Start blogging in 3 kinda’-sorta’ easy steps

Share

three-steps-to=start-bloggingBlogging works so well as a marketing tactic because 70% of all buyers research their purchases online. They search Google, LinkedIn Groups, Twitter, and FaceBook for “How can I . . .”,or “Where do I…”, or “What’s the best…”.

Why should you blog? If you have answers, you can help potential buyers. And if you know how to help them, shouldn’t you help them find you? Blogging is an outstanding way to help qualified leads find you. Starting a blog is not all that difficult but there are a few critical pieces that need to be in place.

You have a bunch of options for how to proceed – but too many options means it’s easy to get caught up in your socks and do nothing. I’m going to make it easier for you by giving you a stripped down guide. These recommendations aren’t the only route you can take, but they all work. Follow the KISS principal and don’t worry about it. Just get on with it.

Step One: To blog you need a blogging platform

Your domain establishes your web presence, so it’s important to blog using your own branded domain to get the full benefit of search engine optimization. Most businesses already have a web address; if you have one, your first step is already half done. If you don’t have a domain you can use GoDaddy.com to set one up (I suggest them only because they make it really simple to do –  use any method you prefer).

You could create your blog site as a DIY project, but chances are good your talents lay elsewhere; unless you already understand how to create a site, stop and think about the opportunity cost of setting your blogging platform up yourself. If your time is more profitably spent elsewhere, then search for WordPress consultants and get expert help for a fairly small investment. Either way, you want to use a WordPress theme (free or premium) for a professional-looking and search-engine friendly site.

Step two: Don’t channel Scrooge McDuck

Resist the temptation of writing superficial articles so that you don’t “give anything away.” It’s not only bad karma, is a rookie mistake. The basis of social sharing is sharing. Giving away some of your knowledge is good: solving real problems establishes credibility, good will, and thought leadership. It’s okay if you don’t spill the beans on every trick and technique you have up your sleeve. Just make sure you offer something of value.

Step three: Now, write your first blog

Lacking copywriting skills or technical expertise are excuses – not reasons – for not blogging. Aspiring bloggers can be paralyzed by the belief they have nothing to say. I can prove that’s not true:

  • Customers and prospects bring questions to your doorstep every day;
  • Your business exists to answer them and solve their problems;
  • You already have the answer for dozens, if not hundreds, of typical questions.

You can write scores of blogs about ways to avoid, fix, or resolve the standard issues that come up for your customers. When you do that, your subject-matter mastery becomes apparent. But remember! Let your expertise shine organically –  blatantly promoting your services or products in your blog is simply not done.Your writing doesn’t need to win a Pulitzer – it just needs to be relevant to your buyers so that you’ll get found online. Just start.

In summary: I write frequently about customer segmentation; it’s key to effective marketing campaigns. What’s that got to do with blogging? When a future buyer finds you based on specific search terms contained in your blog, they are self-identifying important attributes you can use in future marketing campaigns – targeted specifically to address their needs, wants, and interest. See, I told you it’s easy!

Here are a few more resources to get you launched:

http://www.copyblogger.com/
http://en.wordpress.com/features/
http://www.hubspot.com/essential-guide-to-internet-marketing

 

Share

Leave A Comment...

*

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.