Promoting blog using Whitehat safe methods

Hey everyone just a quick and fairly brief question but since Panda and Penguin changed a lot, I was just wondering if there have been any major changes SEO wise when it comes to blogs. I do not need any detailed explanations as anything that is mentioned, I will happily do my own research on.

Even though I am sure this is one of the methods which was hit I do not intend on guest posting, (unless it was a pretty amazing blog) as this blog is related to my business, and thus needs to be done in a way which would not bring my reputation into question.

I understand that content is king and I do not use any copied content on my blog, every post is written by myself and checked for unique % before going live. All alt tags are filled etc.

I am already

• Posting to my social media accounts
  Submitting to social bookmarking websites (StumbleUpon, Folked, Reddit etc)

I know from the little I can remember that there are directories but for blogs, (not just a general directory) how effective are these today?

Also I guess RSS and submitting to feeds is still effective?

I do understand that for example in the case of blog directories (if it is still effective) it will need to be a high quality/non spammy one.

Anyways I look forward to hearing any advice/pointers on this SEO issue.

Good blog directories are still effective and you must submit your blog there.

You can refrain from submitting sites to a lots of bookmarking sites.

aka sam said:

Good blog directories are still effective and you must submit your blog there.

You can refrain from submitting sites to a lots of bookmarking sites.

Click to expand...

I thought blog directories would still be a viable option just as business directories are when you exclude the ones which offer no value to the end user and are merely there for links/link juice.

I'm not really posting to lots of social bookmarking sites just major players as these links are almost always picked up by Google, ******** and send relevant direct/referral traffic. I'm not interested in those social bookmarking sites which are again only really there as a link building platform but the ones which have good reputations and rank well.

Fill you blog with great contents it attract targeted visitors and shows ones legitimate skills . It will attract readers for long time to come.

Blogs and forums offer you a tremendous opportunity to become part of the conversation. Leave your insightful and helpful comments in blogs and forums. This is essential activity one building there online presence.

I agree with guys above. The idea here is to engage with users online (and offline). Know your audience, what they like, where they hang out, when they are most active and go there to socialize and build connections. For example, you can start commenting on blogs and articles that you find helpful to your audience too, or that match your own message and mission. Guest blogging is still a great option for reputation building. Of course, you shouldn't overdo it, but maybe do one really good post on a really good blog once a month. You can do blog post exchange too, which I find really valuable. Additionally, participate in events, hangouts, chats, etc where you can not only get noticed and find potential clients, but also make useful connections, find partners and people with a similar business.

Well in general writing good content should make links. Try to think as your customers and write what you would like to read when you would buy or search for something.

For my blogs I do a lot of audience research, to get know who are my customers (women, man, in what age, what are they needs and why they would like to read my content or buy my products).

Blog directories work fine. But when adding your blog pls remember to write as big description like it would be your "showcase". It can bring customers too.