If you’re not you should be. I check everyone out. OK I admit it, I’ve slacked up a little bit lately. Business has been booming and so I’ve spent much less time perusing other blogs. And frankly, I’ve felt a little out of the loop. So I’ve re-focused and I’m getting back on track making sure the blog reading is now again part of my daily routine.
Why is this such an important thing to do? Aside from keeping abreast of the latest goings on in cyber space, keeping tabs on the competition and staying on the cutting edge, there’s one really great reason you should be all over other people’s blogs like a teenage boy during a makeout session–to get people to know you. You want people to know you as someone who brings value to conversations in your field, you want to network and build trust.
As bloggers it’s so easy to get wrapped up in talking to the Internet that we forget to have a conversation. So here are a few tips to help you build your reputation while out on the prowl.
Make sure you upload a photo to your avatar and make sure it’s consistent
What you want to do is become identifiable. Having the same photo everywhere you comment will help people associate your name and face. And while we’re talking about it, make sure it is a picture of your face, as opposed to some cartoon character. We know who Yogi Bear is, but who are you? We’d like to know.
Try to actually have a point
You’ll read so many comments on some of the more popular blogs that are just “good post” or “Good points” and there’s really no value added. If you can actually elaborate on why the post was good or what you particularly liked about it or got from it, you are more likely to stand out from the crowd.
Do link to your site, but only if there is a relevant reason
If you have a post that can contribute to what was said in the blog post you just read definitely leave your link. But do it in a classy way. Explain what you liked, (or disagreed with) about the post and explain that you have this post that supports or refutes the post you are commenting on and that you are leaving the link to it because you think it may be helpful.
Do it often
You need to be out there to get known and you need to be out there on a regular basis. Be a consistent commentor, get on their email list,constantly be on the lookout for great blogs. Eventually you’ll be getting checked out yourself.