This is a guest post by Danny Iny, an author, strategist, serial entrepreneur, and proud co-founder of Firepole Marketing.
Your blog has been up for about six months, and your traffic is hovering around ten unique visitors per day… on a good day. And you know that at least one of them is your mom.
Does this sound familiar?
In searching for an effective blog promotion strategy, you eventually realize that commenting on other blogs can be a good way of getting some attention.
So you make your list of the hottest blogs to be on, and subscribe to them all. You check in every day, read the posts diligently, and dutifully leave solid, interesting, and value-adding comments. But by the time you’ve done it, there are already fifty other comments on the post, and you get a click or two through to your blog, if you’re lucky.
Don’t despair – there’s a better way: embracing the nobodies!
“Embracing the Nobodies” is a concept borrowed from Guy Kawasaki’s new book Enchantment. Rather than chasing after the Technorati Top 100, go after the blogs that are in the same position as you – they’re just starting off, their traffic is modest, and they’re getting a handful of comments per post.
It’s All About Share of Voice
The reason why this makes sense is that even though the blog’s audience is a lot smaller, you get a much larger share of voice.
Think about it like this. Sure, there may be tens of thousands of people reading a post on a major authority blog, and that’s a big, attractive audience. But if you’re one of a hundred comments, then you’re only 1% of the comment pool, and only the most hardcore readers are likely to read every single one of those comments.
In contrast, if you’re one of ten comments on a small blog, then you represent 10% of the comment pool (20%, really, because half of them are probably the blog owner’s responses). Everyone who reads the post and likes it is likely to scroll down far enough to see if there are any good comments, and so they’re likely to notice you.
Speaking for myself, I consistently find that I get as much or more traffic from a comment on iMarketingHacked, Pocket Changed, or Corporate Radical as I do from a comment on Copyblogger or Problogger.
But It Isn’t Really About the Comments
Let’s be honest – a few clicks through to your blog are always nice, but that’s not what this is really about. What it’s really about is relationships.
When you leave a comment on a big authority blog, the blogger may respond, but you’ll have to leave a lot of memorable comments for them to remember you, and for a relationship to start to form.
With a smaller blog, because you represent a larger share of voice, you get noticed a lot faster. Commenting on small blogs can lead to collaborations like guest posting (we’ve had several very successful guest posts on Firepole Marketing that came about in this way).
When guest posting, you both want to make a good impression, so you both promote the post, and you both end up getting more traffic than you otherwise would – and often it’s traffic that sticks!
Where to Find the Small Blogs
So far so good, but where do you find these blogs? That’s easier said than done – after all, if they were at the top of the Google rankings, or you knew their names off the top of your head, then they wouldn’t be small!
Here is a procedure that you can follow to find good partners: start by visiting your favorite authority blogs – the really big players in your space. Then scroll down to the comments, and click through to the websites of everyone who left a comment. Make a list of the ones that meet these criteria:
1. The content is good. This is critical – you want a blog that is small because it is still growing, not a blog that is small because it sucks. If you don’t like the content and won’t enjoy reading it, then move on.
2. Their content is related to your content. In other words, this blog’s audience could be your audience, and vice versa.
3. Posts on the blog are getting between 5 and 15 comments on average. That’s small enough that your presence will be noticed and impactful, but big enough to show that they know what they’re doing, and they’re going to grow.
4. You can subscribe to the blog in a way that works for you. I eliminate any blog that I can’t subscribe to via email, because my workflow relies on email updates. Whatever method works for you, make sure they support it.
Then go ahead and start commenting, but please start right here on this post – I promise to click through and look at every site that leaves a comment, and I’ll follow the ones that I like!
What do you think of this strategy? Have you tried it? Are you going to? How could you make it better?
About Danny Iny
Kikolani covers blog marketing and blogging tips for personal, professional, and business bloggers to succeed in search and social media marketing. Kristi Hines is a 
This is really a good idea, Danny, which I have to proudly say I am using already.
I started a few months ago and had the luck never to go after the big ones, but kinda connected with my peers. I believe we pulled each others up and I love them as much as any of my offline friends. I actually consider them friends.
I know that the established bloggers don’t have much time for the new ones so if we don’t help each others, who will help us, right
I do have to add that once you go up with your “team” you eventually get notices by the big ones and connect with them without actually doing anything. That is what is happening to me now.
Thanks so much for this post, it made me sure I am doing the right thing
Brankica recently posted 50 Traffic Sources You Should Milk Like Crazy
We’re in the same boat, Brankica.
