This is a question I have been asked frequently, particularly recently as more people are using blogs as part of their social media campaigns. Whilst there is no “one-size-fits-all” formula when it comes to blog content, I believe it always comes back to one key factor: offer the reader something of value. Your blog is not about your business, but about your customer.
So how do you produce content based on the customers need? Ask them! Or perhaps they have already told you what they want, what they are concerned about and what they are struggling with. Are you frequently being asked the same questions over and over again by customers or potential customers? Do you have an FAQ on your site? One idea for your blog content is to expand on these frequently asked questions. This way you are offering the reader something of value, while at the same time establishing yourself as an expert in your field.
Don’t consider yourself a writer? No problem, there is lots of information available on the web to help you put your blog together, here are some of my favourite resources:
- http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-12-dos-and-donts-of-writing-a-blog
- http://www.problogger.net/how-to-write-great-blog-content/
- http://www.blogohblog.com/10-tips-for-writing-good-content-and-attracting-readers/
By following these simple tips blogging will not be a chore to be endured for the sake of marketing but rather something you enjoy, an opportunity to have a say on topics of interest and importance to your particular industry.