It seems there is always something new to learn and a few days ago I learned about blog memes. And while they may not be new to you I'd never heard of them before.
So what is a blog meme?
Simply put, it's an idea that is shared and passed from one blog to another blog. The most common form of a blog meme is a question that is asked on 1 blog and answered on many other blogs.
The way a blog meme gets started is 1 blogger will ask and answer a question on their blog and then "tag" other blog owners. Those who have been "tagged" then put the question and their answer on their blog and then "tag" other blog owners. There is no set rule on how many bloggers may be "tagged" however, 5 and 7 seem to be the favorite numbers for the current blog memes being circulated right now.
Now there are some rules for participating in a blog meme and they are:
- Don't "tag" a blogger that you don't already have some kind of prior relationship with.
- When you "tag" someone you must name those you are "tagging" and provide a link to their blog in your meme post.
- If you're "tagged", don't just "ignore" the tag. Always respond to the blogger tagging you.
- Unless you have a really good reason for not participating, you should always participate in the meme.
- When you participate you should provide a link and a trackback to the person who tagged you.
- If you know who started the meme, you should provide a link and a trackback to the originator of the meme.
Because Blogger doesn't provide trackback capability and many bloggers don't use them you can post a comment on both the originator's and the blogger-who-tagged-you blogs with a link to your meme response.
The reasons for participating in a blog meme are fairly obvious and they are:
- Increased exposure and visibility for all the blogs involved.
- Increased link popularity.
- Increased traffic.
- Another reason to post.
- It's fun.
Blog memes work across all niches. Just make sure the questions are fairly quick and easy to answer and try to make the topic interesting or fun. When you name your meme you should think in terms of "headlines." Remember to include the names and links of those you're "tagging" and either a trackback or a comment to those you "tag." To get a better response from those you "tag" you should email them to let them know they've been "tagged" and either provide an incentive or explain the advantages for passing on the meme.
Blog memes are a fun form of viral marketing. They can spread across the internet as fast as email chain letters except a blog meme carries the link to your blog with them.
Because memes are fun and I have a blog, I am going to start 1. Read "5 Things I've Heard And Always Remembered" to see my meme and see if you've been "tagged."
To Your Success,
Susan
post tags: blog meme, blog tag
|