Are you utilizing your blog to the max when it comes to building your business? Are you taking advantage of all the hidden information that you can derive from it?
If you’re unsure, then I invite you to read on………………..
Creating informative content that keeps your readers apprised of what’s new in your company in terms of new products, new technology and what this means for them is imperative for your business’ growth.
As you plan your blogging content strategy, you’ll most likely be relating information about new advancements in whatever field your business is in. The upside to this is that it keeps you apprised of what’s new and what’s on the horizon and adds to your knowledge base so you can add more value for your customers.
Another plus is that you become so familiar with your product line, etc. that you can easily anticipate questions that your customers may have and places you in a position of being an expert in your field.
As you sharpen your writing skills, you’ll also become more succinct at explaining what it is you’re trying to get across to your audience. Information that is easy to understand will keep readers coming back for more and creates a positive learning environment for potential and existing customer/clients.
Leave the technical jargon for conversations with co-workers who speak the same language and take a more basic approach with your readers.
If you’re uncomfortable with your subject matter, it will soon become apparent in both your writing and verbal presentations so the more you research and write, the better you become at conveying information.
The upside to this is that people start to trust you and feel confident that you have their best interest at heart.
Another blog plus that many businesses fail to take advantage of is the comment section.
If you actually take the time to read the feedback that your audience is leaving here, you can use it your advantage.
How you say?
- Turn questions into new blog posts.
- Use comments for valuable insight for new products and services.
- If you don’t already have an FAQ area on your website, then you can
use what you find in your comment section to develop one or add to
an existing one.
The reality is that if you don’t have a blog for your business, you’re leaving a lot of money on the table and inhibiting its growth.
If your content is top notch, you may even be asked to guest blog on other people’s sites that have a common interest with what you’re doing. This is a great way to help brand yourself as an expert in your field and also broaden your readership.
The more you write and get your name out there, the more people will perceive you as a thought leader and a trusted source for information. This in turn gives your company value and credibility.
If you have a team of people in your business, you may want to consider a group effort when it comes to providing content for your blog.
Bear in mind that writing is a skill so you’ll want to review content before it gets posted so it’s of the highest quality and conveys what your company is about, etc.
If you don’t have a team of people under your business roof to help write blog content, you might consider teaming up with other business owners that share a common thread with your business interest.
For instance, say you sell homemade jam and jellies at a farmer’s market. Find other people who sell fruit, maple syrup, honey, etc. so you can combine your writing efforts and create content about how the ingredients can be used in other ways, where to buy products, other uses for products, etc. You may come up with ideas for growing each other’s business and even collaborating on projects, etc., so it’s a win/win for everyone involved.
Creativity is a huge plus when it comes to delivering high quality content to consumers. Find ways to work with other like-minded individuals who may be having many of the same struggles that you are and work together to resolve or lessen them.
The other plus about more than one blogging voice is that it also creates diversity as everyone has their own writing style and it also makes the blog more interesting and engaging to the reader.
Providing fresh, relevant, informative content that can be used to engage readers on your social media sites is also important when it comes to branding your company and yourself.
Another point to keep in mind is that all printed materials that are given to customers/clients should mention your blog so you encourage new readers and also provide a venue for information and continued engagement with contacts.
Once you get comfortable with written blogs, then its time to try your hand at video blogging.
This is one more way to create a more personal relationship with your customers and it also creates credibility for you and your business.
Blogging also allows for a lot more interaction with your customers/clients then you could ever get through direct mailings, phone calls, etc. It allows you to build networks and keep your finger on the real pulse of your business – leads -- which can be groomed for potential new business.
So, if you thought a blog only served one purpose then you are under utilizing it as a marketing tool and discounting the hidden ways it can help your business prosper.
Taking the time to incorporate a blog into your business will pay off in the long run and uncover a lot of valuable information that will enable you to build stronger relationships with your client base. This in turn will have many positive benefits for both you and your business.
