With Blog Networking It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know 
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First off I apologize if my last post or recent comments haven’t been too insightful. After the weekend I dealt with a stomach flu that is making me feel rather out of it.
I’m pretty sure what happened was that I poured marinade onto my chicken part way through cooking but didn’t cook it long enough. I think I did something like that before and just didn’t learn my lesson. With any luck I’ll be recovered by tomorrow.
One thing’s for certain, I couldn’t miss my Wednesday blogging tips post. Here are some previous topics covered:
I know I’ve already covered blog networking, but in that post I concentrated mostly on different networking methods. This time around I’ll discuss how important it is to carefully choose who you network with. Blog networking is just too important to cover with only 1 post.
Blog Networking – It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know
For some of you this will be a pretty relevant post as you return from FinCon where you got to meet the who’s who of the financial blogging scene. Some of you may have chosen to network more with your existing contacts or the more accessible bloggers. Either strategy can work well if executed right, but I prefer networking with the not so popular bloggers. I’ll explain why.
Keeping Networking Enjoyable
Early on I decided I wasn’t going to waste time making an effort with the egotistical bloggers, at least not when that ego gets obnoxious. The big reason is that usually they won’t even give the time of day to new bloggers. If they do, they’re probably not willing to link to a newish blog or share your posts socially. A lot of the well established bloggers rarely link out to any blogs.
The more psychological reason is that I just don’t enjoy reading obnoxious content about how much money they have saved up and why they think they’re better than everyone. I’d rather not be shaking my head while reading posts and leaving comments. Besides, I suspect their demographics may be different than someone who is preaching modesty.
When I started my blog I did try to comment everywhere in hopes of getting some advantage from those obnoxious bloggers, but these days I can’t bring myself to stoop to that level. I’ve got to stay true to my values.
Getting More Exposure Without Dilution
On those big blogs, they do have a ton of traffic, but how much exposure are you going to get from being one comment in 200+? It’s rather unlikely you’ll get your comment high enough to get direct traffic.
I guess I’m starting to develop a similar problem on my blog with the number of mentions in the link round ups and social sharing acknowledgement. I feel that I make decent effort to make up for that dilution by helping in other ways.
One of the blogs that actually sends me the most direct traffic gets very few comments from other bloggers. Obviously I’d rather not share which blog that is since it would really limit how much traffic I get from there.
Newer Bloggers Are More Appreciative
I find that when I help out newer bloggers they are much more willing to reciprocate the favor. This allows a much more beneficial relationship to develop earlier.
Plus since they are fairly new there is often a lot of things that they need help with. They might need some SEO tips, plugin suggestions or general marketing advice. I’ve helped enough new bloggers with stuff like that that the advice just rolls off my tongue.
Now try finding ways you can help an established blogger enough that it would make a difference to them. When they’ve got enough links and traffic built up, a tiny bit more is pretty inconsequential to them.
Once I went on skype with an established blogger and gave him a solid hour of advice about his website that directly competed with my own affiliate sites. Later when I asked for a return favor he had the nerve to say that he didn’t agree to give any kind of favors for all that advice. Thanks man.
Identifying New Blogger Potential
If you really want to get the most out of your blog networking, you should be thinking in terms of which blogs you think have the most potential. By building up a solid relationship with them before their blog takes off, you might be able to ride their coattails like a rap star’s entourage. There is a decent chance they will remember who helped them out the most early on.
When I say potential, I mean how entertaining is their writing, how much effort do they put into marketing and how much drive do they seem to have? If they’ve got those 3 qualities, their blog is much more likely to become truly successful.
Guessing a blogger’s potential is a bit like picking stocks though. Some won’t pan out due to unforeseen circumstances or others might get lucky and get a big break. So it might be worthwhile throwing in some ‘dark horse’ picks, especially if you genuinely like those bloggers.
Leveraging The Popular Blogs
With my strategy I plan to gradually transition to networking with some of the more popular blogs, provided they’re not total douchebags. Without this long term strategy I might be stunting the growth of my blog.
By the time I transition, my blog stats should be impressive enough to get those bloggers to take more notice. A link from a PR4 blog has the power to help them much more than one from a PR0 blog. They might also notice that they could leverage your Alexa rank perceived traffic or your social media following.
With those bigger bloggers I think you probably have to be more gradual with breaking the ice before asking for any favors. Get them to notice you via comments and/or social shares before cutting to the chase. Maybe even butter them up with some casual conversation via e-mail or twitter.
