Think blogging is a relic of the mid-2000s? Think again. While many marketers are shifting their long-form content to social media, blogging is still an amazing tool for marketing your business. And it might be even more important than ever when it comes to your online presence.
If you truly want to grow your website traffic consistently, boost your rankings, attract new customers, build trust with your current customers AND become a brand leader in your industry, then it is time to invest (or reinvest) in your blog.
Blogs play a vital role in search engine optimization (SEO), making it easier for users to discover your website. By providing valuable content and showcasing expertise on relevant topics, blogs attract potential customers who might not have found your business otherwise.
In essence, blogs are powerful tools for drawing in new clients and generating interest in your services.
Consider a plumbing business. A blog titled “How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal” specifically targets individuals facing plumbing issues. After reading this helpful content, these potential customers are likely to explore your website further and learn more about your services.
Blogs are an extension of good customer experience. No matter what business you are in, customers will have questions and will want proof that you have the trusted answers. Blogs can be a space to answer questions and concerns important to your customer base. It’s a chance to show you genuinely care about their problems, and – more importantly – about how your services can help solve those problems. When a customer sees that you really know about the areas you claim to help, that will set the foundation of trust they need to become a believer in your product.
On average, companies with an active blog produce 67% more leads monthly than companies who don’t have a blog. Blogs are one of the most effective methods of demand generation in the awareness/interest stage of your sales funnel. Blogs can attract potential customers to your website by offering unique and engaging topics, provide a special deal and even motivate you to buy. This opens the door for further communication, and eventually moves them further down your sales funnel.
All major search engines – not just Google – love consistent, fresh, relevant content. Blogging is one of the most accessible and straightforward methods for you to increase your SEO. With every new blog posted on your website, you provide search engines new content to index. As long as you keep topics engaging, unique and add relevant keywords, your blog will boost your SEO every time you hit the “publish” button.
Blogs are a fantastic way to learn more about your target audience. The more you know about them, the better you can serve them and appeal to them. Google Analytics offers in-depth blog insights that will help you learn about what type of content your readers engage with most and allow you to tweak the information you present for optimal engagement and rankings.
Bonus: Customer reviews don’t only happen on Google or review sites. Customers can leave reviews right on your blog, offering a wealth of information for you as the business owner/manager that you can’t find anywhere else.
Let’s face it – the importance of an email list for your business is here to stay. Having a continuously growing email database is vital for overall growth and success. A blog is a top method for growing your email list. Most blogging and website platforms offer page layouts that are fully optimized for calls to action like email capture.
There is nothing like original content to set you apart on social media. By having a unique POV and voice, you not only establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry, your followers will grow and stick around. Plus if your blog is truly informative and relatable, the odds of a customer sharing go sky high.
Blog topics are derived from thorough SEO research. First, you identify the search terms potential customers use in relation to your business and create blogs that comprehensively address those queries. This strategy ensures that your content is both relevant and discoverable.
Marketing is fundamentally about establishing trust with your audience. Our research often leads us to topics that might not directly relate to your services but resonate with your customer base.
For a camping supply company, a blog on “The Best Campsites in [YOUR STATE]” may seem unrelated. However, this content provides valuable information to camping enthusiasts, encouraging them to visit your store for essential supplies.
Blogs are designed to be informative. Visitors coming from search engines are often unfamiliar with your business—what we call “soft leads.” These individuals may fit your target demographic but aren’t ready to make a purchase yet. By sharing helpful insights and demonstrating your expertise, you build trust without overwhelming potential customers with sales pitches. We typically include a call to action at the end of our blogs, inviting interested readers to explore your services further, but we do so carefully to avoid coming across as overly aggressive.
The timeline for blogs to drive traffic varies widely by business and topic. While some may attract attention quickly, others could take 6-8 months to gain traction. Continuous monitoring and re-optimization of your blogs ensure they remain relevant and of high quality.
At Threshold Media, we believe in the power of blogging to connect with your audience and drive traffic to your website. If you have more questions or need assistance with your blog strategy, drop us a line!
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