(Editor’s note: Profanity and other four-letter words have been redacted from this post.)
If this headline caught your eye, you may be one of the countless people who wholeheartedly agree with it. It’s a sentiment that sums up how many of our clients react when we suggest that they start a blog on their website.
We understand. Blogging may seem both daunting and trivial at the same time — a huge time investment without a tangible reward. But let us assure you, a blog can be an easy and effective tool for building your business.
Here’s a sampling of the negative reactions we’ve heard about blogging and our responses to them. You might just realize that BLOG doesn’t need to be considered a four-letter word after all.
“I’m way too busy to deal with a $%*&#@ blog.”
That’s probably because you’re busy addressing your customers’ needs. Is some of your time spent in areas that help your customers, but don’t directly add to your bottom line? An hour spent on writing one blog post can save countless hours covering the same ground, client after client. Blog articles that educate your clients can also head off those time-consuming problems that tend to arise and get in the way of progress. Refer them to a helpful article you’ve written — even a very short one — and you’ve saved yourself time and made a great impression on your client.
“I don’t have enough to say to write a whole $%#@ article.”
Then… don’t! Write just a paragraph or two. Share a list or a short Q&A. Announce a new hire or successful project. Share a link to a news article that’s relevant to your clients. Posts don’t need to be to lengthy — or even your own original content — to be effective. Just remember that a blog is a helpful resource and not a sales pitch, so be sure not to focus on sales and marketing when you’re blogging.
“I can’t write to save my $%*& life!”
You don’t have to be a novelist to get the attention of your customers. Often less is more. If writing is not your thing, think of posts that don’t rely on writing finesse: short blurbs, photos, and links to resources. Or jot down your ideas and then get some help by hiring out the copywriting or editing.
“My last blog post had one reader, and it was my $%*&#@ Mom.”
Well yeah, it does take a while for most blogs to become popular. Don’t get discouraged. As you promote your blog and develop a reputation for providing useful or entertaining content, your readership will grow. And, the more blog posts you compile over time, the more your website will show up in search engines, so the more your business is likely to grow. It’s a process and it takes time, so just keep at it.
“I keep $%*&#@ forgetting!”
WordPress, our most popular website platform, provides a way to easily schedule your blog posts for future release. So when you find a little downtime in your schedule, develop a few posts all at once and schedule them to publish over time — once a week, once a month, or even every day. That way you can set it and forget it, at least temporarily.
“There’s already too much $%*&#@ content out there about my industry.”
On the contrary! The fact that there’s a lot of content online about a certain subject indicates that it’s a popular topic with a large audience. Read what others are posting, and see what they’re doing well — or not so well. Then add to the conversation with your own unique perspective or offering.
“I’m $%*&#@ computer illiterate!”
While this may seem at face value to be a great excuse, most modern blogging software is very easy to use. Seriously. But if you still feel illiterate, split your blogging tasks with someone more computer savvy. Write your articles and then ask him or her to publish them onto your blog for you.
“None of our $%*& competitors are blogging.”
Sounds like a great opportunity to establish your brand as the authority among your competitors. Your blog can be an avenue to industry leadership while giving your web site a major advantage in search engines. Just because nobody else is doing it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. Blaze the trail! Others may soon follow.
“I don’t know where to $%*&#@ start!”
First, you’ll need to create an area on your website for your blog. You may be able to do that yourself, or you can look to us for help in designing and building it. Then it’s just a matter of creating posts. Start with something you’re passionate about, or something you hear customers asking about frequently. Check out other blogs and social media, and write down some ideas. Don’t overthink it. Just do it!
“What’s the point?”
- If done well, a blog can be SEO gold! It helps to increase your search engine results, driving more visitors to your website when updated regularly.
- A blog can quickly establish you as an expert in your field.
- Blogging is an indirect form of marketing that’s easy to do on your own.
- A blog is an affordable way to generate new leads and retain existing ones.
- Your blog can be a helpful resource to your customers, and keep them thinking of you in a positive light.
So don’t fear the blog… learn to embrace it. It really can be an easy and enjoyable way to build your business. Give it a try! And if you need help, give us a shout. We’ll understand if you need to throw a little profanity into the conversation.
