5 Benefits of Blogging for Small Businesses
Your Business Needs a Blog. Here’s Why.
Did you know that 43% of business owners today don’t know what blogging is, even though blogs are one of the #1 ways to get your business seen online? Yikes! In short, blogs are self-published online articles aimed at giving your audience information on a specific topic, like your business, your industry, or how to do something related to your field. Basically, blogs are super helpful resources! Newsflash: people LOVE finding useful resources online.
When you create a resource that gives value to your audience, they take notice. Blogs can increase repeat web traffic by over 500%, establish trust with your company, and get people talking about your offerings online. In fact, 61% of US customers have made a purchase based on a blog post, a huge blogging benefit to you, the business owner.
As a copywriter and blogger, I have seen the benefits of blogging firsthand for my clients. Here are the top 5 reasons why your business should get in on the blogging trend. Because here’s the thing, quality information is not a trend – it’s a necessity your customers will love and thank you for!
1. Blogs Help Boost Your Website’s SEO
You’ve probably heard the term SEO or Search Engine Optimization used a lot but don’t really know how it works, how to get it, or what it looks like. But, you know your business website needs it to get seen online.
Search engines, like Google, use a catalog system to rank websites at the top of search results. These rankings are based on authority, search relevance, readership, and consistency. When you frequently post blogs that answer questions your customers have, a few things happen:
Google takes notice and sees that you have authority on a specific topic based on the content you put out.
The more content you have, the more likely it will answer a question someone types into Google and pop up in their search results page.
Quality blogs mean more readers, which means getting more eyes on your site and increasing your SEO score.
Consistent posts show to Google and your audience that you’re dedicated to creating helpful resources. They will all take notice.
In short, blogs help create a more robust website, which leads to a stronger web presence. People will frequent your site to get information, and Google will help direct new customers searching for the same information to you.
The Takeaway: More web pages with helpful information gives you more chances of being found online.
2. Blogging Builds Trust and Shows You’re the Expert
Blogs on your website also carry a social cachet because they help show off your skills and build trust with audiences who meet you for the first time. Think about this. You want to hire a personal chef for a dinner party you’re hosting for your friends. (Can you invite me?) You find two chefs online who are in your town.
Chef #1 has a website with his contact information and a photo of one meal he prepared. The picture is also grainy and dark.
Chef #2 has a website filled with recipe blogs showing off dozens of gorgeous photos of tasty looking meals, guides for entertaining, how-to blogs on setting the table, and a step-by-step post on what it’s like to work with him.
Who do you instantly trust more, and who would you hire to cook for your dinner party? I think Chef #2 made a better impression with his blog because he looks like an expert.
The Takeaway: Show off your skills by sharing what you know on an online blog!
3. Blogs Create Value for Your Customers and Brand
Blogs shouldn’t just show off what you know, but they should also give your customers value. When your customers receive valuable content from you, they start to value your brand. When writing your blog posts, don’t just hype your brand, yourself, and the promotions you're offering. Who wants to read 1,000 words on your holiday sale? No one. Blogs should always answer a question and provide information and entertainment. Blogs can promote your business, but you should always write to serve your customers first.
The Takeaway: Give your readers tips, guides, and resources. Don’t give them boring promotional pitches.
4. Blogging Gets You Noticed and Shared Online
Do you know what people do when they find something amazing, or they finally get an answer to their question? They share it with their friends. Over 77% of people online read blogs, and 59% of them will share a post after reading just the headline alone. Blogs get continuously shared on social media, over text message, and through email. When people share your blog posts with their friends, you reach new audiences and expand your network of potential clients.
Plus, you can share your posts too! Blogs offer unique content opportunities and can be repurposed into email and social media campaigns.
The Takeaway: When you post a blog, someone will share it with their entire network, giving you a bigger audience and FREE marketing.
5. Blogs Collect Leads
Blogs can be utilized in your lead funnel to turn prospective clients into buyers. Here are some examples:
Ask your readers to give their email to subscribe to blog updates. Now, you can also send them promotional emails about your latest sale.
Tease a larger offering with a blog post on it. Want to sell an eBook? Give a preview in a blog and then invite them to purchase your book to read more.
Recommend further reading. At the end of your latest blog, link to another related topic, or even your sales offering when appropriate.
When people know you and trust you as a source of information, they will also trust you to sell to them. Remember, use blogging for good! Blogs should always be aimed at helping your audience, not overselling them.
The Takeaway: Blogs offer opportunities to sell your product and collect contact leads through email subscriptions.
Are You Ready to See the Benefits of Blogging for Your Business?
Blogging has so many benefits for both small and large businesses.
Let me write your blog for you and share your voice.
Contact Me Now, How Many Blogs are You Supposed to Post?
Do you know how often to post on your business blog? Once a month, twice a month, four times a week? Find out the REAL answer before you make the #1 blogging mistake.
Find Out How Many Blogs You Should Post Every Month