Blogging: Time to get started!

Research by Hubspot late last year revealed that B2B companies that blog only once or twice a month generate 70% more leads than those that don’t blog at all.  The statistics for more active bloggers are even more startling (check out the whole article for details).  So what are you waiting for?  A little can go a long way.  Here are some guidelines and examples to help you build your blog.

Blogging is a great way to keep your website dynamic without having to go back to your developer, or trying to get to grips with the detail of your content management system.  It enables you to keep your clients up to date with new developments, establish your authority in your field, and show a human face.

There are a few golden rules to keep visitors coming to your blog.  Here are a handful of our favourite blogs (apart from our own, of course!)  Some are purely personal, some are corporate, but all are interesting in their own way and demonstrate a golden rule of blogging.

Golden rule number 1: Know your subject, and stay up to date

A respected expert in its field, Mashable keeps right up to date with developments throughout the online space, and distributes its blog across every social media channel from Facebook and Twitter to LinkedIn, Pinterest and Google+.  Always interesting and cutting edge: this is a full time job.  Although you’re running a business at the same time, aim for quality in your blog, if not the quantity!

Golden rule number 2: React to the world around you

If there’s something in the news which impacts on your business and that of your customers, talk about it.  Providing virtual services?  Blog about how you keep businesses running despite deep snow.  Business figures released?  Blog about your take on the economy and shout about your successes.  Not only does this keep you current – it can provide much-needed inspiration!

Golden rule number 3: Know your audience

We love The Digger Blog – and it’s proof that every industry can use blogging well.  The blog is well illustrated, colourful, informative, regularly updated, and directed at a specific niche group who value its detail.

Golden rule number 4: Keep your message simple

Doodlemum is one of the simplest blogs we have ever seen – and it’s gained a huge following over the past 12 months.  In a single drawing this mum captures a daily snapshot of family life: visitors come back again and again to see what’s new.  A blog doesn’t have to be fantastically detailed to retain interest.

Enjoy your blogging!