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If you were like me when you were younger, you may have had a blog for your deepest and darkest thoughts. Okay… Maybe not ALL your thoughts. A blog does much more than simply provide a place for your internal dealings. In short, a blog adds keywords, solidifies authority, and increases Search Engine ranking.
Read on to learn about other reasons to start a blog and tips on where to start.
1. Enhances the credibility and authority of your brand
A blog attracts users who want to learn more about the subject you write about.
The ideas and topics you share on your blog positions you has an authority leader in your industry. You’ve taken the time to research the topic, write about it, and share it with your audience. Over time, users — eventually customers — will come to your blog to learn about your products and services.
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2. Humanizes your brand
A blog gives a voice to your product or service.
People ultimately buy from people, not an entity. Users want to know who they’re buying from. Isn’t that why you have an “about us” page on your website? Further, a blog gives your brand a tone and a voice.
3. Keeps your audience/customers updated
A blog is a place for business annouciments and updates.
This year has been tough on many individuals and businesses for many reasons. COVID-19 has drastically changed the way we do business. Therefore, it’s best to tell your customers what to expect. A blog post would be perfect for this news.
4. Content for social media, newsletters, and sharing
A blog gives content for social media and newsletter sharing.
When you write a blogs, you’ll never have a shortage of things to share with your audience and following. This is perhaps the most important reason to have a blog section (besides SEO).
5. Adds keywords to your website
A blog adds valuable keywords to your domain.
A one-pager website will not rank high on Google, unless you’re well- known for your brand name. When you write content your blog, specify a specific keyword(s) you want to go after (example: for this post, I’m going after “reasons for a blog”). Draft multiple blog posts around that keyword phase to attract clicks.
6. Increases traffic to your website
A blog increases traffic to your website because you have answers to a problem.
Think about the last thing you Googled. What was it? For me, it was “how many users go to the about us page.” I had a question I needed answered for this post. More times than not, users are searching the internet for answers. Position your blog posts to answer questions.
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7. Captures leads (for marketing later)
A blog captures leads when they come to your website.
It’s not a secret that businesses use blogs to capture users’ contact information for further marketing. If you’ve seen a giveaway or coupon enticing you to enter your email address, then you know what I’m talking about. It make sense because email marketing has a 3,800% RIO; for every $1, a business generates $38 in return through email marketing.
8. Increases Search Engine ranking for your homepage
A blog increases Search Engine ranking by pushing your homepage to the top of the SERP (Search Engine Results Page).
From an online marketing perspective, this is the most important reason to produce blog content. For me, I live in Boone and write about SEO and content. Overtime, as I write these blog posts, I’ll eventually start seeing organic Google hits for phases such as “Boone marketing” or “High Country content writer.” For you, it’s very similar. When you write content on your blog, Google connects that to the local market and positions you high on the SERPs.
9. It’s a free (or cheap) all-inclusive marketing strategy
A blog is an affordable and effective way to market to your customers
Writing content puts your brand in the spotlight and shows you know what your’re talking about. All it takes is a little time and know-how. If you do it yourself, it’s free. If you hire someone to do it, it’s cheap. Many freelancers will do it for $35-$60 a post.
Don’t under estimate the power of a well-crated blog post.
Now, where do you start with your blog?
Here’s a quick way to get started on your blog:
Selected a topic
Select a topic related to your industry. Think about answers to problems those in your industry face. You’re on the right track when you start with “How to…”, “Tips for…”, “The best…”
Write 500-700 words about that topic
It’s best to write more rather than less, considering it’s quality content. A good ballpark to shoot for is between 500-700 words — 1,000+ if you’re committed to the content.
Give a call to action at the bottom
Tell the user what to do next at the bottom of the page. Should they contact you? Enter their email address? Go to another page? This is a crucial part in blogging.
Write a killer title (and meta)
After the content is written, write an eye-catching headline that’s clickable. At the same time, don’t forget to write the meta title and meta description that will show in Google.
Share!
Now that the content is written, share it on social media, your newsletter, and in emails. The more clicks (with high time on page and low bounce-rate) will increase the post’s ranking on Google.
Seth Kingdon 