Blogging can be a great way to reach new customers. Much of the time, when someone is searching for information online, they are eventually directed to a blog. If the blog is relevant to their query, the person might also click through to other pages of the website, eventually becoming a patron down the line. As a company, the more you blog, the more skin you have in the game. Blogs are a great way to generate organic traffic and become a respected authority in your industry.
Blogging, however, doesn’t come naturally for everyone. For most of us, it can be frustrating to get started, to be consistently creative, and stay motivated when readership is low. In an ideal world, we would all write new blog posts every week. But the truth is, it can be a real struggle to put pen to paper! You’re not alone. If you feel like you’ve hit a wall, here is some inspiration to help get your creative juices flowing again:
How-to articles
How-to articles can be a great place to start. Many people search online for information on how to do something. With your expertise in your market, you can really help potential clients out.
This can work even better if you are able to link your blog to a video showing your readers how to do it. Sharing information gives you credibility and also builds loyalty from appreciative customers. People will be impressed that you’re giving away “tricks of the trade” with no strings attached. So, think about what your customers are looking for. What do they need help with that relates to your business? If you are a blogger, you might want to write how to-blogs on getting started as a blogger. If you sell clothes, you may want to post about how to choose outfits that flatter your figure. Whatever you can offer, how-to articles are a fairly easy way to make a big impact on readers.
List Articles
List posts are also a great place to start. Blogs with lists (especially when the number of them is in the title) are very popular. You will find that many people are curious about the top five reasons to buy a new coat or the top six reasons that you need to blog for your business. Lists break information down quickly and simply for people who don’t have the time or attention span for long articles.
Problem-solving articles
Many bloggers like to solve a problem that their readers might be having. Think about the customer service inquiries you get at your business. Chances are, you can easily list at least three of the most frequently asked questions you receive. Addressing common problems and FAQ’s in your blog is a great way to generate traffic and could even serve as a reference page later when customer service needs to direct a client to more detailed, written instructions. Answer the questions that they are asking right now and you can bet that you’ll be the first place they’ll check in the future.
CHECKLIST Articles
Many people reference blogs to get organized. Vacation cheat sheets, to-do lists, and checklists can be very popular posts. Think of ways you can hep your readers prepare for something. You might write a checklist for packing or getting ready for an industry event. Design a cheat sheet about what to talk about when meeting new customers. Create a printable PDF and include your contact information and logo in the corner for reference.
Current News Articles
Many bloggers share current news that relates to their business. If you and your readers follow the headlines, they will be interested in hearing your thoughts about some of the top trending stories.
If prices are decreasing, they might be curious why. If new technology is available, readers might want to learn about it. If someone has won an award, you can share the news and congratulate them on a job well done!
review articles
Reviews are also popular posts. You may review a product or service, though some bloggers like to compare and contrast two products or services. People like to read reviews before they buy, so you’re apt to get valuable, interested readers through these types of posts.
Entertainment Articles
Some blogs are simply for entertainment. Throwing in an entertaining article once in a while can be a great way to show the human side of your company. This can help you win over customers who appreciate authenticity and a personal touch – specifically, Millennials!
Testimonial articles
Many businesses use blogs to promote their products and services, though it must be done very carefully. People don’t like to read blatant promotions. Instead, interview a loyal client and feature their experience and testimonial. Testimonials show real-world examples of how your product or service can be used. Then, slip in a coupon code for loyal readers to make it worth their while!
Whatever topic you decide to write about, just be sure to write it with your audience in mind. Provide them with valuable information to keep them coming back for more. Blogging is a long-term commitment so remember, it’s about consistency and building relationships over time. It’s not about instant results.
To learn more about how to run your blog and improve your marketing strategies, give us a call at 661-702-1310!
