A deep dive into why blogging is still the way to fly in 2021.

I know what you’re thinking.

Blogging. It conjures up images of teenagers huddled over their computers late at night, pouring their innermost thoughts onto a page, then publishing for nobody to read.

But no more. Although blogging has only been the norm for businesses for the last 5 – 10 years, it has become a vital tool to inform and sell. 

So, why does your business need a blog?

Blogging is online journaling used by writers to share their opinions on a personal or business-related subject. 

Although blogs have become more structured over the last few years to fit in with SEO standards, a blog really does give you the freedom to be more flexible and casual than most other platforms.

This article will explore why your business needs a blog, whether you’re a sole trader or a small/ medium business.

Is A Blog Still Relevant Now?

In the age of TikTok, Snapchat, Reels, and Clubhouse do you really need a blog on your business website? (Wait, is Snapchat still a thing? I could be showing my age here.)

The answer is a resounding “YES”.

While video content is definitely making waves, a written blog is still one of the most valuable tools you have to connect with potential and existing clients.

I want to take you on a deep dive into the reasons why your business needs a blog, even in 2021.

1. Google Loves Consistent Content

Like it or not, we all answer to King Google.

We want our websites to rank first on a search. Over 25% of people click through on the first result, whereas only 2.5% click through on the tenth.

Consistent content on our websites is one of the best ways to boost your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Increasing your visibility drives organic traffic through to your website, thereby increasing sales.

Posting regular, fresh, and well-written blogs should be one of your SEO strategy’s main facets. 

Be sure to incorporate keywords, images, and videos to boost your blog, drive traffic, and convert leads.

2.You Can Show Off Your Expertise

(or your new shoes, or whatever. It’s your blog and if you’re the business owner, do it! We can find a way to link it to your business.)

A blog is an amazing opportunity to educate your clients on how your products, services, or processes work. Creating a space that gives more in-depth information than a product description ensures that your clients can easily access vital instructions.

If you’re including polls and questions in your blogs, make sure that you listen to the answers and respond. A blog answering the most frequently asked questions is a great way to drive traffic to your site.

3. It’s a Hop, Skip, and a Jump to Social Media Content

Many small business owners struggle to think of social media content ideas (even me!), and a blog allows you to create an entire series based on one single post.

Most blogs have several industry-specific points, allowing you to create multiple social media posts off the back of one blog. Cross-posting is a great way to reach a wider audience. 

Even better- those social media posts can be linked back to the original blog, driving even more traffic to your website

4. It Drives Organic Traffic to your Site

Blogs increase your visibility.

Fact.

At the end of the day, we all want to be seen by Google, and new and evolving content is an excellent way to do that. The more helpful and educational content you have, the better your SEO ratings.

This doesn’t mean that you slack off on the rest of your SEO work (whether you do it yourself or have an expert covering it for you). It is still important but your optimised blogs will go a long way to making your site visible to Google.

I have touched on this further up, but it’s worth noting that businesses who have a blog and post regularly get up to 55% more traffic on their websites than those who don’t. 

5. Blogs Are An Awesome Sales Tool

Blogs are a great place to sell your products and services gently. You’re able to place links to your products throughout your blog – within reason.

Remember that this is not the place for a hard sell. Don’t be pushy when you can be subtly informative. This is the place that you plant the seeds about whatever you’re selling.

While a blog is no substitute for a well-written sales page, a consumer study found that people were 131% more likely to buy from a brand immediately after reading educational content.

6. Keeps Clients and Prospects up to Date on Your Business

Nowadays, with the world moving so fast, our businesses are evolving at a head-spinning rate. 

We never seem to have enough hours in the day, even now with the big C hanging around (also- what’s up with that? Weren’t we all under the impression that it would disappear on 31st December? I feel cheated, not gonna lie).

What better way to keep your clients abreast of what’s going on behind the scenes than a blog?

Announcements would generally go into a newsletter or on social media- especially more significant ones- but it’s a good idea to link your social media to a blog post going into more detail.

Bonus fact: About 80% of bloggers still do it themselves, but it’s one of the first things to go when they’re overwhelmed and burning out or occupied with more important tasks.

You may want to consider outsourcing your blogs to a freelancer who not only knows what they’re doing but has a love for it which will reflect in their work.

(It’s me. I’m the freelancer. Hit me up, let’s get a coffee and talk words.)