In an age where social media and Internet use continue to grow at blinding rates, many businesses are asking, “Should we start a blog?” It is no surprise that blogs have become more and more popular. In the last two years alone, RSS feed subscriptions have increased from 5% to 7%. (1). Not only that, but blogs are now used by 24% of Internet users, which is up from 13% in 2005, a number which is said to be continuously on the rise.
Prior to logging on and creating your business’ online journal, there are a few things to consider. This is especially true if you are looking to appeal to your customers and generate a good flow of online traffic. Here are some tips, blogging best practices, if you will, that will help you to create a strong foundation for your blog and build buzz for your business.
Be relevant:
Make sure the content ties into your business. The last thing anyone who follows your company wants to read about are topics that are unrelated to your business and its workings.
Find your voice/message:
Do not try and be someone you are not; use your personality, but remain professional. And, when choosing content, be brief and to the point, and include visuals when necessary.
Blog regularly:
In order to keep visitors coming back, it is important to blog regularly. That does not mean you need to blog everyday, which could become exhausting. Blog two to three times per week. An even better idea is to create a blogging schedule by blogging on the same days each week. Your blog’s update frequency will play a major role in the audience following.
Allow for comments:
Blogging is a conversation; it is meant to be two-sided. Be sure to enable comments on your blog. And, if you are worried about spam comments or negative ones, most blog platforms have built-in controls to help you to prevent spam and monitor your comments.
Optimize for search engines:
So, you want to increase traffic? Use relevant keywords in your post titles; link throughout the post when necessary; and write about what your target market will be searching for… use search-friendly keywords.
Get social:
Use social networks, when appropriate to market your blog. Sites like Twitter and Facebook can help to increase traffic flow. Also, link up with other blogs and sites in the same industry as your business. This helps to increase the credibility of your blog.
What’s the next step? Begin to research topics, join social networks and start blogging. The first step in marketing your blog is to start one.
(1) Ketchum and USC Annenberg Strategic Public Relations Center
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