To Blog or Not To Blog
If your business doesn't have a blog, you may be leaving your customers out in the cold as well as hurting your page rank. If you haven't thought about starting a blog, maybe now is the time. Let's keep this simple and uncomplicated.
Should Your Business Start A Blog?
You may be thinking you don't have the stamina, ideas, or even desire to start a blog by yourself. Don't rule out blogging just yet. Ask yourself these questions before you decide one way or another:
- Can I commit to getting one or two blog posts up a month?
- What area of expertise do I want to showcase?
- Who is my audience (who would benefit from reading what I have to say)
Technically, there are other things to consider but don't over-think it. If you are looking for a resource to help get you started, check out ProBlogger.
Chose Your Platform
WordPress is the most popular platform for blogging. But ask around and pick a platform that someone you know is using. This will make it so much easier for you to get help when you have questions.
A Lighter Load
Often referred to as a microblogging site, Tumblr allows you to share photos and posts.
Not Ready to Jump In Yet
Perhaps this is sounding like too much of a commitment. Fine, you can start commenting on blogs within your industry. You can to contribute to the conversation and begin building relationships and acquiring digital terrain.
So where do you find good blogs to comment on?
Guest blogging is another option if you are intimidated by the commitment to start your own. When you find a blog you like, ask to become a guest blogger. Many times blogs are looking for people to contribute. See if there is a "guest blogging policy" on their site and follow those instructions. Reach out and introduce yourself. It might be a good idea to interact on the blog via comments first to build name recognition. If you go this route, you should have samples of your work and be a strong writer or a new angle.
Be A Good Social Citizen
Here are some parting thoughts about how to get your blog going:
- See what other businesses are doing and experiment with new ideas
- Ask for guest posts, interview customers and vendors, include voices from all across the company. This isn't just a marketing project. Have fun.
- Build a community- make your blog interactive, ask for comments, feedback, and ideas.
Will you be starting a blog in 2014?