A business blog is a fantastic tool for sharing expertise and communicating with clients – yet the idea of keeping a blog updated prevents many business owners from taking advantage of this effective tool. Here we’ve thrown together a few tips to keep that blog content fresh (without letting your business suffer in the process!).
1. Have a blogging schedule and stick to it. This means setting yourself a definite time frame each day devoted solely to blogging. Fifteen minutes to a half hour should be enough to write a blog article. The key here is discipline, so add it to your planner or work schedule.
2. Be quick and concise when writing blog posts. Blogging does not have to be a manifesto. A short post with good information is all that’s needed. Sticking to the bare essentials will reduce blogging time and make it much more convenient to incorporate into a business owner’s schedule.
3. Subscribe to Google Alerts to keep updated on your industry. Google Alerts is a fantastic way to get quick ideas for blog posts as well as keep you in-the-know on the latest in your industry.
4. Address common questions about the business. Customer service is a big part of establishing clientele trust and blogs are a great way to directly respond to consumer concerns or questions. Try it as an ongoing “Question of The Week” or do it as an “Ask The Expert” type feature.
5. Utilize your know-how to generate informational or tutorial-style articles. If you own a business, you likely know more than the average person about your industry or a product. Write a few “how-to” style articles – helpful for your customers and establishes you as the expert!
6. Blog about your company’s products or services. Without making it sound too much like a sales pitch, talk about the benefits of a product or particular service. Stretch it out and make it a regular feature showing off your products or services in action.
7. Offer coupons, discounts or special promotions. Show your appreciation by offering your readers a special discount or promotion. You’ll get new customers in the door and increase repeat traffic to your blog.
8. Keep a “go-to” folder full of links, videos, articles, or photos. As you come across items of interest, save to your folder to share on those days you’re simply too swamped to compose a post. Simply write a quick introductory blurb, insert the info, and you’re done!
9. Get guest contributors to post on your blogs for free. A blog with good readership can utilize its influence by enticing other people to volunteer writing an article or two for the site. It’s a win-win situation for all parties. You get your blog content and your contributors gain market visibility for free. This option is perfect for spotlighting client’s businesses or vendors.
10. Hire someone else to do the blogging. Use job bidding sites like Elance or Guru to hire freelancers, or designate an employee as Chief Blogger. If the budget allows it, this can be an inexpensive solution for busy business owners.
Want to create a business blog, or add one to your existing website? Give us a shout – we’d love to help you get started.
