Why it’s time to get started on that blog and tips on how to make the most out of it.
Okay, so, you’ve started your own business. Nice one! Somewhere along the way, someone mentioned to you that you should start a blog. It definitely sounded like a good idea at the time.
Buuuut so much information gets thrown around these days. It's sometimes difficult to know which ideas should live rent-free in your head and which ones are a no-go. Plus, what do writing a blog and running a business even have to do with each other?
Quite a bit, it turns out. Of course, blogs aren’t some magic wand that you wave to make all your problems go away. But there are some serious advantages of having a blog. Here is a comprehensive list of why your business needs a blog.
Spoiler alert. You won't spot any cons - because there are none.
Watch Your Website Ranking Go Up
This is usually the first reason why so many online entrepreneurs start a blog. Blogs are an amazing tool to get your website ranking up there. We're talking first page of Google.
It also helps to have solid SEO (search engine optimisation) throughout your website. And if you want to throw money at the problem, then paid ads are another way to boost your website ranking.
But if you’re going for something a little more sustainable and long-term, blogs are an excellent way to increase your website’s organic ranking.
Most people can explain what a Google ranking is. But, can they explain why Google ranks your website on the first page or on the fifth page? That’s a little trickier.
It might feel like Google is that person who ghosted you after your third date for no apparent reason. What is Google even thinking?
Here’s what’s going on inside Google’s head when you publish a new website. When a new website goes live, Google is a little unsure of the website’s legitimacy and asks a couple of questions. Does this website have good information? Is this information relevant when people search for ‘xyz’?
A blog is an opportunity to show Google that you’re legit and also a goldmine for useful information. To top it off, if you’re incorporating good SEO practices into your blog, Google is sure to swipe right.
Educate and Cultivate Your Audience
Attention all experts in your field!
Is your business driven by values and striving to make a difference in your industry? Have you got all this valuable information sitting in your head and nobody to share it with? Are the people at your dinner parties getting sick of listening to you talk?
Then start a blog!
Because there are definitely people out there wanting to know your opinion on things. Your knowledge is worth something. Every bit of information that your business puts out there, helps establish a brand voice and identity.
The best bloggers have set themselves up as thought leaders within their industry. If you’re sharing thoughtful, well-researched pieces, don’t be surprised if your social media grows at the same time. People want to hear more about what you’re saying!
Drive Traffic to Your Website
In addition to being a valuable educational tool, the topics that you choose for your blogs can drum up a lot of interest in your products and services.
Sharing content is the perfect way to connect with your audience. If your blog is super helpful and informative, it starts the process of turning a cold lead into a warm lead.
Yep, that’s right.
Everybody on Google wants an answer to some problem. What’s the best way to unclog a drain? How do I reach more of my ideal clients? How many times a week should I water my plants?
And somewhere on Google, someone has the answer.
Maybe your blog has the answer…
Even better, your blog points them in the direction of a solution. Your solution!
Hire a plumber to unclog your drain instead. Get a copywriter to write blogs that resonate with your audience. Buy that book on how to be a better plant parent.
A blog is a super helpful way to provide your audience with the information they need. Imagine you’re a new business that has launched a skincare brand using amazing, clean ingredients. What do you want your audience to know?
What about the best ways to combat dry skin? Or what kind of products are best suited to which skin type? Or how often should someone exfoliate?
Yep, all of the above. They're all useful topics that provide your audience with valuable information.
And when they're done reading your blog? They can scoot right on over to your website to browse your products or services.
See? Suddenly, those cold leads looking for an answer are turning up at your website after having found the perfect solution.
A blog can be the first step in presenting your product or service as the solution to the problem they are having.
Build a Solid Community
Want to start a conversation with your ideal customers and audience? Sharing content creates a space where this can happen. It opens the channels of communication and ramps up community engagement.
There’s something special about sharing your ideas with like-minded people. There’s also something special about hearing from people whose opinions differ from yours.
Both conversations encourage further dialogue around topics that are super relevant to your business. Which is always a good thing.
Plus, there are so many ways to share your content. On your website, through email newsletters, on social media, through guest posting. And each time you share, your audience has a new opportunity to chime in and give their feedback.
Which is of course the ultimate goal. Because feedback is the number one way to:
Learn what your clients and customers want and desire
Learn about their needs and problems
Discover how you can fine-tune your product or service to meet these requirements
What customer doesn’t want to buy a product or service that ticks all the boxes for them?
How to Start a Blog
Now that you're an expert on what a blog can do for you business, let's chat about getting started on one.
The first blog is always the hardest one to do. It’s like that with most things, right? Not to worry, it just takes a little bit of practice.
Choose a hot topic that is trending, decide on some keywords that’ll get your SEO working for you, and get to it.
If you’re publishing the article on your website, make sure that the word length is at least 1000 - 1200 words long. Google appreciates long, informative pieces that have good substance. And don’t forget to post once a week for optimal results.
Want more tips on the best ways to start a blog? This is the first article in a series geared towards helping you become a blogging expert.
Or, if you’ve had enough of this and never want to read another ‘blog writing: how to guide’ then here is your opt-out.
Consider outsourcing your blogs to someone like moi, a copywriter who already knows all the tricks. Or delegate your blog writing to someone on your marketing team who is willing to learn some new skills.
Maybe writing isn’t your thing or you’re just really short on time at the moment. Totally understandable! Running a business is hard enough on its own, without having to worry about the perfect keyword.