Ah, the blog. Is this still a thing? Yes! And let me explain to you why. If you have a website for your business (and you should), then you are basically running a blog. Your company website IS a blog!
But when it comes to actually “blogging” a lot of business owners are at a loss.
- What should I even write about?
- What if I’m not a writer?
- What’s the point, anyway?
These are all common questions I hear all the time when I mention why your small business needs a blog, and here are my common responses:
What should you write about?
First and foremost, write what you know! If your business is about painting, then write about your favorite brands of paint. If you remodel homes, then write about common add-ons a customer might want to consider. If you are a landscape architect, then write about plants that are poisonous to pets. Think of topics you know, questions you frequently answer for clients, and even concerns you have fielded. Your topics should revolve around your business and your ideal clients’ interests.
What if you aren’t a writer?
Other than hiring a ghostwriter to write your blogs for you, which is absolutely an option, the most important thing to think about when writing a blog is to write how you are. You don’t have to have a degree in English to write a blog and a blog doesn’t have to be 10,000 words. A blog can be as simple as answering a common question in written form.
Pro tip: if you own a MacBook, double click the Control key. It will bring up the mic and you can just start talking. Your computer will actually transcribe your words onto a document. Boom! Blog written!
What’s the point?
The point of blogging is much more far-reaching than people realize! Here are just some of the top reasons you should add blogging to your website:
- SEO. The internet spiders are constantly crawling your site (seriously, this is not a Halloween reference) and they are checking for things like changes to your site, keywords, relevance, etc. All of this can be accomplished with a blog post.
- Attract clients and partnerships. Your clients are looking for you—they just don’t know it yet. You never know if your blog topic could be the exact topic your potential new client is searching for! Blogging can help you showcase your best products, and can create value that will translate into ideal connections.
- Promote an affiliate. Is there an exclusive product you feature? Writing a blog can create awareness and even make you a few extra dollars by promoting a product or service with which you are affiliated.
- Establish authority. You know how awesome you are, so why not show and tell your clients? By reporting on topics that matter to you and your industry, you are showing everyone the extent of your expertise.
- Answer questions before they are asked. Blogging can be a great way to address all those frequently asked questions before your clients ask them. Plus, it can be a way to engage your clients by pointing out key features of your business before your clients know they need them.
Shall I continue? Or are you convinced?
Just remember, a blog doesn’t need to be intimidating or long to be effective. Even something as short as 250 words about what you are doing right now can suffice to create interest, excitement, and new clients! Try it!