If your blog is your brand then one way that you can build brand awareness is by selling or giving away promotional products. Some of the well known bloggers such as Shoemoney do this and it can be very effective
Putting your brand or domain name into the public or blogosphere has both direct and indirect benefits. People like to receive physical things in the online world as most things are intangible. Imagine giving away something as simple as a desktop clock with your logo and domain name on it.
Giving away a promotional product has 2 benefits, firstly the contest you run will generate buzz, not only amongst your blog readers but also in the wider blogosphere. This should in turn increase commenting and traffic to your site.
Once the winners have the promo products on their desktop they will have a constant reminder of your site on their desk, something they will see every day. People like to win things, bloggers like to blog about winning things and so the winners will no doubt write a post about how chuffed they are to get their new desktop clock.
It does not have to be expensive either and can work out cheaper than other forms of advertising. Simple items can cost less than a dollar, you can obviously spend more to have more of an impact. Obviously the more winners there are the more buzz you are likely to generate.
You can get a wide range of promotional product online from places like Adcentiveswest. Choosing a more off the wall product will also add to the interest. Remember everyone loves a contest and to win physical products rather than virtual one.
