Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In Episode 6 of the Niche Site Tools Podcast, I will describe how you can increase your blog comments and interactions right away, with the use of a very simple, new, free service called the Social Comment Rotator.
I will also talk about the Google Hangout Toolbox, which contains enhancements for Google Hangouts and one specific item called the lower third, that will help you stand out from the crowd in any video chat.
I’ll also briefly touch on two notable case studies as well.
Increase Blog Comments and Interaction
The Social Comment Rotator is a free service provided by my buddy Mike over at GetBetterHQ.com Mike reached out to me via email, after seeing a few comments that I made over on Pat Flynn’s site.
He came up with the idea of having bloggers like us head on over to the Social Comment Rotator link, where you can watch his short video and then provide an email address and submit a link to a post that you want comments on. You can also mention any desired keywords that you would like mentioned in the comment.
The next day, you will receive an email with the links to the articles that others submitted and the desired keywords. You then comment on the posts of others and they do the same for you.
I’ve been in the rotation for a week now and it’s been great! You could also submit a link to your Facebook page, Twitter account, Google + page, etc. The sky is the limit.
I thought it was a great idea, since we can always use more comments and social interaction, which will in turn help traffic and rankings as well. I also thought it was a great way to reach out and interact with other like minded folks, seeking to take their online adventures to the next level, which is of course what we’re all about here!
Mike also just added some additional videos, that include more great tips on how to get additional comments and interaction. Be sure to check them out.
Here is a link to the Google Hangout that will be taking place at 9pm on Tuesday, March 25th. Just refresh the page when the clock hits 9pm Eastern Time: Social Comment Rotator Hangout
Google Hangout Tool Box – Lower Third
This is something I came across on the most recent episode of the Affiliate Buzz Podcast. The lower third feature, is part of the free Google Hangout Toolbox add-on for Google Hangouts.
In order to install the toolbox, you need to start a Google Hangout and either invite someone, or just invite yourself so that the Hangout will initiate and then go to this page here and download the add-on and install it.
It reminds me of something you would see on a newscast on TV, where you see the name of the reporter and perhaps a story headline or logo of some sort. Pretty neat and it’s something you can easily turn on and off.
Notable Case Studies
As I mentioned last week, I will be looking for some different case studies to get ideas for a potential case study of my own. Of all the ones that I compiled this past week, so far two particular ones stood out.
Glen Allsopp – Viper Chill XXX Case Study
The interesting thing about the Viper Chill case study is that three people will be tackling the same niche with three different approaches. Glen will only be allowed to focus on social media. Diggy, his SEO partner, is only allowed to focus on SEO and Mr. V, a beginner, is allowed to do anything he wants. Glen will be providing the majority of the updates on his podcast going forward, so check it out if interested.
Lewis Ogden – Cloud Income Niche Site Making 1000/mo
That is a very lengthy, but very detailed post on what Lewis did to reach 1000/mo on his niche site. I have not had a chance to dig into it fully yet, but I really like his site and the way he presents the info there. Definitely worth checking out.
Conclusion
Since I have you here, if there is anything in particular you would like to see in a future Podcast episode or case study, please let me know. Suggestions from listeners/viewers tend to make the best blog posts or Podcast episodes!
If you would like to participate in a Niche Site Duel style case study, where we compete to build similar style sites and document the results, definitely let me know that as well.
You can leave a comment below, of feel free to email me ( chris “@” nichesitetools.com )
If you enjoy the Podcast, I’d greatly appreciate some additional 5 star reviews in iTunes. I’ll be sure to give you a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode.
Thanks for being here and if you’re new, please be sure to subscribe via email to receive the latest post updates, as well as my free eGuide on Keyword Brainstorming.
Hey Chris,
Just stopped by to say thanks for the share! Podcasting is something I am looking to get into in Q2 of this year, so it’s nice to listen and get some ideas!
Keep up the great work!
Lewis
Lewis recently posted..How To Recover From A Google Penalty – Step By Step
Hey Lewis,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! Appreciate the kind words as well. If I can be of any assistance with getting your Podcast up and rolling, just let me know.
I’m looking forward to checking out your case study in detail soon. I really like the clean design/layout of your site as well. Looking forward to future interactions.
