Blogging for Beginners

Writing a blog is a big undertaking. It takes time and energy, and needs to be done right to make a difference. For the purposes of this blog, I’m talking about small and micro businesses, both retail stores and services, as well businesses offering classes. 
A blog should showcase your expertise. It’s something that can keep your website current and give insights that your followers will find valuable.

​WHY? A blog gives people a reason to keep coming back to your site. It can also be a great way to create fodder for your social media channels and for a regular newsletter.

TIPS FOR WRITING A BLOG
✔️In most cases a blog post should be short and sweet, 250 to 500 words maximum. 
✔️Your blog posts should demonstrate your expertise in your business. 
✔️Keep in mind you want something that people will be inclined to share. 

SOME IDEAS
👍🏼Tips & Tricks
👍🏼Lists 
👍🏼How to’s 
👍🏼Products reviews 
👍🏼Insider information
👍🏼Employee introductions
👍🏼Expert advice

WHEN & HOW OFTEN? 
⏰Think of a time & day that you think your customers will be online or would be receptive to the information.
⏰The most important thing is to post consistently. I suggest starting with one post per month and when you’ve mastered that, up it to twice/month, if you have the time. 

TIPS TO ATTRACT PEOPLE TO YOUR BLOG
👀Research shows that blog posts with images get shared more. 
👀PRO TIP: Add alt-text to the images.
👀Creating lists gives you multiple opportunities to post on social media.
👀Review a suppliers, products, events, books, like-minded businesses...
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KEEP IN MIND your website, blog, newsletters and social media are tools to help you build your business. If you are going to take the time and energy to write a blog (or pay someone else to do it), make sure it’s working for you. 
Not only does a blog help drive customers to your website but using the blog as the base for your social media and newsletters is a smart way to reach different people at different times on different platforms with the same message.
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If you are interested in how a blog could work for your small business, give me a shout, I’d love to chat, FIRST HOUR is FREE.

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