Six Ways to Increase Your Online Influence by Interacting Offline

February 7, 2012

Some people write an awesome blog, but then wonder why no one is reading it. Well, how do readers know it exists? Why should they read it? Sure, you can promote you blog online, but getting out and meeting your blogging peers will make them remember you. And depending on your niche, they may recommend you to others when asked for referrals. Many bloggers also double as social media consultants. So, getting out and meeting people may just help you better your own brand. You never know who you might run in to.

Here are a few simple tips to help you when out and about:

1. Get awesome business cards:  When you are out and about, you want people to know who you are. If you attend an event in your niche, you can pick up valuable contacts. You want your new associates to visit your blog, follow you on Twitter, or check out your Facebook page. Having a catchy business card helps. Make sure that yours stands out from the rest. Don’t make it wild, but make it unique.
2. Join local clubs or organizations: Here in Chicago the mom blogging community is pretty tight. There is always an event to attend. In order to keep up with each other and keep up to date on events, we have a few groups. If you want to do the same in your area, check out Facebook, MeetUp, or Linkedin groups. Don’t see one the covers what you need? Start it and invite some friends. Also check out local social media groups that specialize in connecting bloggers with brands. This is a great way to be considered for paid opportunities.
3. Attend local events: This is the best thing that you can do as soon as you start your blog. If you get out to a local MeetUp and talk with fellow bloggers they may be inclined to check out your blog. And it is always good to have blogging friends. The connections are awesome. And many bloggers love sharing tips with new bloggers.
4. Offer your social media skills to local businesses: As small businesses realize the value of social media, they will be looking for savvy individuals to help them get started and teach them the ends and outs of Twitter and Facebook. They may even opt to hire you to be the voice of their social media accounts. Make sure that you have built up your own social media footprint first to show that you know what you are doing.
5. Host your own local social media events: You don’t have to be an event planner to have an awesome event. You can just start small. Invite a few bloggers for lunch, dinner, or even just to your home for a get together. Set a topic for the evening and you all can swap ideas and get to know each other.
6. Attend a blogging conference: Attending a blogging conference is very valuable for new bloggers. There are lots of them now, so do your homework. You might want to start small or local before subjecting yourself to one of the larger conferences. At conferences you can attend helpful sessions like how to pitch a brand, better blog design, or getting started in social media consulting among other things. And of course you get to meet some of your favorite bloggers and Twitter friends in person.

How often do you connect offline to better your online influence?

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