Chris recently posted..Is Forever Affiliate Still Valid in 2014?
Chris, this is awesome. Last week was my first week using the Commentator and I really enjoy it. I like how we can interact and learn new things from each other’s blog. Glad to connect with you. Thank you Mike for inviting us.
Hey Marcus,
Thanks for the comment and glad you like the post. I’m really enjoying the interaction and glad we got to connect. Thanks from me also, Mike!
I’m really looking forward to future interactions as well, great things ahead!
Chris recently posted..Amazon EasyAzon 3 Plugin Review
Hey Chris,
Thanks for taking the time to plug the Rotator!
In one short week I think we have done pretty good in boosting on page activity.
I got a comment today asking why I didn’t just use Fiverr, I thought it was pretty funny because that’s where I came up with the idea!
Thanks again Chris
Hey Mike,
Heh, yeah, I guess you could use Fiverr, but then we wouldn’t have gotten to interact and meetup with a Google Hangout tonight! Way more fun this way.
Hey Chris,
I wanted to thank you for your show and your words of motivation. I have been working off and on trying to build a niche/authority site for a couple months now. It can be pretty difficult to stay motivated though, since it can take a feew months for a site to show growth. I was wondering if the google meet up is still on for this evening. I keep running the quote through my mind about how you are the compilation of the five people you talk to most. I know that if I had a strong core of people that I could learn from and with I would be able to speed up my progress. I understand the importance of a mastermind group but have been reluctant to try and network. Hopefully I will be able to catch up with you tonight. I understand that this post is very last minute so if I don’t hear back from you tonight maybe I can try to join you next week.
Jesse
Hey Jesse,
Thanks for the comment and greatly appreciate your positive feedback as well! Thanks for subscribing also.
The Google Hangout is still on tonight, I will put a link to it above and here as well. Mike is kicking the event off, just refresh the page when the clock strikes 9pm Eastern Time:
https://getbetterhq.leadpages.net/social-comment-rotator-hangout/
Don’t hesitate to check it out, we’re all in the same boat. I haven’t done an official hangout before, but I too wanted to reach out and get outside my comfort zone, so I said sure!
If there is anything I can help with, or if you have any topics you’d like to see covered on the blog or Podcast, just let me know.
Chris recently posted..NST 006: Get More Blog Comments With Social Comment Rotator
Hi Chris! I finally had a chance to finish listening to this episode right now, great stuff my friend! I’m sorry I missed the Google hangout – I’m going to check out the replay.
I love the Comment Rotator too, what a great idea – good job Mike!
I have to agree that Lewis’ site it awesome looking too! 😉
Crystal ~ Fine Art Mom recently posted..Support a Creative Mom: “Share With Me,” A book of collaborations with a 4-yr old by busy mockingbird — Kickstarter
Chris thanks for the great idea with your friends free service! I will sign up today.
My blog has taken off very quickly by becoming active on some Mastermind FB forums and giving as much as I can to the group.
Many people do not want to share their niches or ideas, so the newbys get discouraged. I volunteer to be the guinea pig and do a case study to hash ideas out with the group.
I am closing in on 1000 uniques and 4000 page views in 3 weeks since I started the blog—-this has blown me away.
Hey Scott,
Thanks for the comment. That is some good progress there! Congrats.
Chris recently posted..Is Forever Affiliate Still Valid in 2014?
Awesome stuff, Chris. I know that I have seen a pretty good jump in comment traffic and general traffic by using the social comment rotator. Thanks for the reinforcement of information that reminds me that what I am doing is on the right track. Keep it up!
Bill Gates recently posted..Simple, Vegetable Omelet
Thanks Bill, yeah, it has definitely been working really well for comment traffic and interaction. I’ll need to dig into the analytics to see if there has been a corresponding jump in traffic as well. Good stuff!
Chris recently posted..Amazon EasyAzon 3 Plugin Review
Here is a link to the Social Comment Rotator, it’s working great and we are building some great relationships. We are all set to host our second Google Hangout for Tuesday April 8th. You can get an invite to the panel by submitting your first link:
https://getbetterhq.leadpages.net/comment-rotator-page-1/
Thanks again Chris for plugging the Rotator here, we are building a great community!