TOP 10 BLOGGING TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

So you have read my Top Five Reasons for Small Businesses to Blog. Now you feel ready for the next step and want to look at starting a blog for your small business?

HERE ARE MY TOP 10 TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES WHO WANT TO BLOG

1. Content Diary – If you take one thing away from these tips, take away the importance of a content diary. What will you write about, when will you write it? Schedule the next few months’ content and work to this plan.

2. Use Key Words – Key words in your blog are crucial. Make sure you increase your SEO efforts by using the right buzz words. This is especially important in your title and first paragraph.

3. Don’t Blatantly Sell - No one wants to read your sales pitch. It’s ok to talk about your services and products but do it in a way that is helpful to your audience. Social Media should never be all about Me Me Me!

4. Use Visual Content – Images should support your blog. Visual content is easily remembered and leaves a lasting impression. Photographs, infographics, charts, cartoons, etc. aim for at least one image in every blog post.

5. Include a Call to Action – This can be anything from a free consultation, a get in touch, sign up for email newsletter, to follow on twitter, etc. Whatever you choose, be sure to leave directions on what to do next.

6. Write Strategically - Have a purpose behind what you are writing. Offer value to your customers and write in a way that you can easily add value, and service your audience’s needs. You want your audience to be compelled to continue reading.

7. Know your Audience - Who are you writing for and what value can you add to your audience if they read your blog? You want to teach your readers and demonstrate to them that you are a leader in your industry, product or service.

8. Short & Sweet - Use a minimum of 300 words and don’t go over 600 if you can help it. Cut, copy and edit, then cut copy and edit all over again.

9. Be Authentic & Approachable – Write conversationally and informally. Yes you are writing on behalf of a company, but show a personal side as well. A blog is not the place to be uptight and formal. Use humour and express your personality.

10. Be confident – Don’t underestimate the value of what you know and the value it has to others.

There are many ways to structure and manage a blog within your small business. It can be difficult to know where to start and what to write about. If you would like to talk more about ways to introduce a blog to your business, please contact us, we’d love to help.