Writing a successful blog for your idea, start-up or small business
If you are new to blogging, then the whole topic of writing a successful blog for your small business, idea or start-up, may seem a little daunting. This section will consider the pros and cons of a blog, and offer advice and tips on how to make your blog more compelling.
Write a blog about yourself as an entrepreneur
What is a blog?
So, let us get back to basics -what is a blog? A blog as a personal diary which is updated online. You can share your expertise, thoughts and ideas. The word comes from a shortened version of web log or weblog, hence blog. Originally blogs were simply places to write about your day-to-day activities, in the same way as you would do in a paper-based diary.
Some are boring and mundane! Some are not! In fact, the more interesting and absorbing blogs became so popular that the bloggers tended to make a decent living. Video bloggers, or vloggers, do the same today – in fact many of them have become thought-leaders and celebrities in their own right.
Create your own blog
- You need to select a blogging platform such as WordPress or Blogger. If you have built a website already, it is likely that you will be able to blog freely by simply creating a new post. If not, you will need to organize a hosting provider and a domain name (see earlier sections on WordPress).
- Add a theme, or skin, to your blog. This will give it a more original and authentic look.
- Once the blog is ready, and you have a theme, you can now change the look and feel of the site by using tools to alter its appearance; this will make it more personal.
- You can add plugins which are tools to enable you to undertake tasks such as adding social media, or creating mailing lists.
- The next step is to work on quality content for your blog. This is probably the most important aspect, and will generate a readership audience for your work.
Blogger is a free blog, from Google.
Become an expert Blogger
- Your readers will expect you to be one of the opinion leaders in whatever topic you write about. So, if you have a flower retail business, your readers will expect you to know all about the best way to arrange roses. Whilst there may be better qualified experts elsewhere, you are the person that your readers are following, and therefore you need to live up to the title of expert.
- If you are not comfortable being an expert, then refer to other experts within your field.
- Write at regular intervals and make sure that you always compose good quality content. Be reliable and post on time.
- Case studies are fabulous tools for you to go in to more depth, and for you to demonstrate the extent of your professional knowledge. This may mean that you need to source and gain access to a particular organisation in order to write your case study. It a good idea to obtain permission before you publish anything about someone else’s organisation, their personal qualities, or use photos, which include themselves or their business.
- Do not worry too much about giving away things for free. Write compulsive, engaging and must-be-seen content that will grasp the interest and attention of your readers.
- Deliver in-depth material rather than superficial jargon. This will show that you have a professional knowledge of your topic, and it will help you to recruit new customers.
- Don’t write shallow posts. Don’t write simple lists.
- Finally, you must have a strong opinion or view on the topic that you are writing about. Don’t sit on the fence! Don’t be afraid to tell people what your view of a particular situation is, after all you are the expert.
Conclusion
The public are generally interested to hear about new innovations. You need to promote yourself as an entrepreneur, and you can provide the narrative for your start-up using one of many free tools. Blogging is a cost-effective way of kick-starting your marketing.
