When you have first started your blog, chances are, you’re going to be writing really exciting content that is going to really entice the readers and excite them. The reason for this is because you are passionate about the topic and that means that you are going to write about all of your passions. This passion-based writing ensures that the contest is fantastic. However, once you’ve written the content, how do you get people to your site to read the content?
In my recent post about building backlinks, I talked about how you could send e-mails to the authorities in your niche with the topics of your most recent article with hopes of getting them to write something about your latest ‘craze.’ But, I wanted to go into a little more detail and tell you a few things that you want to do when you’re doing that.
Because there are times when we just don’t know what to write about, getting an e-mail from a smaller blogger who had an idea can actually help the authority blogger write something new. I can tell you that I have had a hard time figuring out what to write about and then I had a user e-mail me. However, the thing to remember is that you are e-mailing them telling them that you wrote a really awesome article and that you wanted to know their opinion. They’re going to post their opinion on their blog and hopefully link to you.
The first thing that you want to do when you’re e-mailing an authority blogger is ensure that you have the e-mail correct. Obviously, if it’s not correct, you’re not going to get anything done. Once that is done, send them the e-mail. Rather than going into this huge, detailed letter about who you are, what you want to do, blah blah blah, just write them a short note telling them who you are, that you wrote an article about (fill in the topic) and that if they want to get a better idea about who you are, to check out your about page. Here is an example:
Dear Blogger,
My name is Jacob. I recently wrote a blog post about good web designs on my blog. I was wondering if you might take the time to read it and perhaps give me your opinion about it. To get to know me more, check out my about page.
Thanks,
Jacob
By doing the above, you are not wasting their time, you’re telling them what you are offering, and you are keeping it nice and simple. Include a link to your post and your homepage as well as to your about page. Send it off and call it a day.
The one thing to remember is not to pester them. If they are going to write about your post, they will when they do. If they are not, they are not going to write about it. Pestering them is only going to make things worse. It’s only going to make them get frustrated with you and, if they are spiteful, just forget you even more.
Before you are a big time blogger, you need to get the big time bloggers to know you. Networking is key. By sending e-mails out to the big bloggers telling them about what you do and your most recent work, you’re increasing the chances of getting them to write about you. It’s not going guarantee anything, but it is going to increase your chances. And remember…Even if they don’t snag on this one, the next time you e-mail them, they’ll remember you even more. Networking really IS key.
That method works as well. By asking people around you if they have any questions, it gives you ideas for things to write about. I know Darren from Problogger did that on Twitter and he got quite a few post ideas. It definitely helps to have a following so you can answer questions for them right on the blog. Awesome idea!
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This is a great idea, Jacob. And certainly it can be a good idea for the “authority” as well.
I know there are times I’m thinking of a subject to write about, and I ask those around me to ask me questions or have me clarify something I’ve written previously – and very often, this generates new article ideas for all the niches that I have.
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