I subscribe to blogs by RSS, not email, and I have numerous categories depending on the type of blog. Kristi’s blog here, for instance, is in a “comluvers” category because she employs the CommentLuv plugin. When I stumble across new blogs (and I routinely click into new blogs via the comment sections of other blogs), I skim a few recent posts and if inspirational to read then I add that blog’s RSS feed to a “new” category. In time, either I unsubscribe from it or I move it from “new” to somewhere else.
Ari Herzog @ Social Web Strategies recently posted How CommentLuv Promotes Your Blog
Same, Ari.
Another good trick in threaded blogs is to just reply to the top comment. Shoves your comment right to the top.
Alison Moore Smith recently posted Listed on Top Female Bloggers
Isn’t this the point of a thread? To have a conversation?
It bugs me when people use comments to reply to the author and not to anyone else. I’ll use different CommentLuv posts too, when applicable.
Ari Herzog @ Social Web Strategies recently posted How to Identify Blog Comments as Spam
I’m flattered, Brankica. I think that if anything, your success is what validates that my advice is on track, and not the other way around!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Why Guru Strategies for Blog Growth DON’T WORK… and What Does!
I’m a nobody! Embrace me!
Really, this is a sound philosophy. I’ve had a website since 1994 and been blogging since 2003. Back in the day, getting traffic was more simply a matter of anyone finding out what the URL was, because search was poor and sites few. Getting traffic wasn’t the issue and my oldest blog continued to bring traffic even after nearly a year of redesign with no posting.
But the game is completely different now. And building a like-minded (or at least like-interested) community is the fundamental traffic generator.
Finding those who could form such a community (with the four caveats your present) is one of the best ways to get the traffic you want. Great info.
Alison Moore Smith recently posted The 4-Hour Workweek Fatal Flaw- It’s MLM
Thank you, Alison. And yes, definitely – let’s connect! I’m heading over to your blog now.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
Me too, I need your embrace.
Thing though is that I probably stand at the foot of the ‘nobody category’ as I don’t even qualify in the ’5 to 15 comments’ per post. I do receive some comments, but not on every post.
Seriously, Ari, this is sound advise. I’ll be on the lookout for the nobodies.
James Moralde recently posted What I Did After My Blog Got Hacked
This is really sound advice, because as you state, it really is about relationships and learning from one another. Not only is this a way to develop traffic, but these blog owners are the one’s who will likely give you links on their site.
I have several links as a result of developing this type of online relationship. I have never asked for any, but I also place links on my site so that what few visitors I have may also see why I appreciate the content of the blogs with which I read and interact.
kidgas recently posted Im Still Making Money Online
We could say that it’s karma, but I think it’s a lot simpler than that… people want to help people who are helping people. (now say that five times fast!)
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
Hi Danny,
This is a brilliant idea which works great for me. I use this strategy since about two months after I launched my blog and I must say it gave me all the push I needed!
I have briefly mentioned about this strategy in one of my guest posts @ Problogger (Don’t Go It Alone: Relationship-building for Bloggers) where I insisted bloggers to reach out to newbie bloggers; they can be blogging buddies too!.
Yes, certainly it is easy to get noticed and moreover the newbie blogger will be a lot grateful to you for the support you offer. In my opinion, our commenting list should be a mix of pros and newbies. Concentrating too much on any one category won’t work much when it comes to traffic.
And, I have to mention that I have gained more loyal readers and subscriber who clicked through my comments on newbie blogs when compared to click throughs from established blogs.
Great post by the way. Sure to see you around.
Cheers,
Jane.
Jane | Find All Answers recently posted How I Managed To Get My Posts Featured On A-List Blogs
Hey Jane, thanks so much for the comment. I read that post on Problogger, and really liked it!
I agree with you – it should be a mix – but the big ones should be the ones that you really like reading anyway.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
Funny you should post this today! I have only been blogging for a little over 2 months and I love commenting on “nobodies” mostly because I know how much I appreciate comments! In fact, I was just thinking about getting up the courage to ask one of them to do a guest post and/or interview! Never thought of this benefiting me in the way you mentioned but I will definitely keep it going.
You should do it, Debbie – work up that courage, and you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised with the results.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
Oh yes Danny, I always think of them as the “long tail keywords of blogs” to comment on.
Sometimes we need look no farther than our own blog’s commenters to find blogs we’ve never heard of at all..blogs which are quite interesting and also have a new set of readers we’ve never heard of – and who have never heard of us. I’ve met some nice folks there in various little nooks and crannies of the internet. Great post, btw!
Christie recently posted Stalking a domain from unavailable- to expired- to mine!
Thanks, Christie! I agree – I don’t always have time to follow the link of every commenter, but I try – and usually I’m glad that I did.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
This is great feedback and a sound approach. Focusing on the relationship over the click through will definitely bring much more value in the long run!