With those bigger blogs, you probably won’t just get a link for the hell of it. Instead you might have to pitch a good guest post idea or develop some kind of link bait that interests them enough to share
Why Content Is Not Truly King In Blog Marketing
If you read much SEO advice, you may have come across the line ‘content is king’. While that may be true to some extent, it is a king moving at a snail’s pace with few people even knowing he exists.
Strong content might generate some links, but in most cases, that content would be wasted without some solid blogger connections. It’s not like the Field of Dreams, where if you build it, they will come. No you’ve got to build it and then hustle for hours each week to get your name out there.
Some people would actually think I have a backwards ass blog plan since I am focusing much less on content early on and putting much more time into marketing. Personally I think it is working well so far. Over time when my blog gains momentum I’ll put more emphasis on content quality. That way much more people will actually read my best content. Also I’ll have more writing experience to produce that level of content.
Do you agree with my plan? Or am I breaking some golden rule by accepting so many guest posts and usually only writing one finance post per week?
67 Comments
Thanks again for another helpful post Jeremy. You bring up a valid (in my opinion) point in regards to not just going after the big fish of the PF blogging world. They already have a following and you’re right in that you’ll basically just be diluted by their numbers.
I love that you’re not always writing on finance, it provides variety…which is always good.
John S recently posted..Yes, I Know…Another Personal Finance Blog
Forgot to mention that I hope you get over the stomach flu soon. We just had it run through our familly and know that it’s no fun.
Thanks John. Good to see that your blog is launched now. This food poisoning isn’t much fun since I’m used to being such a workaholic. It took me most of the day to build up the energy and motivation to respond to comments on this post.
I once wrote a post called “If content is king, then a connector is queen.” I agree that in today’s saturated internet market, getting noticed vitally is unlikely. As the saying goes, good things come to those who make them happen.
Any chance I am that top referrer? You are still the top for my site, but at least these days, Google is in the same competition!
Expect an email later today with some additional thoughts that are too long to type on my phone.
Thank you for your e-mail Ed. No you aren’t that top referrer, but you do make it to spot #25 among all my referrers lately. That’s not too shabby since it includes all of the search engines, direct traffic, twitter, etc.
The vast number of blogs out there does make it tough to stand out, even if you have outstanding content. To really get noticed you need good marketing/networking to go along with it.
You always know so much, that’s why I come here to read your networking advice
I don’t think you’re overdoing it with guest posts… hey, whatever works!
Thanks Veronica. I’m glad I’m not the only finance blogger doing a weekly blogging tips series. It just stands to help build up the strength of your entire network of blogger friends.
Don’t forget us little guys when you’re a huge baller someday Jeremy! I actually have a very similar strategy of networking with mid to new blogs for the very same reason – the ego’s and lack of reciprocation at the popular blogs were disgusting. And what kind of punk decides to not give you any advice after you spent an hour helping him on out? What a douche …
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Yeah I thought it was a pretty low move, especially when he was a direct competitor. I could’ve been charging hourly for the kind of advice I was giving him.
I’m sure there are some high profile bloggers who return favors, but it seems they are few and far between. Once they grow big enough a lot develop a serious chip on their shoulder.
Jeremy, I love the time you take to give tips, respond to emails and respond to comments. It’s really appreciated
I like to think that I try to help using my limit skill set by letting blog owners know when there are big typos, broken links in posts and whatnot.
Also – way to dish out the details on the chicken. Haha. I sometimes find cooking meat stressful, with all its special separation from veggies, fully cooking and keeping things cleaned. Veggie life benefits
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lol yes if I was vegetarian this would’ve never happened. It has been quite a while since I last made that kind of mistake, but I’m suffering for it now.
And that’s good that you do find ways to help out bloggers where you can. That kind of stuff won’t go unnoticed. Help out the community and you’ll often get that love back.
I agree that new bloggers are very appreciative. I know I was! Heck, I still am! I haven’t even been blogging a year, but already I’m not the new kid on the block anymore. But I do try to help out new bloggers because I appreciated the help so much. Of course I still try to pay attentions to commenting on “big” blogs, but like you said, when comments get into the 200+ range, there’s less to be gained there. I think a good mix of networking, tweeting, commenting, helping new bloggers, and visiting well-established bloggers is good.
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Forgot to mention — did you know that your blog is my 4th biggest blog referrer? Thanks man, you’re awesome!
