Hey, Barb here!
It's the 1st of June how heaven's sake! The year is half over and I just spent yesterday wondering where the time has gone so far this year. Still, it's also the traditional time (for me anyway) to encourage my clients to revisit their blogs for what could be considered a periodic refresh. That brings me to this issue of BBH - it's about tips you can use when you feel yourself flagging with your blog. Enjoy the read!
Looking for back issues? Check out the Archives here
The Who
Who's the Hero in Your Business?
When you use your blog to spread your sales messages, you may struggle to find readers. You might not win the clients you’re looking for. And your blog may remain a lonely voice whispering quietly into the wind with no one paying attention.
Most people aren’t interested in your sales messages. Most people aren’t even interested in your business. They want to know what’s in it for them.
To gain business with your blog, stop thinking like a salesman and start acting like your reader’s mentor …
Many businesses are mediocre because they don't strive to be heroic. Other businesses fail to thrive due to an overabundance of hero syndrome.
The What
The Sin of Originality (the Truth about Building a Popular Blog)
No treasure of blogging jewels lies waiting to be heisted. You need to know where to look.
And you have to stop reading purely for pleasure.
That’s right. Instead you need to study content.
You have to determine what makes content successful. You have to learn the techniques of persuasion, the methods of bonding with your readers, and the recipes for being memorable.
You should study a variety of texts – blog posts, sales letters, adverts, email newsletters, novels, and newspapers. Even trashy magazines can teach you about blogging.
19 Blog Post Ideas to Spark Your Creativity and Inspire Your Writing
You’re staring at a blank sheet, unsure what to write about next.
Haven’t you written everything already?
What more is there to say?
What else can you write?
Hang on.
That might be the wrong question.
Write more authoritative blog posts
You might think you’ve covered everything there’s to say about your industry, but this is hardly ever true.
Have you lost your curiosity?
Below follow 9 ideas to re-kindle your interest …
- Consider what’s being discussed in your industry and share an authoritative opinion. Strong opinions can spark a debate. You can also explain why you disagree with an authority’s opinion.
- Comment on the latest trends or predict what’s going to happen next year. - - You can also ask experts to share their thoughts.
- Create an epic guide. Consider reducing your blog schedule for a few weeks to have time to write your most detailed post ever.
- Publish an ultimate list of resources. Share the best resources you know that can help your readers succeed.
- Record a podcast with an expert. Ask insightful questions to show your own authority and create an interesting debate.
- Ask an authority to contribute a guest post or see whether you can co-write a post.
- Explode a myth. Do your readers have a certain idea that you think is completely wrong? Argue a strong case in your next blog post.
- Have a rant. Occasionally, it’s okay to vent your anger and write about something that upsets you. To avoid regrets, edit and polish your post when you’ve cooled down.
- Find a quote to inspire your next blog post. Create a swipe file with fascinating quotes. But don’t steal your inspiration – credit your sources.
A 3-Step Formula for Captivating Your Audience With a Few Opening Lines
How can we write openings that pull readers into our blog posts so they keep reading? Well, it might be easier than you think.
Before you go
Well, that's a wrap for this issue. Short and sweet but with some info you can use. Is this type of content helpful to you? Want some assistance with getting your (blog) word out without compromise? Let's connect - here's the link to book a 30 minute call!
Do you know someone who would enjoy what this newsletter is all about? Let them know by sharing this link. We'd love to have them join us!
Until next issue, take care and happy blogging!