Blogging

Blogging – Generate New Leads and Industry Clout!

According to 76% of marketers, blogs are the most effective content for moving leads from awareness to consideration. Only podcasts are considered to have more impact – by a very small margin!

Once a company dips their toe into blogging waters, it’s essential that the blog is given the chance to do its work and realise its return on investment.

How do I make my blog work for me?

  • Share share share…

    By regularly sharing a blog on social media you can reach an audience far beyond your original target. With likes and shares your words are hitting social media accounts and email inboxes of potential clients you wouldn’t otherwise engage with.

  • Links and call to action

    For fully optimised exposure, link the blog to the relevant page of your website to increase traffic. To maintain the momentum, the blog should carry a very clear call to action to generate leads so it should be written with a particular purpose or target in mind.

  • Build rapport

    If your blog is reaching the same feeds or accounts on a regular basis, you are building a rapport with your audience, drip feeding them with information. By way of literary osmosis, you are breaking down barriers and constantly reminding your potential clients you are there if they need you. No sales pitch required.

Voice of authority – a blog positions you as an industry expert

By commenting on industry matters and sharing company updates you establish yourself as an expert; an ambassador for your field. When it comes to competitor combat you need to be seen as the strongest source of information, knowledge and insight.

A regular blog positions you ahead of your competition, and your company as a natural choice for new or repeat business. It builds confidence, and therefore trust, which is possibly the most powerful sales tool of all.

Does a blog help my SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)?

Quite simply, yes! By using keywords and key phrases you can become great friends with search engine algorithms, sending you higher up the rankings. As long as you don’t overdo it. Getting the balance right is critical. Companies should remember they are blogging for the reader, not the gods of SEO. And to be blunt, the algorithms get the hump if there is a blatant over-use of keywords.

Original content is much preferred by search engines because of the unique value it provides to users. Google ranks content based on its overall quality, relevance, and usefulness. Using images, videos and links improves a blog’s SEO even further.

Companies in my industry don’t blog

If it is not commonplace for your industry to blog, don’t use this as an excuse for not sharing your expertise and insights with your potential customers. Take the opportunity to get ahead of the competition!

 

 

Paula Ludley writes blogs on behalf of a wide range of businesses. Get in touch to find out how a regular blog can help you increase your online presence.