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Outsource Blog Comment Tasks – Blog Better with a Virtual Assistant: Tip #6

November 17, 2010 By

(Reading time: 2 – 2 minutes)

Benefit: Timely, on-topic comments increase reader engagement on your blog.

Problem: When you have a blog that receives a high number of comments, dealing with spam and off-topic comments can be time-consuming.

Blog Better with a Virtual Assistant: Tip #6

How a Virtual Assistant can help:

  1. Set up a schedule with your Virtual Assistant so that she frequently logs into your WordPress dashboard to review comments captured by Askimet. With your desired guidelines she can remove legit comments caught there.
  2. If you have guidelines for commenting (e.g. links within comments, etc.) have her review comments that are pending approval and have her make any necessary changes prior to approving the comment.
  3. If you often find that a simple “Thank You” reply is all that is needed you can have her reply to comments left. For comments or questions that require more in-depth answers you can have her leave those comments as pending approval and notify you, via email, that there are comments that require your attention.

Why: Often a simple “Thank You” reply is all that is needed for the comments that are left on your blog, yet that takes time. When a commenter gets caught in your spam queue, your Virtual Assistant can email them a note as well, so that they can take action on their end. That’s a nice touch, and your audience will appreciate your consideration.

How long does it take you to handle all of your commenting chores? Or is this a “champagne problem” you’re looking forward to having in the future?

Michelle Mangen is owner of Your Virtual Assistant in Venice, Florida, providing virtual assistance to small business owners who realize their time is better spent on high value, high ROI tasks. Visit Michelle at Your Virtual Assistant.
Filed Under: Blogging business Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Outsource Directory Submissions – Blog Better with a Virtual Assistant Tip #5

October 20, 2010 By

(Reading time: 1 – 2 minutes)

Benefit: Website and blog directories provide targeted exposure to your content, increasing the chance of relevant traffic.

Problem: Submitting blog posts to link directories can take a lot of time, and it’s important to know which directories are most effective.

Blog Better with a Virtual Assistant: Tip #5

How a Virtual Assistant can help:

  1. Many blog directories exist such as MyBlogLog, Blog Catalog, Blogged, IceRocket and many more. Submitting your blog to these free directories can help increase traffic and build community.
  2. Websites should be submitted frequently to various directories. Submitting articles can be automated, however, the software can be pricey. If a Virtual Assistant is performing this task for others it may be more cost effective to have her submit your site using her software.
  3. Your Virtual Assistant will have a better in-depth knowledge of which directories are best for your blog posts.

Why: We all want maximum exposure to what we write. While not all directory listings are created equal, regularly submitting your blog posts increases your exposure over time.

Do you have a directory submitting plan? If so, which is your favorite directory?

Michelle Mangen is owner of Your Virtual Assistant in Venice, Florida, providing virtual assistance to small business owners who realize their time is better spent on high value, high ROI tasks. Visit Michelle at Your Virtual Assistant.
Filed Under: Blogging business Tagged With: , , , , ,
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