We’re winding down our discussion of author websites and blogging with just two more important discussions – today, where to share all this great blog content we’re producing, and next week, how to analyze what’s working best!
So, the big question authors ask us once they begin blogging: How do I let more people know I have a new blog post?
Obviously making your content search engine friendly is a start. Having an email list to update fans when new content goes “live” is also key. And sharing on each of your social media sites (lots more on social media to come) is important.
In addition, you can share your newest post to social bookmarking sites such as Tumblr, Reddit, Digg, StumbleUpon. This too needs to be done manually (you post when you have new content) but the obvious advantage is the potential to reach an extended audience beyond those you’re already connected to on social media.
But there are also plenty of sites where you don’t need to post new content manually, where you can “fix it and forget it.” Meaning, you register on the site, set up any required profile, and enter the RSS feed of your blog. After which, every time you publish a new blog post, it AUTOMATICALLY posts to that site.
The two most obvious examples of RSS feed publishing for authors are on your Amazon author page and your Goodreads author page. Each will allow you to post your RSS feed; you don’t need to manually share every post with readers. Instead, your latest posts will show up on your author pages on each. Cool, right?
There are hundreds more blog directories on the internet that let you do the exact same thing. These blog directories are fabulous places to find other blogs where your community of readers are hanging out. They’ll also help you find like-minded bloggers with whom to interact, exchange blogs, and increase your own social footprint.
HINT: We maintain a list of 50 of the best within our Winner Circle.
When you go searching for directories on which to list your blog, be ready to supply information you’ll need to provide, including:
- Blog URL (including the http://)
- Blog feed address – in WordPress this will always be http://yourdomainname.com/feed
- Blog title
- A brief description of your blog
- Blog categories and keywords
If you’re having trouble identifying your own feed address, feel free to email us at info@writerswin.com and we’ll help you through it. Have a favorite blog directory you’d like to share with other authors? Share it with our readers!
Additional Resources
Exclusive List of Websites & Directories To Submit Your Blog
Where To Share Blog Posts After Publishing For Promotion