Operation Bob

…And Your Blog.

Two important things for bloggers are visitors and search engines. Without those you might as well be talking to yourself, right? One way to help on both counts is to submit your blog to blog directories. They provide a link to your site which might get you a few direct hits and indirectly may help a bit with search engines taking you seriously.

Here’s a list of 25 or so blog directories that I’ve compiled. Before you go submitting, here are a few tips:

Be consistent. Most directories will ask you to provide a description, tags, and sometimes even a picture or avatar. Maintain your ‘brand’ by being consistent and using the same description, tags, photo, etc. everywhere you mingle.

Validate. Some of the directories require you to confirm your e-mail address, so make sure you check your spam folder and follow through if needed.

Don’t stop here. Submitting to the blog directories is a good idea, but you can’t just send your URL and then sit back and wait for the visits to come. It’s just one tool in your promotional toolbox.

And now, without further ado, here is the list:
(they’re all free by the way)

There are also some blogging communities that can create some traffic for you if you’re willing to put some time into mingling and networking with other bloggers. Here are the three I use: MyBlogLog, BlogCatalog, and EntreCard.

Finally, Nominate yourself. There are several blog award sites and they don’t mind if you nominate yourself so go ahead. You’ll get a link and maybe even win bragging rights. Check out BlogTopList, Bloggy Awards, and Bloggers Choice Awards.

Have fun and Happy Blogging!