If you want to get noticed by someone on their blog, ask them a question – publicly. Sneaky? Perhaps, but it works – if done the right way. While this is a method that I’ve seen used on some mom blogs, I haven’t seen it take root much elsewhere. And that can work in your favor, since it’s not something that has been overused.
So, what IS a cross blog conversation? It’s just what it sounds like.
Blogger 1:
Writes a blog post on his or her own blog to initiate the conversation.
Then asks a question of Blogger #2.
Blogger 2:
Writes a blog post on her own blog that links to your question.
Answers your question.
Then asks a question of blogger #1.
Blogger 1:
Writes a blog post on her own blog that links to question #2.
Answers the question.
Then asks another question of blogger #2.
It can go on as long as you want.
The advantages of this kind of traffic method are:
- Links from a relevant, authority blog.
- It’s fun and easy to generate content because you’re simply responding to your friend.
- You’re being “called out” so it’s hard to put it off without feeling like a dolt.
The drawbacks of this kind of traffic method are:
- You’re being “called out” publicly. 😉
- You may not like the question that is asked of you.
So, how do you get started?
1. Make a List of Bloggers that You’d like to Connect With
You’ll likely want to connect with bloggers in your same niche, or a related niche that would be of interest to your readers. For example, although this blog is about WordPress plugins and themes, we do have this section on getting traffic to your WordPress blog. So I might want to start a cross blog conversation with a traffic expert. But you, as my reader, would not likely be interested in a conversation with an interior decorator. A WordPress decorator maybe (web designer), but a home designer, no. This is not to say that you are not interested in interior design, just that you wouldn’t expect to come here to read about it.
The blogs you choose should be updated at least fairly regularly. And the more authoritative the blog is, the better, although having a conversation with a new blogger can work, if you feel that person can add value to the conversation.
2. Decide on the Questions You Want to Ask
Do you want to ask an expert something about their area of expertise? Or maybe ask a product developer about something about using their product? Try to think of questions that will interest your cross-blog companion, and both your readers and their readers.
3. Contact A Few of the Blog Owners to See if They’d Be Interested in Participating.
If you know the blog owners, this is the polite thing to do. Even if you don’t know them, you can send an email. And if you have your questions ready, you can let them know what your first question to them will be. Of course, if you want to go guerilla marketing, you can post and hope the other person feels obligated to respond. However, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you were pretty confident that the other person will respond favorably.
4. If the Blog Owner Agrees, then Post First
Do the honor of posting first, to make it easier on the blog owner to reciprocate. Notify the blog owner once your article is published, and give them time to respond.
5. Continue the Cross Blog Conversation as Long as It is Fun and Feels Natural.
Have fun and enjoy.
Other Tips
- Be sure to promote the blog posts to keep your partner, and your readers, motivated to continue.
- Keep an eye on comments that are being posted on both blogs and connect with those readers.
