No matter the size or nature of your company, having a business blog can keep you in touch with your customers, build rapport and boost your bottom line.
In fact, it’s been found that marketers who actively blog receive 67% more leads than those that do not.
Add to that the ability blogs have to build trust (rated as the 5th most trusted source for accurate online information), and blogging would seem to be a no-brainer.
Yet many businesses are still struggling to build momentum and find an audience.
If this is you and you’re ready to build a successful business blog, then read on!
The tips below will show how you to harness the power of blogging and become a better blogger…overnight.
9 Be’s: Successful Blogger Secrets You Need to Know
1. Be Responsible
Whether you’re blogging about food, health or social media, the responsibility to your readers is still the same.
Before you hit publish, review your post to ensure you maintain the integrity and credibility of your blog.
How can you do this?
- Do your due diligence. Have you checked your facts, do you know if what you’re sharing is 100% accurate?
- Don’t misrepresent the facts. Gaining a reputation as a writer that overly sensationalizes or promotes content that hasn’t been fact checked is not one you want to earn.
- Link to any resource and properly cite anyone you’ve quoted. There’s a very clear line between properly referencing someone else’s work and stealing their ideas. Make sure you don’t cross it.
- Don’t use an image if you don’t have the rights. This is a big one for bloggers to clearly understand. If you’re confused at all by what is ok and what’s not, watch this interview with my friend Sara F. Hawkins, Social Media Attorney for all the answers.
2. Be Responsive
Perhaps the single most important rule of business blogging is to maintain the conversation.
As a blogger, you’re not simply a disseminator of information. You’re a teacher, a trainer and a guide.
If you want to grow your blog readers and traffic, you can’t ignore your readers.
While this may sound like a no brainer, it can be tough to keep up with depending on the amount of conversation happening on your blog.
But replying is a commitment just like any other. Don’t get so caught up in creating content that you forget to thank those that support you.
Your readers are the backbone of your blog and your business. Ask for their opinion, invite feedback, ask questions and above all, respond to comments, complaints and concerns.
If you want to see the successful use of blog commenting in action, look no further than Adrienne Smith. Adrienne has turned blog commenting into an art and when you look at her engagement, you can see that she’s perfected it.
And look at how thoughtful her responses are. So impressive!
3. Be Steadfast
The only thing harder than starting a business blog is sustaining one. Blogging calls for exceptional writing skills, industry expertise and more importantly, enthusiasm about your business.
It takes time, energy, and perseverance. If you want to succeed, you need to be resolute and determined.
There’s no doubt about it. Building a successful blog is tough work and there will be dark days. I know I’ve seen my fair share. The key is to keep pushing forward.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Celebrate each blogging success. You’ll feel newfound enthusiasm when you do.” quote=”Celebrate each success – even the smallest accomplishments. You’ll feel newfound enthusiasm when you do.”]
4. Be Relevant
You need to be relevant to your audience if you want your blog to succeed.
So, how can you do that? Be passionate, stand for something and let your blog show your human side.
To do this:
- Find balance in your content. You want to be professional and formal without being corporate and/or faceless.
- Write a blog that adds value to your audience, but also ranks high in search based on terms/keywords relevant to your business.
- Promote your products/services to your readers without sounding like a salesperson. Make your content informative and appealing.
- Instead of overly praising your products/services, focus on addressing customer problems and offer genuine advice.
- Write content for the reader rather than for search engines. I know I said you want to rank based on keywords, but there’s a way to do this in an organic way.
- Writing for your reader should be effortless. Once you know who they are and what they need, it becomes terribly easy to create tailored content.
[clickToTweet tweet=”“I can’t write without a reader. It’s precisely like a kiss—you can’t do it alone.” -John Cheever” quote=”“I can’t write without a reader. It’s precisely like a kiss—you can’t do it alone.” – John Cheever”]
5. Be Beneficial
There are countless other business blogs within your niche, so what will make readers come back to yours? It’s your ability to become a beneficial resource.
Share insight, wisdom, and the knowledge you’ve gained over the years. Become the go-to resource that your readers simply cannot live without.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Be a benefit to others. Reciprocity is powerful when it comes from a place of gratitude.” quote=”Be a benefit to others. Reciprocity is powerful when it comes from a place of gratitude.”]
