Networking is an essential tool for blog promotion.  It’s how you get ahead in the real world, and it’s how you get ahead in the blogosphere.  Like the real world, there are certain etiquettes – or “netiquettes” that will help you along.

Build Up Content First

Wait until you have a good amount of articles on your blog before you begin networking.  This way, when you do network, people who visit your site will see what you have to offer.  When they see that you have good content, chances are they will be more inclined to link back to you.

Join Appropriate Niches

What is your blog really about?  What is the purpose, goal, or subject?  Find an appropriate niche where you can fit in, where you are likely to find other bloggers and readers who will be interested in the content you have to share.

Post Friendly Comments

One of the best ways for a new blogger to promote their blog is to comment on relevant blogs.  Find blogs that have a similar subject.  Post a few comments about their articles.  See if you can engage the blogger in a discussion.

Make sure your comments pertain to the topic and are relevant.  Do NOT just post a link to your blog.

Link out to other blogs

Include links in your posts to other (relevant) blogs.  These links should be helpful resources to your readers.  This shows that you are concerned about providing useful information to your readers.

Respond to comments and emails

If someone leaves a comment on your blog, try to respond to it as soon as you can.  Likewise if someone emails you.  This will show that you are friendly and that you care about getting back to people.

Be polite!

Don’t demand they link to you.  Instead, take time to build a friendship so they trust you, then see if they will link back.

Being polite goes a long way.  The important thing to remember is that some bloggers may be really busy – perhaps they have a day job, and their blog is not the only thing they do.  Or perhaps they keep in contact with a lot of other bloggers.  Your email could get lost in their inbox.  Or maybe it just takes them a few days to get back to you.  Don’t be pushy – just be patient.  If they don’t respond after a week, try sending another email, but do not sound angry or indignant that they didn’t reply to you.

Kindness begets kindness.  If you show other bloggers that you are nice and that you have good content to offer, they will be more inclined to welcome you into their network.