Successful blogging does not happen without a plan or, in this case, a recipe. Blogging provides a platform for you to promote your business and show your customers and prospects what you know and how you can help them.
Promote your business by earning respect and trust.
People are looking for help. The pandemic has given the internet and Google great power over our time spent. You can earn respect and trust by educating and engaging with people just for fun. Whether a bookkeeper or a marketing firm, you are the business as a small business owner, so let people see you. Share relevant stories that are important to you and your business. Be careful not to be confrontational and avoid such topics. Have you fostered or adopted a dog? Joined a team to walk for a cause? Have you donated services to help a small business or community event? You may get an increase in website traffic or convert a new customer, but that is not really what’s all about.
So, what does a blog recipe look like?
In its simplest terms, a blog is just a conversation with your customers. It’s a chance to speak with them about what you know.
- Start with a good headline. The headline or blog title is the initial and most crucial part of your blog post. Its sole purpose is to engage the reader and encourage them to click through and read the blog’s content. The headline is comparable to your front door. The headline must be welcoming and engaging and drive the reader to ring the doorbell. Your blog content is the equivalent of a plate of warm cookies on the table and the smell that entices them into your home. An engaging and compelling headline for your blog posts is necessary for the blog to perform well.
- Show your company persona and personality. Even in technical or professional blogging topics, the business’s persona and personality should shine. People buy from who they know, like, and trust. Don’t be afraid to share some intel or tips with your audience. Let them see you in your writing so they are driven to take action. You may be surprised by the interactions you receive!
- Make the blog not too long, not too short. The general consensus among content writers and bloggers is that a blog post should contain a minimum of 300 words and a maximum of about 1000 words. Not everyone can write 1000+ words on a topic and still keep the reader engaged. Sometimes finding inspiration for content can be difficult. Sometimes, less may be better in today’s high-speed, quick read environment.
What topics are best for blogging?
Choosing engaging and relevant topics for blogging may require a little research on your part. Think about the questions your customers and prospects ask.
- What are their top concerns?
- How can your products and services address their concerns and fill their needs?
- Blogging is about educating. “Selling” is secondary, and sales will follow when your readers are engaged and perceive the value you offer.
Don’t discount a guest blogger to support your products and services. Guest blogging is exacting what you think it is. Someone writes a blog post/content on a third-party website with the intent to promote their product or service. It occurs quite frequently with collaborative companies that do not directly compete.
Businesses are often hesitant to use a guest blogger. If you do not compete, asking someone to blog on your site widens your knowledge base. Offering valuable resources will endear your clients to you and your business. Invite someone you know and trust. Soliciting guests to write on your website blindly can be tricky.
When you are the guest blogger, be respectful of the host company and heed their suggestions and recommended content outline. Ask them to review and edit your post to ensure you provide the content they are looking for.
No, blogging is not dead!
Blogging is not dead, in fact, it is very much alive. Stretch your legs as a functional resource, a guide, and an authority, and speak to topics of interest to your target audience. People will always search for answers to their questions- so answer them.
If you need help or a second set of eyes on that first blog post, give us a reach out. We would love to see your skills soar! Free consultation appointments are available. We can help you find your voice in your writing and get closer to your customers.
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