How to Be Beneficial
- Inject creativity into your blog. Let your posts echo your voice.
- Create original content, keeping it short and engaging.
- Introduce a new theme or weekly focus.
- Tell stories and use images to get your point across.
- Always offer a ridiculous amount of value to your readers like Regina Anaejionu.
I stumbled upon ByRegina.com quite some time ago and have watched her blog explode due to the thought put into each post, graphic and giveaway.
6. Be Unique
For your readers to keep coming back to your blog, it has to be refreshing and unique.
Want to make that happen? Stay away from these don’ts.
Don’ts of Business Blogging
- Don’t bore your readers to death by over explaining or belaboring a point.
- Don’t be stiff or unapproachable. Your readers want to get to know you, let them.
- Don’t overshare. Try to connect with your audience on a personal level, but be reasonable in what you share both on a personal and professional level. Commit to what makes you feel comfortable.
- Don’t copy your competition. Find your own groove and work it daily.
- Don’t simply pass along information. Share your “why” behind it. Why it captivated or compelled you and why your reader should care.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Blog Tip: Be unique. “Readers are not sheep, and not every pen tempts them.” ― Vladimir Nabokov” quote=”Be unique. “Readers are not sheep, and not every pen tempts them.” ― Vladimir Nabokov”]
7. Be Consistent
It doesn’t matter how often you publish a blog post. I know, I know – there’s a lot that’s been written and said about this topic.
But I’m taking a stand here and now and telling you – stop putting on the pressure to create more content.
Instead, commit to when you can post. Pick a day and then stick with it.
For me that day has been Monday’s. I’ve been posting once a week for years and it’s always on a Monday. Sure, I add a few things in here and there, but the goal is to keep my day/time consistent.
Why is this important? Because you train your audience when to find you.
Consistency ensures that your readers always have something new to come back to and always know when to come looking.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Being consistent in your blogging means your audience is able to anticipate your next post.” quote=”Being consistent in your blogging means your audience is able to anticipate your next post.”]
If there are unpredictable gaps in your posts, readers may well assume you ceased blogging and leave.
8. Be Humble
As your blog grows, there may be the inclination to feel a bit consumed by your success.
I’ve always shied away from that, believing that my readers (and clients) success is what makes me successful.
There’s a fine line between promoting and bragging.
If you’re a braggart or too full of yourself, your audience will quickly sense that.
Make your motivation about them and not you. That’s what will keep them coming back for more.
I’ve always believed this to be true. Work hard and let your success speak for itself!
9. Be Considerate
And last but not least, be considerate of your community.
Your blogging community – the visitors who come back to your blog consistently – they’re your number one asset.
Take the time to say thank you and reach out in other ways.
There are many opportunities on your blog to do this, but here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Offer discounts for your products/services for anyone who visits your site more than once.
- Interview readers on topics within their area of expertise.
- Highlight reader content and link to their posts.
- Allow readers who write within your space to guest post.
- Collaborate on a project.
- Offer a downloadable that’s only available to subscribers.
- Give away your super smarts – for FREE!
There’s no one that does this better than Peg Fitzpatrick. She spends her days perfecting her social media strategy and then readily gives that knowledge away to her readers.
Don’t be afraid to do the same on your blog.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of ingredients that make up a successful blog.
I don’t pretend to know them all, but I can tell you that each of the “Be’s” above has made a major impact on mine.
People are looking for a leader. Be one in your industry and own your niche!
GREAT article, Rebekah. Very grounding 🙂
I have no subscribers yet but I wanted to make a newsletter to share a sale for appreciating my customers new and returning with a special get with a purchase to help enage with them on a level to increase subscribers so how or who do I send the emails or do I post it and then get more subscribers on pinterest I’ve got more comments then ever and slowly on my website. This special I’m doing is a set of 4 Beach Christmas Ornaments because it’s the perfect time. How do I get noticed
“Find balance in your content. You want to be professional and formal without being corporate and/or faceless.”
Hi Rebekah! Great post, as always!
I wanted to take a sec to ask a question about the point above, if I may?
I recently have started sharing a little more ‘personal’ stuff on my business / blogging social media channels, such as a photo from my recent trip to Las Vegas…
My followers seemed to like it just fine. 🙂
But I’m wondering what your thoughts are there…? Anything wrong with throwing in a few personal / significant items every now and then?