Chad Ferguson recently posted Transporting Fishing Rods For Easy Access- Less Damage
Thanks, Chad, I agree with you 100%!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
I typically comment on the smaller blogs – mainly because I tend to follow them more than the large ones. I find that the larger the blog, the less personal it becomes. Let’s face it, blogs that can get 100+ comments on each post rarely is authored by someone that has the time to respond to each of those comments.
With smaller blogs I find that I do have a lot more in common with the author because my blog isn’t large as well. We usually have the same goals in building relationships with our readers, and learning from each other as well.
Paul Salmon recently posted Why You Should Buy Docking Stations for Laptops
That’s true, but not all the time – Marcus Sheridan has broken the 100 comment mark, and he still answers every post. I`m pretty sure that Marlee Ward is pretty high up there with the comments, and she answers them all, too. It just takes a lot of dedication and character. Actually, I guess you`re right – but some people don`t forget about the relationships as they grow bigger.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
Hi Danny,
) However when you look at it in the marketing perspective I guess there can be the nobody perspective – lol. And I like the fact that you`re showing people that you can actually gain more visibility if you go to a market (or blog) that isn`t saturated with people trying to gain attention.
I guess the whole concept of being a nobody doesn`t enter my mind since everyone is unique, special and somebody in their ultimate core value (philosophy here
There`s a saying here in Brazil that goes like this → In the land of the blind the person who has one eye is king.
I apply this concept when it comes to seo too. Running after extremely competitive niches is just plain dumb if you don`t have the resources – (a.k.a. ..a lot of money) to beat your competition.
You made some really great points.
All the best,
Eren
Eren Mckay recently posted Get Inspired Discover How the Color Pink Affects Your Emotions
“In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” – I love it, Eren!
Part of it is about being strategic, but part of it, just as many other commenters have stated, is just about connecting with people like you, and building relationships.
And I hope you weren’t offended by “nobodies” – I just meant the people that aren’t superstars like Brian Clark or Kristi Hines…
I’m a nobody too! 
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
Hey Danny,
so I really couldn`t get offended – LOL. I was just clarifying the philosophical side to the categorization of nobodies… hee hee. Anyways.. I often say to people… I don`t determine my friends by how much money or status they have – rather if they have a good heart.. that`s what matters.
Well when you were talking about nobodies .. my own self never came to mind
So that`s my way of thinking abut life and business. I`m against manipulation and it`s not in my personality to ever brown nose someone. I believe that we need to build true friendships with genuine caring. And of course I build those relationships with people I discern to be great hearted (kind, sweet, empathetic, etc.).
Thanks for your reply
Blessings,
Eren
Personally I comment on blogs simply because I want to join the conversation and spread any thoughts/experiences I have rather than thinking about what I can get out of the time spent commenting.
However I can appreciate your points on commenting on smaller blogs. Furthermore I have heard good things from smaller bloggers joining together into a “mastermind” where they share guest posts and agree to comment on each others’ blogs to build up their traffic as a “network” and benefit from everyone’s efforts rather than trying to do it all themselves.
Richard @ Lifestyle Design Unleashed recently posted Believe In Yourself- 4 Motivational Videos To Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
Hi Richard, thank you for your comment! You’re right – it isn’t just about being strategic, the comments should always be motivated by genuine interest in the conversation.
And yes, from experience, I can say that such mastermind groups can be very helpful. I’ve written a bit more about it in my post about why guru strategies don’t work.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Why Guru Strategies for Blog Growth DON’T WORK… and What Does!
Subscribing to larger blogs is helpful when you want to get an idea what makes them tick. And when you comment on them, chances are you may be unnoticed (unless both the blogger and commenters go through each and every comment posted). So, connecting with smaller bloggers (and there’s a lot out there!) and building a community is a smart move. Thanks for sharing this!
Andy@3D Video Cameras recently posted Making Next Generation Movies with 3D Video Cameras
You`re welcome, Andy. Thanks for your comment!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
Commenting on smaller blogs is something I’ve been doing without realizing its benefits. All I know is how much I appreciate knowing someone connects with something I put out there, even in a small way. Guess it’s kind of a pay-it-forward thing, huh?
brenda recently posted 2011 365-79-85
Pay it forward, and pay it back… it`s the online mechanism behind karma.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
This is a great tip, one that I hadn’t personally seen before. I am more of a blog reader then a writer these days however but I can still uses this idea to spread my wings and grow my relationship with other readers and writers as I try to grow my retail business. Thanks danny!
