Blogging Tip #7

Pay attention to the tips and links that your own blogging platform places in front of you! For example, I just saw a link to the Blog World Expo with a 20% off coupon code from Blogger. I linked to the site and found a wealth of information about more than just the expo. Tons of great blogging tips you don't want to miss. This is a blog you might want to bookmark for more information. Oh, and BLOGGER20 is the coupon code.

Blogging Tip #6

Have lots of links in your sidebars, and think of them as added content for your reader. These are outside blogs and websites that support your own theme in some way. I thematically categorize my blogs and many are potential hosts for future blog tours. If you're planning a blog book tour, you should also have a separate list of blogs you've pre-vetted for you tour. Those blogs should demonstrate the same blogging tips we're discussing right now!

Blogging Tip #5

If you're on Facebook and Twitter to promote your writing, you should sign up at Networked Blogs so that your posts automatically feed through to both sites when you publish a new blog post. Those are two fewer promotion steps you'll need to take, and this is one convenience tip of which I heartily approve. Just be careful you don't accidentally hit the publish button too soon. It'll appear on Twitter and Facebook almost immediately, but not the second time it's re-scheduled. Try to place your networked blogs widget pretty high in the sidebar, too, but below those in earlier tips.

Blogging Tip #4

I like to include a bookmark/share button like the one at right from Add This, the most popular free bookmarking service today. Even though many blogging platforms include share links in each post, a button like this gives your reader more options to share your posts with others.

Blogging Tip #3

Be sure you add the widget that allows you to have visible followers like the one at right. Not only is it a good way for your fans to know when you've posted, it makes you look popular when you have lots of followers and that will bring you more followers! This widget should be placed below your Facebook and Twitter connects, but quite high in the sidebar where readers can easily find it.

Blogging Tip #2

Everyone is connecting on Facebook and Twitter these days. Be sure to have your links high up in the sidebar. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. It just has to be quick and easy.

Blogging Tip #1

It's easier for your readers if your blog title is the same as your URL. So Blog Book Tours is easy to find at http://blogbooktours.blogspot.com without too much need to memorize anything. Make it easy for your fans!