E's Into the Conversation - Part I

This week, we're going to look at ways and reasons a business should take an active role in the blogosphere (definition). When I say "active role", that doesn't necessarily mean publish a blog. Maybe the best place to start is by engaging in the conversation.

Engage in the Conversation.

I often tell new "bloggers" how to find current and potential customers (or readers) - and why.Then I suggest they engage in a conversation that adds value - to the blog site you're commenting on.

A great example of this is how Tim King got me reading his blog, Be The Story. Tim placed a comment on a recent post of ours. He engaged in the conversation without promoting his own site. It compelled me to check into his site and now I'm hooked, particularly because I can either read or listen to his posts.

What Tim didn't know is that I would use his site - not once, but twice - as part of the reference list for my blog workshops.

Do you need a blog to accomplish this? Nope. When taking part in a blog conversation, place a link to your (cob)web site if you're not blogging yet.

Find a few keywords or phrases. Do a search on Technorati's Find a Blog and create a Watch List (Here's one for Panera in Iowa). Then go engage in the conversation. Or start below.

Comments

[David Porter]

I am a new reader of your blog. I have enjoyed my visits and will be back.

Thanks for your viewpoints!

[Tim King]

Hi, Mike. Thanks for the shout-out!

You're absolutely right about engaging in the conversation. I hope I'm not jumping ahead of you here. My blog/podcast is still very young, and I have found this to be one of the most effective means of PR for it. Another example: Some of my target audience is deeply into on-line forums, but they're not yet into blogs. Now, I participate in these forums, not because I'm trying to push my blog, but because I want to be a valued member of these communities. But I also put a link in my signature to my blog/podcast. I've gotten numerous visits this way.

-TimK

[mike]

Tim, Your practice of conversation on message boards is another great way to engage. Thanks for sharing this idea.