Just wondering. Thanks!
– Brent
Hi Brent! It’s great to see you here. I see no problem with it at all, especially if your community is responding to it positively. I find it boring to follow people that never share a glimpse into their personal lives. We’re not robots and definitely not one dimensional. I’m glad you’re finding success in sharing at least a little bit of your life with your fans and followers. I’d encourage you to keep at it!
Hi Rebekah,
I came from Adrienne’s blog and am glad I did. I love Magical Mondays and they are always full of so much value just like your blog post.
Your nine Be’s are written in a way that all of us can understand and that is a gift in itself.
I am 63 years old and love blogging and you could consider me to be a newbie. I’m learning a lot from your post. I took notes because I want to remember all the Be’s you have taught me.
Thank you so much for sharing your post with me.
You have an awesome holiday,
Linda
Hi Linda! Thank you so much for popping over from Adrienne’s blog. I just love that lady! And I’m so excited for you. Being new to the blogging world is such a special time. You have so much ahead of you. Enjoy the journey!
Hi Rebekah.
Great post. I found out about you through one of Adrienne Smith’s posts.
I’m still new to the whole blogging thing and can definitely see area I need
improvement.
I already do #1 and #2 consistently. My trouble start with #3 on.
I’m finding it very tough to find things to write about as I’m still learning what it takes
to be successful online.
I’ve been told to just write about my journey, the good and bad,
so that those who read it will know that I’m not just sugar-coating everything.
Every post I’ve written, so far, has been about my own experiences.
I look forward to reading your other posts.
Have a great weekend……..Chris
Hi Chris! Thank you so much for stopping by from Adrienne’s blog. She is such an amazing blogger and resource. You couldn’t be learning the roped from anyone better.
I would agree with the advice you’ve been given. Write from the heart, that’s what people will relate to. Share your journey – the good and the bad. Take people on the ride with you as you explore and learn from your experiences. You will enjoy it and they will appreciate the honesty.
Hi Rebekah,
You put such value in this post that I don’t know which point to emphasis on in this comment 😉
However, I think if readers don’t benefit from your posts, they probably won’t come back. The more value you dish out, the more loyal readers and subscribers you get.
Awesome content here! Keep it up 😉
Hi Enstine! I completely agree. It’s all about going into any relationship with a giving mindset. Become a valuable resource and treat people with respect. Two incredibly important ways you can keep people coming back for more.
Hi Rebekah,
Of all the great points you made I resonated so much with “lead”!
It’s our job to be leaders and leadership requires that we do what you suggested and then some.
First and foremost in order to lead we have to learn how to be good followers. That means do what we want others to do for us first. Read, comment, engage, share and be a support for other businesses who blog.
Second, it means creating great content that is inspiring, compelling, interesting, relevant and compelling.
It’s giving them a reason to keep coming back over and over again until they hit that magic number where they have to connect with you more meaningfully and even buy from us.
Leadership is a learned skill and trait. That means we have to pursuing our education in leadership and be perfecting our craft daily.
The person who learns, experiments and perfects their craft always gets ahead of those who do not.
Leadership requires our best!
Great post Rebekah and thanks for the the inspiration and challenge.
Have an awesome week ahead!
~ Don Purdum
Fantastic blog, well written loved every bit of it. Will be sharing
Hey Rebekah,
Great post. The point that you’ve made about ” be responsive” is so very true.
As a blogger you can’t ignore your readers. You need them just as much as they need useful information. So you have to do what have you can do to keep that conversation going.
And the Adrienne Smith is a good example of someone who does this.
Also I like the point about ” be unique” because the last thing you want to do is be a boring blogger. Or a “me too” blogger.
Great post.
– Andrew
Hi Rebekah,
I can’t agree more with being humble. I know tons of people who get their heads high especially when they get a lot of traction. As a matter of fact, you shouldn’t!
Be good to others and help them as much as you can. In return, you will be blessed and God will take care of the rest! — At least, that’s what I totally believe in 🙂
Thanks for sharing dear friend!
I couldn’t agree more Reginald and now I know why you and I have connected so well. Like minds. 🙂
You definitely live and breathe this.
