Start A Blog for Your Small Business with These Ideas and Best Practices
Start A Blog for Your Small Business with These Ideas and Best Practices
According to WordPress, more than 409 million people read over 20 million blog posts each month. If your small business doesn’t have a quality blog, you’re likely missing out on an incredible marketing tool that allows you to connect with current and potential customers.
But we also understand that small business owners are busy. The thought of adding another item to the ongoing "to-do" list feels daunting. However, studies show that blogging is a valuable marketing tool for small businesses in any industry.
3 Benefits of Blogs for Small Businesses
Blogging can be a very effective marketing tool for your small business. It’s a practical way to keep your audience updated on everything from frequently asked questions to product updates or current trending topics.
Here are three benefits that small businesses can get from maintaining a blog:
- Blogging gives your audience insight into your business-who you are and what you’re about. Most people can read your website to learn what you do. A blog helps cultivate a relationship and lets people develop an understanding of who you are.
- Blogging gives you a direct line of communication between you and your audience. If you decide to allow comments on your blog (and take the time to respond), blogging can even become a two-way conversation about relevant topics your readers are interested in and you’re an expert on!
- Blogging can help boost your SEO by generating more traffic to your website. By some measurements, businesses with blogs receive about 55% more traffic to their website than businesses without blogs. Good blog posts can also "go viral" as people share them with their friends and family, raising your brand awareness.
5 Blogging Ideas and Best Practices for Small Businesses
Here are five best practices to help you get the most out of your blogging efforts and even reduce your workload.
- Consistency is key: It’s better to be consistent over time. The more you blog, the easier it will be for you to maintain the practice. Your audience is more likely to return consistently and keep reading when you publish new content on a predictable schedule. You don’t need to be perfect but avoid posting three blogs in one week then "going silent" for several weeks.
- Invite guest bloggers: Blogging can be time-consuming. Reduce your workload by inviting guest bloggers to contribute content. Guest posts can present fresh perspectives on a topic and offer expert opinions. You can even ask customers to write a short blog about how your products or services impact their lives! Whether you interview an expert in your field and publish it in Q and A format or ask someone to write a blog for you, this can be a great addition to your blog content.
- Answer frequently asked questions: Think of the questions you most often hear from current and potential customers. These are usually excellent blog topic ideas because it’s information your audience wants to receive. And, taking the time to write the blog can help you answer the question clearly, concisely and identify essential pieces of information.
- Highlight recent projects you’re proud of: Blog posts don’t always need to be content-based. Use your blog to feature recent projects you’re proud of. Not only does this let you show off your skills and abilities, but it also helps potential customers envision how your products or services could fit into their lives. Reading about successful projects also builds trust and confidence in your business.
- Include a call to action: Offer at least one way people can act after reading each blog. It could be as simple as "schedule your free consultation today" or "sign up for our monthly newsletter."
There are many other ideas, strategies, and best practices for small businesses to get the most out of their blog. Still, the first step is to get started and create a blogging routine for your business.
Works Cited
https://www.winwithaline.com/webdesign-marketing-insights/seo-and-content-strategy/tips-for-small-business-blogging
https://www.sendinblue.com/blog/small-business-blog/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikekappel/2018/05/16/7-tips-for-creating-a-conquering-small-business-blog/?sh=144745975f37
https://www.lyfemarketing.com/blog/benefits-of-blogging/
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Jen Jordan brings a wealth of life and leadership experiences to her writing. After 10 years creating a variety of content for a nonprofit, Jen decided to establish her own writing business. She specializes in creating high quality blog and website content for small businesses. When she's not writing, Jen is a competitive triathlete with a goal of completing a triathlon in all 50 states.