You`re welcome, Crystal. I`m glad it was helpful.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
I usually comment on smaller blogs, because most of the ones that are connected to my field of interested are in German and they do not have so much traffic as the ones in English. I thought of it as a disadvantage sometimes, but you have also a good point..a targeted audience is better, than one which is not interested in your postings..
Hope that my German blog won’t scare you off and that there are some German speakers among you
Regards,
Anna
Anna@Yachtcharter Griechenland recently posted Wellness & Yachtcharter
The important thing isn`t quantity of traffic, but rather quantity of traffic – if everyone visiting you is passionate about the language as you are, then that`s a very targeted, qualified audience, which is great.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
If people follow your advice, commenting on big blogs will also be useful. Some will maybe use your strategy and find the blog via the comments. You have a good point however, comments on small blogger will get more attention. Personal I prefer commentluv enabled blogs, and I am glad to see many of the comments here comes from commengluv blogs.
Bjorn recently posted My favorite WordPress comment plugins
That`s true, if people followed this strategy then it would be strategic to comment on bigger blogs, too. Let`s keep our fingers crossed that this catches on.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
Danny, this is a great post. I also make it a point to routinely seek out people who have commented on my blog – read their blogs, comment and, if possible, share their content. Your commentors are giving you a huge gift by caring enough to leave a comment, and I try to return that favor.
Like you, if I don’t see a subscribe by email option it annoys me greatly – and it might just be the reason a blogger loses me as a potential subscriber, commentor, fan, etc. I think UX is really important in blog/website design and giving people options to get your content in a myriad of different ways is an often overlooked component of really great design.
I really don’t care for the strategy of leaving a reply on the first comment because, to me anyway, that seems disingenuine. Almost spammy …. as if the only reason to leave a comment is for the visibility – and the person who regularly did that on my blog – or who I saw doing it on other blogs – would be the person who gets ignored. Just my take, we all have our own standards, but that one would bother me.
Thanks for a great post – love this blog and it’s always on my “don’t miss” list!
Shelly
@shellykramer
Thank you, Shelly!
Yeah, I guess we tend to build blogs to suit our own preferences; some people are big on RSS and Twitter, and so that’s what their blog is built to support… but I’m an email kind of guy.
Where’s the link to your blog, so I can check it out?
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
Hi Danny and everyone, thanks for sharing your insights here Danny and taking the time to write up a super guest post!
I’m not a big fan of those blogs where there are quite a number of comments and only the top 5 or so comments have received replies (and that’s another reason to reach out to the (current) blogging “nobodies”. A blogging nobody today could be a blogging big shot tomorrow!).
I mean, why create a blog (which is not a private blog) where you do not take time enough to reply to your commentors? The exception being that the commentors are often constituents of the troll brigade. You always get a few of those on any popular blog.
When I have comments on my own blog (its a rareity, LOL!) then I tend to go way over the top with my replies. But then – I write posts on subject matter that I am passionate about, thus I often gush forth with enthusiasm whenever I get the chance
Thanks again!
Joseph
Joseph Archibald recently posted Playing the Google Search Game – Guest Post on Pat Flynn’s Blog is Live
Keep in mind, Joseph, that unless the text of a comment includes a question or has other text that inspires one to have a conversation, it’s very hard to reply.
Ari Herzog @ Social Web Strategies recently posted Help Me Market Your Company
That’s absolutely true – a blogging “nobody” today could be a blogging big shot tomorrow. A lot of the big players, like Darren Rowse, Brian Clark and Leo Babauta, or Sonia Simone and Naomi Dunford, all grew together, and the same applies today.
A lot of the bigger blogs still do reply, but it’s a lot harder to stand out and be noticed – not just by the audience, but by the blogger, too. (honestly, can you carry 200 conversations at once? I can’t!)
I’m heading over to check out your blog now!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
Hi Danny ~ I’ve been trying to work more at connecting, but find life keeps interrupting my plans! I truly do enjoy finding new blogs and diving into the conversation, but it’s the same old story everyone has… there isn’t enough hours in the day. I like your idea to focus on blogs getting between 5 and 15 comments. I’d never looked at it this way before.
I’m also still trying to find the best audience for the design work I create on my blog, so I’ll take your advice to try sites where the content is related to my content.
Great inspiring ideas ~ thank you!
Sue
Sue Alexander recently posted Your Smile makes any day Brighter
Thanks, Sue, and I looked at your site – your designs are beautiful! What’s your plan for this blog? Is it a business? What do you want to do with these designs?
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
Danny ~ Thank you so much for the kind reply. The designs are free to share and also available on some great gift items. I can probably best answer your questions with my vision for Inspired Type:
1) Become the #1 blog for positive inspirations in unique designs, that many followers share — spreading good thoughts for the greater good.
