There was a time that writing link bait was what you needed to grab high quality backlinks. Well, it’s 2011 and things have changed. The Internet has changed and so has the business of blogging. You need to decide if you have what it takes to be a link magnet.
Why is a Link Magnet Different?
We read everywhere that writing killer content is the key to getting backlinks. Write amazing stuff and people will trip all over themselves to link to you. That is so last year. 🙂
The reality is that today, people link to personalities just as much, if not more than content. In order to succeed in this realm, you need to develop your brand AND your personality. Your brand needs to be an extension of your personality and it needs to shine through your content as well.
Why do you think all the topnotchers tell you to find your voice? Your virtual voice is what people “hear,” and if it’s dull and crappy- fogetta bout it.
So the difference here is that a link magnet is someone not something. Do I agree with this? I will get to that in a minute. It really doesn’t matter if I agree with it or not, because it is what it is. That is how social media has evolved and brought bloggers and Internet Marketers with it.
Blog Cliques
Back to whether or not I agree with this or not. I’m torn. Remember back in High School or those of you still in HS, there were the jocks, the techies, the loners, etc,,? All cliques.
These same cliques exist in the blogosphere, just not with the same titles. People create relationships, form bonds and end up in the same circles. These cliques promote, vote and link each other. It’s just human nature…business or not. And I don’t mean link exchanges for those of you ready to jump on that statement. 🙂
This is where I take issue. Now, someone in a particular group may see another “member” post something and whether it’s brilliant or not will vote or promote it. Where links used to attach to this content, now Facebook likes and tweets rule the roost.
This to is why I tend to not like Blog Contests. Seeing as comments, votes and promoted content typically wins, the playing field is not level. My solution to that? A masked blog contest. Somehow mask the identity of the Blogger until the contest is over. I think it evens the score. Someone with 1000 followers can stand against one with 10,000 followers. Just an opinion! 🙂
Define Personality
No one can create a blog personality or online personality for you. it has to be something you do all on your own. I am writing now the way I would talk to you if you were right in front of me. That’s just how I roll.
I try to treat my readers as I do my friends. Therefore, we have conversations, through blogging. It’s not that difficult. I swear it’s not.
We all have our own way of letting our personality shine through and you should continue to define your personality.
The Bottom Line
The Internet has changed dramatically and social media has encapsulated every niche. If people don’t trust your personality/brand, you have a next to none chance of surviving out here.
Don’t get me wrong, I DO NOT advocate brown nosing, ridiculous flattery or a** kissing. Be above reproach, practice give not take, have integrity and be REAL. Phonies and fraudsters suck and are eventually discovered…so don’t become one. Period.
And for pete sake…thank people when they help you, promote you, or whatever. It still amazes me the amount of people who forget this simple fact.
You still need to focus on your link building strategies, but in this new day of marketing, your design and articles are not enough. Make yourself a link magnet. Obviously, you see I agree with this philosophy more than disagree!
Now for your thoughts. Are you a link magnet or who do you consider to be one?
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sending online press releases is another great way to get backlinks. There are free sites, but remember you get what you pay for!
Your News. Everwhere.
Agreed.
Lisa
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Great post Lisa. Honestly I’m not sure if I’m a link magnet or not, but people (like you) come and comment on my site, and keep coming back and sharing my posts. If that’s a measure then I suppose I am.
This brings up something I’ve thought a bit about though – how much of your personality to put into your blog. For instance I like to cuss, a lot. On my blog I don’t do that much cussing because I know that I would turn people off. But I do cuss – that’s just a part of me so F it! HAHA.
I digress.
I think it’s important for people to be real. This isn’t a “who can get more comments or followers” contest. It’s all about connecting with the right people, which isn’t everyone. Putting your personality out there – something I think a lot of people hold back on – will be sure that you’re attracting the right people. For me that’s what it’s all about.
I agree Robert! I would read your posts if you cussed alot…because I like that style and the bottom line is that it’s real and YOU!
I used to hold back and try to be all professional and I decided just write the way I am..have since had more success this way!
Thanks for visiting me
Lisa
Hi Lisa, awesome article. There are probably thousands of people every week that start blogging every week. There are thousands upon thousands of blogs out there in cyber space.
I think you really need to dig deep inside yourself and find your unique original voice.
