Blogging. Go ahead. It’s okay. Everyone’s doing it and you can, too.
For someone who doesn’t write often ‒ or ever ‒ writing a blog can seem overwhelming. Heck, even to writers, it sometimes seem overwhelming. The pressure is on to make it original, helpful or entertaining.
But blogging can be essential to boosting your SEO, gaining recognition as an expert in your field and helping your business ‒ and bottom line ‒ grow.
Here are few tips to help you get blogging.
1. Start by asking yourself a few questions.
• How can I help? What advice or helpful tips can I give to my customers and friends? What have I learned that I can pass on to others?
• What am I good at? What do I like to do? What do I get excited and passionate about?
• What do I absolutely hate? What drives me crazy? What is a pet peeve that I know can be fixed?
2. Make a list
Dave Letterman’s got it right. Top 10 (or 5 or 3) lists are always a hit. They’re easy and quick to ready. (You may not read my whole article, but there’s a good chance you scanned my list!)
3. Be authentic.
We all respond to people who are genuine and earnest. Let your own unique personality shine through. People do business with people they know and like. Let your customers get to know you.
4. Be concise.
People don’t have a lot of time. Just give quick information or a story to get your point across. Leave the college dissertation writing to students. Your purpose here is to help, entertain or promote your business.
5. Get help if you need to.
Okay, warning. Here’s the shameless plug. If you don’t have time to blog or simply don’t want to, delegate the task. Hire a professional to help you get started. They (we) can help with ideas or give your ideas organization and structure, a.k.a. readability.
I know what you’re thinking. This all sounds good, but what can I really write about my business?
Good question. Here are some examples.
Nursery and landscaping business:
1) Feature a tree, plant or flower every week. Give customers background information about the item, where is grows best, how to care for it, etc.
2) Seasonal tips. i.e. 10 things to do to get your yard ready for winter
3) Share photos of customer landscaping projects and how the reader can achieve a similar look
Accountant:
1) Tips on saving for kid’s college education, retirement, etc.
2) Top 10 write off do’s and don’ts.
3) Case studies: I had a client who… and I helped them by…
There are blog ideas and inspiration everywhere. Now all you need to do is start. Ready. Set. Blog.