If you know anything about the social web, you have to know… it’s not about large numbers or who you know. It is about the value you offer to your audience and how you value the communities you serve. It’s about giving before expecting a return. Today, these concepts are important when you’re trying to build smart blog traffic. Answering the questions or solving the problems of your audience will help you build smarter blog traffic.
You’ll build a great reputation for adding value to the communities you serve. When you answer questions and reach out to assist others, your actions are typically recorded on the sites you engage in, for the rest of the community to see. When you’re helpful, word gets around. Invest in the community, they’ll begin to invest in you.
Provide value, the traffic will come. This is especially true when you’ve gone out of your way to answer the questions of those seeking assistance. When you provide value, people pay attention — they follow the links on your profile. If you’re really smart, you’ll search for questions that are related to content on your blog, giving you an opportunity to link back to your blog.
Warning: Make sure the post you link to is of great value and related to the answers/assistance you are providing. Never spam or link to content that is not relevant — this will surely backfire friends 
My Favorite Answer Spots
LinkedIn Answers A super place for finding specific questions from professionals just like you. If you’re a small business, service professional, or consultant — LinkedIn Answers is a fabulous place to showcase your expertise and build smart blog traffic.
Yahoo Answers I think Yahoo answers is slept on (translation, a traffic source that needs more attention). Of course its not as concentrated and professional as LinkedIn. Yet, it’s value is found in the scope of questions that get asked. Most industries can find someone asking something about everything.
Niche Communities Another super source of smart traffic. You’ll find niche communities on just about any topic imaginable. Social networking sites, forums, and communities like Marketing Profs all have centers for members to engage, ask questions, and assist each other. Even hosting companies like GoDaddy are facilitating support between community members.
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Consistency is the key. I always advise bloggers to set aside consistent time for your traffic building activities. Make sure you’re spending time every week, taking action to build smart traffic. Try a half hour a day. Choose one tactic, like answering questions, per day. You’d be amazed at the results you can achieve.
About the Author...
Maria Reyes-McDavis is a colossal geek brainiac, certified genius IQ with university degrees in Finance, Economics, Business Management and an MBA. Maria has served over 300 pro-level, digital marketing clients as founder of online marketing firm Digital Peas & Carrots. Maria is Founder and Editor of Hyphenated Americans, a conservative politics blog and Proverbs 31 Project an online women's ministry. Most importantly, Maria is a wife to her king, mother of 3, lover of basketball (Go Lakers & Clippers!), classic cars and is currently training for professional women's roller derby!
