It’s this simple: businesses that Blog generate 55% more web traffic and 70% more leads than those that don’t. Jaw-dropped? Check. So if you haven’t started your Blog yet, then I recommend you start one today.
I’ll be honest, you’re not going to see instant results overnight – it’s not like you’re taking some kind of miracle cure – so it’ll be a while before you see the benefits. But, as with anything that’s good for you, it’s best to start now rather than later.
Now, for those of you who have realized the importance of having a Business Blog – awesome. You’re clearly using it to generate more business. However, some of you will be going through that stage where you’re thinking to yourself, “What’s the point?” If this is how you’re feeling due to seeing no results for all the time you’re spending on your Blog, then I can sympathize with you. But, don’t be too disheartened. Like I said before it takes time, so please be patient – which is easier said than done, I know.
But, if you’re anything like me and are not a patient person when it comes to waiting for anything, I’ve scoured the Internet as well as asking the asking the folks in the office here, and I’ve complied some tips – 5 to be exact – on how to improve your Business Blog to make it more visible and perform better in search engines.
1. Domain Name
If your Blog is on a separate domain from your website, then STOP it right now. Your Blog HAS to be under the same domain as your website to be effective. Search engines rank websites on a variety of variables such as quality of links (see #4) and whether the website is active or not. If your Blog is under the same domain as your website, the links to your Blog will assist your website. And in regards to the website being “active” – for every new Blog post you create, you’re adding a fresh and new piece of content to the website.
Think about it – 2 posts a month equals 24 new pages of website content a year.
It’s also important to note that if you have your Blog on a separate domain, search engines will treat both your website and your Blog as different sources of information. Therefore, your website will be competing with your Blog for increased visibility.
2. Keywords
Not going to lie to you – this involves some research on your behalf. You need to find out what keywords your audience are using in search engines. For this you can use Google’s Keyword Tool – it’s FREE! Once you know the answer to this you have to naturally insert these keywords into your Blog posts – this includes your Blog titles as well as the main body of the Blog content.
But beware. Don’t fall into the trap of writing for search engines as you’ll end up sounding like a robot. Write for humans so your content flows naturally and reads easily.
3. Social Media
You have to regularly share your Blog amongst your social media channels as it’s a great way of promoting your Blog and increasing your brand awareness. Every time we publish a post we promote it on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc. And since each social media platform is geared towards a different audience, by promoting our Blog this way we have the ability reach those different audiences.
So, is this something you’re doing? If not, then I strongly recommend you do.
Additionally, you should include “social sharing icons” on your Blog pages. This will allow your audience and regular readers to easily share your Blog content on their own social media pages without you having to lift a finger.
4. Links to your Website Pages
At the end of the day the purpose of your Blog is to attract visitors, then turn them visitors into customers. So by reading your Blog content you want to link certain keywords and phrases to your website pages – giving your potential customers more information on the subject.
You will have no doubt noticed I have done the same with this Blog post. In Tip 1 I included a link that directs you to more information regarding search engines variables and again in Tip 5. Which leads me to…
5. Links to Outside Sources
Linking to relevant and quality outside sources is great for your Blog. It helps boast your company’s credibility in search engines (FYI Google loves this!), as you’re seen as a Hub or a Portal for quality information – you even have the potential to be seen as the “leader” in your industry. Surely, that’s the goal right?
Out of the 5 tips, I feel that 1 and 2 are the most important. If you’re Blog is under the same domain as your website, then that’s half the battle won. If not, then you’re just making extra work for yourself. And make sure you use relevant and appropriate keywords.
At the end of the day, when it comes to the consumer searching online you have to remember that content is king. And if you’re Blog (and even your website!) is void of what your potential customers are looking for – then don’t even bother saying goodbye to them. How can you possibly say anything to them, let alone goodbye, when you will have never met?
Try out the above tips and let me know if you see any improvement.
Do you have a Blog? No, then isn’t it about time you get started?
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My relatives every time say that I am killing my time here at web, except I know I am getting knowledge everyday
by reading thes good posts.
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Just a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style. “He profits most who serves best.” by Arthur F. Sheldon.
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Thank you for your compliments. And yes we developed the website in-house.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks
Thank you for your compliments. And yes we developed the website in-house.
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