I truly believe blogging is an art form thanks for sharing
Hi Larry:
I agree 100% with it’s an artform! Some we may like, some we may not…all a matter of taste.
Thanks for visiting my blog,
Lisa
I think you’re right here. If you’re different plus good then you’ll automatically receive appreciation.
Thank you Shailender. I appreciate you stopping by!
Lisa
Defining your personality online is a very good thought anyway. When bloggers know you as a good blogger they would definitely get along well with you right? Like you Lisa, I’ve been seeing you on different blogs like Trafficgenerationcafe and any other blogs.
I just love the way you said things.
Thanks Ron and i appreciate your support. I love TGC and talk about a defined personaity! Ana has certainly done that, but like you said respectfully. It is common sense and it amazes me that some people still lack that!
Thank you for visiting my blog
Lisa
Hey Lisa,
I am so on the same page like you. I see groups of people promoting each others content even when it is bad. I don’t mind groups, even I am a member of one but if you write something really bad not group will help make it better. So instead of promoting bad content it would be better if they advised them to remove the post, lol.
Promoting a bad post is worse for everyone.
First more people will read it and the author will loose a point or two. Some may never come back to the blogs.
The ones that are promoting it are risking their “points” as well.
I also don’t like a.. kissing and if I write something good about the post or the author, I really mean it. This morning I read a really lousy post on one of my favorite blogs. I just clicked out. Nothing will get me to comment on it and I will think twice about visiting again, if a post as bad as that one gets published again.
Brankica:
You said it perfectly! I personally still try to find something good about everything I read. I will try and comment on the positive aspects to show my respect. Now if it’s absolutely ridiculous spammy stuff, then no I wont comment.
Thank you for stopping by Brankica!
Lisa
Lisa, I am with you on this. I truly believe you have to be unique rather than repeating the same stuff with a mundane voice. Regarding blogging contests, I have never been in one although I am participating with Heather on the ProveIt2011 challenge for accountability and the social connection. I think it’s just the ticket to get me focused which is what I need.
i always enjoy reading your posts, you crack me up. I am sure a live conversation could be quite comical.
Thanks for your this.. and btw… I love the graphic.
talk soon
Jayne
Jayne:
I always enjoy your comments. You make my day! I am glad people can find some humor in my ramblings.
I have yet to participate in a contest, but I have voted in a few. I see patterns develop with the clickety cliques!
Anyways, whats this proveit2011 thing??
Always a pleasure Jayne,
Lisa
Lisa, I am not sure if you are still there… at your computer… I should check out your site quickly and email you. I am still up typing away for the ProveIt2011. Hang tight… sorry for using your comment section for a convo… LOL…You should def check it out. I thought of you right away to be honest.
I absolutely agree. There are a ton of folks out there who do great research and write the top-notch content, but their stuff never gets linked to. Then there are those who just have to sneeze their stuff gets re-tweeted and linked to.
Wes:
LOL..that is so true. I like the way you put it!!
Thanks for stopping by,
Lisa
This post really makes me remember something I said in Twitter once.
“Be unique, the world has too many copy-cats already”
I think that totally summarizes what this post is about 🙂
Edwin:
you hit the nail on the head with that tweet! And I agree 100%
Thanks for visiting!
Lisa
Hey, where did you get the cartoon picture of me with the spoon on my nose? Was that you sitting behind us at the Olive Garden?!
There’s the old saying ‘dance like nobody is watching’. Well blog like nobody is reading. Or judging, or criticizing.
Sure, you have to write for your audience. And yeah, it should include keywords for SEO. But must we become almost robotic in writing, to try and touch every market segment possible? I’ve heard ‘don’t write for the money’ echoed from Daniel, and Tristan, and a bunch of others that I admire and learn from.
I write for me, and you. I like it. Hopefully you will too.
I love it Gibson! And that’s really the key…dont be a robot and regurgitate what already pollutes the web. Be your own persona and put your own stamp on it. You do that well my friend!
Lisa
Lisa,
You make a great point. I bust my butt to put out great content and I DO nearly get as much from the social aspect of blogging as content.
I still like to think that they are hand-and-glove. Social circles, connections, commenting and just being a cool person people “like” is extremely important. It gets people in the “door” so to speak. Once they are there to continue growing you need something a lot more.
