. In particular, new communication channels such as email are opened, which creates an opportunity to engage in private discussion and get to know each other on a personal level. I speak with each of the bloggers I guest posted for regularly via email and micro blogging platforms such as Plurk. This simply didn’t happen before and wouldn’t have been likely to without the initial guest blogging favour (at least not in the short term). Most have been kind enough to share personal tips and advice for my blog. Now that’s cool!
My social network in action
Throughout the guest blogging series I’ve tried to include tangible benefits associated with my personal guest blogging world tour. So let’s take a look at some of the benefits my guest blogging friends have sent my way:
- Dave & Shana are my strongest supporters in Sphinn, consistently submitting my work. God bless their cotton socks. I know Steven has tried to as well but has been beaten to the punch. All regularly vote for my work.
- Steven has included a number of my posts in his awesome monthly round up.
- Shana included one of my posts in her suggested reading over at Collective Thoughts.
- Donna included me in her list of search marketing bloggers.
- Most contribute to my blog discussions via the comments semi regularly.
Importantly, I never had to ask for any of this help from my friends. Rather, all have been amazingly supportive from the day I volunteered to do a little writing for their blog. I like to think of it as another example of social media karma in action. What goes around comes around…
Get your social network groove on!
I guess it goes without saying that I consider guest blogging to be THE killer way to create a great social network. So while my series on the benefits of guest blogging might have come to an end, you can bet your sweet ass that I’ll still be out there giving my work away. After all… I’ve got a network to build. If you need a little help writing for your blog, drop me a line and I’ll do my best to squeeze you in.
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Well as long as your having fun tho right mate? It has been a fun year so far with plenty of laughs tears and fears… and we’re just over 1/2 way through.
Guest blogging is certainly always fun IMO if it’s posting on a friend’s site or having great peeps drop by your own blog – brings new energies and stimuli (keep yer mind outta the gutter)
I guess I owe U a post then ….. hmmmmm…. maybe I should do one on the benefits of having guest bloggers… complete the series here…lol
Well, was fun watching the world tour in motion – talk to U soon
@ Dave – it has been fun… especially when I get my mittens on a blog like yours or Tad’s where I’ve got free reign to be a jackass
No need to ‘owe’ me a post. Remember… I benefit out of this whole thing as well. But your thoughts on the benefits of having guest bloggers would be a more than welcome addition to the series!
And by the way… the world tour ain’t finished by any means. I’d be happy to drop by for an encore at the Trail any time…
Sometimes it can be difficult to decide what to write for others and what to put on your own blog, especially if you want to offer value to the readers of the other blog.
I’ve written less than 10 guest blog posts in my life but definitely recommend them
@ Glen – I know the feeling. I gave Tad a post recently that I knew would do well. He got 100 new subscribers from it. I could have taken the selfish perspective and held that article for myself. But ultimately, your guest posts need to be good to attract new readers (which is often the primary objective).
So true James. It’s really from the principle that the more you give the more you get back. I know with my round up post any time someone comments on my blog. or links to me, or does most anything to get my attention in a positive way I’m much more likely to check out their blog, subscribe and respond in kind.
Glen one thing I do when guest posting is to really look at someone else’s blog. I look through their categories to find where my own writing overlaps and then look deeper into places where the blog may not be fully represented. It’s not always easy, but I see it as a challenge and a way to stretch myself and grow as a writer.
@James – by the way the only reason I don’t submit your posts to Sphinn more is because Dave and Shana live on the east coast and have a two hour head start on me. Believe me I try.
Great article. The idea has been used by and played out for years by larger news sites that take on contributing authors and bloggers. I think that in addition to the great networking potential the overall authority gained by guest blogging makes every word you write even more powerful than if it were on your own blog.
@ Steven – It’s simple karma really, as I have written before. And on that note I’m going to go check out Shalom’s blog as I haven’t read it before. As for Sphinn, I’m well aware that you try and it is appreciated. Maybe you’ll have a better shot now that Dave’s out of the picture
@ Shalom – Thanks for dropping by. Guest blogging really is one of the better ways to build authority, particularly as a newbie. Hopefully I’m in a position one day where I can hand the reigns to others to help them build their own profile.
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