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Is a Blog Right For You?
A lot of questions we get asked are about blogging. For example:
- How do I start a blog?
- What do I blog about?
- How often should I blog?
Although the above questions are important – the main question that prospective bloggers should be asking is “What does my audience want to hear?” It’s not about what you want to say, but rather who wants to listen to you.
The questions that prospective bloggers should be asking are:
Who am I targeting?
Are they new or existing customers? Perhaps they are the existing customers of your competitors. Whoever they are – you need to know upfront.
Do I enjoy writing?
Blogs are a written medium. If you dislike writing, you’ll probably dislike blogging.
Have I got time?
Consistent updates are crucial to the success of your blog. Three times a week is perfect, but weekly can be good - if it is consistent. Decide on your blogging frequency and stick to it. The worst thing you can do is start a regular discussion with your customers and then stop. Rather don’t blog at all if you cannot commit to regular postings.
What will my key message be?
If your message is “I am wonderful” – then please don’t start a blog.
What keywords will I use?
Research what people are looking for in your industry. Don’t try and reinvent the wheel (not at first, anyway).
Am I a technical dinosaur?
Blogging is easy, but you do need to have some idea as to how the Internet works and how to use online software. If you aren’t Internet-savvy, learn - or find someone to help you before you start your blog.
What is my ultimate goal?
Know what you want to achieve from your blog upfront. What do you want your blog to have achieved within one year from now?
Does blogging generate more sales?
Everyone is capable of writing a blog, however not everyone has the time to blog consistently. If you are a small business owner, you'll realise that nobody knows your business as well as you do. Once you have decided to start a blog, you must be consistent. Blogging can be a cost-effective part of your marketing strategy. Committing to a weekly blog is a good start.
Remember that your blog doesn't have to be perfect, but it does need to provide value. A blog is content - and prospective customers are hungry for relevant content that provides expert information. Don't be tempted to blog about what you've had for dinner on your business blog. If you really feel the need to provide the details on your latest meal - start another blog. The truth is - nobody cares what you've just eaten. They do, however, care about themselves and the answer to their questions.
3 Tips to consider when starting a blog
1. Consistency
Consistency is key to creating a valuable and loyal following of clients, particularly if your blog is informative and easy to follow. By the time your prospective customers are ready for your services, they will already know a lot about your business and expertise. Giving you their business is really only the next logical step.
2. Blog every week
Marketing consultants initially believed that a weekly blog was sufficient. Now, it really is the minimum. In fact, many of my blogs REDUCE sales when blog posts drop to less than twice a week.
3. Reality tip
There are ways to get around regular blogging without you sweating over your computer each day. One way is to get your employees to each post one blog per week. A team of five, each blogging once a week - means daily postings for your blog.Or, hire a writer that is prepared to find out a little about your business and will blog on your behalf.
Do you really need a blog?
Do you really need a blog? The question should be: Do you want to improve your online presence and increase sales?
Blogs encourage communication between you and your customer. Monologues, or rather one-way communications, will never be as beneficial as finding out exactly what your customers think of you - and how you can improve.
5 Reasons you need a blog
1. Relevant and consistent blogs portray you as an expert in your field.
2. Verifiable and reliable information builds trust.
3. Regular content posting makes your site or blog search engine friendly.
4. Content-rich blogs provide relevant information, which drives traffic to your site.
5. Blogs are a non-threatening place for customers to generate discussions.
Your customers are discussing you right now. Give them the place to provide feedback, where you can monitor and engage with comments. By actively tackling any issues, or thanking customers for positive feedback, customers will know that they can trust you to solve their problems.
Get your web designer to add a blog to your site, or try one of the free blogging platforms available like Wordpress. The key is to keep it current, consistent and relevant to your industry.
Related blogs:
Basic blogging tips for beginners
Spotted Wombat provide an online presence for businesses. We'll manage your blog, your Twitter account and your website. Spotted Wombat is your comprehensive print and online content provider.
Basic blogging tips for beginners
The web is about words. Blogging is about words. Images and videos are great, but they are not enough. The bottom-line is that if you don't have words, you are unlikely to provide all the information your customer needs from you.
Basic blogging tips for beginners
A blog is a great way to start communicating with your customer. Here are a basic few tips on blogging:
- Just do it: Don't wait around until tomorrow. Set your blog up and make your first entry now!
- Use show and tell: Show a picture and tell with words. Use Plain English and simple words.
- Get your point across: Get to the point in the first sentence. You are lucky if your visitor gives you 4 seconds of their time.
If you don't have the time or inclination to write your blog, ask a staff member to manage your blog - or employ a professional. There are many writers that will blog for you - but check examples of their work first. Avoid the likes of outsourced writers from non-English speaking countries. Your blog is a window to your business. Keep it polished, shiny and professional looking.
Wordy thought for today:
To "fnese" is to snore.
Spotted Wombat is a comprehensive copywriting service in Brisbane, Australia. We provide writing for brochures, newsletters, websites, articles, white papers, press or media releases, blogs or any other writing that enhances your business.
Your blog: Get to the point
What do you want your readers to remember once they have finished reading your blog? Chances are they are not going to remember the 10 benefits of why your product is the best. They'll remember one point (if you're lucky). Stick to your key message. 
Key message
Think of the one key message that needs to stick in the minds of your readers after they have finished your blog. Got it? Now, stick to it throughout your blog. Rephrase it, reference it and provide examples for it.
Supporting messages
Add plenty of other reasons to why your product or service is best, supporting your key message. Often, there are many benefits to a single product or service, but one benefit stands out. The other benefits take a subservient role to your key message.
Key message and benefit
Ensure that your key message is linked to a compelling benefit. Repeat your key message by choosing an appropriate image and aligning your title to your key benefit.
Wordy thought for today:
- Being a poet is one of the unhealthier jobs-no regular hours, so many temptations! - Elizabeth Bishop
