According to Technorati.com’s State of the Blogosphere 2011 report, almost 1/3 of bloggers have worked for the traditional media. That statistic got me thinking about how business bloggers could benefit from a journalism mindset.
Hold the schedule sacred
Whether it’s a daily paper, a weekly column or a monthly magazine, it goes out. On time. With content.
I see many bloggers boast about how they only post when they have something fabulous to say. Great, but when you’re building online visibility you really can’t afford to be absent for too long, or to have your blog/website appear like an outdated ghost town.
Not to mention the pressure of coming back after 2-3 months without posting – how fabulous do you have to be at that point?
Business bloggers, take note: I recommend posting new content on your blog a minimum of twice a month, and ideally every week. But take it easy – if you’re used to publishing a monthly newsletter, start there and then make the transition.
Know that the more you write, the easier it will be. Check out my post about how to build a daily blogging habit, and these suggestions about what you should be writing every day.
If you’re looking for more support with daily writing, my trusted colleague Cynthia Morris is offering her month-long Free Write Fling beginning this Wednesday, February 1st. Find out more or sign up here.
If you ever do happen to miss a step in your publication schedule, don’t worry. Blogging is not a matter of life and death. Just pick up and start again.
Share the heavy lifting
Journalists enhance their writing with quotes, research and details from other sources.
Savvy reporters and business owners both rely on Peter Shankman’s HARO database to connect reporters who need information with business owners who can provide their expertise. Since 2008, HARO has facilitated 7,500,000 media pitches.
Business bloggers, take note: A poll by Cision and George Washington University concluded that 89% of journalists use blogs for story research. The more relevant content you publish, the more chance they’ll find YOU when they’re looking for an expert in your area.
Sharing the heavy lifting on your blog might mean inviting a guest blogger to contribute or co-write a post with you, or publishing connective content instead of a full-length feature article.
Choose every word
Journalists simply know how to tell a good story.
Their artful headlines compel, inform, inspire and motivate in just a few words. Then they pack a punch by using the inverted pyramid or another powerful article opening. Strict word counts force them to be concise.
Business bloggers, take note: There are stories happening all around you in your life and business. Check out these posts about how to turn your story into an effective marketing piece and how to turn a client story into a news story.
If you tend to run on in your writing, give yourself a word count limit of 500 words and pare down your writing.
On the other hand, if you struggle to get past the first paragraph or two, use these tips to add more value for your readers.
There’s more to being an effective business blogger than using these journalism strategies. To learn more, check out the upcoming free training, The Blogging Mindset.
