If your company has a website, chances are you have a blog as well. But are you getting the most out of it? Blogging allows you to connect with your audience in a way unlike any other form of communication.
It is a place to discuss with them, and speak to them in a casual manner. As a result, they look at your business in a more human way, and you create a stronger relationship with them.
Here are five ways to get the most out of your company blog:
Write relevant content
This is a no-brainer. Write content that your audience wants to see. Don’t write for you, write for them. Watch your audience’s online activity:
– What do they talk about?
– What are they looking for?
– What do they care about?
The key to any successful blog is content worth sharing. And that starts with the needs, wants and interests of the people you write for: Your audience.
Write often
If you have little blogging experience, the best way to get better is to practice. Write as often as you can, provided it’s relevant content. The more posts you share, the more you will get a feel for what your audience wants to read.
You can gauge what content works with your audience based on what they respond to. You will also find a voice in your writing that readers will get familiar with. This enhances your online brand and potentially furthers your business.
Be human
The most important, and often forgotten, part of writing a blog is writing like a human. Save the corporate jargon and marketing pitches. Talk to your audience. This is what makes a blog stand out from your website, and this is what readers want to see.
As previously mentioned, the more you write, the more comfortable you will become. You will find a voice, and writing like a human will become easier. It just takes practice.
Ask questions
A blog is not a one-way conversation. It is a place where your audience can discuss issues surrounding your business and industry. So let them.
Finish every blog post by asking a question. Ask your audience their thoughts, experiences and ideas around the topic of the post. Tell them to leave an answer in the comments below. It sounds simple, but you can’t expect someone to do something if you don’t ask them first.
Share
Finally, make sure people know your blog exists. Don’t expect people to come looking for your blog, bring it to them. Share your posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and every other social media platform you use.
Share a link to your blog on all other forms of communication:
– News releases
– Website
– Marketing collateral
Make it easy for people to find your blog, and they will eventually become regular visitors.
A blog is a great way to connect with your audience, and solidify your relationship. It allows you to communicate your key messages, build an online brand and generate awareness for your business.
Do you have experience blogging? What has worked for you and your business? Tell us in the comments below.