Friends and acolytes will only get you so far. It is not scalable. I try to comment on 20 blogs a day, and this helps drive a lot of people my way. I could drive more with 40 or an insane amount doing 100 comments, but at some point I could do no more and would have no time to create good content.
As you pointed out, the important part is to “be real.” There is a need to connect and reach out for people, but gaining a reputation or brand for being “who you are” will pay out many returns over time.
Steve:
Eloquently put!!! You are right on the money…personality can get you “in the door’ and then you gotta keep ’em there. I am a big proponent of measurable results. As for being scalable, do you think the “influence” factor of likes, RT’s and followers will become the measure?
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Lisa
Hi Lisa
I have to give a big YAY 🙂 to this post. I agree with you wholeheartedly. Keeping it real and being ourselves.
This has cheered me up somewhat after visiting several blogs where I firstly read a post that if the advice was followed would get newbies very disheartened and then I read a rant on one of my blogging buddies post that was so rude!
Usually my glass is full to overflowing but I have truly had my fill of same old, same old fluff! Being more selective with the blogs I visit and as you so succincltly put it writing killer content et al….so last year 😉 Just not enough, have to engage and be real.
Have just done a GP and was interviewed. Touched on some of what you are sharing here. Being genuine is so important. And you are right, people are getting better at seeing through fakes.
Love your writing style Lisa. It’s a breath of fresh air sprinkled with a good dose of reality. Sweet 🙂
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia:
I can always count on you to make things brighter! Lately I have been seeking out “like niched” blogs and I tell ya…hard to find unique. I still find good stuff on them, but the info is all regurgitated. I try as best I can to put a new spin on the info I toss out.
And it’s obvious from your blog Patricia that you have that great unique quality!!!
Thanks for visiting!
Lisa
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Lisa, this is a great reminder that there’s more to blogging than just facts and dull how-to posts. For bloggers who don’t really consider themselves “writers,” finding that voice can be tough. My best advice to them is to compose blog posts as if you’re writing an email to a friend. That helps them stay conversational rather than instructional, and gives the post a bit more voice than normal.
Love the idea of a “masked blogger” contest. Perhaps we could all try to guess the identity of the poster based solely on his or her writing personal writing style?
I love the idea Cindy! I like the idea also of the friendly email style. I think as long as we stay conversational in our writing, we are doing the right thing!
Thank you for stopping by!
Lisa
Hi Lisa!
Although I agree with this in that you need to have more than top quality content, I do fear that the more emphasis we put on a blogger’s personality, the lower we’ll allow the quality to slip. This is already happening (or maybe it’s just me being too fussy).
There needs to be a balance, even if I’d far rather quality to win the day. 🙂
Kind regards,
Steve
Steve:
You know, you are right. We need to find that balance between personality and content…and hope the social mediums accept both!
Thanks for the RT as well Steve.
Have a great day,
Lisa
Good morning, sunshine – I definitely agree with the fact that a online personality will attract the same, if not more buzz, as purely good content.
Also, great idea behind contests. I absolutely agree that any contest should be based on the content alone and not on how many followers you can ask for a favor to vote for your article.
Ana
Hello Ana:
You said it perfectly! (That I’m sunshine that is):)
Seriously, I think this masked contest needs to come to fruition. However, like Mitch said, people can “hear” a writer’s voice…and for example, I could tell one of your posts anywhere Ana. When you have a guest post on TGC, if I don;t see that right away that it’s a guest spot, half way into 1st paragraph Im saying….”whoa this not Ana!”
However, I still think an anonymous contest would level the field!
Thanks for popping over here Ana,
Lisa
This was dang good Lisa, really, I loved it. I have found some bloggers hate the idea of ‘cliques’. They think it’s fake and that they’ll earn their followers or readers or whatever you want to call ’em by simply writing good stuff.
Hate to say it, but that just don’t cut it these days, just like you said. One must network, and network well….and often…oh, and be real too (again, like you said 😉 )
I have a different view point though. I believe in the power of team and synergy and all that. It works, and it’s fun, so why not do it??
