Interested in Blogging for Web Site Traffic?
In my first post, Creativity, Social Media, BluSkye Group and Blogging, I outlined why I wanted to blog and on what topics. What I didn’t talk about was WHY I was doing it. Although I have many reasons, a main reason for blogging is to increase web site traffic. By adding 1500-2000 words of keyword-rich content each week, I’m focused on subject matter relevant to BluSkye Group to expose the business to more people looking for what we have to offer. What I want to talk about today is how and why blogging will help increase traffic to your website.
Create a blog strategy before you start.
What do you want to write about? What are your goals? What are your measurable objectives? There are no right or wrong answers, because you can do what you want. I’m just encouraging you to think it through. It’s going to help you moving forward in creating a body of work that expands the content you already have on your website.
Who are you writing for?
Your strategy should include those you are trying to reach, even with multiple audiences. Certain posts can target certain folks, and others can be more general. Over time you’ll see some similarities both the types of information you’re providing and the audiences you’re speaking to (and building a relationships with). You currently have certain types of clients now, whether you were intentional or not. Why not think about your current customers, think about what they would be interested in, and write for them. Better yet, ask them. Over time you’ll get feedback about what’s most helpful to them and why.
Optimize your content for search engines.
For search engines to FIND content, there has to BE content. Many web sites have short descriptors on services, background, etc. without regard for actually having relevant content that people can search for. In my blog post Five Tips for Making Your Website Searchable I talk about structural things you can do with your website, and content is even more important. That’s where the blog posts come in. I’ll give you the guidelines I’ve been following and you can do what’s right for you.
Follow other bloggers.
One of the ways I am learning how to blog and share content I find interesting is to follow other bloggers. It TOTALLY depends on your personal interest first, then hopefully aligning with your business interest. People are multi-dimensional (well, most folks…), and the most interesting blogs I read are writers that give me relevant information as well as a window into what they like and their personalities. It’s for a much more interesting read and one of the main reasons I connect with them. One of the best sites I find is Alltop.com for a variety of sources that you can customize to meet your interests. There are bloggers and news sources, and the customization feature makes it really easy to scan info quickly.
Be yourself.
I do business with people I like. And I don’t think most people are that different in that regard. One of the biggest challenges I’m finding is letting my personality come through and not be “all business”. My clients may not all be my personal friends, but we are usually on the same wavelength personally as well as business-wise. People talk about “finding your voice” with your blog. I think it’s just being yourself (which is the same thing). If you’re a smart ass in real life, be a smart ass in your blog. You’re probably not going to be posting pics of doing tequila shots at the strip joint, but maybe you are… you can decide what’s appropriate for you and the readers you’re trying to attract.
Create an editorial calendar.
Fitting in with your strategy will be the actual content. What I find helpful is mapping out what topic areas I’ll be covering in the next week or so. I should probably tell you the next couple of months, but I’m not that sophisticated right now (or maybe ever). I have been writing twice a week, so I might not have a specific title, but I do have topic areas to balance out the content. I do have a strategy, and having some sort of calendar takes the pressure off when I’m thinking about that next topic. It also depends on what I feel like at the time. I might not be in the mood to talk about Twitter, so I’ll switch it up. It’s your ball game, so do what you feel.
Use humor.
People like to laugh. It feels good, reduces stress and makes you feel like part of humanity. You don’t need to have your own HBO special to appreciate a perspective that’s not always so DAMN SERIOUS. Lighten up and people will connect with what you have to say, even if they might not get the joke. At least your trying. How does this help if you’re interested in blogging for web site traffic? Because people will enjoy the experience more if they’re not always reading the encyclopedia of whatever. Good content with a smirk.
Content is king (or queen).
Once you optimize your site for search engines, your blog can only help increase your ranking. Frankly, you can just start a blog without a website and you don’t have to worry about web structure at all. And it’s FREE. Even if you aren’t initially focused on keyword research and site architecture, if you’re writing about things you’re passionate about, you can’t go wrong. When someone is sharing something with me they’re really interested in, I’m more engaged while listening to them. Find your passion, your voice will come, and you’ll be off and running. The most important thing is to START WRITING.
David Contois is a marketing consultant and social media strategist in San Diego. You can learn more about marketing your business, graphic design, web design and search engine optimization by subscribing to our RSS feed here. David can also be followed on Twitter @BSGrp or @dcontois and on Facebook.com/BluSkyeGroup.
posted on Wednesday, January 5th, 2011 at 12:30 pm filed under Blogging, Marketing your business, Search Engine Optimization (SEO).follow any responses through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
