We here on the Porch are huge proponents of blogging.
For companies and entrepreneurs, establishing and growing an online presence is essential in order to gain subscribers, leads and ultimately revenue. An online presence is a dynamic animal, and simply can’t be achieved by merely having a website.
Creating a blog with content that is valuable, informational, interesting, and entertaining is an important piece of the puzzle. It will:
- increase search engine traffic
- humanize your brand and show the personal side of your business
- work hand in hand with your social media marketing plan
- establish you as an authority in your industry
- generate leads
Very important things indeed.
I am privileged to work with our own Front Porch Rockers and many of our clients on their blogs. I am part writer, part editor, and part cheerleader! Writing anything, much less a weekly blog, can seem daunting. But it can be accomplished.
Here are a few blogging tips I have learned along the way:
- Just Write. Have an idea or a raw nugget of inspiration? Just write. Lists, fragments, rambling thoughts – all valuable. Get the words and ideas out and worry about polishing later.
- Write What You Know. You are a rock star! Get your wisdom out there. Your audience wants to hear it.
- Show Who You Are. Be yourself. Use vernacular that is your own. Let your audience get to know you. Write about things that are interesting and important to you. Have some fun!
- Mix It Up. Some blogs should highlight your company and its services. Some blogs should be informational. And some blogs should just be interesting to your readers. Aim for a good mix.
- Ask for Help. Have someone review your writing. Sometimes it only takes a minor tweak by someone with fresh eyes to make it infinitely better.
And above all else, just do it!
I’m here to tell you, it’s fun.
Chances are your business is using content marketing as part of your overall marketing plan. The objective of content marketing is to deliver valuable information that will engage your audience. Consumers are tuning out the more intrusive marketing tactics. What they really want is great, customer-focused information that helps them make a decision or solve a problem. That’s what content marketing delivers.