I remember when I wrote my very first blog post in 2013. At the time, I knew absolutely nothing about SEO or keyword research… I was basically writing just to write. I knew that I wanted to earn money through writing, though. I’ve never been crazy about the idea of sharing details about myself online, so I started pouring all my energy into writing about social media and business topics. But after a while, it felt like I was shouting into a void. I likely was, as the field is highly saturated. I learned the hard way that standing out as a blogger involves so much more than just writing.
Learning the Basics for Blogging Success
I started studying ways to become a better blogger. There were (and still are) tons of free writing workshops, webinars, and courses online to choose from. Once I felt more confident about my writing skills, as well as the basics of SEO and SERP, I began to market myself and landed opportunities to write blog posts for businesses on a regular basis. One blog I enjoyed writing a few years ago was about health and nutrition. It was appealing because I felt I was sharing helpful information with people. Another blog I enjoyed writing for was a restaurant and catering company. It was a fun industry to learn about… there’s a lot more that happens in restaurants than most people realize!
The more I wrote, the better I got. It wasn’t an instant explosion of offers, but things certainly shifted. Slowly but surely, I started attracting the right kind of attention with my writing, including clients who were genuinely interested in what I offered. That’s when I realized blogging isn’t just a fun hobby; it’s a powerful tool for small business growth.
When I first met Karen in 2018, I had a rather diverse portfolio of blogs that I had written both as myself and as a ghostwriter for several types of businesses. In 2022, I joined MYOB as a blogger. It’s been a great experience filled with learning opportunities and research. I also love being able to share all sorts of information to help small business owners.
Building Trust and Credibility Through Blogging
Many businesses understand the idea of blogging, but they get stuck on the basics. They churn out generic content that doesn’t resonate, and then they wonder why it’s not working. Let’s go beyond the usual “blogging is good for SEO” spiel and dive into some lesser-discussed benefits, and more importantly, how to become a better blogger.
One of the biggest advantages of blogging that often gets overlooked is its ability to build trust. Think about it: you’re not just selling a product or service; you’re sharing your expertise, offering valuable insights, and demonstrating your passion. This builds credibility and positions you as a thought leader in your industry. Plus, unlike fleeting social media posts, blog content lives on, constantly working to attract new clients.
It’s important to note that blogging requires a long-term strategic approach. It is not a “set it and forget it” method. To achieve sustained traffic growth, two critical components are essential: 1) conducting keyword research and 2) regularly updating existing content.
Why Keyword Research and Content Updates Are Essential
Let’s talk about keyword research first. You can’t just write about anything and expect people to find it. You need to understand what your target audience is searching for. Free tools like Google Keyword Planner, Semrush, and Ryan Robinson’s Free Keyword Research Tool can help you identify relevant keywords with decent search volume. But don’t get bogged down in just the big keywords. At times, the real value lies in long-tail keywords, which are longer and more specific phrases. They often have less competition and attract highly qualified leads.
Next, and this is crucial, update your old content. Google loves fresh content. Frequently revisiting and enhancing your published articles by incorporating new data, updating statistics, and enhancing readability sends a signal to search engines about the quality of your website. This can give your older posts a significant boost in rankings. It’s always a good idea to review your top-performing posts every quarter and update them with the latest information. This can make a huge difference in your traffic.
Tips to Become a Better Blogger
So, how do you actually become a better blogger? Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Find your voice: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Let your personality shine through. People connect with authenticity.
- Tell stories: We’re wired for stories. Weaving narratives into your blog posts makes them more engaging and memorable.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key. It’s better to publish one high-quality blog post a week than to churn out fluff every day.
- Promote your content: Don’t just hit “publish” and disappear. Share your posts on social media, email newsletters, and relevant online communities.
How MYOB Inc. Can Help
Blogging can feel daunting, especially for small business owners juggling multiple responsibilities. That’s where business services like those offered by MYOB Inc. can be invaluable. We can help with creating, writing, and maintaining a blog in your voice on your website, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
Ultimately, the main goal of blogging is to build rapport with your readers. It all comes down to adding value, imparting your knowledge, and developing deeper relationships. Blogging is a long-term investment that increases traffic, generates leads, and can help your business stand out from the rest.
Are you interested in having a blog on your company’s website? Let’s chat!
Written by MYOB Blogger, Jennifer Hanford