Many of the early staples of the internet have disappeared over the years. Thanks to the countless benefits of blogging, however, this form of content creation easily outlasted Geocities, AOL Messenger, and other early standards. Unfortunately, some organizations still aren’t using this powerful marketing tool to increase online traffic to their websites.
If you fall into this category, the following benefits of blogging might just change your mind. Later in this guide, you’ll also find a series of strategies and writing tips to help you succeed in this content marketing endeavor.
Benefits of Blogging and Why Companies Need Company Blogs
Company blogs serve a variety of beneficial purposes. Unlike personal blogs, they aren’t meant to just update friends and family. The following are just a few of the many advantages experienced by organizations that utilize blogs.
1. Keeping Clients/Customers Updated
Helping current and potential clients stay abreast of what’s going on in an organization is important. It helps them feel like they’re a partner in what you’re doing. Additionally, it also tells readers that your business isn’t stagnating.
2. Positioning Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert
Did you know that one-third of consumers list “trust” as the primary deciding factor in who they buy from? They need to know that you know what you’re talking about. Blogging can help you do just that by consistently showing potential clients that you’re a thought leader in your industry.
3. Drives Traffic to Your Website
More than three-quarters of consumers read company blogs. The potential for this kind of reach is one of the primary benefits of blogging. When you consider the fact that adding a blog increases website traffic by over 400% on average, though, it becomes apparent just how powerful this tool can be.
4. Helps Build Email Database
Blogging helps set your brand apart from competitors in many ways, but it can also help you build your email database. If your blog is informative and offers value, readers will sign up to receive your latest posts. You can then use their email addresses for a variety of purposes.
5. Opportunity to Teach About Products/Services
Even if you remove all the other benefits of blogging, helping consumers understand what you’re selling would still justify the effort. People need to know what you can offer them. And if they decide to go with your company, they need to understand the products and services you’re providing.
6. Increased Social Exposure
Blogs are also an effective way to increase your social exposure. In addition to those on your email list, most folks who visit your blog will find it on social media. If you can create engaging and informative content, you can fully expect it to spread like wildfire on social platforms.
How to Create a Blog That Drives Engagement
The benefits of blogging are many, but you can’t get them by just throwing random content on your website. Utilize the following strategies and writing tips — with just the right amount of creativity — when you’re starting out with blogging:
Brainstorm keywords: What do people search for online when they stumble across your content? Pinpointing appropriate keywords to use in your content is vital.
Find topics people are talking about: Blog subject matter should be something people want to read about. However, it doesn't need to be breaking news. Simple "how-to" blogs can go a long way with consumers who are seeking information.
Create an outline: Once you know what you'll write about, create an outline to guide your writing!
Include the right sections: Make sure your blog has a title, introduction, body paragraphs, headers, and a conclusion. All of these are essential for SEO.
Best Tips for Blogging Success
Creating a blog is the easy part, but now you need a bit of creativity. The benefits of blogging won’t come just because you designate a corner of your website “Company Blog.” Take the following tips to heart, and you just might find success in the blogosphere.
Plan content in advance: You should have a content calendar that goes out at least one month.
Focus on the title: The title of your blog is what will make people click it. Spend some time perfecting it.
Make constructive content: Your blog must offer value to readers. Make your content constructive, informative, and engaging.
Add links throughout: Your blogs should link to other pages on your site and external authoritative content (not from competitors!).
Maintain branding: Your blog should maintain your branding throughout.
Write like you talk: Unless your brand voice dictates otherwise, write blogs as if you’re speaking directly to people.
Don’t be afraid to seek help: You can’t get the benefits of blogging if you’re not excelling in the area. Don’t be afraid to reach out to experts for help.
Building a blog into something great can take time. With the right strategies and help, however, it’s possible to expedite the process. Your organization needs a blog if it’s going to thrive. Don’t wait another minute to get started on this path to increased revenue!
Let the Benefits of Blogging Start Working for You
Blogging has been a staple of the online community for decades now. Unlike other forms of marketing, however, it has lost no steam during that time. From startups to international corporations, countless organizations use this promotional art to establish their brand and appeal to consumers. If your company isn’t, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Fifth & Cor is here to help you change that. We’ve helped many brands build a blogging strategy that increased revenue and improved engagement. We can assist you in doing the same, so you gain access to all the benefits of blogging. Contact us today to get started on the path to content marketing success.