TB at BlueCollarWorkman recently posted..Teachers on Strike: Should They Get Paid More?
TB, you’ve been awesome on our site too! Thanks!
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That’s cool that I’m the #4 referrer. I know with one commenter it’s neck and neck between my blog and Google as his top referrer.
Passing your knowledge on to new bloggers is bound to get you some good karma. I have noticed you commenting on some of the more established blogs. I would pay attention to what kind of benefits you are getting from those blogs since you say I’m such a high referrer.
We are definitely to be counted in the “appreciative new blogger” pile. I think we’re still working on finding our groove and our sweet spot in terms of original content and networking, but your blogging tips have definitely given us food for thought. Thanks!
No problem Mrs. Pop. If you ever have any specific questions, feel free to e-mail me. There is some certain advice that I cannot share publicly for one reason or another.
Jeremy, as one of those new bloggers you have helped along the way, I am truly appreciative, as you said. Most people with blogging knowledge charge for the kind of help you give out. And hey, when I blow up, you can definitely ride my coattails
(Lol, ego..)
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Yeah I’ve seen a finance blogger charging triple digits per hour to give blogging advice. In my opinion that is pretty ridiculous, but I guess it’s something I shouldn’t rule out for way down the road. I’ll be sure to ride your coattails to get to that point Jacob
Todd and I certainly appreciate your help and commenting on our blog. We’ve only been around 4 months now and will definitely continue to grow. Your articles on SEO helped a ton and I recommend everyone read those.
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I believe your blog has a ton of potential. Even though it only talks about finance once in a while, I’m all for supporting it. Maybe you’ll find a way to help me out when you’re famous
Hey thanks for the mention, and these are great trips. First off, as someone who has only had their site up for a little over 2 months I can almost certainly agree with your statement that newer bloggers are more appreciative. The first few weeks and first couple months are difficult to get mentions and comments from anyone, so I know that I have taken note of each and every person/blog/etc. that has mentioned me or commented.
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted..How I Got 50,000+ Twitter Followers
It’s surprising your blog has only been up two months DC. You’re off to a really good start so far. Even after over 7 months I still take note of each and every mention. Eventually I did have to limit myself with commenting, but I do try to help out people who do comment.
Awesome post! Your blogging series has really helped me out and I really appreciate that. Also, thanks for mentioning me and hope you feel better soon
I’m getting there, but still some residual symptoms that are dragging me down. I should be back to normal this weekend. And no problem about the tips and mention.
Great article-I definitely learn a lot from you each week. Way to copy me on the puppy pictures though
Feel better!
I’ve been doing animal photos every week for a while, but I did start with photos of my cats. After a while I ran out of good photos of them and I was thinking people probably like dogs more anyway. I know a bunch of other blogs have started using more animal photos lately.
Dude, that marinade thing is such an easy fix. Just make extra marinade and keep it in the fridge until you want to add more on the grill. I agree with ya on the networking stuff also. Unless you are one of the first to comment you probably won’t be noticed on a blog that gets 200+ comments/post. I enjoy reading the smaller blogs myself, they seem to be more personal and actually respond and communicate more often.
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Good advice about the marinade. That would definitely solve the problem. I agree that the bigger blogs tend to get less personal over time, but you could say that about my blog with all the guest posts. I do try to respond to most comments though…or I get the guest writers to help out.
Oh no to the stomach bug. Hope you are feeling better soon! As one of the newer blogs you’ve helped out, thanks! And I do love this series. I enjoy reading personal stories and notice a lot of the younger/smaller blogs post more of those.
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I guess the older blogs probably just run out of personal stories to share. Plus they might get caught up writing for search engines.
I think I agree with your ideas of marketing over content until you get established. Sure, high quality content can take off right away but that is likely to be only in very, very rare cases and probably relies a bit too much on luck.
Better to focus on building your network and getting your name/links out there and then as traffic is coming in make sure you are getting the content quality out there that’s necessary to maintain/improve it. Until you have some traffic it seems a waste writing all that good content for so few eyes, unless you add some sort of widget that will keep that content easily available in the months ahead when more people are showing up.
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Glad you agree Garrett. It is a shame when a blogger puts so much effort into early posts only for them to sit in the archives collecting dust. The thing is even if you link to those old pages, your blog writing style would likely have evolved over time. So driving traffic to those early posts may be less advantageous.
