Did you know there is a common thread all successful bloggers have in common?
We all know a blog in today’s business world is essential, but starting, growing, and maintaining that blog is another story.
Building an audience can take time and sometimes seem like a huge mountain to climb. Sometimes the reasons for failure to build a following has nothing to do with your blogging, but everything to do with getting clear about your message.
Basically, there are four questions that you need to answer to make sure your blog is successful and relevant to your readers.
The basic questions . . . .
- What is the purpose? This one seems like a no-brainer, but you need to have an answer. Is it to educate? Is it to entertain? Is it to advise? There are as many reasons to write a blog as there are businesses. Know WHY you are writing. WHAT your goals are. If your purpose isn’t clear in your own mind, it will be confusing to your readers also.
- Who is your audience? The best blogs on the planet know their audience. I mean, really know. We’re talking target market here. This is where you need to do your homework. Are they mostly female? What is the average age? Where do they shop? What is their education level? What’s their favorite TV show? You get the picture. Go deep. Know your audience.
- What are their problems? We’re talkin’ what-keeps-them-up-at-night here. You have to know what their problems are in order to solve them. Whatever your business is, never forget you are always in the business of solving problems. Your readers and future customers will flock to you for one reason. You have the solution. Which brings us to . . .
- What are the solutions? The whole reason you decided to go into business was because you thought you could make money selling folks something. That “something” is called a solution. Continually let your audience know you are full of solutions by blogging fantastic content chock full of ‘em and you’ve got a killer blog. (and biz!)
Basically, your blog is the way you communicate your message to your online readers. Get clear about the above questions and you’ll have a winner.
Otherwise, it looks something like this . . .
You have lost your focus, are wandering around wondering what to blog and how the heck to build an audience. You are all over the map, spewing out information that’s not relevant, or simply regurgitating something someone else wrote. Your discontent about your own readership has caused you to take a tone that is unflattering and sometimes comes across as holier-than-thou. I have even seen it manifested in a continuous writing of negative posts. You know the ones. Always writing about people’s mistakes instead of sending out positive information that folks could actually benefit from.
The bottom line . . .
At the end of the day, you have to pay attention. Know WHY you started your blog in the first place.
My guess is, it was to help others.
Stick with that. It always works!
Peace,
-Martha
Martha Giffen
Martha Giffen is a Small Business and Social Media Consultant, Coach, Trainer, and Speaker. The author of 3 best-selling books, including "Be Social Be Rich," she is an Online Marketing authority and teaches Small Biz Owners how to achieve massive profitable success. And, -she dishes it all out with a warm southern flare!
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