I came across Michelle Bowles’ post offering tips to help corporate blogs stand out and I thought it would be a good idea to review the tips and also apply here to a small business audience. No doubt small business and Corporate America have plenty of differences, but there are things we can learn from Corporate America and vice versa. So let’s find out what Michelle has to say:
Tip #1: Talk about something other than yourself. When developing a blog and then writing for it, remember that it’s a community that includes both you and your visitors. you want to avoid using your blog only to talk about you and your products because people will stop coming.
Small Business Tip: It’s a good idea to foster a sense of community with your visitors. Since you’re most likely a local business it’s an even better idea to have events in your area and use your blog to have some fun. Allow visitors to post their favorite photos or even have a contest. We try to avoid over-used buzz phrases but in this case there’s no better use for the phrase “engage your audience.”
Tip #2: Keep your blog focused. Figure out what your niche is so that you can be ultra targeted in your blog.
Small Business Tip: If you’re a local coffee shop that specializes in organic brews make sure that your blog reflects this. Don’t just talk coffee for the sake of talking coffee but rather focus on the all-natural and organic qualities found at your shop.
Tip #3: Give your blog a specific personality. Michelle says it’s a good idea to define a specific personality or voice for your blog and stick with it.
Small Business Tip: It’s ok to have a funny personality, a serious voice or an informational tone in your blog. But be consistent, though. If you’re going to have a fun blog, again it’s a great reason to invite users to share funny stories and photos.
Tip #4: Give readers a unique experience. Blogs in their very nature are supposed to be like communities. But they’re also supposed to have some kind of informational value to them. Give visitors something they can’t find elsewhere.
Small Business Tip: As an entrepreneur you’ve got to keep in mind that you are an authority figure for something. What is it that your company does? Whatever the answer to this question, position yourself as an authority figure and provide the necessary information that gives people the impression that you know what you’re talking about. Not only will this elevate your status among your visitors, but it also builds credibility in front of reporters, analysts and even larger companies (that you may actually want to get noticed by).
So these are the great blog tips we found for Corporate America with our small business spin on it. Please let us know if these blogging tips have been helpful and also share any other ideas you may have.
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