7 Reasons Your Business Needs a Blog–Even if You Hate Writing

There are many reasons why people blog. Some people seek a creative outlet while others want to launch new ideas. But what I’m talking about today is why you need a business blog.

“What?” I can hear you screaming. “All I hear about is content, web design, search engine optimization, keywords … I’m tired. I have my website. It’s getting some traffic. I’m done. Now let me get back to work.”

But wait …  just hear me out for a minute. What if I told you a well-maintained blog will get you lots more prospects? People will start to seek you out for advice. Your website will get many more visitors and conversions.

OK. So now you’re listening!

What exactly is a blog?

A blog is a website designed for frequent user update. There are two ways to set up a blog: (1) Your website designer can incorporate your blog as part of your business website, or (2) you can set up your company blog on WordPress or other blogging platform. (It would have a link to your company website and vice versa.)

Usually, the optimal way to go is to have your blog as part of your business website. My post next week will discuss exactly what these benefits are.

Just remember, when it comes to your business, it’s always better to blog than not to blog.

Here are the top 7 reasons why you need a business blog:

• 1 .Blogs can increase your search engine ranking and visits to your websites.

Blogs can result in a 434% increase in indexed pages, and companies that blog get over 97% more links to their websites from other online sources. (Reported by OptinMonster.com)

An indexed page is a page on your website that has been visited and analyzed by a search engine; it has subsequently been added to the search engine’s database of helpful web pages. Search engines are always happy to see fresh, useful content and will reward you for your informative blog posts.

Blog posts also are an additional place to put those all-important keywords. So, having a blog as part of your website is a great way to get better ranking and more links to your site.

• 2. People like to engage with business owners through blogs.

Prospects will enjoy interacting with you in a conversational way. Helpful and informative blog content that represents your company will help prospects feel connected to your brand. People will repeatedly come back to your blog and brand awareness will flourish.

• 3. A blog will help grow your mailing list.

Once a prospect begins to feel connected to you, they are much more likely to sign up for your mailing list or Enewsletter. This can occur over time or even after reading one particularly engaging post.

• 4. Blog posts are a cost-effective way to grow your business.

If you like to write, a blog is an easy way to get more traffic to your website. And this content can be published on your blog and be linked to from many different social media platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Outreach to your prospects will increase substantially, at little cost to you.

• 5. Your smart blog content won’t go unnoticed; you will become a go-to expert in your field.

A blog will show your clients that you are staying current on issues related to your service or product. A thoughtful and informative blog will help establish you as an expert in your field. (This is similar to the way LinkedIn posts and articles help build thought leaders.) When a reader receives valuable and expert insights, they remember the source, and will visit it again and again for more of your advice.

• 6. A blog gives your customers/clients an easy way to stay in touch.

When you stay in touch with your clients by blogging and responding directly to their comments, your relationship with your prospect will strengthen and trust will be built. Customers love to easily communicate with their favorite brands.

• 7. A blog allows you to show a more personal side of your business.

In your blog posts, show your personality to your reader. Let your audience know that you are approachable and want to talk to them. Talk more in depth about your business mission or company values. Your blog may provide the nudge a prospect needs to call or email you. So be sure that all your contact information and website link is right there for your blog reader.

The downside to having a business blog.

*crickets*

What if you want a blog but you are too busy running your business?

Today, blogging is part of running your business. If you want to stay engaged with your business prospects, blogging is a must. A website with great content is critical, but a website is static; it usually isn’t updated too frequently. But a blog can be updated at any time. Sometimes you may want to add two paragraphs; other times 1200 words will do. The important thing is to stay engaged by offering smart content; never write throwaway content that doesn’t add value to the conversation. Your readers can tell the difference.

What if you hate to write or really don’t have the time?

If you don’t have the time or desire to write blog content, that’s where I can help. I will write blog content that is relevant and engaging for your readers. Here’s a link to my business site where I have many samples of my blog post writing.

Do you have a business blog? What results are you seeing from it?

Laura Elton is now a full-time freelance content writer specializing in website content, articles, and blog posts. While she has always respected technology, her number one professional passion has always been writing. Previously, as owner of Laura Elton Marketing & Web Design, Laura developed many websites using HTML and CSS and wrote great content. Reach her at laura@lefreelancewriter.com . Visit my business website at LEFreelanceWriter.com.