The Executive Suite: 12 Tips for Making Your Business Blog a Success

Monday, June 11, 2018

12 Tips for Making Your Business Blog a Success

Content marketing can be a powerful tool for all types of small business owners, and a blog is one of the best ways to leverage content. The idea of starting a business blog from scratch may be a bit intimidating, but it doesn't have to be an overwhelming experience. The benefits of starting a business blog can make the process worthwhile. Here are 12 tips for getting started with a business blog and making it a success.

Post Consistently

There are no defined rules when it comes to posting frequency. Whether you post once a week or every day, the most important factor is that you blog on a consistent schedule. In order to establish a following, readers need to know when to expect new content.

Provide Relevant, Useful, and Valuable Information

The more useful the information you post, the more readers you will attract and the more likely they will become regular readers. Remember the old writing mantra: Show, don't tell. If, for example, you are promoting a particular business strategy, provide an example of how and why it was successful.

Ask for and Respond to Comments

Make a point to invite your readers to weigh in and share their opinions in your comments on every post. And when they do have something to say, acknowledge their comments, even when their viewpoint differs from your own.

Have a Focus, but Be Willing to Go Off-Topic

It's good to have a clear focus when it comes to your blogging topics, but too much of anything can be a turnoff. Be willing to introduce new topics or a new way to look at a common topic to add interest and increase engagement.

Make It Easy to Subscribe

If you want your readers to continue reading, put your subscription options in an easy-to-find place. You also can attract more subscribers by offering multiple options. Access to the RSS feed and a post-by-email option are popular choices.

Promote and Share What You Write

Don't expect your readers to catch every single post you write unless you're reminding them that your blog exists. Share links to your blog in social media, on your website, in your newsletters, and even in your email signature, and encourage people to click through.

Mix Up Your Format

If you typically write long all-text posts, try mixing in a few shorter posts or adding images to see if it changes your pageviews. You even can throw in an occasional video post to add a new level of interest.

Have a Point of View

Sometimes, all it takes is a little controversy to get your blog on the map. Don't be afraid to take a stand on a hot topic in your industry, and then encourage discussion in your comments.

Make It Easy to Read

Use subheadings, bullets, and other formatting wherever appropriate to make it easier for your readers to skim and zero in on the information most important to them.

Self-Edit or Find a Proofreader

It can be difficult to catch errors as you write, so try writing your posts a day or two ahead and then coming back to read them again with fresh eyes. Or, if possible, ask a colleague to proof your posts for you to make sure they are error-free.

Share a Little Bit of You

Your business blog may be about business, but that doesn't mean there isn't a place to mention your personal life and experiences. Many times an anecdotal post can attract a new type of reader and give your consistent readers a peek at a new side of you.

It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint

It takes time for a business blog to build momentum, pull in readers, and create a loyal following. Be patient and try not to get discouraged if the progress seems sluggish. Slow, steady, and consistent wins the race when it comes to blogging.