First, let me say Congrats! on getting yourself a piece of web history and joining an exciting field. Blogging, social media, online marketing, SEO, is alot of work but it’s also alot of fun.

If this is your very first niche blog site and are not sure where to begin, let’s go over a few basics now.

First, make sure you know your niche. Make sure you know which keywords you are after and or targeting through your new blog. See below for more on this.

Second, have a plan of action. What goals do you have for this blog site. Is it to capture leads? Is it Adsense clicks you’re after? Maybe you want to sell an ebook? Affiliate marketing with Amazon or eBay? Whatever it is, decide early on what you want your blog to do for you.

Now let’s move on and discuss easy traffic tips. Because regardless of the blog business model you’re after, traffic is key. Plus this article assumes you’re PAST THE BASICS.

1. Organic Search (a/k/a SEO) – This is perhaps my preferred method of gaining traffic to a new blog. It’s good, because “searchers” as I like to call them are looking for one of three things:

• to research
• to socialize
• to buy

That’s it. That’s why their online and it’s your job as a new blog owner, to figure out which of those three things YOU are going to give them. Once you have this decided, you will need the Google Keyword Tool to check on the (in demand keywords) in your niche, and don’t forget to check on your competition, use the SEO Quake From Firefox free add-on for this. Make sure your onsite SEO is strong and lastly but not definitely not least – add SEO rich content.

After you’ve got some initial ground, it’s VERY important that you focus on:

• content
• and getting good backlinks

You need both. You can’t let either flounder.

2. Twitter – This is my second preferred method of easy blog traffic. Each niche blog that I create comes with a Twitter page as part of the package. Why? Because its great for traffic. The “search” feature on Twitter can’t be beat, because it’s in “real time”. This means, that “as it happens”, it shows up on Twitter. As of last count, there are *18 millions users on the micro network and grows BIGGER by the day. It can’t be discounted. (*source)

Need help with Twitter? Let me know as I provide a low cost Twitter account set up service.

3. Facebook Fan Page – This is web 4.0 at it’s best. It’s gaining in popularity as we speak, because if done right, it works. On social networking site Facebook, you have the ability to create what is called a FAN PAGE. This page is basically for businesses to promote a service, product or brand. As a site owner, you can use it to promote your new blog. You can include quite a bit on a fan page such as the site URL, a logo, RSS feeds, fans, images, articles, tips, polls, videos, giveaways, and so much more. You can also set it up so that it automatically updates, when you update your blog. You don’t have to visit both at the same time. It’s a pretty cool new method to promote online, and it’s 100% free.

Need help? Let me know as I provide a low cost Facebook Fan Page set up service.

4. Forum Marketing – To be a blogger or online marketer you NEED a network. There’s no two ways about it. You can’t succeed on the web without one, plain and simple. You can’t. You won’t. Why do you think Myspace, Facebook and Twitter are so crazy insane HUGE? Because there’s demand and there’s a need. Look for the networks in YOUR NICHE, join up and become acquainted with the other members, provide value, learn, ask questions, etc. Become a community member, this will in turn help you in many many ways – down the line. Some of the better forums for bloggers, include Warrior Forum, Problogger.com, and Digital Point.

As a new blog owner, you will no doubt have questions and run into issues that you will need help with, that’s what your blogger friends are for. Seek them out, and in no time. You will be happily skipping about with glee and joy!

5. Viral Widgets – If you’re lucky enough to be a developer or know one, then a fancy widget such as a Facebook game, an iPhone app, etc would surely net you some sweet traffic. If you aren’t a developer or know one, you can (if within your budget) always outsource the creation. Places like the Warrior Forum and Digital Point have paid developers for hire. Think of something cool, get it done and promote it everywhere.

6. Contests/Giveaways – After you’ve done your quick research on your niche and have some good articles on the blog, have a sweet giveaway to get the word out. Think of something whether in (physical or digital form) that is low cost, but has high value to your readers. This could be a book, unique screen savers, silly bumper stickers, iPhone case, a funny t-shirt, etc. Think INTERESTING, FUNNY, WACKY, or COVETED. Set it for at least two weeks in advance and make sure to post about it in your social networks, the blog itself, and blog contest forums. Remember this could be digital, so get creative and again think of your market and what they would want to win.

Since on a new blog, you’re probably not gonna have too many readers, best bet to promote your contest/giveaway is via Twitter, Facebook, friends, FORUMS, other blogs, guest posts, a press release, and/ or your email list. (If you have one.)

7. Friends – What are friends for, if not to boost you up? Tell them you have a new web property and want them to come on by and visit. Ask for their feedback, or simply let them see what it’s all about. Be sure to tell them to pass it on to their friends as well.

8. Press Releases – Great for exposure in online circles, as many reporters, bloggers and other authors routinely use Google Alerts to scout out for stories, new products, etc. Make sure to at the very least write one good press release. Even if it’s simply announcing the grand opening of your fabulous new blog site, and what it offers. Then let it spread like wildfire. Oftentimes, bloggers think that a “press release” is meant for a product company or an offline company, but in fact press releases can be used by anyone for any newsworthy purpose. Don’t overlook this simple, quick and low cost idea.

