How to Create a Small Business Blog
Blogging can be a great way to reach current and potential customers. If you are ready to launch a small business blog, here are some of the basics to help you get started.
Blog Platform
There are several blog platform options. The best place to start is with your website. Check to see if your host has add-on blog applications like WordPress. If your site is already built on WordPress, then it probably has a blog that you just need to set up. Or, maybe your website is in need of a makeover and you can redesign your site to include a blog. If the answer to these questions is no, then you can get a new domain name and web hosting and build a WordPress blog. I am least partial to free hosted platforms because you won’t be able to use your own domain name.
Blog Content
Brainstorm content ideas. You can write blog posts about company news, how to tips and guides, current events related to your business or industry, and things your customers frequently ask.
Make a content schedule. Try to schedule your content around any related events or special dates. For example, if you are in the health or fitness industry, write a February blog post in conjunction with American Heart Month.
Proofread your blog posts. Review the posts for grammar, readability, and of course – spelling. If you can, ask someone else to read each blog post before you publish.
Blog Images
Use at least one image in each blog post – typically this is the featured image. Add additional images if appropriate, e.g. if you are a personal trainer, use images of you training clients. There are many sources for free and low cost stock art for your blog.
Search Engine Optimization
If you want to increase the chances of your blog displaying on search engine result pages, take a bit of time to learn about search engine optimization (SEO). SEO involves using relevant keywords in blog post titles, content, and image alt tags.
Publicize your Blog
There are several ways to get the word out about your small business blog.
- Put your blog URL on business cards and any materials you give to customers.
- Put a message on your voice mail inviting people to visit the blog.
- Put a link to your blog in your email signature.
- Put a link to your blog on your website.
- Put a link to each blog post on social media sites.
- Visit forums and answer relevant questions – include a link to a related blog post.
- Write a guest post on another blog frequented by your target customers and include a link to your blog.
- Put a subscription sign up form on your blog. There are plug ins (mini software programs) that will automatically send an email to subscribers each time you publish a new post.
Are you ready to create your blog?
Good luck with your new small business blog! Feel free to contact me if I can answer any questions or assist.
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