How to Have a Successful Cross Blog Conversation

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I love a great Cross Blog Conversation.

I first learned the concept from Liz Strauss of Successful-Blog.com. I had my first Cross Blog Conversation with my pal Nicole Dean. You can see the thread of our conversations here:

Nicole then Kelly then Nicole then Kelly then Nicole then Kelly then Nicole then Kelly

Awhile later, I had another great conversation with Reba Collins of Internet Marketing Boomer.  I made up a cute little graphic for my posts.

Kelly then Reba then Kelly then Reba then Kelly then Reba then Kelly then Reba then Kelly

A CBC can last forever if both bloggers wish, but in both of these examples, our Cross Blog Conversation ended without closure.  We got busy and lost track of what we were doing.  The lesson I’ve picked up from that is to have a firm beginning and ending – so both sides know how long they’re committing to participate and know when it is finished.

Here’s the plan:

1. You write a post that first explains what a Cross Blog Conversation is, then tells your readers who you’ll be conversing with.  Finally, you’ll write a section like a letter composed directly to your conversation partner, ending with a question for them to answer.
2. Now, on their blog – they will let their readers know that they have been engaged in a Cross Blog Conversation.  They will link back to your explanation and question.  Then they will write a section directly to you, answering your question and closing with a question for you.
3. Now, on your blog – you will let readers know that you’re continuing the Cross Blog Conversation, link to their answer and question – then write a section directly to your CBC partner, answering their quesion and asking another of your own.
4. Now it’s their turn.  They link to your question, answer it and ask another.
5. Now it’s your turn.  You link to their question, answer it and ask another.
6. Now it’s their turn. They link to your question, answer it and ask another, letting readers know this is their last one.
7. Now it’s your turn – answer their last question and close the CBC with a special thank you for their participation.

It would be great if you created a final wrap up post that lists all of the posts in order so that those who come upon it later can catch up on the whole conversation.

Some Tips for Success:

Have fun with your Cross Blog Conversation. Ask engaging questions that will inspire answers that people really care about!  Don’t ask dull questions that have been asked a hundred times before.

Keep your attention on the other blogger and write TO them, not to your readers.  The idea is to create a voyeuristic situation where others are observing.

If you don’t know your CBC partner very well, a quick phone or Skype conversation is in order.  Get to know each other a little bit, that will help you create a great friendly tone in your blog posts.

Here are some more Cross Blog Conversations for you to check out:

Debbie then Jill then Debbie then Jill then Debbie then Jill then Debbie

Jamie then Edie then Jamie then Edie then Jamie then Edie

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