Professional blogging requires writing skills and creativity; but it takes more than that to put together 150+ words if your goal is to bring in new and continued business. I’ve put together a top five list for you to see exactly what every effective business blog needs!
1) Get Out There.
Being visible to your readers is crucial – and that means more than just having a clear link to your blog on your homepage. Your blog URL should be in the bio sections on your social media pages, as well as in your email signature (if that applies).
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps new readers find you. Consider what your post is about and what key word(s) your potential readers would use to “search” the topic. Include the word(s) in your URL if possible, and utilize it throughout your post. Don’t overdo it though; search engines are smart enough to tell if you’re overloading the key words!
2) Blog Regularly.
It seems a little obvious, but I have to point out that consistency is key when it comes to blogging for business. As long as the content of your blog is interesting, relevant, and/or useful – more is always better. Determine how frequently you can post while ensuring your content still fulfills the above requirements, and then make a schedule you can stick to. We recommend no less than twice a month, but each business is different!
3) Utilize Social Media Buttons.
Aside from standard search engines, social sharing is the best way new readers can find your blog. Make sure to have social media icons on your blog so people can share it with their followers. Like it, tweet it…whatever they are doing with it – it’s helping people see your content (and that’s the goal)!
4) Appeal Visually.
Incorporating images and video into your blog can be done in a way that still conveys the level of professionalism your business wishes to uphold. Don’t be afraid to appeal to your readers with visual aids, just make sure you don’t use copyrighted materials. In fact, using properly named imagery will increase your search optimization!
This little guy is named “topfive.png”. Part of our logo is in the background, and our website’s URL is right there too.
5) PRUFREED.
Listen people – proof your copy! An effective blog is one that develops credibility for your business. Well-crafted sentences, proper punctuation, and proper spelling are all musts! It seems a little silly that this is on a top five list considering your 2nd grade teacher taught you to double check things, but it deems repeating. Your readers are researching you and determining if they want to give you their business…typos are a turnoff!
Rachel Creveling has 15 years in the industry and is the Owner of Belle Strategies Marketing Agency. As a Digital Marketing Consultant, she helps clients strategically plan and build campaigns based on ROI. Her highly custom consulting method has earned clients including the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival, Four Seasons Resort and Residences, South Beach Seafood Festival and many others. Rachel’s expertise helps companies push past revenue goals by leveraging their data and identifying areas for efficiency and growth.