Good stuff Lisa, thanks for the read. 🙂
Marcus:
I agree 100% with teamwork and synergy. I guess if more bloggers actually realized the value of a team, the “cliques” wouldn’t have so much reign. Teams accomplish much more than just promoting to promote. Teams can help build your business AND your personality. Yes…NETWORK!!! Always.
Anyhoo, thanks for visiting me Marcus!
Lisa
Hi Lisa. You bring up an interesting topic. Blog Cliques Yes they exist. They exist EVERYWHERE!!! What I find interesting is that people like you and I feel little weird about them..there is something inherently ….hmmm stinky about cliques…I think its the smell of shoulders rubbing together.
I also know for a fact that the biggest internet cliques are large internet marketing syndicates who promote each other’s shit. (shit as in things and also shit as in crap)…BUT…
I bet you they dont have these discussions. I bet they dont think twice about it. I wonder what that sez about them and what does it say about us? …I will sleep on it 🙂
Dino:
LOL @ the rubbing shoulders!
Yep, I hated cliques in HS and I do believe I am beginning to hate them in the blogosohere. I’m pretty sure they don;t have these discussion either, but my goal for this year is transparency. Im not going to hide behind some words, what you see is what you get…yada yada.
And I love the shit definitions!!!
Have a great day Dino,
Lisa
Hi Lisa! This is a fascinating take on what is required to get links. I’ve eschewed SEO since 2007, opting instead to share my voice on my personal blog.
The experts would have me believe that I was making a huge mistake. However, the fact of the matter is that they also say “Write great content, build your readership, THEN monetize your blog.” As you may know, I didn’t get that whole monetize thing down correctly. However, I’d like to think that I’ve built a nice following based on my writing. To the extent that folks DO tend to link to the person more often, once the content has been relatively consistent, I’ll agree with you.
Now, without understanding SEO well enough to be coherent, I can only ask: what would happen to my readership if I suddenly started monetizing the content? My uneducated guess is that I would lose a lot of them because they didn’t come to my blog for that.
Certainly, I could understand it if my readership were in the thousands, then I might be getting more new visitors (in fact, 30% of my views are from loyal readers). These new visitors, not really knowing my history, might not be averse to clicking links or whatever.
Okay, I will wait for your answer to that one. Meanwhile, I LOVE the idea of a masked blog contest. It’s actually easier than you think: I’ve participated in game design challenges at a forum. All you need are dedicated moderators to handle the administration. The identities are revealed at the end of voting.
But, if you think this will keep people from hearing the unique voices, it’s pretty hard to mask that! Certain writers have a cadence that they can’t disguise. Nor should they, for then they are not being themselves. The more posts I read from a particular blogger, the more likely I am to identify a future post that is “masked”. Yet, blogging contests aren’t about “taste tests”. This is why I love the idea of masked blogging contests: without a name to prejudge the content, the content will have to stand or fall on its own merit.
If you do host one, I’ll be more than happy to assist. (I helped out on the Baker Meme, so I got a little experience, LOL).
Cheers,
Mitch
Hi Mitch!
Now that’s what I call a comment. 🙂 what I like about your style is that you don;t worry about the seo aspect of things. People link to you because you have let your absolute true self shine through in your writing. That makes you very unique. The whimsy on your blog is fantastic. My personal experience to answer your question about sudden monetization, (sounds like an illness!!), tells me you have built trust with your readers.
Therefore, you have successfully completed the first part of the equation. Build trust and relationships first/sell second. Your loyal visitors will trust the things you recommend or review….in my lil ole opinion.
I need to look more into this masked guest blogging….however, I know what you mean about knowing a blog voice. One of the blogs I read religiously every single day is a perfect example. I know by the end of the first paragraph if it is not her writing but a guest post. It amazes me that our minds have allowed us to incorporate a printed voice in our consumption of info.
Anyways, it was a pleasure to see you here!
Lisa
This is what I love about blogging and the whole idea behind social media.Blogging is a true expression of you. Many people find it difficult to expose themselves, their thoughts and ideas on line but I believe in order to succeed using this form of marketing you must.. sort of like, swim or sink!. Loved your recent article on youtube, waiting for more!
Carolyn:
Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I totally agree with you about blogging being a true expression of who we really are. The more people embrace that, the more their voice will shine through and their personalities as well.
Glad you liked the YT article and I’m working on the next piece this week!
Have a great week,
Lisa