Blog Marketing Reality Check: It Actually Takes Work!
October 15, 2008 · Blog Marketing
Blog marketing, or the use of a blog to reach and convert your target audience, takes work. Lots and lots of freaking work. There is no way around the work, unless you outsource all the tasks associated with building a successful blog — in which case, just change the word “work” to “money.” And, for the record, if I receive one more email from a small business owner or online entrepreneur, wondering why their blog is not ranking when they post once a week and do absolutely nothing to integrate social media and SEO, I’m going to scream. Here’s a quick reality check about what it really takes to build a successful blog that actually generates direct or indirect profits for you:
- You will have to post something every single, flippin’ day. Period. And don’t think you can just post crap to fill the space. You’re actually going to have to provide value. I know that might be a challenge for those of you who are lazy and thought you could make millions online without actually working.
- Content is great, but you’re actually going to have to market… every flippin’ day! Seriously, great content is super and that’s all fine and dandy, but you’re actually going to have to market your blog…. everyday. And, when I say everyday, I mean every day. Social bookmarking, social networking, micro-blogging with Twitter and the like, building links, and more.
- You’re going to have to play outside often and nicely with the other kiddies. Meaning, you are going to have to get out there and network… AND collaborate… and for those of you who are insecure, you’re going to have to stop being such a baby. Grow up and play nicely with the other kids on your block. Bloggers support other bloggers and if you won’t do that, you’ll be sorry and stump your own success.
That’s it. It’s not complicated and it’s not brain surgery, but it’s reality… acceptance is the first step to recovery and building success 
Update:
Great article about the ethics of bloggers.
Great list of 7 Tips for Building Relationships with Blogging.
7 Tips for Bloggers from David Olgivy
Seth Godin’s Reacting, Responding, and Initiating
Related Diva Posts:
- Ping, Pinging, and all Things Ping for Your Blog Marketing Efforts
- Social Media Optimization is Key to Blog Marketing
- Social Media Optimization for Blog Marketing: Get that Social Proof
- Social Networking as Part of Your Social Media Optimization Strategies
- Best Places to List Your Blog for Traffic and Quality Links
Check Out the Conversation on FriendFeed 
Great post! I am going to remember this one and apply it as often as I can to my own blog! Thanks for the no holes barred approach
[Reply]
Blog everyday? Say it ain’t so, Maria. Please.
***cracking my knuckles, preparing to write more frequently.***
Warmly,
Ron
[Reply]
WebSuccessDiva Reply:
October 18th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Yes, sir, friend
It gets easier as you develop it and if you develop an “Editorial Calendar” that includes direction on the topics you’ll cover, which should also coincide with your “Marketing Calendar” and the activities you’re pursuing online 
[Reply]
Success Factors Reply:
October 28th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Do you have any posts which shows how you work on the above specifically?
[Reply]
WebSuccessDiva Reply:
October 28th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Throughout the blog we start to cover these topics. We’ll definitely be adding more as we go along
Are you looking for something in particular?
[...] Read more about The Reality of Blog Marketing [...]
GeeksIn.com - Treffpunkt für Geeks, Freaks und Nerds …
While the web continues to heap together geeks websites, we will try to bring them to you….
I think the social networking point you make is really one of the most important aspects of marketing your blog. I use StumbleUpon, Twitter, Digg and sites of this nature. I haven’t really used too many social bookmarking sites except for delicious. Do you have any that you might recommend? Thanks
-Gerald Weber
Houston search engine optimization´s last blog post..10 Examples of Creative Twitter Uses
[Reply]
WebSuccessDiva Reply:
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:20 am
I definitely recommend StumbleUpon, great community site that will bring you traffic consistently.
I also use Mixx and Reddit
[Reply]
Houston search engine optimization Reply:
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:42 am
Great! I already added you to SU. Now you can add me to reddit if you like. I am thegman3 on reddit. I haven’t been extremely active there but I’m going to try and use it more. Thanks
-Gerald Weber
Houston search engine optimization´s last blog post..10 Examples of Creative Twitter Uses
[Reply]
WebSuccessDiva Reply:
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:54 am
Heading on over there now