Darren Rowse from ProBlogger.net has to be one of my favorite bloggers and social media marketers. Not only does he do what he loves, but he is so willing to share his knowledge about social media with the blogging and online marketing communities.
In this video, Darren talks about how he uses Social Media marketing to connect & promote his blogs.
3 Main Points to Apply
- Build a Home Base: I get the question a lot about whether it’s good to start with just one site and then grow later or start a TON of sites from the get go and mass market all of them. Personally, I feel this point answers that question pretty directly. You have to start with a firm foundation. As Darren explains in the video, you need to work on something you have complete control over. Problogger.net is a place where he adds useful content, builds community, brand and profile. Around the home base he interacts in a variety of other social media spaces. I guess the bigger question is – How good can you be at mastering multiple home bases at one time? If you’re new to the whole online marketing space, I definitely recommend FOCUSING on ONE INITIALLY!
- Build Outposts to Re-inforce the Home Base: Darren makes a great point here: the activities that are done on the outposts are to re-inforce the home base. The danger Darren has seen recently is people investing lots of time on the out posts and not really focusing on the home base. Places where this can get easy to do include Twitter, Facebook and StumbleUpon so beware. As you get involved in Social Media, just remember to set specific goals about WHY you are using the different networks and then monitor your time.
- Learn from and interact with other Home Bases: I love this point the most! It’s all about getting to know your industry and the people in it – yet another reason to start an online business in an industry you love! One of the best ways to get to know your industry is to
A) identify the target audience for your Home Base
B) find other sites and forums that share that audience
C) spend time on these people’s sites
This strategy is not about taking information from your competitors and then using it on your own site. It’s about connecting with people who could potentially become great allies, together helping one another grow. Some of the things Darren recommends doing are guest posting on these sites & building links, while at the same time getting to know the community. Build business relationships with the owners of these different sites – get out there, engage, and interact!
Commenters – share with the Moller Marketing reader:
1. What is your home base?
2. What top 5 outposts you are using?
3. What are 3 other home bases you’re working with?
Here are mine:
- Home Base 1: MollerMarketing.com
Home Base 1a: ClogOn.com - Top 5 Outposts 1: Twitter, Stumbleupon, Flickr, YouTube and Facebook
Top 5 Outposts 1a: Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, Forums - 3 Other Home Bases I work With 1 (haven’t done this much with MM): Prosper, TwiTip, Dream Systems Media
3 Other Home Bases I work with 1a: Facebook Groups, Forum, Specific Clogging Studio Websites