Most blogs are small startups, as many business startups, but over time and regular updates, your audience can drastically grow. As a small business, it is important to start your blog early because this could be one of the most effective ways to start marketing your business. As your business grows so will your number of followers and those who become loyal will appreciate your information and may become future consumers. Not sure how to get started, below are some tips to get you on the road.
1. Use someone else's blog to establish yourself as an expert: reading and commenting on blogs in your industry's niche or close to your niche can help you to establish yourself as an expert. You can offer your own opinions or angles to the posted entries. When appropriate, you can even offer links to your own blog entries or articles as additional information and support to your readers. This step is very important because as a new blogger you will learn from others who are more experienced than yourself.
2. Use your blog as a form of communication: Use your company blog as a way for your potential customers to learn about you and your business. A blog is a great way to express yourself and show off the quality of your business. You want your readers to feel like you're talking to them as friends, without being too personal. Also, use the blog to ask your readers questions with the expectation of an answer or comment on your blog. All of this will help to build an environment where people know that they can receive answers to their problems, as well as read fresh, compelling content.
3. Define your topic and stick to it: Now that you've decided to add a company blog to your website, determine what your main focus will be and stick to it. For example, if you are in the organic gardening industry stick to topics like; Organic Gardening 101, dangers of Pesticides, USDA regulations, etc. Sticking with niche topics will target the potential consumers you want. An individual who swears with genetically modified food will be much less likely to be a consumer in the future.
4. Stay current and up to date: Old news is bad news for blogs. This is not to say that you can not post a comment or finish a write-up on something that happened a few days ago, but you can? T post something that happened four months ago and expect people to value well in it. It is important to stay current with problems and news happening in your industry if you want to build the following stable.
5. Don't forget about spelling and grammar: The two benefits of blogging are that they are less formal and you don't have to be a professional writer to own and nurture a blog. However, spelling and grammar should be a priority. Ignoring to spell check and using proper grammar can affect your credibility no matter what your writing experience or your blog industry focuses on. Keep your Small Business blog professional and clean.
You don't have to be a professional writer or Fortune-500 company to publish a blog. All you need is an opinion, information, and insight in your area of expertise. If you proved genuine and knowledgeable readers you will see and your blog will be one of the most cost-effective marketing tools that small businesses can invest in.