2) Create a legacy of personal design work that promotes and spreads kindness and inspiration — to do work that matters — for my personal happiness.
3) Be a conduit for custom freelance or that next great job — so I can design meaningful work for others.
Live what you Love!
Sue
Sue ALexander recently posted Your Smile makes any day Brighter
That’s really beautiful, Sue. Thanks for sharing!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
I’d been wondering for some time about the value of commenting on the smaller blogs (like my own) and now you’ve confirmed it for me! I shall add it to my list or priorities from today.
It’s all about Making Connections, as Jon Morrow is teaching us on his course at the moment. But I can truly see that the conections don’t have to always be with ‘mega stars’ to make friends.
Linda/Positive Spin recently posted 3 Lies People Love To Tell You About Your Confidence
Nice – thank you, Linda!
You’ve got a great post up on your blog – I just left you a comment, and I’m subscribing.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Pricing for Outcome- not Budget- My Moment of Revelation
Ignore my other comment elsewhere Danny, this comment of yours answers that one
Haroun@Heaven on Earth recently posted Vegan and Vegetarian Lifestyle Fair at Leafy Green’s Cafe 3 April 2011
Ari – yes, I should have qualified my comment to some extent. I was afraid that if I did so it would become somewhat rambling
You’ve done that for me though, so thanks for that!
Regards
Joseph
I’m right there with you on not being able to subscribe by email. For something that is so simple to activate (on feedburner), I find that a lot of people don’t activate it. Even big names whom you would think have all the angles covered don’t always have this enabled!
When I find blogs like that with whom I’d like to follow, I’ll send a little contact message asking them if they could enable it. I usually don’t hear back from them…guess they didn’t want me as a subscriber, nor do they really care about that.
Perhaps they think that they would rather have me sign up for their newsletter…which I really don’t care to get in most cases since I just see that as a popular mechanism for blasting out affiliate links, and not really connecting with the blogger, or getting what I really want, their blog updates. It’s all in how you use it, but I just find that more often than not, the newsletter isn’t something of value to me.
As for smaller blogs, yeah, they’re a great place to connect with new people since there isn’t as much noise.
Good post Danny, enjoyed that.
Wayne John @ Southern California Web Development recently posted 3 ways to maintain password security while working with a web developer
I’m okay with signing up for a newsletter, if the newsletter is going to deliver blog updates (I don’t mind if they sprinkle in a few extra emails now and then). But if I want to get blog updates by email, then they should have it setup that I can get blog updates by email, dammit!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
I really like your suggestion on how to find GOOD nobodies (like myself;). I do actually get a good chunk of my (small amount) of traffic from commenting on the big blogs. But I recognize that, as you said, they’re never really going to notice me. A lot of articles have talked about finding your blog tribe and realistically that is going to be other nobodies like me who support each other. Now I’m going to go back and find some good nobodies to buddy up to
Thanks for the tip!
Hey Alexis, you’re definitely one of the GOOD nobodies!
Cool blog by the way! Have you tried to connect with John Medina? He recently published a book called Brain Rules for Baby – I’ll bet he’d be happy to be interviewed on your blog, if you’re interested!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
Great post and advice Danny. Commenting hasn’t really been a big strategy of mine, until now. And with this growing comLuv and KeywordLuv community that’s growing, I’m embracing more of it.
I should also spend more time blogging with a consistent voice, I tend to be all over the place on my personal blog, I do enjoy sharing various interesting topics though
Haroun Kola@Heaven on Earth recently posted Call to Prayer from Masuru Emoto – Thursday- March 31- Noon
Hey Haroun, thanks for stopping by. That’s a very cool and colorful website you’ve got there!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Developing a Brand- Interview with Caleb Wojcik from Pocket Changed
Hey Danny, thanks for stopping by my site. What’s your strategy on this blog post. Are you just visiting the site’s of everyone who posts here, will you leave a comment on the particular site, or only if its in relevant to Firepole Marketing?
Haroun@Heaven on Earth recently posted Let there be work- bread- water and salt for all Nelson MandelaMonday
Danny!
You are popping up EVERYWHERE!
And yes, your strategy here is a solid one. Your criteria for finding a small blog is spot on too. I think people get to concerned with getting attention from A-listers and forget about all of the incredible people right around them. Thanks for the reminder!
Marlee recently posted Radical Marketing- The First Element – Educate Beyond Your Product & Service
I try to get around…
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Think Like a Parent on Timelines- and a Nanny on Autonomy
Marlee, its not just Danny who’s popping up everywhere!
