Posted by
ChrisR on Wednesday, November 07, 2007 11:37:29 AM
Orginally posted on November 29, 2006
If you are a regular Townhall.com blogger, you might have been wondering just how a blog gets on the What's Hot List that is linked from the header banner throughout the entire site. I have some tips and tricks for you that should help you get your blog on the list, and get your blog a few more readers.
The What's Hot List, as you might have noticed, is based on a combination of these three factors:
1.) How many times a blog post is forwarded.
2.) How many comments it has received.
3.) How many people are linking to it from other blogs (the link must be to the unique blog post, not the blog in general).
Of the three, #3 is probably the hardest becuase its out of your control. But, it is not impossible. One way I have seen other bloggers link to a blog post is to make sure to let them know you are linking to them. So if you blog about another blogger's comments (or are giving a Hat Tip), make sure to leave a comment n that other blogger's post letting them know that you have blogged about their post. Most bloggers will link back letting their readers know about your post, assuming its news-worthy or adds value to the story of discussion.
As for the comments, the best way to get other bloggers to leave comments on your blog is for you to leave comments on their blogs. Also, make sure you include questions in your blog posts, asking for reader's opinions. This will encourage discussion and interaction, increasing your comments. One final tip: when someone leaves a comment, make sure to interact. In other words, leave comments on your own blog post affirming or debating other reader's comments. It acknowledges their contribution, and gets them to come back and stay in the conversation.
As for the forwards rank, you should know that its not about how many times your blog post is emailed, but how many emails its sent to. So, if you forward your blog posts to say 10 coworkers, and invite them to check it out, this will give your blog post "10" forwards. The great thing is that Townhall.com will remember the emails of the people you forward blog posts, so you can send them interesting stuff again and again.
A word of warning: If you plan on sharing your words of wisdom with coworkers, family or friends, make sure to have their permission first. Also, don't abuse the use of their friendship and time -- forward only your best work, and keep it as infrequent as possible. This way, when your friends get your emails inviting them to read your most recent blog post, they will be assured that its only your best work and will be glad to drop in and read your thoughts.
Well, I hope you find these thoughts helpful as you blog. As I always say, make sure to continually work at sharpening your craft -- writing. I highly recommend you read the Wall Street Journal, or your best local newspaper -- they always have great stories to blog about, react to, and comment on. Also, check out our Books and Movies section for the latest book recommendations. There is nothing like reading a good book to gain perspective and insight into the events and issues affecting our country and culture. Reading will sharpen your ability to discern, and increase your ability to communicate with clarity in a way that can impact and affect your readers.
Happy Blogging!