Blogging Tips for WordPress

Content & Blogging Tips

WP_add_new_post As you begin to get familiar with publishing your own content, you will quickly realize you have a lot of knowledge to share. You’ll also realize there is a process that makes things easier. The process includes “changing your behavior” or habits.

Instead of writing “one-up emails” (seen by few), publish the content on your website so hundreds, if not thousands, of people may read it. Subsequently, you can send your email message with a link to the published content. This process saves you time in the long-run and increases your online exposure.

The end result of your “change in behavior” results in more prospecting and lead generation using automation. Yes, step one really is that simple and we’ll do our best to help you become comfortable with this process. The following blogging tips will help you succeed in a competitive marketing environment.

Keep it Simple

Write 300-400 words per post

  • Pillar article or white paper can be much longer but they are not the norm
  • Personal, first person voice is preferred in most cases – conversational
  • Think of it as a short guest column
  • Writing on a specific topic your target audience will find of value
  • Write a Q & A to a sample client question
  • Share your opinion about a current news story and/or link to another resource with useful information for your target audience
  • If you must write a longer article, consider a two-part series, which encourages repeat visits

Publishing Strategy

Everyone has their own style and time management system. I prefer to save my ideas as they come across my desk. Bookmark links, use Outlook or similar software and create an appointment for your writing session and drop your ideas into the notes area. Then, when it is time to write you have a list of ideas and possible links for gathering content.

You can write several posts at one session and add them to WordPress as drafts or schedule them to post automatically in the future. If you take this approach, then you only have to write your posts once every few weeks. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Finance: Q&A. Top 5 finance questions small business owners are asking right now
  • Human Resources: How one business owner changed his hiring strategy and lowered her turnover rates as well as their costs
  • Management: Strategies you can use to crush your competition during economic downturns
  • Performance: How to create a win-win incentive plan for your sales team
  • Team Building: Team building starts with 3 key elements

Create Multiple Posts Per Writing Session

Don’t put yourself in a situation where you feel pressure to write every week. Practice writing a draft post in 10-15 minutes then move on to another one even if you haven’t finished. Within an hour, you’ll have at least two good posts and two drafts in reserve.

Use photos and graphics whenever possible – people absorb visual information much more quickly then text; a photo can be the carrot that keeps them from moving on to another website.

Encourage Comments & Respond in a Timely Manner

You will receive an email from the website whenever someone comments on your content. Simply click on the link in the email, moderate the comment and respond accordingly. It only takes 2-3 minutes. Comments build loyal traffic – comment on your colleagues posts and on other blogs. People who comment not only want to give you feedback, they want you to return the favor & acknowledge them with a comment yourself. To encourage comments, ask for them at the end of your posts or ask specific questions. You can also ask visitors to provide additional resources, etc.

Traffic Generates Leads

A successful blog requires frequent updates, content of value, and links to the content. Ask your clients and colleagues to comment, guest post and link to your website.

Please let us know if you have your own favorite blogging tips – thanks!

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