Are Blogs Really Worth The Time?
By Brandi Verkempinck, Director Of Growth & Development
You’re not blogging yet? Well, you should, sit down and let’s talk about why!
There is a ton to gain in creating a blog and/or a vlog, especially if you’re looking to gain exposure and brand awareness. But so many small business owners remain unaware of the positive impact blogging can have on their positioning!
Statistically, companies with blog and vlog content produce an average of 67 percent more leads per month than those who don’t.
Let’s break it down as to why this positions us as more successful in our market and industry.
Bloggin’ Is Happenin’
Blogging isn’t hard to do, although most dread the thought of it. However, you are the expert in your field, right? This is where YOU have the advantage!
Blogging is a strategy that is meant to raise your online presence and position you as the expert in your field. This is your opportunity to leverage your brand to empower your clients and followers in your industry.
When you’re choosing your bloggin’ route, you’re creating content about the topics related to your products and services through content that’s both actionable, timely, user-focused, educational, and, I’ll say it again, positioning you as the expert in your field.
Take a look at me… Bloggin’ about Bloggin’. Why? Because I am the marketing gal’, and love to share my knowledge with others!
Vloggin’ Is Also Key
Let’s not forget about a vlog! If you’re ready to produce even greater content, it’s time to level up to a vlog!
A vlog is essentially the same thing as a blog, however, your content is all short videos on your topics related to your products, services, and expertise in your field.
Vloggin’ and Bloggin’ are both highly beneficial and if you’re ready for it, you should produce both.
Depending on your audience, you could have users ranging from any age to any gender, to different interests (the most common being the interest in your field and/or services). However, your audience will read your blog or not for different reasons, and the same goes for your vlog.
(Stay tuned for my upcoming vlog on this content.)
Nowadays, with our brains tuned into our phones, tablets, and computers, our attention span is next to nothing, so by utilizing short, user-focused, educational, and actionable vlog content, you’re keeping your audience engaged in the short manner they’re used to. There are still those out there who enjoy reading, but if you can produce both contents, you’re just expanding your reach that much more.
You can gain everything from blogging and vlogging by increasing your sales and fostering a strong engagement and community around your brand to gaining other business relationships in your related field by creating a referral network.
The benefits you can gain are only limited to you and the belief you have in yourself and your brand.
Let’s break down those benefits a bit here.
01. Increased web traffic
Companies who blog/vlog typically get 55 percent more web visitors than those who don’t, according to studies. This means, the greater you increase your website traffic means more potential customers.
Content is king! Our culture demands excellent content through all platforms whether it’s social media, newsletters, websites or apps. So you want to make sure what you produce is GOLD viable content for your audience.
Make sure you’re speaking to your target audience and publish as frequently as you can. Utilize a physical calendar or online editorial calendar to strategize and plan out your content.
02. Build trust in your clients
When you start creating content that allows your clients and potential clients alike to connect with you on a deeper level, it creates an open door for communication, understanding, and trust. A blog/vlog allows you to communicate directly with your audience, and provide open dialogue- This can either be done in your comment section, social posts or newsletters to continue building that trust and recognition.
Through the powerful force of blogging, your clients get to know the YOU behind your business. This level of trust improves sales because people are more inclined to purchase from someone they trust.
What’s even more important than creating that establishment, is maintaining it. Responding to comments or questions in a timely manner, and really listening to your readers to understand their needs.
03. Establish yourself as the industry expert
Through the knowledge you share about your specialization you’re developing a deeper bond with your audience and your business and proving you are truly the expert in your field.
Position yourself as the authority in your industry by publishing statistics, research, helpful tips and tricks, and industry news. By producing informative and valuable content it exudes a path of expertise.
04. Increase brand awareness
By increasing your brand recognition you’ll gain credibility and expand your business, thus attracting returning and new customers. This will also increase the monetary value of your product or service.
Incredible content also increases your chance to network with other business owners and influencers alike, which can increase your reach and bring in an even bigger audience for your brand.
You can invite influencers to use your products or services or trade with another business professional in your industry then create a blog or vlog together, in a beautiful dance of collaboration.
Get on the bandwagon and start sharing your greatness with the world! But first, take your time to strategize and plan your domination. It will all be worth it and in no time, you’ll start seeing your community grow.