9. Blog Carnivals – This is considered old school by many. But it works and its targeted. Blog Carnivals are like chains where bloggers sign up and share their content with one another. There’s an actual site named Blog Carnival. You sign up with them for free, look for blogs in your niche and submit your article to the carnival. Choose an article that you want a backlink to, as this is one of the primary benefits of joining a Blog Carnival. This method is not for gaining barrels of traffic, but it’s good for SEO. So that’s why, i’ve included it in the list.

10. You tell me! What easy traffic tips do YOU have for a new blogger? A tip that maybe is not that well known, but works like a charm. Please share below in the comment area.

BONUS TIP #11. Guest Posts – I had to add this easy traffic method to the list, because it’s all the rage now. I recently wrote about how and where to guest post. Be sure to take a quick look at my article.

Submitting a guest post is one of the BEST methods for good traffic to a blog, new or old.

1. Name – Every website needs a domain name that’s descriptive and relevant, but what type of name should you pick? There are two rules of thought here. One is to go the brand route and use a name that over time will become relevant. Second is to go the route of a keyword-rich name which will rank well and instantly let your readers, visitors, and the search engines know what you’re about. Which domain name route you opt for is entirely up to you, but deciding upfront which you’ll be taking is what you want to focus on.

2. Structure – You want a site that is search engine friendly and one of the best ways to optimize a site from the get go is to use a blog format, such as WordPress. With WordPress you get search engine friendly URL’s, as you get to choose the URL structure within the back-end area of WP.

The URL (or permalink) of your site should have keywords in it, so when search engines spider it – they know what its about.

3. Purpose – Every website should figure out what is it’s PRIMARY focus – is it to capture leads, direct sales, testimonials, or provide information? Determine this early on as it will help when it comes time to develop a content strategy.

The purpose of your site will also determine its layout and design.

4. Design – The look and feel of your website says alot about you. Do you want a standard generic template or a custom design which highlights your logo and unique brand?

With WordPress you have several choices -

A. Free Theme: A generic template found on the web.
B. Premium Theme (with customizations): A paid for theme you can customize.
C. Custom Theme: A theme created from scratch specific to you.

I recommend B or C. Either will serve the purpose of having a professionally designed blog website that stands out.

Some good premium WordPress themes include: Fresh News Theme, Thesis Theme, and Revolution Church Theme.

5. Layout – Depending on the purpose of your site (see above) you will want to lay out your site accordingly. If the purpose of your site is to gather leads then be sure to highlight your sign up form. If the purpose of your site is to sell directly, be sure to make it easy to place an order. If the purpose of your site is to be an information portal, set it up so that it highlights information right from the onset.

6. Content – Every website should have the following pages:

About Us Page – What are you about? What is your business about? How are you different? Etc.

Contact Us Page – Make it super duper easy for anyone to reach you. Add a contact form and let people know how and when to BEST reach you.

Services Page – What services do you offer? What are your skills? Any credentials? Highlight your unique offerings here.

WordPress makes it easy to add as many pages as you need. Think about your sites purpose and fill accordingly.

As for articles – keeping your blog website fresh with new content will keep the search engines coming back again and again. This is a good thing. Think about what your customers (and prospective customers) are interested in. What do they want to learn? What tips would they find useful? What keeps them entertained? Fill your blog with these useful, informative or entertaining articles. You can add as many articles as you like and style your site in blog format or style it in a more traditional format – but whichever style you choose – you want to make it known you have relevant articles available for your audience. Make sure this is apparent from the first glance.

7. Plan – Every website should have a marketing plan. How will you spread the word – online, offline, social media, advertising, family and friends?

Have a plan and work the plan. Incorporate your website URL in all your communications, from your business cards to customer newsletters, mentioning it in seminars, attaching to email signatures, etc.

Decide early on how you will promote your blog website. Have a plan in place.

These tips are meant for new blog websites, but can be applied to any site. If you run a small business and don’t yet have a website, but have been mulling over the idea – it’s never too late to create an online presence.

Follow the tips above and don’t just create a website, create an online presence that will explode your sales, leads, and income.

RSS Readers: What Tip Can You Add?

What tip do you have for small business owners looking to create their first website?

I just update and go. Love it. It is a tool on the web like no other. I like to describe Twitter as IM on crack.

With that fine introduction to what Twitter is, below are my top picks for twitter tools you should be using if you’re a blogger.

1. Twitter Feed -This is where the RSS feed function of Twitter comes into play. I cant’ tell you how many times i’ve come across a feed tweet from a blogger that led to some interesting or useful information. Feed tweets get me all the time from a variety of bloggers. Don’t miss out on sharing a great post, use TF.

2. Twirl -This is a neat widget download that allows for the use of Twitter like an instant messenger, as opposed to having a web window open. You can send tweets, receive tweets, fave tweets, share pics, share links, (and my fave feature) you can re-tweet with Twirl. It’s free, easy, and fun. A must if you’re a blogger.

