Once you have established your blog and you are meeting your initial goals, it’s time to look toward the future.  How do you want to grow your blog?  What are the possibilities for doing so?  You can add monetization methods.  You can offer more value.  Of course, you can also grow your subscriber base.
Here are five tips and strategies to help you grow your blog.

1. Get involved.  Hopefully, in addition to posting on your own blog, you have been participating on other blogs in an effort to promote your own blog.  If you haven’t, then you should definitely integrate this tactic into your blog marketing strategy.  If you are already commenting on other blogs relevant to your industry then look for ways to become even more active.  You can become a guest blogger.  You could be adding a few more relevant comments to other blogs each day.  By getting involved in your own community, you are more likely increase the traffic to your own blog.
2. Offer new value.  Is there a way you can add more value to your blog – over and above what you already offer?  For example, you might consider offering a free report, ebook or online course.  You might find a few guest bloggers to help you round out the content on your blog and help provide more information for your readers.  You can also mix it up and offer different types of posts like videos, downloadable checklists and worksheets. 
3. Hold a contest.  Contests are a great way to help drive traffic to your blog.  Make sure, though, that the giveaway you offer is related to the topic of your blog.  For example, if you blog about sugar gliders, give away a gift certificate to a pet supply store.  When holding a contest be sure to spread the word.  Tweet about it.  Post it on Facebook.  Ask others to help spread the word too.  You might offer them extra entries for every person they refer that enters the contest.  You’ll recieve more traffic because a lot of people will want to enter your contest.  You’ll also gain new subscribers.
4. Network.  The right connections can help change the success of your blog rapidly.  Can you imagine if a prominent person mentioned your blog on their blog or show?  For example, imagine what would happen if you have a blog about crafting and Martha Stewart mentioned it on her show.  Networking can make a huge difference for your blog so get out there and meet people.  Offer value and connect.
5. Add a method to monetize your blog.  If you have already done so, super!  What else can you do to make money on your blog?  You can place a few affiliate ads in the sidebar or footer.  You could join Google’s AdSense program.   A little extra income can make a big difference.

There are a number of ways you can grow your blog.  Before you implement any tactic, make sure you evaluate it.  Make sure it supports your blog and enhances the experience for your visitors.  Make sure it supports the goals and vision for your blog.  Create goals for your new tactic!  What do you want to accomplish?
To your success!
Julianne Alvarez-Wish is a military wife, mother, business owner, professional writer, blogger and legislative advocate. She is the Director of Communications for Our Milk Money, the Colorado State Leader for the National Association for Moms in Business and the owner of Buy By Mom and Buy By Mom Blog. She is the Colorado Springs Stay-at-Home Mom Examiner for Examiner.com. She also blogs at A Wishful Thought. Her passion, purpose and goal is to help parents work from home so they can be home with their children.

Author: Our Milk Money