You are spot on Jeremy hence why I always try to give back especially to new bloggers. There was a post I did about the first blogger that helped me and she is still a good mate of mine and I would do anything for her. I’ve never met her but she went out of her way for me. I find some of the bigger sites have tunnel vision, it’s the money, the traffic and hey it’s a business BUT business is mainly built on trust and relationships not just the written word. You can find an article on lets’ say life insurance a million times on the internet but you won’t find a “Jeremy” from Modest Money who reaches out to the fans with an Ace personality. It’s true though, it’s who you know… in all aspects of life because that’s the pyramid effect of society. There’s nothing wrong “standing on your own two feet” saying.. I can do it without you!! Many successful people got there because of the people, the people they took time to get to know! Cheers Mr.CBB
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Well I like that search phrase than some of the personal ones I highlighted the other week. Feel free to search for my blog with those keywords to make it in my next keyword searches posts lol.
It does make sense that established bloggers have to treat things as a business as most at that level are indeed relying on their blog for their main source of income. The bigger obstacle is likely the desire to put in less hours once you’ve made it. As you cut back hours, it just isn’t possible to help everyone out.
Networking is huge. Not only can it help you grow your websites but you meet a lot of cool people.
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That’s one of the main reasons I choose to network with bloggers I actually like. I wouldn’t want to eventually meet up with a blogging ‘friend’ who I didn’t really like at all. I would just feel so fake.
While networking offers benefits I don’t network solely to get these benefits. The bloggers I reach out to I am genuinely interested in and if tthey can help me out that is a bonus! As far as content on your blog if it works it works… is it working? Reaching your target audience?
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Well since SEO strength and search traffic is my main priority with my blog, I’d say it’s working. I’m building up a ton of links and social mentions which all go a long ways. I know you do a ton of networking Lance. You probably comment more than I did early on. Now I just comment on actual friends’ blogs. Partly I just found it was too overwhelming to read so many finance posts each day, especially from blogs who take a less personal approach.
Another great post Jeremy! We certainly appreciate all of the help that you have given us as we’ve gotten our blog up and running. You’ve given us great advice and a lot of awesome sharing. When we get back from vacation, we’ll get back in the groove of commenting a little more. I promise:)
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No worries at all Greg. I’m in a commenting hiatus too as I try to overcome my illness. It’s taking me days to just through replying to the initial comments from this post. I have no problem at all when bloggers have to take time off. It’s more about their long term loyalty.
Great article! I discovered the same thing when I first started; I commented on big blogs but never got any return comments or even really views at the beginning. Then I started loving smaller blogs (and joined Yakezie) and the love got returned.
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Not returning comments is more understandable when they get so many comments to each post. It’s not really feasible to reciprocate all those comments, especially since it may lead to future expectations. Personally I try to at least tweet some of a commenter’s posts if I can’t commit to commenting back.
I agree with everything you say. I find many of the bigger players won’t waste their time with the little guys, even though they say they are all about helping everyone out.
I also like your plans of waiting to write your stronger content. I feel I wrote some old posts that were really good, but no one came to see them. Now I am working on finding ways to get them noticed too.
Lastly, my plan of attack with other bloggers is to just start mentioning them and following them. I’m hoping they will return the favor and most do.
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With your older posts you might actually have to rewrite them with a different angle. Or really you could repost it, but I would redirect the original post to the new one.
And yeah not everyone is as selfless as they claim, even if it’s part of their slogan. Some people are just in it for themselves and feel that everyone should be kissing their ass.
Excellent post and I can relate with your Newer Bloggers Are More Appreciative section. I have found that to be definitely true even with something as simple as commenting on the bigger blogs. In fact, I get more interaction posting on the Huffington Post or the New York Times than I do commenting on some big-time blogger’s site!
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I guess those huge companies have the big budget to afford to pay people to take the time to respond to comments. I think a lot of big blogs remain mostly 1 man shows the whole time. It’s interesting that from responding to all the comments to this post I am starting to understand why big bloggers don’t reciprocate. It’s obviously not just about ego.
Stomach flu sucks in the worst way. So sorry. I certainly appreciate all the tips you’ve given me personally and on your Wed. posts. Thanks also for sharing my posts. Even if I were the best writer ever, it doesn’t matter if no one reads it. You’re spot on with that.
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And if some people do happen to read that content, it’s unlikely that it’ll be anyone influential enough to get your content spreading virally. I would think that the bloggers who ignore networking are often the ones that throw in the towel early since they just wouldn’t be making significant progress.
