When it comes to adding a blog to your website, small businesses are often reluctant. Many wonder whether blogs would really benefit their business, or add an unnecessary task. Though hiring a writer might add to the initial cost, it often covers for itself through other avenues. Here are just a few reasons small businesses need a blog.
Why Small Business Need A Blog
Some reasons to consider starting a blog for your business are:
Adds SEO value
Big brands usually have a lot of money budgeted towards advertising. They can afford to advertise and put their website at the top of Google within months without being burdened by the additional cost. However, small businesses tend to rely on a much smaller budget and organic exposure.
Having a blog is one of the best ways to build organic traffic for your small business. Though you may not rank first, with a blog you can start to gain a digital presence within Google’s search results. A blog gives you the option of occupying more space on Google without having to pay for it. You can add as many pages to your website without appearing spammy or giving Google any reason to blacklist you.
Builds Authority
With your blog, you can give your customers useful advice and tips relevant to your industry. Through good and consistent blogging, you can build yourself as an authority in the field. So, when customers need advice regarding the specific topic, they will come to your website and when they do, you can direct them to your products and services.
Sell Yourself Without Being Salesy
Blogs are also a platform where you can display and sell your company’s products and services without appearing too sales-y. For instance, if you sell books, you can give customers a list of 100 best-selling books. Link your products within the post and wah-lah! You can gain a sale without pushing an agenda.
You can also craft articles discussing typical problems your customers face and how your product solves that problem for them. Slowly build hype around your blog and in the end, add a call-to-action where your readers can purchase your product or services.
Grow Your Email List
According to Russell Brunson, every business should focus on building their email list. The bigger your email list the more potential sales for the company. This is the modern equivalent of direct marketing. Instead of sending flyers to your customer’s home, you send them emails.
To be honest, there is a lot of competition out there in most markets. A client may have been window shopping months ago but forgot to save your site even though they loved your brand. When you have their email, however, you can send them regular updates and offers. You can stay fresh in their minds so when they need the product or service, they only have to search their email.
So, how do you grow your email list through blog posts? There are many ways to do this but the most simple way is to always add an opt-in button at the bottom of every post. This way they don’t have to search your site to subscribe, it’s displayed easily for them to see.
Builds Customer Relationships
The average customer nowadays expects brands to be more personal and interact with their customers on a regular basis. It makes the brand appear familiar, and relatable.
When you have a blog, you are opening up another chance to connect with your customers and build a healthy rapport. It gives them a chance to comment and like on your post. Monitoring these comments also gives your business a great opportunity at understanding your clients and offering them better solutions through their products.
Improve Exposure
How many times have you seen people sharing blog posts on social media profiles? If the information is useful or helpful, it gets shared.
Do you know what it does for the business?
It gives you the benefit of free publicity. You are able to reach more people and build your digital authority. There’s a good chance that people who share your blog posts have many people in their friend list who are your target customers.
Remember, you can’t start posting aimlessly for the sake of posting, you will need a strategy or answers to problems your client’s need. Ideally, it should contribute to your digital strategy.
A few things to keep in mind when developing your content strategy:
- Keyword research. Look for what your customers are searching for.
- Create a content schedule. What days and what timings are you going to post?
- The tone of your blog. This should relate with your brand’s voice.
- How to bring your sales to your website through your blog? Have a strategy in mind for getting sales through your blog.
If you’re not quite sure how to go about creating a content strategy, feel free to reach out or read more here.