It definitely takes more time, and can be hard to setup initially, but in the end it'll make life easier.

Outreach to bloggers can be really tough. With this method, you've got a foot in the door before you ask for something.

It's also great for general social development - who better to engage with than the people who have the audience!

Hi Rich

Tom's method is good, but I find that a lot of opportunities arrise from smart interactions and engagement with bloggers on social media channels.

I always find that you're more likely to be allowed to do a guest post for a blog once you've built a relationship first. It's a good idea to research blogs you want to reach out to and then engage with them without asking for anything first. Then, once you/ your brand is on good terms, float the question.

This is also a powerful way to drive blog publicity in a more general way, without even needing to provide a guest post.

I don't focus too heavily on directories to be honest. If you add your site to any, pick relevant or local directories that haven't been built for the sole purpose of increasing a websites rank.

Hi Rich

Tom's method is good, but I find that a lot of opportunities arrise from smart interactions and engagement with bloggers on social media channels.

I always find that you're more likely to be allowed to do a guest post for a blog once you've built a relationship first. It's a good idea to research blogs you want to reach out to and then engage with them without asking for anything first. Then, once you/ your brand is on good terms, float the question.

This is also a powerful way to drive blog publicity in a more general way, without even needing to provide a guest post.