The two core messages that I share with business owners are that blogging is an effective way to attract new clients, and that blogging can be easier than you think.
If you’ve tried blogging and stumbled, or you feel stuck before you even start, these 10 strategies will make blogging easier.
- Reading other blog posts. When you regularly visit other business blogs that you find helpful, you will have real-life models to inspire your own blog.
- Repurposing existing content. There’s a good chance you already have things you could transform into blog posts, so why start from scratch? Here some tips for turning other materials into blog posts.
- Interviewing someone. Choose an expert your readers would like to meet, and ask the questions your readers might be wondering. Instant content for you; instant value for your readers!
- Answering questions. If there are things people are asking you over and over again, interview yourself and put your wisdom in writing.
- Devoting time to get it done. Most people tell me this is the most difficult part of blogging – finding the time. Schedule blogging time into your calendar each week, book yourself a blogging retreat once a month, or join the Barrie Business Blogathon once per quarter.
- Writing more often. Whether you’re publishing a new blog post every month (where I suggest you start) or every week (what I suggest you aim for), a daily writing habit – even just five or ten minutes – will improve your writing skills, discipline and comfort level.
- Getting help. If you’re struggling too long or too hard with any aspect of the blogging process (whether that’s planning, writing, editing, formatting, publishing or promoting), outsource those blogging tasks so you can focus on your business.
- Making it a team effort. If you have like-minded colleagues, inside or outside of your business, give them the opportunity to share their expertise on your blog. A group blog provides variety for your readers and gives each contributor a more manageable blogging schedule.
- Planning ahead. Create a list of target topics (categories) that would appeal to your ideal customers, and a schedule with space for each category. Hint: Some blogs display the categories or tags of your published posts in a “cloud” shape, giving you an instant snapshot of any topics you’ve been neglecting (they will appear smaller in the cloud).
- Using a formula. My favourite blog writing formula is the Top 10 list, like the one you’re reading right now. Try these step-by-step instructions for your own Top 10 list.
If you’ve struggled with blogging in the past, or if you’re hesitant to start blogging because it seems too hard, put these strategies to work and see just how easy – and effective – business blogging can be.
P.S. A summer vacation is no excuse to stop blogging! Check out “Summertime and the Blogging is Easy.”