There are millions upon millions of blogs out there--an entire universe of blogs, bloggers, and blogging. From personal blogs to business blogs, it seems everyone at least has one blog to their name (even grandma!). So, how can you set your blog apart from your competitors on the Internet? Rather than forcing your blog on your customers or spamming your link to a bunch of different websites, there are ways where you can have a steady viewership and not have to worry about the competition at all. And it's called small business blog marketing.
While larger companies may have a bigger following on their blogs and social networks, are there followers engaged? Do their readers share their blog posts? Most times, those bigger brands have a harder time engaging with their followers and that usually means just blasting out their message to a bunch of people who only want free stuff.
When it comes to small business, there is an advantage of being smaller and having a much tighter-knit and connected following that will be engaged and care about what you have to say. Small business blogging is all about starting with a strong foundation and then reaching out further with your brand, while still being able to have that small business vibe.
How can you achieve that suave small business marketing for your own blog? It's simple! Here are some things to consider when marketing your blog in the small business arena:
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When it comes to marketing, lots of marketers tend to use Pay-Per-Click advertising to get started, or as their base for online marketing. When it comes to PPC, don't think so big--start small, targeted, and focused. Did you know more localized ads online are clicked on more than those generalized ads sent out? When it comes to your ads, start local and then work from there.
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Mention other local businesses in your own business blog writing. Are you collaborating with another business in the area? Helping them out? Or, do you just want to highlight another (non-competing!) business? Well, then do it!
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Engage with your followers like they are people, not potential leads for your business. Humanizing your content on your blog will help leaps and bounds, especially if your readership is out looking for something on the Internet relevant to your industry. Become a leader in the business and a go-to place for all of their needs and answers.
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Be fun. Business content shouldn't always have to be professional and stuffy, this isn't a board room or conference. Oftentimes, your readership will be normal Internet users, a handful of fellow professionals, but most of all: People interested in your brand. Have fun when you're writing--and don't bore them to sleep!
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Highlight daily deals that customers can use the next time they buy from your business, and give them a local spin sometimes. If you have a physical store, let them redeem a coupon they found on your blog in the store.
There are tons of ways of getting noticed on the Internet, not just with viral marketing. Sometimes, a little bit of good information and engaging content on your blog is all that is needed! How do you market your small business blog? Let us know your methods!
