How to Maximize Time Spent Blogging and Reap the Benefits
Blogs Allow Online Business Owners to Expand on Product Descriptions
The blog posts are highlighting all the advantages and features of the products you want to sell online. You can add a picture of the product and add a hyperlink to the online market page.
This strategy for increasing the awareness for the business’ products os a great inexpensive way.
Participation in a Blogging Community Opens Doors to New Markets
Bloggers who actively participate in a blogging community of their peers enjoy the increased exposure generated by commenting on other people’s blogs or guest blogging. Guest bloggers write a post for publication on a related blog site, with a link back to their own blog. This is a win-win for both participants, as the guest blogger is exposed to new readers and the host blogger has a fresh, new perspective to offer their audience.
Blogging in a Specific Niche or Industry Helps Establish Expertise
Consumers turn to trusted sources to help make online buying decisions. Become that authoritative presence by providing a unique perspective and timely, relevant blog posts on the industry as a whole, specific products, and trends.
Always fact-check and thoroughly proofread articles before posting to help establish a professional presence through blogging. Link to credible sources when quoting statistics or making statements.
Blogging is an Interactive Publishing Platform and Encourages Customer Participation
Blogs give readers and potential customers the opportunity to explore and ask questions, make comments, or offer suggestions. Use open-ended questions, offer prizes or coupons for participation, and create polls to generate interest and get people talking.
Monitor reader comments and promptly answer all questions. Responding to negative comments or complaints quickly and openly gives other readers a good impression of the dedication to customer service.
Blogs Help Drive Traffic to the E-Commerce Storefront
Blogging is a great way to provide the in-depth information readers are looking for; feature blog post teasers on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to draw in readers. Always link to the product or service sales page for interested consumers.
Also, display the e-commerce storefront URL and link prominently on the front page of the blog. Readers who have to go searching for contact information may stop clicking and just go look somewhere else.
Blog Feeds Deliver New Content Directly to Interested Readers
Having readers subscribe to a business blog is really the Holy Grail of blogging. New product descriptions, sales, coupons, articles, and other marketing material are delivered directly to the email inbox of a reader who has expressed interest in receiving these continued updates. This is the ultimate mailing list.
Place a subscription sign-up widget prominently, above the fold, on the front page of the blog.
How to Develop a Business Blogging Strategy
Blogging does not have to be time-consuming. Decide how much time it will take each day or several times per week to write a new blog post. While it might seem to make sense to post many articles in the beginning to populate the blog, readers come to expect and look forward to new publications, especially if they are subscribers. Set an expectation that is manageable over time to avoid disappointing readers with sporadic posts.
Keep blog posts short and to the point, between 200 and 400 words, on average. Use pictures to catch the reader’s eye and generate interest. White space, bold subheadings, and bulleted lists help visitors read online content and keep them reading to the end.
Create and test the blog before promoting to give each reader a great first impression. Above all, blog regularly and provide interesting content to attract and keep readers.