Blogtipping. Friend or foe?

Cowtip_1

I fully admit I am still a neophyte in the blogosphere.  I aspire to be a seasoned vet and no doubt will get there one day.  But I’m still learning.

I spotted an interesting trend over the past few days that has been given the moniker of blogtipping.  The premise is a simple one.  On the first of every month, bloggers introduce their community to 2-3 new blogs.  With each introduction is a shout out for a few things that make the blog good and the author then offers one tip on how the blog could be even better.

Easton Ellsworth gets the nod for starting this new custom.  Ann Michael, Mike Sansone, Phil Gerbyshak and Liz Strauss took blogtipping to a hilarious turn by creating a 4-part ode to the notion.  Cute…you bet.  But does it make marketing sense?

Traditional views in marketing is that the world is a competitive place. Does it make sense to tell your “customers” about something they might like better than what you have to sell?   Shouldn’t you do  everything in your power to keep them enamored with you and their eyes off any potential competitor?

Nope.  Have you ever tried to hold a puppy who didn’t want to be held?  They squirm, wiggle and whimper until you let go.  Customers are the same way.  No one wants to feel bound against their will.  You will earn their loyalty and respect (and repeat business) by demonstrating that you know them well enough to point them in the direction of other products, services and in this case, blogs that they will benefit from discovering.

The benefits to you?  Clients love referrals.  If you introduce them to something/one they love, they’ll love you even more!  The other benefit?  If you scratch my back, I might scratch yours.  It’s human nature to learn more about someone who makes a referral to you.  If you’re a good fit for their audience, those you have tipped will probably return the favor.

Is there a downside?  I don’t think so.  I highly doubt that anyone unsubscribes from a blog which has successfully blogtipped them to another great blog.  After all, you’ve just demonstrated that you know your customer well enough to know what else they’ll enjoy.

So blogtipping is a great marketing strategy!  And I will be joining the fray of tippers come November 1st!  Hats off to Easton and everyone else who embraces the blogosphere by recognizing that believing in abundance is a much smarter strategy than clinging to the poor puppies!

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13 comments on “Blogtipping. Friend or foe?

  1. Liz Strauss says:

    Hi Drew!
    Welcome to the Blogosphere!
    Your title had me going there for a moment, wondering where you were taking this piece. 🙂 Good for you!
    Liz

  2. Drew – very interesting article. You sure had me wondering, like Liz, what your thoughts were on blogtipping. It IS fun, and team-tipping is great fun too 🙂

  3. Liz & Phil,

    Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad the headline was arresting — that was my intention.

    As you both demonstrate on a regular basis, headlines are a potent lure here in the blogosphere.

    I’m looking forward to joining you in tipping a few blogs next month!

    Drew

  4. ann michael says:

    Well – I may be last to the party, but I enjoyed your article as well.

    Aside from all of the benefits you mention, another great benefit of blogging and participating in some of these “events” is that you get to meet some great people. 9 months ago – when I started – I didn’t know Phil, Mike or Liz (or you!).

    Welcome!!!!

  5. Mike Sansone says:

    Great post, Drew. And you paint some wonderful pictures here.

    I’ve always believed that it’s better to share value right up front, especially since most of it’s findable already.

    Thus, when we share generously, we become a most valuable resource ourselves.

    I’m going to go give my puppy a hug.

  6. Good post Drew!

    As you say it really is about abundance; easier to say we believe in it than to act on that belief.

    Plus, I really like it when a good title like yours freaks out the pros like Phil and Liz.

    Keep creating, Mike

  7. Mike,

    Just remember to let the puppy go. I have been the recipient of your generous attitude so I know all too well how beneficial and appreciated it is.

    I look forward to returning the favor!

    Drew

  8. Ann,

    Welcome to the party! I’ve enjoyed your blog for awhile now, so it’s nice to have you stop by.

    You’re right about meeting great people — I think that’s one of the strongest appeals of the blogosphere. Somehow you attract kindred souls.

    Maybe the blogosphere is this generation’s Cheers bar?

    Drew

  9. Mike,

    Welcome to the Marketing Minute. It’s nice to see another Iowan in the mix!

    Agreed — saying it and behaving it are two different things. Fortunately everyone I have met so far in this dimension have more than walked their talk.

    Drew

  10. Great writing, Drew. Glad to meet you via blogtipping. I’ll link to this post today.

  11. Easton,

    Great to have the blogtipping innovator stop by — welcome! Thanks for the link and the great viral notion of blogtipping.

    Drew

  12. Char says:

    Nice write up. I love reading about who has been blogtipped – it is a great way to find out about a new blog.

    I also love the colors and layout of your site – nice change.

  13. Char,

    Thanks for the compliments. I hope you’ll stop by again soon!

    Drew

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