Content marketing can be a powerful tool for all types of small business blog owners, and one of the best ways to leverage content is through a blog. Starting a business blog from scratch may seem daunting, but it does not have to be an overwhelming experience. The advantages of starting a business blog can make the effort worthwhile. Here are 15 tips for starting and running a successful business blog.
- Post Frequently
When it comes to posting frequency, there are no hard-and-fast rules. Whether you post once a week or every day, the most important thing is that you blog on a regular basis. To build a following, readers must know when to expect new content.
- We provide information that is relevant, useful, and valuable.
The more useful the information you post, the more readers you’ll get, and the more likely they’ll become regular readers. “Show, don’t tell,” as the writing adage goes. If you are promoting a specific business strategy, for example, give an example of how and why it was successful.
- Request and respond to comments.
Make it a point to invite your readers to weigh in and share their thoughts in the comments section of each post. When they do have something to say, acknowledge it, even if their point of view differs from yours.
- Maintain a focus while remaining open to deviating from it.
It’s important to keep your blogging topics focused, but too much of anything can be off-putting. To add interest and increase engagement, be willing to introduce new topics or a new way of looking at a familiar topic.
- Make subscribing simple.
If you want your readers to keep reading, make your subscription options easily accessible. You can also attract more subscribers by providing a variety of options. Popular options include RSS feed access and the ability to post via email.
- Distribute and promote your writing.
If you’re not reminding your readers that your blog exists, don’t expect them to read every single post you write. Encourage people to click through by sharing links to your blog on social media, your website, newsletters, and even your email signature.
- Change up your format.
If you usually write long all-text posts, try incorporating a few shorter posts or adding images to see if it affects your pageviews. You can even include a video post now and then to keep things interesting.
- Think about your options.
It only takes a little controversy to put your blog on the map. Take a stand on a hot topic in your industry, and then encourage discussion in the comments.
- Make it simple to read.
Use subheadings, bullets, and other formatting to help your readers skim and focus on the information that is most important to them.
- Self-edit or seek the services of a proofreader.
It can be difficult to catch errors while writing, so try writing your posts a day or two ahead of time and then returning to read them with fresh eyes. Alternatively, if possible, have a colleague proofread your posts for you to ensure they are error-free.
- Give a little bit of yourself.
Your business blog may be about business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t include personal information and experiences. Anecdotal posts can often attract a new type of reader while also allowing your regular readers to see a different side of you.
- It’s a race, not a sprint.
It takes time for a business blog to gain traction, attract readers, and develop a loyal following. Be patient and try not to get discouraged if progress appears to be slow. When it comes to blogging, slow and steady wins the race.
- Make it simple for others in the organization to contribute.
It is quite tough for one individual to establish and maintain a good, successful blog. Especially if the individual has a company. This is where your staff comes into play. Inform them that you would appreciate their donations.
Create an environment in which employees are not merely willing but eager to participate. That includes being receptive to their suggestions and genuinely implementing them. Give them credit and bylines while limiting critical comments.
- Make business blog subscriptions simple.
You want to make it as simple as possible for people to subscribe to your site.
Subscriptions not only notify readers of new content, but they also assist you in building an email list that may lead to new clients.
- Promote Your Business Blog Content
This may seem obvious, but it bears repeating. You must market your blog if you want to increase readership. Social networking is an excellent technique to attract readers to new topics as well as previous pieces that would otherwise go ignored.
