Maybe you don't have time to start your own blog. Or you find the concept of regular updates slightly intimidating. But you want to create an online presence for your company.

TJ McCue says it isn't an all-or-nothing proposition. You can ease into the blogosphere by joining conversations at established blogs in five easy steps.

1. Pick a few keywords or terms related to your area of expertise. Then visit a Web site like Nichebot (www.nichebot.com) to see which similar words pop up most often in online searches.
2. Use the results at Google Blog Search or Technorati to create a list of relevant and popular blogs.
3. Read the blogs you like, and begin commenting when you have something to add to the conversation.
4. Set up search alerts using a tool like Google Alerts so you know when new posts appear at your favorite blogs. You can decide how often you want to be notified, so you don’t have to worry about being bombarded with alerts. (www.google.com/alerts)
5. Keep track of your various comments and how others respond by tracking them with Co-Comment. (www.co-comment.com)

Be sure to leave a link to your online profile, like in the MarketingProfs Member Directory. It's a great way to bolster your credibility.

The Po!nt: Writes McCue: "The ultimate value of commenting is that you establish a network of bloggers who know you—a collection of people and places where you add value and participate. If and when you decide to blog, you will have instant street credibility and active readers."

Source: MarketingProfs Today. Read the full-length article here.

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