Blogging started in 1997 and really boomed in 1999. It became a terrific way for businesses to share information with customers and their target audience. However, businesses have shifted away from the core value of how a blog is supposed to help the business grow.
Remember that a blog is a tool to share your information and show your expertise. It is not a personal diary of your day, or a place to share your favorite YouTube videos, or a place to rant about politics.
Decide if you are going to use your content as a personal outlet, or to increase your clients and customers. You cannot have it both ways.
Ask yourself three questions every single time you write a blog:
“Does this content relate to my target audience?”
“Will this content interest or help my target audience?”
“Does this content have a chance to be shared to others?”
Every single time you write a sentence for the world to see, it should relate, interest, and help your target audience, along with having the chance to be shared to others. No exceptions.
Blogging costs time, not money, which is why it is so valuable. However, the real value is your target audience coming back to your website, because they are anxious to hear what you have to say next. If you relate, interest, and help your target audience, you will build quickly.
Here are eleven ways a blog can help your business:
- Increased Search Engine Optimization. (SEO)
- Increased fans on Facebook and other social media pages
- Sharing latest product/service information with clients and customers
- Creating new trends for target audience to follow
- Test new ideas for products and services
- Reach worldwide audience
- Become an expert in your business field
- Network with other businesses to share fans and potential customers
- Create new opportunities that were not part of your original marketing plan
- A place to answer client/customer questions
- Of course, creating a steady stream of cash flow for your business
And one final thought to remember: Updates are good, advertising is bad. Do not push services or products. Instead, look for ways that your blog can benefit your target audience and rewards will follow.