Don’t you love how some of the most simple strategies are just plain over-looked. This is an awesome idea that I’m going to pursue. Previously I was guilty of chasing the Technorati top 100′s, just hoping for the right person to notice my comments…Not going to to that anymore! Time to shift gears and get back to the basicis of what a blog is intended for anyway…connecting with like-minded people. on a personal level. Praise be to the little guy…or gal!!!
Great post, Thanks Danny!
Chris Lauscher.
Chris Lauscher recently posted How To Tell If Your Baby Is Having Trouble Breathing
Thank you, Chris. I`ve chased the big ones too, and I`ll still leave a comment when there`s something that I really want to say… but now my focus is on the players who are my size. I think really, we either grow together, or not at all.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
Dear Danny,
Fine post and sound advice! Probably 99 % of all bloggers would not start a blog at all, were they only concerned about traffic and statistics.
Fairly new at blogging I am happy for each and every comment (sometimes to discover it was meant for some other enlargement), my friends love to read my posts but are somewhat e-media illiterate, a long way to go and much perseverance and discipline needed.
Thank you for encouraging us all!
Yup – it`s that circle of how we all want to grow big, but the longer we chase after growing big without supporting those who are trying to grow with us, the longer it will take for ALL of us to get there.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Why Guru Strategies for Blog Growth DON’T WORK… and What Does!
Great post and good advice! Thanks!!
Rebekah recently posted Recipe- Sausage- Peppers- Onion & Pasta
You`re very welcome, Rebekah. Thanks for your comment!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
very good post Danny and very apt. Too many times we seek to hook the big fish first. But for get to think that netting a lot of small fish is often much much better than that one big fish.
I am a firm believer of supporting, connecting and engaging with smaller blogs. Building those relationships and watching each other grow is priceless.
The bigger Fish, seem, in my opinion, only interested as to what they can gain out of you. Not much about how they can help you. Yes they might write posts on how to do things, but ultimately they want to sell you something. It is very rare that a A-list blogger engages and comments on a no-bodies blog.
Robert Bravery recently posted Its No Joke Its Personal Now
Yup, it’s not just that many small fish are better than one big fish, but that the big fish is so much harder to catch!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
Blog commenting has been my #1 traffic source for years, and this has always been my model…I think I’ve left 3 comments on a-list blogs before I realized it was useless for many reasons.
As far as finding them goes, just use commentluv links.
Dennis Edell@ Direct Sales Marketing recently posted Take Your Blog Commenting to Brand New Heights!
Hi Danny ( and Ari and other bloggers),
I agree with the comment made earlier. You ARE popping up every where, so I certainly wouldn’t call you a nobody. I’m wondering if you will remember me? What if I told you Your blog is awesome? I am a pro photographer, and a comment I read yesterday related to how another photographer didn’t like the fact that all too often he sees other photographers blogging just for the SEO benefit. I must admit that was the only reason I started doing it. But as I found myself reading and posting on other blogs, I learned so much in 30 days I couldn’t believe it. I should write a book! 30 days to the SEO pot of Gold, or something like that. There is so much knowledge found my interacting and exchanging information by blogging. I read every post on this thread, all 65 comments. Thanks.
Don | Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer recently posted Wedding Photography for Nicole and Evan- Heritage Hunt Country Club- Gainsville VA
Thank you, Don, I’m really honored. I agree with you – there’s so much to learn by doing this, because you connect and engage with so many interesting and capable people. It’s really been a fantastic learning experience for me as well!
As for popping up everywhere – well, that’s just good timing; three or four guest posts of mine happened to all be run in the same week.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Interview with Marlee Ward of Metamorphoself
Sorry for the spelling grammar errors as usual. Please tell me how to put up my own icon on responses. I see your sunflower icon.
Don | Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer recently posted Wedding Photography for Nicole and Evan- Heritage Hunt Country Club- Gainsville VA
I absolutely agree with this approach. There are so many blogs that might have thousands of monthly visitors but very few comments. If you leave a comment on these blogs you will surely get noticed by the blog owner and it can develop into a mutually beneficial relationship that can result in guest posts, links, or other good things.
Yup, exactly right, Charles. It’s one of the easiest ways to connect with people – after all, we all want to feel like our work is appreciated. (I smile every time there’s a new comment!)
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Interview with Marlee Ward of Metamorphoself
You’re right, Dennis – CommentLuv is a great source, too.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How Entrepreneurs Think- Choosing Your Niche- and Guest Posts – the Very Best of the Web!
I like this approach Danny. I always try and find blogs that I feel I can add something to the conversation whether it is big or small blog.
