If you’ve been online for any amount of time, I’m sure you’ve heard that blogging is the way to go. Oh nooooo, I don’t want to start a blog? Don’t make me start a blog? Pleeeeease? I don’t know how to write one? Why do I have to? But why do you need a blog? What does it do for you? Ok, IF I were to start a blog, what the heck do with it? What can I possibly blog about that people will want to read? You can’t make it….and off you go, arms crossed, stomping your feet to your office and slam the door!
This is pretty much what I said to my marketing coach. I was such a suck about writing a little ‘ol blog. In fact, when I wrote my first blog I had to write it over…and over…and over…and over again. I can’t remember how many times I wrote that damn first blog. So . I don’t want you having a hissy fit like I did so I’m going to share with you a few tips on how to write a blog, how often to post to your blog and how to come up with ideas. Then I am going to let you in on a secret.
The first thing you need to know is that quality counts. Your readers want value and they want real answers to their problems/concerns/issues. So start by polling your audience, do some research and find out exactly what your audience wants, needs and likes and what will peak their interest. Big mistake is to write about what YOU think they want, unless you are thinking like you are your ideal client. And that is another topic for a blog. So if you don’t know what I mean by that, stay tuned.
So ask your prospects and current clients: What are you interested in learning more about? What are you interested in? What do you want to read? What blogs do you read now? How long is long enough?What don’t you know that you would like to know more about? Another spin on blog topics is to take the problems your target market has and give them solutions. Remember when you played teacher as a kid? Well everyone wants to be the teacher, so here’s your chance.
Now as you go through your business day, as you read other blogs and articles, as you get emails and questions from current and prospective clients – new ideas will come to you. Here’s a great tip I wish I had implemented sooner: Keep an ongoing list of topics. Duh! Why didn’t I think of that? I used to scramble at the end of the week, no blog idea in site, just panic and sweat. I used to stress out, freak out and wig out, until some brilliant person gave me the answer; Have A List. Believe me, you’ll forget that great post idea you had in the shower last week. I promise, it’s happened to me.
Consistency is key to getting and keeping a loyal band of followers and subscribers. Create a blogging schedule ahead of time and stick to it. Most “experts” recommend a minimum of 2 times a week to build up a good audience of readers. One great way to set up your blog posts is pick one specific day a week or a month that is your content creation day. This way you can create all of that week’s or month’s blog posts at one time, while you’re in that creative mode. Then just go in and preschedule them and you’re all done. Makes it seem a lot simpler that way, doesn’t it?
Another great way to create a lot of posts in one go, and at the same time keep readers coming back, is to create a series of posts. For example, say you’re going to write a blog post about the 5 Steps to Using Facebook to Get More Business. Instead of putting all of those steps into one post (and not giving enough detail), think about creating a series of posts for each of those 5 steps. This accomplishes a few things for you. It gives you multiple blog posts from one idea. It also keeps your readers coming back for each of the steps.
So just remember: Solve your readers’ solutions. Give quality content. Be consistent. And give your readers a reason to keep coming back. Your readers are going to thank you and you’ll begin to see an improvement in your traffic, your prospects, and your business.
So my secret? If you suck at writing, suck at being organized or just suck in general, hire someone to help you out. You don’t think I look this good all by myself do you? Nope. I don’t. This is where my blog buddy comes in handy. But for now, I have left you with a tidbit of info to get you started and watch out for my next free seminar. In that call I will have a 1:1 conversation with this special person in my life, who knows exactly why, what, where, when and how to write and distribute a kick ass blog. AND how to make money, save time and take your business to the next level. You can register for that call now at https://businesswomenontop.com/interview-with-a-va/