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Published by: Judy Cobb 05-07-2013  |  POSTED IN: Traffic Tuesdays

Words Blog 22: Your Blog - Building a Successful Blog

 
One of the most powerful features of the Internet is the immediacy and timeliness of information posted there. Visitors expect to find current information on their first visit to your website and to find something new or fresh when they revisit it.
 
Having a regular blog allows you to maintain the currency of your website while adding content that can improve the search engine optimization (SEO) and build a following of returning visitors. When beginning a blog or considering how to continue with an existing blog, here are ideas that will allow you to create a framework that will improve the success of your blog.
 
1. Do you have the time and resources to write a regular blog and maintain it? Delivering an interesting blog on a regular schedule can build a following over time. People have found what you are saying useful and return to see what new ideas you have posted on your blog. On the other hand, starting a blog and failing to maintain it can create a negative impression with people who return to your website looking for updated blog postings.
 
2. Do you have a specific idea about the audience you are writing to, their interests and expectations? Your business targets consumers in a specific demographic. Your customers and potential customers will share a number of features in common: age group, income level, life style, geographic area, interests or other factors.
 
Your blog should be aimed at the interests and questions of people in the specific demographic you serve. For example, if your business provides services to young homeowners with young children, your blog should reflect the interests and concerns of that group.
 
The blog might discuss child-oriented information and resources or specific activities for young families in your community or geographic area. If your business specializes in financial services, your blog might discuss the various financial issues that challenge young families and solid advice for dealing with them.
 
On the other hand, if you have a financial business aimed at "empty nesters" who are making life style decisions now that their children have left home, your blog could discuss mid-life financial planning, suggestions for leisure time activities and other useful topics for that group.
 
A blog can also be a useful tool in building your credibility and attracting customers in a demographic where you want to expand your business. This type of blog could be more challenging to create and maintain because you would need to be certain what interests and questions appealed to the people in the new demographic.
 
In fact, even the writing style and organization of the blog should reflect the expectations of your audience. People in an older age group might look for a blog that is heavy on content, while people in a younger demographic would expect the points to be tightly written, easy to read and entertaining.
 
3. Keep it simple! Website visitors expect to be able to easily find what they are looking for on your website and to quickly read it. Most blogs should be short, fewer than 1000 words. This means you have limited space to make your points and engage a visitor. Have several clearly stated points in each blog. It's usually best to state them early in the blog. Three to five points is a good rule of thumb.
 
Every word counts. Keep sentences short and to the point. Keep paragraphs short and focused.
 
Blogs are a powerful website tool if they are accurate and well maintained. They not only allow you to build your website's content, but also provide you with an opportunity to establish relationships with customers and potential customers. It is always a good idea to invite people to share questions or suggestions with you as a way of engaging readers and finding new blog topics.
 
All writers have times when they struggle to decide what to write. Having suggestions from your visitors can provide you with focus and ideas when you are challenged for a topic for a blog.
 
 
As always, you can help us assure that every blog post in this series provides you with tangible suggestions and ideas for building or improving your website. Please share your ideas, comments, questions and suggestions with us. Feel free to leave comments below or email Judy at [email protected].
 
Judy Cobb is an independent writer and business writing coach whose clients have included Parsons Engineering, Mattel Toys, The Los Angeles Times and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She has specialized in developing training materials for instructor-led courses as well as interactive online courses and websites. She holds advanced degrees from Columbia University and Stanford as well as an MBA from UCLA's Anderson Graduate School of Management.
Thanks for reading. Jason.
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe below to this blog.
 
About Jason Ciment
Formerly an attorney and CPA, Jason has been working online since 1997. His columns on affiliate marketing can still be found on www.Clickz.com and his book on search engine optimization can be found at www.seotimetable.com.

This blog is published 4x per week and covers website design and SEO tips as well as a wide range of tips and advice for working and living online more efficiently and enjoyably.
 

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