Danny @ Tampa Real Estate recently posted Channing Park New Homes Taylor Morrison
That’s a great strategy. Thanks for the comment, Danny!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Interview with Marlee Ward of Metamorphoself
I absolutely agree with this strategy, as I have been practicing this for quite some time now. I even made a blog entry in which I have focused on getting the attention of bloggers who have the same status as mine, somewhere in the middle of the journey – yet have their own identity in the sphere.
What really matters in choosing those newcomers:
- traffic value of the site (alexa ranking, stable community and user activity – through comments as you have mentioned above).
- will more likely stay on the web for a long time (probably the serious ones who actively update their blogs – about 3 – 4 posts per month is good enough).
Jason, you raise a really important point – a lot of the newer sites out there don’t last all that long, and you want to minimize the risk that you spend lots of time on a blog that might vanish.
I think part of that is looking for engaged communities and quality content; if the content is good, and there are engaged commenters (even just a handful), then it probably means that the blog will grow, especially because the blogger has the encouragement of the community.
And once you get involved in that community, and you reciprocally support each other’s growth, then it will snowball, and give you both more momentum.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Interview with Marlee Ward of Metamorphoself
Hi Danny,
This post really caught my attention because only last week I had seen a post about “kissing a lot of internet babies.” Basically, it was the same idea: find the smaller bloggers, and spend time there commenting and building relationships. Chances are those internet babies are going to grow up to be some serious bloggers in a year or two, given their content is solid and their own networking skills are growing.
I find that, as a small blogger myself, I’m extremely loyal to the people who visit my parenting blog and leave comments, and I help in any way I can. I’ve even gotten a few invitations to guest post, which sends me a lot of traffic that I couldn’t have gotten on my own.
Delena
Delena Silverfox recently posted epc Belfast
Right on, Delena – that’s exactly the idea. Where did you see the post on kissing internet babies? I’d love to read it!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Interview with Marlee Ward of Metamorphoself
Great post Danny!
You have really brought a lot of important issues and strategies into play in an engaging way! I hadnt heard of the idea of starting with the nobodies before, but it really makes a lot of sense. It seems that the process of choosing who that group of bloggers is a very important one.
Where your post takes it up a notch in my eyes is your discussion of what all of this commenting and following is all about: Relationships! If we can learn that the value of receiving comments on our blogs is so much more than just ‘klout’ and is instead a huge opportunity for engagement and relationship, than we are on the right path!
Thank you very much for your time and effort on this post!
Cheers
Tyrell
@tyrellmara
Thanks, Tyrell! I find that’s the best way to evaluate a new idea – whether or not it fundamentally makes sense. I happened onto it a bit by accident, and then I realized the framework behind it.
If you’re interested, check out my Why Guru Strategies DON’T WORK post – it outlines the whole framework. I’d love to know what you think of it!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Why Guru Strategies for Blog Growth DON’T WORK… and What Does!
Thank you for the insight, Danny. I’m a relatively new blogger, and I’ve been struggling with balancing content creation, link building, comment making, social-media posting, etc. Your notion of targeting the smaller blogs for commenting makes sense to me. I’ve not tried it yet, but I have tried to convince small blog owners to exchange links with me, and it’s been a struggle. A lot of bloggers, even ones with newer blogs, seem to want only to link with blogs of higher PR. Actively commenting on some of these blogs might make make them more comfortable with developing a relationship. Thanks again! Doug Eikermann
Doug Eikermann recently posted Adaptation—The Life Skill Of Globalization
Yes, that might work a lot better. Focus less on the link exchange – after all, any individual link isn’t very valuable – and more on building relationships, and swapping content, for example with reciprocal guest posts. You’ll get the links that way, along with a whole lot more mileage!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Why Guru Strategies for Blog Growth DON’T WORK… and What Does!
A very interesting, informative article! The concept sounds basic, but, in all honesty, as someone very new to the world of blogging, it’s not something I would have come up with on my own, at least not for a while. This makes sense and is definitely something I will be trying out in my own blogging endeavors. Thanks so much!
susan @ ascentive.de recently posted AscentiveDE- Ich warte noch auf einen Dislike Button http-owly-4vh1V
Thank you, Susan, I’m glad you found it helpful!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Your Entrepreneurial Success Depends on 2 Components! Do You Have Them
Interesting thoughts on developing a readership. I can’t help but think You’re time might still be better spent developing unique and valuable content.
If all small bloggers took this idea to heart, I feel you would just end up with a group of self-celebrating niches that don’t really earn a wider following. Using the “Scene that Celebrates Itself” as an example, how many people know the Shoegaze band Lush today? Not many.
