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| Consistency of Blogging: Six Simple Steps
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Location: Blogs Word of Mouse BlogMouse Tracks |
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| Posted by: Shane Murphy |
12/19/2007 |
As I talk about blogging with business owners, I'm accustomed to being met with the same questions pretty consistently. One of those questions seems to revolve around frequency of posting content.
Of course, that's a legitimate concern. The blogosphere is littered with tons of blogs that simply haven't been kept current. In fact, I'd venture to say that the bulk of them are there, but not even maintained anymore. And why is that?
Is it time? Lack of writing ability? Loss of interest?
Honestly, it's a combination of all three.
When considering entering the world of blogging, we're all being led to think that if we don't post something several times per week -- or even per day -- that we shouldn't even bother. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.
Your goal with a business blog should be clear cut -- to establish yourself as an expert in your business, and build community while doing it. There are occasions where the "several-times-per-day" approach works well, absolutely. But it doesn't neccesarily have to be that way.
Can you take the time to write one article per week, consistently? Maybe two?
Remember, it's about establishing yourself as "expert" -- not as "business owner who has time to blog for hours each day."
Try this simple __ step process, and see if it works for you.
1. Make a schedule: let's say you decide to post once per week. Pick a day, and consistently post on that day -- without fail. As your readership begins to develop, readers will come to expect your updates.
2. Start blogging: don't plan it out, then keep putting it off. The longer you wait, the harder it'll be to make your mark.
3. Follow the schedule: stick with your initial plans like glue. Taking a vacation? Set your blogging software to update with a new article while you're away. It takes a bit of planning, but the rewards are countless.
4. Encourage comments - and respond: Invite your readers to give feedback, and be sure to respond to it. Nothing builds community faster.
5. Invite guest bloggers: as your community starts to take hold, don't be afraid to invite some of your readers to contribute. Maybe one of them could replace you when on vacation, or just too busy to pull off a writing one week.
6. Be patient: This won't happen fast. But don't give up... even when you wonder why you're bothering.
Point 6 is the big one. You will get frustrated early-on, but if you stick with it and promote your work every chance you get, you'll see the response over time. |
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