3. Tweet Later – You can do several things with this one. First you can schedule an upcoming Tweet and have it delivered at a predetermined date and time. Second you can auto follow people who follow you. And third you can send a thank you or welcome message to new followers in the form of a DM, automatically via Tweet Later. 3 very cool features. (hat tip to Sly from Slyvisions on this one) UPDATE: I no longer auto follow or send out automatic DM’s. I still think Tweet Later is good for its initial purpose though.

4. Twitter Search -The name says it all. This site allows you to search in real time for whatever topics you want more information on. You type in a search query and it searches all of Twitter for a result. Very addictive.

5. Monitter – I just found this one, but its worthy of mention. It’s like Twitter Search, in that it allows you to search. But it displays three columns worth of tweets, as opposed to one. Great for multi-taskers.

The Famous Follow

Of course one can’t write a post on Twitter, and not ask for the famous follow. So you know what comes next, right? If you’re a blogger and use Twitter, follow me here.

Want More?

Here is a link to a fantastic round up of Twitter tools. It’s a really long list, so go grab a cup of coffee before reading this one.

Not On Twitter, Yet?

If you’re not on Twitter yet and have questions on how to use it, how to add followers, what to tweet about, etc. Grab a copy of my Awesome Twitter Guide, a beginners guide to Twitter.

There are many tools and apps that expand the functionality of Twitter and or just make it more fun. Subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss out on cool Twitter tools, apps and resources.

Why Is Graham Selling Entrecard? (read his own words below)

I am selling because I have come to a stalemate. Entrecard is growing fast, but I do not have the resources to put behind it. I recently met extensively with Venture Capitalists who were going to make a 700k seed investment and a 2-5m follow on Series A investment in 6 months. The deal fell through in the 11th hour, right before the terms sheet, because they lost faith in my ability to execute the plan after a series of tests in which I did not know I was being tested. The valuation we were discussing was 8 million. We were going to open a headquarters, hire 10 people, and go straight to the top. Then it fell apart, and after getting my hopes up, I just haven’t been able to get back on my feet. I’m a wreck and feeling like a failure to come so close only to drop it due to my idiocy.

Sitepoint Listing Snapshot

Around since November 2007, Entrecard is quite popular with many bloggers. It has lost some steam in the last few months, but it is still a formidable property.

It averages over 3 million page views monthly, no small feat. This will be an interesting sale for sure. You can go to the Sitepoint listing, subscribe to updates, and follow along. I’m as curious as you, to see what it will fetch.

Online Shopping Portals Popular, Plus ExplorZ Review

I want to review shopping portals, and one in particular ExplorZ. This is an SEO optimized site that allows small shop owners to feature their products on the web. This creates excellent search visibility of your products.

How Does It Work?

Essentially the way it works is you register up an account, set up your store details through their interface, and then list your products via easy to submit RSS feeds.

Store Directory

I browsed through the store directory, and randomly picked a store. I found one called Blue Dragons Gifts. This store sells collectibles and hard to find gift items, such as glassware, 45 RPMs, vhs tapes, books, postcards, 33 RPMs, dvds, and figurines.

SEO Friendly Pages

If you take a look at the products featured in this store through Explorz, you will notice that each item get its own page, and carries an SEO friendly title on each page. What does this mean? It means that with proper marketing and promo, each page (and hence the products) will be found by web searchers. This is good.

How Much Is It?

There is no cost to list your store, or your products. According to the About Us page on the site, the service is 100% free. I can tell they make their money based off of banners on the site. There is no cost to sellers or buyers.

Final Note

My final comment on this site, is on the design. It could use a different sized width, as i quite dislike scrolling side to side to see what is on a page. This can easily be remedied, with some minor site modifications.

Let me also mention, that the site is web 2.0 enabled, as it features store reviews and ratings, tell a friend buttons, and has social networking built-in, via its community forum.

To wrap up, if you have an online store and are wanting another venue in which to showcase your products that is search engine friendly, give ExplorZ a try. If you do use it, let me know your thoughts and experiences with it.

It is the newest craze in twitterland. You know i really have to come up with a devilishly clever term to describe something. Lets see what awefabulous niftyrella groovycheese whippercrack word i can conjure up. Anywho to get back on topic, lets say a thing or two on Twellow.

Twellow allows members of micro blogging site Twitter, to easily search for other members of common interest. Say you want to meet and mingle with other greenies or vegetarians?  Head on over to the green or vegetarian categories, or alternatively you can perform a search. As you will see (yours truly) is #6 in the veggie category. You can also add yourself to the list here.

Who comes up first, second, and so on, on the list is ordered up by number of followers. He who has the most ends up first on the list for said category.

I played around with Twellow, one pet peeve, is the inability to follow directly from their interface. Like when i search for like minded people, naturally the next step would be to follow them. But alas i still need to head on over to Twitter for this.  Arrggh!

All in all the new twitter app Twellow…..is groovycheese! (i know. i know. that isnt quite as cool a term as awesomesauce)

***more blogger talk about Twellow at Technorati and Google Blog Search. You can also follow awesomesauce.