Hey, Barb here!
I'd like to start this issue with the critical idea that your business blog is central to your marketing strategy. The concern seems to be that blogging for your business is "boring, slow and time consuming." This is so unfortunate. When we look at what our potential customers need to know, how they gather information and what they want from those they buy from, we see exactly what role a blog plays in the Customer Journey (defined below). This issue begins to reflect on this positioning.
Let's get started!
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The What
The Customer Journey
Why should you consider how your content (including your blog posts) fits into the journey your customers make from being strangers to eager buyers and cheerleaders? When you clearly understand the role of your blog posts in the way you market, you can focus the info you share to help bring the reader along, making sure it's ready to be used in a way the reader wants/needs.
Your blog posts need to support the visitor experience. During the post (or content) creation process, pay attention to which phase of the journey this post would be directed to. Just in case you need a refresher, here are the phases of the customer journey:
- Awareness phase - (Blog posts are incredibly effective here)
- Engagement phase / Consideration phase
- Evaluation phase / Decision phase
- Purchase phase
- Post-purchase phase / Loyalty phase
In the Awareness phase, the reader becomes aware they need something. They begin to look for a solution to their question or problem, and suring their search the become aware of a potention products or service provider for the first time. They spend tim with your blog content to gain an understanding of who they are and what they offer. As the service provider, you are working to attract that attention, to gain visibility and to show customers how you can help them reach their goals so they can get what they want or need.
What other types of content are particularly effective in this stage (as well as blog posts)?
- Social Media updates
- Infographics
- Videos
- Podcasts
The Why
Building Know, Like and Trust with your business blog
Your business blog gives you a chance to interact with your customers, which is priceless for building relationships that will last for years. It is a way to communicate directly with your customers on your own terms. Many people overlook that blogging is a form of social media and it's designed to get two-way communication going.
The How
Keyword Research tools: How to Use Answer The Public to Generate More Traffic
The idea of keyword research can be overwhelming for early business bloggers. With the right keyword research and tools, you can tap into what your potential customers are searching for and direct them to your page through well-crafted ads and content. As a bonus, it can also help inform your content strategy, improve the copy on your landing pages and more.
Go to Answer the Public site here.
Did You Know?
The Customer Journey definition
The customer journey is the complete sum of experiences that customers go through when interacting with your company and brand. Instead of looking at just a part of a transaction or experience, the customer journey documents the full experience of being a customer.
Before you go
I hope you enjoyed this issue of BBH (Business Blogging Handbook), and that it gave you something to think about. Blogging doesn't have to be a scary prospect once you are able to place the reason for it in your marketing efforts. Blogging will make a huge difference to your success on your own terms.
If you have questions about blogging for your business, or suggestions of what you'd like to see in this newsletter I'd love to hear from you. Drop me an email here and let's talk.
Do you know someone who would enjoy what this newsletter is all about? Let them know. We'd love to have them join us!