Blogging
101: The art of blogging
Blogs can be a successful marketing tool... if done
right.
Blogging is more than just saying what you want when you
want to. To be popular, you must have readers...
and those readers must stay engaged. So...
logically, there are common components that are key to
having a successful blog.
1) What is your blog's personality?
People want to "read" and enjoy your blog. It needs a
voice and personality just like a person. To
engage readers you want to allow your blog voice to
shine through rather than simply posting your thoughts.
Key factor: Good blogs are not for the purpose of
hearing yourself talk but hearing your story and your
inner voice.
2) Set a theme of discussion
This doesn't have to be a topic like a book theme... but
it needs to have substance. If, for example, you are a
leader in a specific sport, then plan to talk about that
sport such as:
-
What's happening in the sport today
-
How to get involved in the sport
-
Local resources for the sport
-
Tips & suggestions for parents, coaches and/or
athletes
-
Schedules and scores
-
Articles about teams and/or athletes
Key factor: Stay on your theme subject. You will
lose interest in avid sports enthusiasts if you subject
one week is about the primary election (for example)
3) Be Consistent
As far as frequency: be regular and on-time. It's
the only way you will keep people coming back. Active
blog readers will come back for your promised update.
Miss the update, and it's likely they won't come back.
When to post: In the beginning, the more the
better. Once you are going strong, post at least
weekly on regular topics. In addition to your
regular posts, make special announcements, invitations
and promote events as needed... but never at the same
time as your regular post.
Key factor: Like building a website... if you blog
does not mean they will come. Blogging can be an
art form in style but it's the consistency of the blog
that will help you gain readership, maintain readers and
develop SEO for your blog.
4) Comments? YES!
By all means, if you are skeptical about comments you
can moderate and approve them individually... but blog
readers want to comment. The Social and Viral
effect that comes from blogging is in allowing readers
to interact with you and give their two cents, as it
were.
You don't have to respond to them all, but this back and
forth interaction will help increase interest in your
site.
Key factor: Get out there and be a good reader yourself.
Comment on other people's blogs and refer people to
your's. It's not just about writing it's about
marketing it too.
5) Grab the readers attention
There is no better way to grab a persons attention than
with a great title. Search engines, as well as
readers, love catchy and creative blog titles.
Many experts say that titles of 10 words or less are
best.
Key Factor: Consistency is key here too. If you are
running a series in your blog, remember to carry over
key phrases with each entry.
|
