These days you can't move without falling over another blog.
Whatever you are into, there's a blog to match. For us in the world of small business, having a blog is a great tool for marketing, connecting and promoting but it's often easier said than done when there's a million and one other things to do.
Here at Scribed, we are to help! Whatever state your blog is in, we have some zinger reasons why you should commit a portion of your budget or time to nurturing it.
*Show your customer some love!
We all know that being known for excellent customer service the ultimate goal. Having a blog is a great way to connect with your customers. Yes, your beautiful product line or expertly executed service may have drawn them in initially, but what’s going to keep them coming back to you? Instead of flicking out random marketing emails (that aren’t often read) or relying on offers and specials to foster repeat traffic, a blog nurtures a real customer/business bond that is genuine and purposeful.
*Reinvigorate you in your business/your passion and drive
Not only does your customer need some love, but you do too! I know, from experience, that when something you love becomes something you ‘do’ it can take the shine off it a little. The pressures of your industry, setting up shop, balancing the books and all the other fun stuff can really strip away that love you once had for your product or service. Whether you are writing it yourself, or outsourcing, having a blog gives you chance to take some time to stop and smell the proverbial roses. It helps you see what your doing through the eyes of another. It highlights all the best things about your industry and can really light that fire under you again.
*Share your story
The fight for the spotlight in business is becoming tougher and tougher. Your customer is a savvy shopper and the most successful retailers or service providers are ones who let their customers in on a personal level. Your customer needs to buy into you! Social media is great for doing this in the first instance. It gives a glimpse into your daily life. A blog, though, gives you space to share your history, your drive and your passion in depth. Again, promoting loyalty across your customer base.
*Share product info/spotlight
This one is absolutely key in blogging for your business. Launching a new line, a new service or wanting to breath life into a well loved range? A spotlight posting is the perfect vehicle for this. More informative than a social media post, dedicating a few hundred words and some beautifully curated shots will give your product or service the pop it deserves.
*Talk about your industry/latest trends
One that’s often overlooked in small business blogs are the posts looking at the bigger picture. Coming at things from this angle keys your audience into your decisions and thought-processes. Remember, your followers may well be interested in your for your mind, as well as what you sell! Becoming a first port-of-call for tips, tricks and information will grow your reach and secure your place as a leader light in your field.
*Gather Market Research
A lot of the time, we small business owner’s give and give to our clients and customers. What we can forget, is that our clients and customers have something to offer us too (except the obvious!!). Using your blog is a fantastic way to engage in some market research and really get to know what your tribe is looking for. Maybe you want to test the waters with something radical or find out if they are craving more of the same? Interactions generated from a blog post are invaluable.
*Increase traffic/promotion
This one is a bit of a chicken or the egg situation! A great blog will entice fresh faces and keep regulars coming back, but you have to have some traffic in the first place for people to know what you are offering. A blog with relevant and stimulating content can help be that draw for initial traffic. Once word has spread about your musings, research by Hubspot has shown that digital footfall increases by over 90%!
*Grow your email list
Social media is great (well, so I've been told...I'm rubbish at it!) for reaching out and connecting with your audience on a regular basis. This will seem to many to be a controversial point because email blasts are seen by some as a tool that should've gone out with the dinosaurs!
However, there's a big BUT when it comes to the likes of Instagram and Facebook. These tools are out of your control. Be it Newsfeed algorithms, post limiting or just the shear levels of traffic racing through these channels, your voice is easily lost amongst the noise. Growing your email list is vital when endeavouring to forge loyal ties with your tribe in an authentic way. Having a regular blog gives you quality content to offer in your emails and will enthuse the newbie to buy in to your brand.
*Grow your tribe
After all, isn’t that what it’s all about? A blog is so powerful, when done right, because it loops all these reasons together and pops them together in a big ball of love for you and your business! The key is though, it has to be done right. Low quality content or a lack of focus on what makes your audience tick isn’t going to hit the mark.
You could spend hours trailing through the latest stats on posting times, content length and even crafting the piece itself; or you could ship out those worries to someone like me!
Here at Scribed, that’s our passion.
Taking care of your writing needs, so you can focus on the heart and soul of your business.