Hey Bloggers! Increase Page Views on Associated Content

Since I have been writing for Associated Content, like many, I have read a many things on how to increase hits or page views. I totally agree that things like the right title are critical. I also agree that Facebook and Twitter can elevate your hits. But let's focus on super simple ideas that will raise your hits and get your articles forwarded on and on using Blogger (or other Blog avenues.)

Sidebar Solutions Bring Success
Unlike blog posts that get pushed down with subsequent posts and are eventually out of sight and archived, the sidebar of your blog stays stagnant. Using the power of the unchanging post can increase your page views.

Sidebar: Use of Picture

So many people are enticed visually and by posting a really interesting picture in your sidebar you will attract your blog audience.

Step 1: Go to the "Layout" tab of your blog.
Step 2: Add a gadget in your sidebar and select Picture.
Step 3: Title picture using enticing words or use the title of your AC Article.
Step 4: In the URL field of your gadget, paste the link to your AC article.
Step 5: Browse for a great picture and add it.
Step 6: In the picture caption field, type "Click the Pic for more info."

When your blog reader clicks the picture, it will link right to your AC article. You do not have to use the same picture you posted with your article. Seek a more enticing picture or cartoon that will grab attention...but one that is related to your content in some way. Because the picture in your sidebar is stable and doesn't move, it will be there until you change it. As you post more articles, place your newest "Picture"/Article links (As described above) at the top of your blog so they are sure to be seen.

Sidebar: Use of Links:

If you have several articles that are related, such as 3 articles about pictures, a great option is to create a Link List in your sidebar. This allows you to list several articles for readers interested in that one topic, without having pictures scrolling down your sidebar from here to kingdom come. Use the following steps

Step 1: Go to the "Layout" tab of your blog.
Step 2: Add a gadget in your sidebar and select Link List.
Step 3: Enter a Title that is enticing which summarizes your topics.
Step 4: In the URL field of your gadget, paste the link to your AC article.
Step 5: In the New Site Name field, enter what your viewers will see to link to your AC Article. Maybe it is the Title of the article or a shorter phrase that makes a blog reader want to click.
Step 6: Click on the "Add Link" button.

These are just two ways to use your sidebar gadgets to link to articles your blog readers might enjoy and forward on. As you search through more blog options, there are many ways to keep your articles on the forefront and link your work to get more hits (and more money!)

New Post, New Hits
Everytime you post an article in AC, you could create a post about it and add a link to the article. But, honestly, that can get obnoxious and if you are writing a lot, overkill of advertising yourself may lead to blog readers clicking on nothing at all and weary with your self promotion. So, use your blog posts and advertisement of your article artfully and sparingly. There are a few ways to accomplish this.

New Post: Tie AC Content To Your Blog Post Topic
Whatever your blog is about, write your new post without thought to your AC Content. However, before you hit the Submit Post button, scan your AC Content. Look for an AC article you have written that ties (or could tie with a added sentence or two to your blog entry) to what you are writing about. Then, add a link in your blog post to that AC article. (There is an add link icon in your New Post Toolbar.) This is a fast and simple way to slip in your article without the new blog post being all about you.

Promotion of Other Authors Creates Win-Win
In addition, this is a great way to promote other AC articles and writers, too. Click over to AC, before posting your new blog entry and see what other writers have written on the topic you are writing on in your blog. Link to an AC article you like, even if it is not yours. How is this a win for you, you may wonder?

This simple practice will probably trigger ideas for you to write about. And you will get to know what content is out there and meet other authors in the AC mix. By promoting them, you may find that they will promote you! BIG WIN SUGGESTION: Send the author you promoted a quick message to say "Loved your article...in fact, just linked to it in my blog!" Then, add your blog address in the email. This is a great compliment to any author and may ultimately increase your blog audience - reaching new people for a broader circle of readers. (And of course, your sidebar will be loaded with promotion of your AC articles for increased hits from this new audience!)

New Post Mindset: Aim to Teach
Winston Churchill once said, "Personally, I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught." This is perhaps most evident in us all when we sit down in front of their computer to surf the web. I heard that people return to blogs and webpages that teach them something. My own motives are generally not to learn, but I must confess, I do seek to be taught when on the internet, too. With that in mind, aim to make your blog a place where people will learn something - thereby coming back! How does this tie to your AC article?

Using AC articles isn't always self promotion, it can be a way to further education and hopefully teach. In essence, do not be shy to guide your reader to a topic of interest, where they can further their knowledge base. If your mindset is that of teaching your blog audience in some way, I think you will find it natural to guide your blog readership to more info any way you can - and AC articles are a fresh way to do that - allowing them to read something they may not have found on their own web surfing endeavors.

In the end, there are so many ways to promote your articles and others on AC through your blog; overtly and discreetly. Linking your works will start to feel like a profession after a while, as opposed to random internet effort...and that is what we aim for. So, good luck professionals! May your words and works reach a broader audience than you ever imagined.