A blog is an important way to communicate with your customers and should draw them in to learn more about you, your business and make sure that what you do matters to them.
According to the Content Marketing Institute good blog content can generate sales because it “allows you to communicate to your audience who you are, what you do and your expertise.”
They go on to explain that a good blog will “ultimately raise the number of qualified leads you receive and increase your sales.”
Instead of communicating one-on-one with each prospect, the same message to a larger target audience, thus enabling you to move prospects through the sales cycle faster (and with less time spend by salespeople) and increase the conversion rate of leads into sales.
There are many ways to make your blog a success and one that stands out from the pack. When you are just getting started with blogging, read a few top-ranked blogs to get a sense of the best writing styles. Ask yourself, what makes them the best?
Blog Writing:
–The writing should be exciting and not just a list of facts. Blog readers want to have an experience. This enthusiasm has to be consistent, as readers will quickly notice if creating these posts was just another chore on the “To Do” list for you.
–A writing class can be one way to really improve your own blog writing.
–If you are not excited about your blog post, your readers won’t be either. Your passion should come across in each post and utilize social media to get the buzz going.
Talk Back:
–Actively respond to those who comment frequently on your blog posts. You can do this via email, linking back, or commenting on their blog.
–Allow readers the option of an email subscription to your blog.
Echo, echo:
–Continue to read blogs in your topic area and ensure that you have a unique angle on the subject matter so you do not become an echo.
–Repurposing old articles as opposed to creating fresh and original content can cause your readers to disengage from your blog.
–Write about new topics or stories as they happen and don’t wait to just tailgate on old news.
Balance:
–It is and isn’t all about you on your own blog. Blog posts should draw the readers in, making the content relatable to their own lives.
–Link to websites and other bloggers with similar or higher traffic rankings than you currently have to create a reciprocal linking strategy.
–Cross-promote with other bloggers in your subject area and create lasting relationships with a new network.
–Become a commenter on influential blogs in your niche and link back to your own blog.
–Interview experts for your blog posts to add another voice to the blog.
Winning:
–Draw in new readers and jazz up the current audience with contests that are talked about on your blog and social media sites.
–Always advertise your accomplishments and celebrate successes with your readers!