Friday, August 22, 2014

To Blog or NOT To BLOG (that is the question...)

Blogging was around way before social media but that does not mean it is outdated by any means. I recommend most of my clients start a blog. Blogging a a relatively easy way to generate content for your website*, emails, and social media posts.
WHY blog? Because it us in habit of generating good content for all the above and most of us are busy enough without have to deal with each of these avenues to connect with our potential and current customers.Benefits of using blogging (vs. website updates or social media posts) are:
  1. Generates fresh content for your website, newsletters and social media posts. You post once and have multiple uses. SAVES YOU TIME!
  2. Let's you capture information once so that future questions and inquiries can be provided a link and then a follow-up. SAVES EVERYONE TIME!
  3. Can be tagged so that topics can be cross-referenced and searched. These are like breadcrumbs that can lead your reader to more information and closer to a buying decision. SHORTENS THE CONTACT-TO-CLIENT CYCLE!!
WHO should blog?
Most any business that should keep their information current and fresh (and this is most businesses). It is most important for those of us who consider ourselves experts and want to be perceived  as such. By posting in our blog, we demonstrate we have something of value to share.

WHAT to blog about?
Here are some categories that you can consider:
  • Tips & Tricks: "How to" blogs are a great way to add value to your website and newsletters so people will actually want to read your website and newsletter (and consider you an expert).
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's): (this blog post is an example of exactly this). Saves you time because if someone asks you the question again (that's why we call it an FAQ), you can just sent them a link to your blog!
  • What's New: If you have ever been to website that looks like it was last updated 10 years ago, you know that did little to create a good impression. By adding fresh, timely, current information on a regular basis, your site visitors will be impressed and good news such as new offerings, business updates, events and recognitions.
  • Testimonials: Most website have this "hard-coded" onto a page but if you use a blog, you can tag them with labels (keywords) and decide which testimonials will appear on what pages.
  • Success Stories: You can give some background on a client you helped, incorporate pictures or even video as well as a testimonial. 
WHEN to blog?
I suggest blocking out 1 hour a week to devote to blogging. Whenever works best for you. Pick any of the above topics. You will be adding fresh content to your website every week, have at least 4 things to choose from for a monthly newsletter, be active on social media and (likely) spark more interest in your business and therefore generate more business!!

WHERE to blog?
Most of my clients have Google accounts. So I recommend using Blogger. See the 5 minute video below.





CLICK to access my webinar "To Blog or Not to Blog" recorded Aug. 17, 2018. $5 fee.

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