Whether you’re thinking about starting a business blog or reviewing how you manage an existing blog, if you’re investing time and effort in producing content then you’ll want to ensure you’re utilising the platform effectively.
Here are 5 handy tips to help you maximise your blog:
Make a content plan
When you commit to a business blog, it’s worthwhile to set out a plan to help you execute the content in a timely and consistent manner. You want your readers to know what types of content and sort of information they can expect from you. Similarly, you should have a schedule of activity so your readers know how frequently they can expect new content. By having a plan you can make sure you’re meeting your readers’ expectations and encourage them to keep returning to your blog.
Keep up to date with news and topics in your industry
A great way to formulate new content ideas is to follow news, discussions and key themes in your industry. A blog offers your business the perfect opportunity to be relevant and engage interested readers with the important matters and issues in your field. By aligning your content with hot topics or current affairs you can position yourself as a knowledgeable voice of authority.
Share your blogs
We’ve all heard the analogy “if a tree falls in the forest and nobody is around, does it make a sound?” and you should think of your business blog in the same way. If you’ve produced a fantastic blog but nobody knows about it, does it really serve a purpose? It’s important that once you’ve created this content you make the most of it by, for example, highlighting its location on your website, sharing it in your email marketing or promoting it on social media.
Thought-led, not promotional
Your blog will hopefully be important for bringing in customers and sales to your business – however – it is vital that your blog isn’t just used as a promotional tool. Your blog should offer your readers advice, insight, opinion or address an issue that they might be having. In short, your blogs should provide engaging, thought-provoking content that your customers, or potential customers, want to read rather than trying to directly sell to them. Which leads us on to point 5…
Create for your customers
Your business blog should be created and managed with your customers at the forefront of your mind. What topics are they interested in? What do they need help with? What information will benefit them? By thinking this way, you can encourage your customers and potential customers to think of you when they need a particular service or product.