Blogs link to one another. We all know that to be a standard, and very distinguishing feature of the blogosphere.
The problem with blog linking for most bloggers is that of developing a personal blog linking policy.
Jennifer Rice of the essential What's Your Blog Mantra? putsblog linking theory and practical linking policy under the proverbial microscope.
In one of the very best posts on blog linking that I have ever read anywhere, Jennifer describesher blog linking policy. It's such a good blog linking primer that it should be required readingfor every new blogger on the internet.
It would also be a good idea for some experienced bloggers to read Jennifer's post, and take her ideasto heart as well.
For those who are late to the party, Jennifer Rice is an internationally recognized expert on companybrands, branding, and brand policy. As such, she treats her business blog as her own personal brand.
As a result of the brand analogy, Jennifer only adds links to her blogroll which reflect positively onher blog brand.
She doesn't take link swaps in order to gain reciprocal links.
She expects the blogs on her blogroll to avoid typos, and have correct spelling.
Aside: (Wayne checks spelling, just in case!)
She likes bloggers who participate and comment on her blog. She is respectful of her commenters and trackbacks,and visits their blogs in return. That aspect is a courtesy to those bloggers who take the time to visitand express their opinions on her blog.
I heartily endorse that policy myself. I just hope I don't miss anyone, as I try to click through toevery link and trackback to my blog. I also visit every blog that appears as an inbound link on my Technorati profile.
I have found some wonderful new blogs by simply practicing the concepts that Jennifer describes in herpost.
When Jennifer Rice provides advice on brand building, I listen very carefully. Her thoughts, on the subjectof branding, are always ones to put into practice immediately.
You should listen to Jennifer too!
Jennifer is generally searching for interesting, informative, and original blogs.
That said, she doesn't add every good blog to her blogroll, although she has a few new ones in mind forpossible future addition.
Those are only a few of her great suggestions for link additions to a blogroll. She has many more, andall are equally valuable to consider.
As if providing some of the best advice on blog linking practices weren't enough, Jennifer adds thispowerful advice on traffic building:
1. Compare your blog to others in your space... do your posts sound distinctly "you"? Or could they appearon someone else's blog and no one would know the difference? What unique value are you adding to theblogosphere? This is the "product development" phase.
2. Participate, participate, participate. Give first in order to receive. This is the "marketing" phase.
Follow Jennifer Rice's excellent adviceon blog linking and blog traffic building, and protect your blog's brand reputation.
Think of your blog as your own personal brand, and you won't go too far wrong.
Oh, and be sure to add the must read What's Your Blog Mantra? toyour blogroll.
Today!
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