In the last little while, there’s been quite a bit of talk about “outposts”, which, as expanded on by ProBlogger Darren Rowse, are:
•‚Ķplaces that you have an online presence out in other parts of the web that you might not ‘own’. I’d previously being using the word ’satellites’ to describe this but I think ‘outposts’ works better.”

Darren’s outposts look like this (that’s the ProBlogger logo in the middle.)
 

Darren’s post expanded on a few by Chris Brogan. One, titled, “Using Outposts in Your Media Strategy“, opens with this explanation:
•Social networks are great places to meet new people, to build new business relationships, and to learn about information from non-traditional sources. But another great way to use social networking sites is as an outpost. What do I mean by this? It turns out that people getting to know you on social networks might also find your content for the first time, and/or something you post to those networks might bring you an opportunity that wouldn’t immediately come to you in other ways.”

Exactly.

And it all sounds a little like the seeds we’re planting, right?

As I wrote in my inaugural post:
•Why “seeds”? Because seeds can grow and flourish. Because seeds are hopeful. Because seeds can be spread anywhere. The web, you see, is fertile ground. And while your site is important - the anchor of your online presence, really - it’s only one site of millions or several pages of millions more. The more seeds you plant, the more chances you have to get noticed, build relationships and lead people back to your site. The more they get to know about you, the more they can come to trust, refer, talk about, and do business with you.”

Some people call ‘em footprints, some people call ‘em outposts. Doesn’t matter, the bottom line is that you’ve got to be out there, away from your own site, to give yourself real opportunities to meet people. In truth, as Darren and Chris reiterate, that just may be a better way to create real opportunities for your brand.

How important are the seeds you’re planting - or outposts - to your overall brand building strategy? And what is your strategy?

Tags: PlantingSeeds, PlantingSeeds.ca, Planting Seeds Online, Outposts, Chris Brogan, Darren Rowse, Problogger, Media Strategy