3 min 42 secs reading time
Here are 6 tips to get you started writing a business blog. 
You’re probably thinking why is she imparting this advice to ME after all her business is writing content for other SMEs.
That’s easy. In order to receive you need to give or share and besides some of my clients do write and I help them with other aspects of their content.
Most people don’t have the time to write a weekly business blog preferring to outsource the whole process of writing, which is where I come in.
Some like to to do a bit of both.
But the most common complaint I get is ‘I just don’t have the time to do it myself’.
There’s no hard and fast rule to writing a blog the secret is committing to doing it and then sticking to the schedule.
Think of it as a habit.
Let’s say you go to the gym three times a week.
To begin with, it probably felt like a chore, right?
As you pushed yourself and started to see changes in your fitness levels, it spurred you on to continue.
Think of blogging as a habit, getting started is the hardest bit, and then after the first month or two, it becomes ingrained into your schedule.
Writing blog content does take time, effort and consistency I’m not going to lie to you, it’s bloody hard work.
But like everything in business, it is a process, so I am going to share my work process with you.
1. Keep notes – make ideas.
I use Evernote or a Moleskin digital notebook. A tabloid headline can spark a great idea for a blog post.
If it’s business-related, think how that headline can relate to your business and the needs of your customers?
Is it relevant now or in the future?
Think about who you’re ideal audience is?
How can that headline be reworked and used as an idea for a blog post to help or solve a customer problem?
Pretty much everywhere I go, I get ideas that ferment in my mind, and then I rework them to suit my reader.
Reading features in magazines and blog headlines can spark a seed of an idea that I store for future use.
2. Schedule it
I use time blocks. Using my google calendar, I block out chunks of time to get stuff done the same with planning and writing a blog.
Early on this will take longer and I suggest you allow 2 hours, to plan, write and then edit before publishing.
3. Write a business blog
Decide on the title of the blog post? A ‘How to’, “Top X tips’ or ‘Why’ posts work well because they ask the question your audience might be thinking.
I’ve read many articles and blogs about how you should craft your blog title first so you can do the keyword research and then fit the keywords around the blog.
Well, I guess I broke the mould because I do it the other way round I draft a title and then sharpen it up when I’ve finished.
More often than not, I start in one direction, and then another idea takes me in a different direction. It works for me.
Do your research if it’s a technical blog you don’t want to get sidetracked by facts and figures while writing.
Use subheadings to break up the text and to highlight vital elements of your writing.
4. The beginning, the middle and the end
Your post should start with how or why reading your blog is going to make a difference to your reader and why they should read it.
The middle bit well, this details the problem and how your product or service can solve it for your customer without overselling.
Visitors want to understand what you can do for them. It isn’t about YOU or ME; it is about THEM.
Keep that at the forefront of your mind when writing your blog post.
What can I offer them, what makes me different, what is in it for them?
The end bit is your call to action. When your reader has finished, what do you want them to do?
Do you want them to sign up to something, call you, get more information?
Whatever it is, tell them what you want them to do.
At the end of this post, I want you to read this and think “this is too much for me to be bothered with I will get in touch with Caroline and ask her to help”.
5. Edit and proofread
Check your writing for glaring grammatical errors and punctuation. Read it aloud.
I leave my writing for 24 hours, having done a first and second draft.
When I come back to it, I can spot errors quickly.
I make the changes, and it flows better.
Does it flow?
Have you asked questions?
Are there, subheadings?
We tend to scan when we are reading on the internet.
Including subheadings is an excellent way for scanners to scroll and find what they want.
Is the tone conversational and informal or very technical and long?
Either is okay as long as it is written with the right audience in mind.
6. Publish and promote your business blog via your social channels
When all of the above is complete, decide on the day you want to publish it and then promote it via your social media channels.
Don’t forget to add a link in your email signature as well so customers can find it too.
If all of the above is too much hassle and stress then get in touch with me, and I’ll craft your ideas into beautiful blog posts.
Further reading for you
https://onewomansview.co.uk/7-powerful-reasons-to-blog-about-your-business/
https://onewomansview.co.uk/blogging-for-business/