I definitely stand by the idea that content is king and traditional link building tactics based on your unique pillar content might be more valuable than commenting on a plethora of PR 1′s and 2′s.
That’s a fair point. I don’t see it as being about building links, but rather about connecting with people, and building relationships with them. When they click through and read, you get exposure to a new audience that can then share your content even further. That being said, of course you also need great content, and this is just one step in developing that chain of growth.
I wrote about the whole chain here, if you’re interested: http://www.firepolemarketing.com/blog/2011/03/27/why-guru-strategies-for-blog-growth-don%E2%80%99t-work%E2%80%A6-and-what-does/
I’d love to know what you think of it!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Your Entrepreneurial Success Depends on 2 Components! Do You Have Them
You are Right, Danny, that building relationship with newbies than Pro Bloggers. You have floated a very helpful idea, thanks.
nazimwarriach recently posted VeriSign Coupon Codes
You are Right, Danny, that building relationship with newbies is easier than Pro Bloggers. You have floated a very helpful idea, thanks.
nazimwarriach recently posted VeriSign Coupon Codes
Thank you for your comment, Nazim!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Your Entrepreneurial Success Depends on 2 Components! Do You Have Them
This is really an interesting read Danny. While I agree that building relationships with newbies is far easier though I also believe on keeping the focus. It’s okay to be lenient on accepting comments but be sure to still find a way to filter those who’re just taking advantage of the opportunity. Great post. Keep it up.
You’re absolutely right, Andrew – it’s all about striking a balance, and you have to keep focus on what’s really important.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Your Entrepreneurial Success Depends on 2 Components! Do You Have Them
This article makes a lot of sense for people looking for a little push but you get twice the kick if you reach out to somebodies.
Benjamin Kerensa recently posted Went to Post Office on Sunday Apr 10 and saw these signs
That’s a fair point, Benjamin, and I’ve certainly gotten nice pushes from writing for blogs like Problogger and Copyblogger. That being said, I’ve really found that you can get more of a push from commenting on the little guys than on the big ones.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Do for a Year What Others Won’t Then Live for a Lifetime as Others Can’t
Great post. For me I started going through Blog Forums that was close to what I blog about. This has helped me tremendously grow my blog and gain new readers. You made a ton of great points and you nailed it on many others. This was great advice and I to expand on this with more out of the box new ways to market my blog.
Sonia recently posted Why Negative Comments Make your Stronger and How to Rise Above BS
Thank you, Sonia, I’m glad the post was helpful. By the way, I clicked through, and I really like your blog’s design.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Do for a Year What Others Won’t Then Live for a Lifetime as Others Can’t
Thank you so much Danny. I really appreciate the visit.
Sonia recently posted How Dave Chappelle Taught Me How to “Keep It Real” On My Blog
Danny! You’re on it my friend. Your posts are always ridiculously informing. Thanks for the love, glad you can get other benefits (than my super awesome content) from being on my blog, LOL!
Another great post, dude.
RC
Ryan Critchett recently posted How Do You Feel About Darren Rowse
Thanks, Ryan, I’m flattered.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Do for a Year What Others Won’t Then Live for a Lifetime as Others Can’t
The method you’re giving here is actually a good strategy for any business, but just applied to the case of blogging. In business, the strategy is that you want to find all-star businesses that simply haven’t been discovered yet, then grow with those all-star businesses. If they’re already well known, you’re not going to get referrals from them, but if you can tell they’ve got a huge amount of untapped potential, they will be grateful for anything you can do to help them get additional business.
TJ McDowell recently posted Canon Rebel T2i Video Mode Review
Interesting idea.
As for me I get the attention of the admin by doing some personal comments. Not just giving relevant topics but also some funny or personal impression about what I think about their ideas. That goes the same for other commentators of the same blog. Just be nice!
That’s a great idea, John, thanks for sharing!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted Entrepreneur SOS: Finding Your Way Clear of the Weeds
I think that you make very cogent points. If you only focus on high traffic sites, you can easily get lost in all of the chatter. I try to comment on quality sites in my own niche, but I realize that I have to spread my wings a bit and visit other (different but related) niches where I can find new visitors and hopefully conversions, to my site.
Renee recently posted Starting over can lead to your rebirth
Thank you, Renee! And yeah, it’s easy to get blinded by the sparkling lights of the high traffic stats, but we make our real connections “on the street” where we walk every single day.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted How To Guest Post On Multiple Websites Simultaneously
This is a really great reminder for me – I’m about to launch into promotion for my first book ‘Lucky Bitch’ and I was going to go after the big guns for reviews – completely changing my strategy – thanks Danny.
Denise Duffield-Thomas recently posted The Fear of Becoming Outrageously Successful