If you’re passionate about blogging, chances are good that you’ve heard of all the conventional blog promotion strategies. You’ve surely been advised to comment on other blogs, submit articles to social media sites, guest blog on other blogs, use blog directories and practice effective link building. All these strategies are essential to a successful blog and can be implemented on a regular basis.

But there are several promotional techniques that seem to be left unexplored in the blogosphere. Here is a small list of unconventional or underrated promotional strategies that just might give your blog to edge it needs. Consider the following:

1. Contribute to Wikipedia. As everyone already knows, Wikipedia is a treasure trove of user-edited information that is constantly being expanded. Why not register and add your own knowledge to some of the articles? Wikipedia freely allows you to add external links as reference points for people wanting further reading on a subject. With so many articles lacking proper citations and sources, you have the perfect opportunity for filling in the gaps with references to your own blog posts! If you feel that your blog can elaborate on a Wikipedia article, then you can take that opportunity to establish your authority on the subject matter. Just be sure that your points are valid and add to the breadth of the article, or else Wikipedia moderators will be quick to delete your link.

2. Create a video. Making a short clip for YouTube or similar video sharing sites can be an effective and entertaining way of drawing viewers to your site. Your efforts don’t have to be blatant advertisements but can be something novel, funny or eye catching. Simply having your blog’s URL appear in your profile or at the end of the video itself will draw in visitors impressed by your efforts.

3. Create stuff other bloggers can use. If you are well versed in programming, web development, design or SEO, why not share your talents with your fellow bloggers? Creating an interesting widget, design theme or web graphic can catch people’s attention online and draw them back to your blog. For WordPress designs for instance, independent designs usually come with a small link to the designer at the bottom. Those impressed with your work will be sure to follow you, and may even commission you for future projects. E-books, software, games and resources are other ways of gaining some well-deserved recognition. If you can manage the production costs, you may want to consider posters or T-Shirts with your blog’s logo on it, a la Shoe Money.

4. Find someone looking for a story. Beyond blog directories and article publication sites, you can promote your blog by contacting journalists or writers both online and off. There is always someone looking for a story, and if you just happen to represent something interesting or remarkable with your work, you just may be the right candidate. The less populated your blogging niche, the more likely your blog’s content will catch the interest of other writers looking for something out of the ordinary.

5. Do some charity work. Sponsoring or taking part in a charity event or paying for a spot in a community or church newsletter is an excellent way of making a good first impression. Volunteerism can take place through your blog as well. You can have a contest based upon donations to a charity or start a fundraiser for a good cause. Not only will you paint your blog in a positive light, you will be contributing to worthy social causes, which is a reward in itself!

There are five blog promoting strategies to start with, though there are surely many more innovative and original ways of getting your name out there. Think outside the box and tie your promotional efforts into your content’s general tone and purpose. Sometimes taking part in the promotional efforts of other blogs (contests, fund raisers, etc) can also get you noticed. So put on your thinking caps, the blogosphere is waiting for you!