I’ve been blogging over 4.5 years and sometimes I’m good at it and focused and other times, I’m not and go silent. Over the years one thing I’ve learned is that in consistency in anything you do will move you towards results. And those results can book good or bad depending on the action you’ve take. Blogging 2-3 times a week for a year and sharing your content will get you readers. Don’t blog or blog infrequently for a year and you’ll find your readership goes away.
Many of the businesses I work with stop blogging because they get “stuck” on what to write next. Here’s some thoughts for you to ponder. Then leave me a comment below with any feedback.
A good blog engages its readers. It encourages them to get actively involved. Unlike regular static websites, a blog is a dialog. It’s a means of communicating for both you and your customers. When you fully engage them, this boosts loyalty and keeps them coming back for more. Here are some simple ideas to get the interaction going.
Contests and Giveaways
Hold a contest through your blog and offer a prize to the winner. Make sure that you promote your contest on all of your marketing channels including social media, your website and your offline materials. The goal is to get as much traffic to your blog as possible. Post the rules online and tell them about the prize you’re offering.
Case Studies
Case studies are great because they accomplish so many things at once. They attract readers, showcase clients, educate customers, and show off the benefits of using your business. A case study gives them concrete information they can use and also shows the results that your business gets.
Customer Success Stories
Similar to case studies, customer success stories work as testimonials for your business. When a customer thanks you or tells you how your business helped them, ask them if they’d mind being featured on the blog. If they prefer, keep them anonymous. This is a great way to show directly what your business can do for people.
Lists and Checklists
Lists and checklists are loved by all for a reason. They’re easy to read and digest. They also get lots of reader comments going, especially if you ask them at the end, ‘What are some of your ideas?’ Top ten lists are always a crowd-pleaser, as well as biggest mistakes to avoid.
Creative Ideas for Your Products
One great strategy is to write blog posts that show people how to use your products in creative ways. This not only informs them with new ideas but also shows off the benefits and versatility of what you offer.
Fun Videos
You don’t have to write your blog posts. You can also create videos. Videos are great because they show rather than just telling. Make videos that teach your customers something from your business expertise. Make it fun and you’ll increase the chances of your video being shared and going viral.
Infographics
Infographics are visual representations of information. They give your readers another way to digest the information you offer. You can make your own infographic using free online programs. Take the information you want to convey and make something creative with it.
Read this post from last month on creating infographics: http://vanessaduplessie.com/2014/easy-infographics-for-more-traffic/
The best business blogs mix it up. Some days they post an infographic; other days, they do a video. They might talk about a new product in one post and offer a list of simple tips in the next. Vary your blog posts as much as possible and keep your eye on traffic analytics. Your stats will tell you what works and what doesn’t. Keep trying out new ideas to see what sticks with your readers.
Love to hear your thoughts and if you have a blog, let me know that too.
