Blogging is a valuable tool for businesses of all kinds, and an excellent tool for businesses related to marketing.
If you're in marketing, your blog can show off your skill at getting a message across, while forging good connections with your readers. So how do you make a success of your marketing blog?
Here are five blog must-haves that will put you on the path to success:
1. Great Content
To be successful, your blog needs to keep readers coming back.
To keep readers coming back, it needs to have fantastic content that they'll want more of. Your blog is your showroom, and your content is the merchandise that will keep readers browsing.
Craft content that is helpful, entertaining, and engaging, and don't be afraid to change it up with a variety of different types of post, such as how-to posts, top ten lists and open questions.
To keep your readers coming back, and attract new ones, make sure you add new content to your blog regularly.
Keeping up with regular posting can be daunting, so make a schedule and stick to it. Have a list of post ideas ready to use, or consider employing a professional writer.
2. Useful Comment Policy
The comments section of your blog is where conversations with your readers will happen. If your content is interesting and thought provoking, readers will want to discuss it with you, which is good news for your blog.
Make that conversation interesting for them by keeping an eye on your blog comments, and responding regularly. That way, your readers will get the message that their input matters to you, forging a good connection.
Always moderate your comments to eliminate spam.
If you were having a conversation face to face, wouldn't it be off putting if someone kept shouting random phrases at you? Don't let that happen to your readers - keep your comments section spam free.
3. Reader Interaction
Comments are a great way to interact with your reader, and you can encourage them by asking questions in your posts, but reader interaction doesn't stop there. Your blog is a wonderful platform for making connections with readers new and old, so use it.
Consider running a competition, inviting guest posts, or hosting a poll. Reaching out to readers will facilitate a two-way conversation that makes them feel valued.
Make it easy for readers to interact with you in the way they like best, with social media buttons, an RSS feed and a subscribe button. Why not offer incentives for subscribing such as a free EBook or email course?
4. Consistent Branding
If your blog seems scattered or like you don't quite know what your message is, readers won't be in a hurry to come back.
One of the benefits of blogging is building your brand, whether you are blogging for a company or as an individual. As marketing is all about the message, it's vital that you get your message clear.
Whether you write yourself or employ a writer, spend time developing the tone and voice of your blog, and keep all your posts consistent with that.
5. Call to Action
Your blog shouldn't be filled with sales messages - people come to your blog for the useful content, not the sales pitch. But, a call to action isn't only about direct sales.
Think about what action you would like your readers to take when they visit your blog. Do you want them to comment? Subscribe? Download an EBook? Employ your services?
Whatever the desired action, make sure you gently point your readers in the right direction.
Your call to action should be clear, but not pushy.
You don't need to use pop ups, or advertise your services in every post, simply make a clear statement of what your readers can do to get more of what they see.
A well thought out marketing blog can be one of your most valuable tools.
Start planning your posts, focus on good quality and honest interactions, and watch your readership grow.