The popularity of blogs in marketing has increased drastically in recent years. It is not uncommon for websites of all kinds to run a blog, and this includes businesses. When you operate a business with an online presence, marketing is essential for virtual success. Cold calling and attempting to sell yourself to a potentially unreceptive audience was the norm for marketing for a long time. But since audiences are now constantly inundated by flashy internet advertising, new methods are being used to capture attention.
One of these methods is called Content Marketing. This means that, instead of going to the people, you are letting them come to you by creating and sharing valuable content. This builds relationships with real people, and results in increased sales. One of the most popular forms of content marketing is creating a blog that is rich in interesting content.
So why should you run a blog? And what are some best practices while doing so?
Biggest Reasons Why You Need a Blog
- SEO Loves Content
When you regularly post content on your blog, more people will visit and new content will be indexed faster. What this means for you: important announcements or timely content will be more visible to your audience, and you’ll have a much better chance of being found. A search engine, such as Google, will not send users to dormant websites and out-of-date content. Show Google you’re still alive by posting regular content!
- Increase Traffic
When you work with search engines and keep content high, your SEO will be in a good position, which will automatically bring more traffic to your website. By creating a blog that is SEO friendly, you are making it easier for people to find your content, and ultimately your business.
- Connect with Your Target Audience
By creating content that is interesting to potential customers, you are drawing in the people who keep your business alive. But one thing to keep in mind: make sure that your content is useful and informative for your target audience. This means you cannot write about just anything; make it relevant.
- Keep People Informed
Include in your blog posts that talk about you and your business. If there are new promotions or new products/services that you are offering, take a moment to talk about them. A blog can also be great for less obvious self-promotion, by sharing projects you’ve completed, new important clients or any awards or accolades you’ve received. This shows people that you are a real and trustworthy business.
- Set Your Image as an Expert
When your content is informative and useful, you set yourself as expert in your field. People will come to you looking for tips and help, and this will lead more traffic to your website.
So now that you know why you should have a blog, what are some ways you can make it successful?
Blogging Best Practices
- Post Content Regularly
The importance of this cannot be stressed enough. Keeping your blog posts regular is essential to SEO success. Schedule your posts, and keep a list of topic ideas so that you never run out of material.
How often should you post? Some businesses have ramped up to posting blogs every day, or every weekday. Although this is great for SEO, it is understandably difficult. However, the minimum to keep your blog alive would be once a week.
- Branch into Social Media
Your blog will be the heart of all your content marketing. If social media seems too hard, then consider: your blog’s content is also perfect content for social media! Including links to interesting blog posts will also increase traffic.
- Inform, Entertain, Educate
Online marketing expert Gary Vaynerchuk advises that all content you publish should accomplish at least one of these things. This is great advice to keep focused when creating content.
- Hire an Expert
Perhaps you now agree a blog is essential for your website, but do not have the time to create it. No problem! There are plenty of experts in the field who have SEO experience and are ready to help you create traffic-increasing content.
As we’ve seen, a blog is a great way to keep traffic coming to your website and increase sales. It’s time to build the success of your business by being content marketing smart.
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