Let’s start by stating the obvious: the internet has exploded the business and income potential for companies of all sizes, bloggers, design artists etc.
Blogging sites like WordPress, Blogger and Typepad have given everyone – from CEOs to stay at home moms – the ability to share thoughts and perspectives about virtually any subject. In fact, in March of 2008, some 188 million people worldwide had started a blog. I suspect that number is significantly larger today.
The rise in power of the blog and the sheer volume of communicators out there is a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, you can find opinions and information about virtually ANYTHING online. Chances are somebody somewhere knows something about what you’re looking for.
But on the other hand, if you’re trying to communicate with your audience in a constructive way, there are those 188 million+ bloggers out there all clamoring for the same audience share.
How can you rise above the mediocrity of the masses and reach the very people you want to do business with?
Enter sites like Digg, Reddit, Sphinn, StumbleUpon, Technorati and many, many more. If you’re interested in whether or not your online user name is taken on over 100 social media sites like these, I’d suggest you visit Namechk. They may clue you in to a niche social media site that you can be using too.
The communities that form these sites are remarkably good at promoting Web sites, blogs and articles of value throughout the Internet. If you’re able to write in a creative and interesting manner, you can bet these communities will share your stories, discuss your content and link to you site.
No matter what industry you work in, there is probably a niche social market for you to be using. Digg is known to share virtually any information the community likes, but sites like Sphinn are tailored specifically to their niche. Like punk rock music? Visit Buzznet. Enjoy a healthy political debate? Try Politics4all.
So how do you profit for free online? Well we all know exposure = $$ on the Internet (assuming of course you aren’t just receiving negative exposure). So if you think you can muster up some writing skills and actively create content about your industry and engage your readers, more will flock to your site.
Better still, if you submit your blog or articles to sites like Technorati, Reddit and Digg, the community will push your content for you.
The catch? Well the catch is being a thought leader in your industry and creatively sharing those thoughts. It doesn’t whether you manufacture drum kits or you run a home EBay business. Share your ideas about the latest band and what their drummer is using. Discuss EBay seller templates and creative marketing ideas you use to increase the number of bidders.
Most importantly, have some fun with it! Your knowledge about your business and your industry is your chance to reach out to people. Ask questions to your readers and respond to their comments. Comment on other Diggs. Give an interesting article a Sphinn. Become an engaged member of the online community and recognize it as an excellent way to boost your real world profits!
By: Zack S.
