Every business needs a blog. ‘But why?’ I hear you ask. Once upon a time, blogs were merely online diaries and opinion pieces written by angst-ridden teens but today, blogs are an important component of any business strategy. There are so many great reasons for creating and maintaining a business blog but I’ve put together the top 5 to get you started…
- Blogging gives you credibility. Blogging provides an opportunity to showcase you knowledge and expertise about your industry. It’s an opportunity to become an influencer in your field. You can also send your blogs to relevant industry websites and groups on social media so they can share your content for you! Beware of sharing with ‘dodgy’ blog websites – these will actually do your credibility and your Search Engine Ranking more harm than good.
- Blogging provides helpful tips and information to your audience, it shows them that you’re here to help and not [just] interested in taking their money.
- Blogging builds trust. According to an independent survey of UK consumers commissioned by affiliate network, affilinet, Bloggers are trusted more than celebrities, journalists, brands and politicians. When asked what the most important factors that engendered trust in bloggers are, 55% rated bloggers who gave balanced and fair reviews, while 53% valued authenticity of content.
- Blogging provides organic, keyword rich content for your website that search engines love. It’s a great way to improve your Search Engine Ranking.
- Blogging keeps your audience coming back! By providing regular blogs that are of interest to your audience, they’ll keep ‘checking in’ to hear what you have to say. It keeps your website fresh, and it provides an opportunity to engage with your audience by allowing them to comment on your posts.
If you decide to create a blog for your website, it’s important to do it right. Firstly, ensure you have a professional writer on board who understands your business and your audience. Your blogs need to make you look good – no spelling or grammar mistakes and they need to be written using language your audience will understand. Leave industry jargon out.
A picture speaks a thousand words so include pictures to enhance the reading experience. We are highly visual people and a page full of words is an instant ‘turn off.’
Last of all – keep at it. One blog a year isn’t going to cut it. Start out with one blog a week and see how it performs. Ask your audience what they’d like you to write about so you’re continually providing blogs that are of interest.
Want to create a blog for your website but don’t know where to start? Get in touch! We’d love to help you take the first step.