It enables you to reach everyone that is on the Internet.
Share something of value without asking for anything in return.
We don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
Many websites are built with a blog section ready to go, but despite good intentions, consistent posting often fades over time. The effort and investment that went into creating the space ends up underused.
What do you need to know? What should you do next? How do you begin?
Let’s get started.
How many words should a blog be?
The most successful blogs are 1,000+ words; no less than 300 words. An optimum length is up to 1,600 words which allows the opportunity to contain actionable information that will help your reader solve a problem. These lengths keep the reading time under six minutes on average. Readers are 94% more likely to read a post start to finish when it’s within six minutes.
Andy Crestodina from Orbit Media Studios said it best, “As long as necessary to make the best page on the internet for the topic.” If you believe you satisfied the title, then the blog is complete. There will always be more to add but remember, your reader will probably only give you six minutes … so make it count. Don’t waste their time.
How often should you post?
To rank well, publish often – two to four times a week. But. Consistency is king. If you can only post once a week; post once a week. Always. If you’re committing to blogging, once you start, don’t stop. Consistency builds trust in you, your brand and in your products. Companies that post often and consistently show the best results in visits and conversions.
How should I format my blog?
Make it visually appealing. Rather than one big paragraph, break-up your copy with attention-grabbing subheadings, visuals and bullet points.
Whether you want to promote your business, design a portfolio, or are looking for the perfect creative outlet, you may be wondering how to create a blog. Fortunately, starting a blog isn’t that complicated.
Why should I blog?
It can help in your ability to be found online. Google’s search engine algorithms are smart.
What should your blog include?
You’ll want to know what your main keywords are for your company and include them in your blog. See our blog entitled What Are Keywords. The title of your blog should relate back to the type of business you are in or is of interest to your prospective client. Subheadings in your blog are another way to be recognized in Google’s algorithms.
Make sure your blogs include keywords and subheadings.
What do Google’s algorithms prefer?
Google wants to be the smartest and serve the best information that it can find for those internet users that search for information. By posting consistently, not only do you keep your website current, you are demonstrating to Google that you are relevant and a business that is actually in business.
Remember, the longer your post, the more likely it is to rank higher in Google searches. But that being said, there are many factors that go into search rankings … and it’s almost impossible to get it 100% right or stay ahead of the game.
How do I make my readers want to read my blog posts?
People read a blog post because they are looking for information and you may be solving a problem for them. Find topics that start with your customers’ needs, likes, pain points and goals.
You’ll want a blog post that will entice your reader to share your content. Readers have a short attention span so write the content into scannable chunks. Vary your writing between short and longer sentence structure. Keep it interesting for your reader.
Using active voice verbs and the power word “you” whenever possible will help keep your reader engaged.
Add a visual. A picture can communicate 1,000 words. Use them to break up the monotony of the words.
What is a quality blog post?
Write succinctly, truthfully, to the point and provide value. Ideally, the topic will drive the length.
How do I get started?
Pick a topic … and stay focused on one thought only. Don’t overwhelm your reader. Be an expert on your subject matter rather than a generalist on many.
- Write it – or delegate the writing of the post.
- Post it to where your blogs are housed.
- Once published, share it.
What can a blog writing service do for you?
It will ask you the right questions – what words have your clients used to search for you online? These are your keywords. A service knows how to take these keywords and embed them in your blogs so that you’ll be found. It will make sure you show up consistently, and will know how to repurpose the content for you repurposing for social media posts, white papers, or sales collateral.
If you’re not prepared to invest into your blog section on your website, either remove the blog option from your website, make a commitment to do it, delegate the responsibility to someone within your organization (that has a writing ability) or hire a blog writing service.
The Big Bold Idea (BBI) can be that blog writing service for you. We’re here to support you in your effort to show-up on line “well-dressed” which will help your business realize a higher return on your marketing investment.
If any authority online knows the power of blogging it’s Huffpost.
There are so many great resources online. Leon Ho, Lifehack’s founder and CEO has created a company that is there to help you stop juggling between work and life. The beauty of a blog is that there are no expectations, and once you’ve published your first blog you are able to promote yourself to companies easily by linking your communications to your blog.
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/10-reasons-you-should-start-blog.html
Blogs produced by the Big Bold Idea include information on how we help to elevate you so that the world will follow… you. We are here to elevate reputations and define legacies through a process entitled Artic-e-late which is designed to articulate your brand and/or idea and elevate it. Need help writing a blog, or a series, we’re here to get you organized, published and promoted.
