Want some cheap promo? Get carded

It's a simple thing but I bet most people don’t spend enough time talking up their blogs or web sites. People aren't impressed by the news that any of us are bloggers, but when we apply some enthusiasm to describing the unique content, that's another matter.

I do it all the time: Someone asks what I do, I mumble something about a couple of blogs, web consulting -- and let it go at that. Compare that with, "I write a high-end DVD blog, specializing in the cool and the unusual. And I write a blog about (dumb grin for efffect) writing for blogs." Oh, really? ...

Yaro Starak, who writes blogtrafficschool.com, had a good post on the power of word of mouth promotion the other day. He says, "Talking about your blog can generate exponential exposure, as your friends tell their friends about your blog, and so on and so on, creating a pyramid growth pattern of word of mouth. ... All you need to do is create the initial awareness."

Maybe so. The more memorable the concept, the better.

Two things I’d suggest, from experience.

Very few people can recall even simple URLs.

1. Have a business card (or cards) made up for your site(s). Just the URL and a half-dozen promo words. It'll run you about $15 at Staples.

2. Here's the important part: Carry these cards and hand them out! I have several URL cards and use them, but too often forget to refill my wallet. Duh.

When I see people I’ve carded, they almost always have checked out the blog and have something intelligent to say about it.