Another good post. You have the ability to round up my different thoughts that I have been having an put them concisely and neatly together! I have learned from my mistakes in the last 8 months of blogging… I started off trying to get comments highly placed on the big blogs but now I just don’t care. I have a closer group of friends and communities that I read. At the end of the day I am not in this to make money – sure some money on the side is awesome and I will do what I can to get that – but really I want to meet like-minded others and if I can, help others. You have helped me a lot with bits of advice and are a pretty selfless guy – you should be proud of that. I have absolutely NO time for douchebags who are in this to make a fast buck and don’t care about anyone else. You should be naming and shaming!!
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lol I would name and shame, but I’m pretty sure nobody here comments on his blog anyway. I’m sure he knows that what he did was a douche move.
I don’t think networking with smaller blogs is necessarily sacrificing money. I’m making more money than I expected to be at this point and money is a pretty big priority for my blog. I want to turn this into part of my online business to become a full time job again.
I’m definitely one of those new bloggers that is appreciative of help and advice. You’ve been quite helpful and are always willing to share your knowledge, which is awesome! I’m more than happy to keep sending traffic your way, since I think I may be that blog you made mention of, lol.
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I just couldn’t imagine ignoring people’s questions when they do directly ask me something. Or if there’s something on a friend’s blog which could be improved, I couldn’t just keep it to myself. I’m all for building up a bunch of good karma.
Well…here is my comment amongst the 200+ and won’t be getting any traffic from it.
You make some great points and I really like the thought of hopping on the coattails of a new blogger. I’ve never really thought of that and have been neglecting some of the new guys that stumble across my blog. Looks like I need to pay more attention and start working on some more relationships!
I wouldn’t feel obligated to go all out with every new blogger that comments on your blog, but there is bound to be some less time consuming ways you can help them out.
And technically I never get 200+ comments
My numbers are just inflated since I take the time to reply to comments.
Hey Jeremy, like (and appreciate) your posts helping us out. I’m a rank new beginner (don’t even have a Twitter account yet) so I’m totally nobody, so your posts are helpful (or will be once I get to implement them!)
Tried to connect at Fincon, but your fan crowd was too big to get through! Hey man, stop being so popular! LOL
Keep up the good work. One day I hope to be worthy of an introduction!
Haha if I had gone to FinCon I think only a few people would recognize me. By next year I should have a big entourage though lol. I recommend you get your blog up soon rather than just the splash page. It might get more subscribers this way, but you miss out on a lot of the networking potential. If it weren’t for your setup I would’ve at least tweeted some of your posts by now.
I agree that content is important, but knowing important players is even more important for your blogging success. Great advice, Jeremy. I think you should start a blog on how to blog niche.
Maybe I’d consider down the road when this blog is successful, but that niche would probably be fairly competitive with not much to monetize. Just creating an ebook would probably be a better idea for me.
Jeremy, I hope your tummy is recovering from the flu. Sorry to hear you haven’t been up to snuff.
Definitely with anything else in life, connections and proper timing are everything. I know so many fabulous but obscure writers that fade into the nooks of the web simply because without proper marketing, no one is aware they’re out there.
I look forward to where us newbies stand by FinCon of next year. 2013 better watch out!!
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Yeah my symptoms were pretty much gone during the weekend. It is a shame that some quality writers disappear since they don’t make the effort with marketing. I guess the same thing could happen with traditional writing too. It’s not as simple as just writing good content. And yeah, we’re going to take over FinCon 2013.
Once again some great tips! Hope you feel better!
Thanks Jessica. I hope the tips continue to be helpful for everyone.
Hi Jeremy.
As a new blogger starting out I have read some articles that I really liked and want to link back. I’m unsure of the etiquette on that, do I let the author know in the comments or does something get sent to them.
You’re right as a lot of the mid blogs have been extremely nice in their replies and comments. I especially like those who have recently started they are extremely receptive.
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A trackback should be sent to them, but some bloggers have that turned off. So if you want to make sure they know about it, it would be best to e-mail them. Just linking to a blog without any kind of communication likely won’t result in much for you.
The best networking advice I ever heard was to start by helping other people first. It creates a reserve of goodwill that pays you back consistently over time. You are on the right track!
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Yeah I think the strategy is working out well so far. It seems that I have a lot of blogger friends that I could hit up for favors at any point now. Or if I don’t request any favors, they’ll probably go out of their way to somehow help me out.