How do you keep people interested in your site, day after day and week after week? You blog! Did you try blogging, saw little to no results, and then gave it up after a while? We totally understand, but it’s not worth giving up just yet!
Blogging is the #1 thing you can do to set yourself apart, no matter what industry you’re in. Blogging gives your site a destination for your current and future clients, your peers, ANYONE to view your work, to get to know you, and to be exposed to great content! It’s not a get rich quick scheme, which is probably why it leaves a lot of people skeptical. Don’t get me wrong, blogging is a HUGE commitment. We’ve been blogging 3 times a week for a whole year and that is insane!! But it’s not impossible and, yes, it will bring results!
Here are my 5 tips for blogging successfully!
1. Set Yourself Up for Success
Before you start a blog, you should set yourself up for success! Before you launch, think about the type of people you are trying to attract, the type of content you want to write about, and consider creating some posts in advance to post on a rainy day, when you’re sick, or to build some momentum until you get a consistent blogging routine going!
2. Create an Editorial Calendar
One of the hardest parts of blogging is just coming up with ideas! We recommend brainstorming ideas once a month and then when you need to write, you aren’t weary from brainstorming. To build on this, I suggest doing things in bulk i.e. batch processing to save sanity and time! Brainstorm topics one day, make outlines for your posts the next, create post graphics or photos after that, then write!
3. Consistency!
Set a blogging schedule! Set expectations with your audience so that they will come back on a regular basis. Go a step farther by posting about certain topics on designated days! Last year, we posted Personal, Life, and Motivational stuff on Mondays, anything BBE related (BBE teaches ;), weddings, styled shoots, events, announcements) or vendor related on Wednesdays, and Wedding Planning Fun or Education posts on Fridays. Our brides can expect useful wedding tips every Friday, heartfelt posts on Mondays, and BBE and local work on Wednesdays!
Your readers come back because they want to hear from you! Don’t let them down – instead, gain their trust and form relationships with your audience. Use one of your backup posts or get personal and give your readers a glimpse into your real life!
4. Perseverance
Blogging is a journey. If you aren’t gifted with the skill of writing, that doesn’t mean you can’t blog! *insert cliche sayings here* Just start. One step at a time. The only way to get better is to practice. Building a business takes time, growing your social media presence takes time, becoming the go-to expert in your field takes time! At least you know what you’re getting yourself into with blogging 😉
5. Be Yourself
You won’t attract a loyal audience without giving your blog some personality! Your blog has value as long as people want to hear what *you* have to say about a certain topic!
Blogging has the ability to be one of your most valuable business and marketing strategies! It’s not hard, it’s just hard work but it will get better! We wish you the best on your blogging journey!