Blogging about blogging again.
OK so you blog regularly for your business but you don’t seem to be getting many followers or traffic and it’s not only beginning to feel futile but you are fast running out of material. In this second blog about blogging here are some basic tips to reignite the fire in your writing and help you write fresh and compelling content.
1. Have a plan.
It may sound simple but every couple of months, sit down and map out a plan of what you’re going to blog about and how often. Be realistic, if you don’t enjoy writing, don’t over commit yourself to twice a week but make a commitment which you think you can keep. Nothing is worse than a blog that hasn’t been up dated for months. Tie in your blogs with the seasons, any special offers, new ranges or local events to make it relevant but be flexible enough to alter your plan if something comes up.
2. Have another plan.
Before you start writing, think about what you want to say and how to say it. Give your blog structure, plan your beginning, middle and end and use headings and sub headings. If some subjects are bigger than others (and I always think a nice length for a blog is 500- 800 words) sub divide it into a series of blogs. Another big no is a blog that rambles on with no particular point or direction.
3. Write as an expert.
You probably know more about your business and product than you think you do and that makes you an expert in your field. If you sell clothes, you know about fabrics, cuts, different styles, production methods etc. If you run a dog kennels or are a dog groomer you probably know about different dog products, feeding regimes, exercise and breeds. Whatever it is you do, draw up a list of things auxiliary to your service or product which you think might interest or be of use to your customers. With a little research and time you’ll not only have lots of material to write about but find that you’ve established yourself as someone experienced and expert in your field. And if your still stuck for ideas why not ask someone in a related business to write a guest blog.
4. Killer headline and content.
If your headline is obtuse or just plain boring, your blog will never get read. Offer your readers something that they can’t live without (i.e. the 5 secrets to a perfect wardrobe / the perfect dog etc. you get the idea) and tease and entice them to read on. It’s then really important to tell your readers something they want or need to know. An account of your daily life may be important to you but the chances are it’s not going to enrich the lives of your readers at all and they won’t stick around. Check your blog is well written, personable and error free and above all else deliver on any promise you made in your headline.
5. Fresh content and SEO.
Whatever you do, make sure your content is fresh and don’t just copy old blogs or someone else’s material. If you want to re visit something you or someone else has already written about, try and see it from a new angle. Again the key is research and if all else fails, ask a friend or colleague for ideas and opinions. And don’t forget to include keywords and appropriate SEO!
Blogs are a powerful tool when it comes to show casing your talents, engaging with your customers and building yourself a reputation. The key is that they take time, research and a dollop of skill. Don’t rush your blogs because you need to get published, give them the attention they deserve.
