You know that moment when you get asked a really simple question, but you can’t quite find the words to explain the answer?
I had that moment that other day.
I was chatting away at a networking event (as you do!) and someone asked me what a blog was.
Oddly, I was a bit stumped for words.
It seemed to simple to reply, ‘an article on your website’.
After all, modern-day blogs are considered an essential part of any business’s marketing, communication, and branding strategies.
These expertly crafted pieces of writing are versatile, adaptable, and can cover any topic in the world – from politics and business to gossip and fashion.
So, what exactly is a blog? How can you explain it so that it’s unique powers are showcased?
Well, I’m going to try! You are about to read a blog that answers that question and explains why blogging is such a great tool for your business.
Dive in!
What Is A Blog?
The Definition Of A Blog
The blogs of today are a far cry from the simple online journal style of writing from the mid-90s.
While they can be found as one segment of a website, they are technically not classified as webpages.
Webpages such as home pages, about pages, and other informational offerings are generally static. This means they aren’t updated regularly and will mostly remain the same every time a user views them.
Conversely, blogs are loaded onto your website as “posts” and contain content that is regularly updated. Most often, they are displayed online in reverse-chronological order (newest to oldest).
Blog pages can appear as their own standalone offering or be attached to static websites to create extra value.
Topic options are endless and can include anything from reviews, interviews, and product round-ups to informational, educational, or even journal-type entries.
The key difference between a blog post and a web page is that blogs encourage user interaction via a comments section, whereas this isn’t the norm for a web page.
Why A Blog Is Good For Your Business
Prime Search Engine Bait
These days search engine optimisation (SEO) is everything for a website. As a business with an online presence, you need people to find you when they type in a relevant search query.
Search engines love fresh, relevant, regular content. The more blogs your business uploads, the more chances you have of being found by potential clients and customers.
However, keep in mind that you want to aim for quality over quantity when it comes to producing blogs. Your keywords should also be relevant, just like your content!
Increase Your Authority
To stand out from your competition, you need to show that you are an authority in your industry. Blogs that position you as an industry leader build your brand’s reputation and attract new customers. So, be generous with your knowledge and draw people in with your expertise!
Provide Value To Your Audience
Today’s consumers are looking for businesses they can trust. Blogs that answer their questions, solve their problems, or even just entertain them are going to help build long term relationships. This then helps to convert browsers into loyal customers and brand advocates.
Interact With Your Clients, Peers, And Customers
A blog is an excellent way for you to develop a relationship with your readers. Often, blog posts are less formal and offer an opportunity for your brand’s personality to shine through as you connect with your audience.
Blogs are also useful for encouraging discussion. The comments section is a useful tool for chatting with people, learning more about your target audience and what they value.
Convert Website Visitors
Every blog post is an opportunity to convert visitors to customers. You can do that by including various calls to action. The main one is to gather an email address, but you can also direct people to a particular product or service.
Build Your Email List
It is all well and good to direct people to your website via your blog posts. But, if you don’t capture their details, that lead could be lost into the win! The simple fact is, if people like your blogs, they are more likely to sign up to your mailing list. Especially if you sweeten the deal with a great freebie download.
Your mailing list is one of your most valuable business assets as you can connect with the contacts on it again and again.
Great For Social Platforms
Quality blog posts are excellent for repurposing on your business’s social media platforms. Simply post the link and your followers can easily share the posts they find interesting. This obviously helps build the reach of your business.
But don’t stop there! You can also carve up bits of the blog and divide them into individual posts, turn some quotes into graphics or memes, ask a question and get some discussion going on the topic, or send the blog out to your mailing list.
Work smarter, not harder and make your blogs work double time for you!
Blogs are a simple yet powerful way to grow your business. If you don’t have a blog attached to your website, you are missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with your audience, build brand identity and recognition, and grow your customer base.
If you have a blog page on your website, but struggle to fill it with content, then contact me and I will fill it for you!