One of the most frequent questions regarding MyBlogLog is how to use it effectively to gain something… anything… from taking part.
To get the most from MyBlogLog you have to use it as an aid in finding blogs that are interesting, and then actually join the conversation on the other blogs. Spam message either through MBL, or on a blog you visit aren’t going to bring you subscribers, future business partners, and friends.
Cord Silverstein is one of the many “friends” I have met through MyBlogLog, we comment on each others blogs discussing various topics of mutual interest, link to each others articles and while this might be presumptuous, in a few short months I believe there is a level of mutual respect.
I have certainly gained far more from MyBlogLog than “business networks” such as LinkedIn, and I am sure I will continue to do so.
Cord really understand MyBlogLog, and whilst I am “just” a niche marketer who knows a little about blogging and seo, Cord is a marketing professional. (well OK, I used to be in marketing a little too)
He has just written 2 great articles covering the current benefits of MyBlogLog, and the best way to make the most from this community building tool.
MyBlogLog 101 part 1 covers how you should start using MyBlogLog.
MyBlogLog 101 part 2 shows how to expand your community.
7 Comments
Andy,
First off, no presumption needed, I have gained a great deal of respect for you since we have been introduced. Secondly, if you are not a marketing professional than I hate to think what I am… :)
Thanks for the shout out my friend, greatly appreciated!
Hi Andy, I discovered Cord and a lot of other great bloggers throgh MyBlogLog. It’s a great tool and I love to see folks’ faces as they visit. That’s sort of the icing on the cake!
I think that’s how I “met” up with you Andy, through MBL. I’ve appreciated our IM chats, emails and posting to each other’s sites as well. I think invaluable connections can and are being made a la MyBlogLog.
I just wish it were easier to wade through the “scrum” of the sites/avatars that are posted on the community pages over there. Would make for such a more beneficial process and product, from my opinion.
But just in case, “I saw that you visited my site, and wanted to thank you and tell you what a great profile you have! Please click through, and become a member of MY community!”
;)
Go Boldly!
Andy — thanks for reinforcing that it’s two-way conversation (as opposed to one-way broadcasting) that gives MBL whatever power people imbue it with.
James — We are working hard to come up with novel ways to keep spam from becoming insurmountable. It is our hope that enabling you to filter out messages from non-contacts will hide a lot of the spam sent. We’re also beginning to investigate ways of sorting community members and contacts based upon likely usefulness. More on that in the coming months.
Hey Andy,
We’ve also really MyBlogLog and found it to be much more useful to us than other communities, i.e. MySpace.
It’s been a great way for us to meet and connect with other like minded bloggers – and yes, build friendships.
It’s also nice to occasionally see who’s visiting your site, when your friends come by, etc… a whole different dimensions from traffic stats. :-)
Also the MBL widget has been a great addition to our site – it really adds a feeling of community, showing your visitors that yes, there are real people that come by here, it’s not “just a website”.
It’s very impressive what Eric and friends have done with this company – the community aspect they added (I think less than a year ago) has really completely changed and defined their business.
At first I was a little hesitant to add the MBL visitors widget because our site is a Dating & Relationship advice column… but it’s turned out to be a really great thing. After all, the folks who have MBL accounts are bloggers and they generally don’t mind appearing on a site when they’re browsing. I know I don’t. :-)
Have an awesome day!
DaA
Thanks a second time Andy. Got a shout out from Cord already so here’s a shout back to you. More coming your way soon.
Cord is very experienced in Mybloglog as I see. Even for three months of using it. Some advices are really useful. Thanks, Andy.
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