Blogging is a cost-effective and popular way of offering information and service to clients. Not only does it grow your business reach, but if done right, it positions you as a voice of authority. Here are 10 winning ways to maintain a popular business blog.
Show your individual personality
Your audience has come to your blog to read what you have to say, so be sure to keep your tone and information both personable and professional. Unlike more traditional, stricter journalism, blogging allows you to state your opinions and write in a more conversational tone. Don’t be afraid to discuss the things that make you unique. However, remember this is your business blog, so maintain professionalism.
Don’t only talk about yourself
The balance between self-promotion and self-indulgence can be a fine one. While, as mentioned previously, you want to share your individual personality and showcase your assets, you don’t want to make it all about you. Be sure you’re offering information that covers a broad spectrum of industry topics to attract—and keep—the attention of your audience.
Offer take-away tips
Readers should leave your blog feeling as if they’ve learned something. Often, this is easiest done with tips, either in bullet or listed paragraph form, like this post you’re reading right now! Other options are FAQ posts, how-to posts, and “trick” lists.
Break common myths
“Myth-busting” posts are usually quite popular. For instance “5 Public Speaking Myths, Debunked” or “3 Myths about Real Estate Agents” could be relevant industry posts.
Make sure your design is fresh
Having a blog that looks outdated can immediately kill your popularity, regardless of how terrific your content. If you don’t have the budget for a top-notch web designer, don’t worry. Most platforms, like WordPress and Blogger, have east templates you can use and change as your blog grows. Remember to take a look at your design at least once a year. As web design moves forward, you don’t want to remain stagnant with an outdated interface.
Stay in tune with the news
Your business blog should be a blend of evergreen industry content, and trending topics, which help your SEO and pull in more readers.
Use appealing photographs
Interspersing your posts with photos will make them more visually appealing and easier to read. There are plenty of affordable or free stock photo options available on the web. Even better than stock photography is adding your own original images. However, this can be a double-edged sword. While it’s terrific to add your own images, be sure they are high quality photos. Take them in natural light with a good camera – iPhones are an incredible camera option considering their size.
Add an infographic
Infographics are easy ways to relay lots of information—say, from a new study—in a digestible format. There are many tools available on the web for creating high-quality infograpics with ease. For a list of free infographic tools, click here.
Post often
To stay relevant, and improve your SEO, it’s best to post content as often as possible. Aim for a minimum of three times a week or, if you have multiple writers, 5-6 times per week.
Ask questions
To encourage a lively commentary on your posts, be sure to end them with open questions for readers to respond to, like, “What are your best prospecting tips?” or “What’s the best piece of real estate advice you’ve ever received?” This keeps readers engaged.