Great post! I’ve been blogging for 5 years and I totally agree with you. Blogging is like a kiss. You can’t do it alone 😉
No you can’t. You need a tribe that supports you and cheers you on Laura!
Hey Rebekah,
Thanks for great post. I was reading down you list and saying; check – doing that or must do that. I believe with all your points if I keep to them I will eventually stand out from the rest. Content is something that is overwhelming and easy to get hold of. I love that you have been posting once a week for years. I decided after receiving some advice that once a week is what I will do. My day is Tuesday and I love this day now. I have had a week of writing what I consider great content, I have struggled with it, I have sleep, eaten and breathed the topic and on post days, it is a mini celebration. So once again taking your advice and acknowledging small successes.
I think because we are all in our own niches if we find our own voice on a particular subject matter, we give it a different spin from those who have written about the same topic.
When I read your humble section, I stopped and thought would I ever get too full of myself because I am always so delighted, when people give me their time and comments. If I could do back flips that is exactly what I would be doing because in my mind I doing them from joy.
As for the be considerate, I am struggling here a bit. I am not giving everyone my all with honesty. I am being genuine but I am holding back. This is more so when I am commenting on other sites. As I am new I feel I don’t have the right to give constructive feedback. And I am struggling with this because I feel this is where we can improve. I am not saying anyone has to agree with my advice but I don’t offer what I feel would be points for growth, thought or debate. And I don’t feel I want to do it in the public arena. What advice would you give me on this. Because I have not read anything anywhere about this.
You are so delightful Rachel! It sounds like you truly love what you do and what you write about.
From the sound of it, I can’t imagine you ever getting to full of yourself. As far as commenting – don’t hold back. Know your value and own that. Share what you know and let others benefit from it!
Rebekah,
Blogging is not just a pastime, something to be taken lightly. It can be a serious business builder and customer attractor when done well. You have shown so clearly what it really takes to create a good blog that is sustainable and draws steady traffic. It requires consistency, relevancy, responsiveness and all the other traits and actions you suggest.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Hi Erica! It’s so great to see you.
You’re so right. Blogging is something that when taken seriously, can truly elevate everything within your business. But it takes time, commitment and patience. Success does not happen overnight and too many are looking for a quick fix or magic pill.
Commit to your purpose and know that results will follow.
Hi Rebekah,
When it comes to blogging your 9 Bs are spot on! It is so great to see my BFF Adrienne here as a fine example too.
Be consistent, give it all you got, be grateful for those who take their time out and come to your blog and comment. Keep things simple and write for your readers. This way when they visit they can take something away from your post and hopefully put it into action.
But most of all, be humble. Your blog can grow sky high, but we must remember it is the people that come to it that made it all happen.
-Donna
You are such an excellent example of this Donna. I am always inspired by your blog and everything else you create.
You have a teacher’s heart and it’s obvious how much joy it brings you to share your gift with others. Thank you for stopping by!
Hi Rebekah,
I love that you mentioned Adrienne Smith! She is an awesome blogger and the most responsive blogger I’ve ever seen. She is so sweet!
All of these tips actually can help with life in general. To be considerate, humble, beneficial, steadfast, etc. are all characteristics of succeeding in life. Thanks for sharing these!
Take care,
Lillian
She is all of that and so much more Lillian. I just love Adrienne and her giving spirit.
And so true about succeeding in life. They are indeed qualities that help us in every aspect – from personal to business.
Hey Rebekah,
You have listed some great tips on blogger secrets that all solopreneurs and entrepreneurs should put into practice. The biggest thing that I’ve seen that can damage your reputation is being responsive. You want to be very responsive to your readers which gives the the feeling that they are important to you and it shows how competent you are to them.
The one point I disagree with is picking a day to publish a blog post. I use to make all the effort to publish on Monday, but for me life got in the way. But one thing is for sure that I at least post once a week. I’m still getting great traffic, and as a matter of fact I’m getting more traffic, but to be honest with you I don’t believe it’s from not picking a day to publish 😉 bur the fact that Im responsive and acknowledge my visitors.
Thanks for the share and you have a great week ahead!
What’s important is that you found what works for you Sherman. There’s no one size fits all solution that’s for sure.
Find what you can commit to and then stick with it. The key in all of it really is consistency. community and relationship building.
I would also completely agree about responsiveness and acknowledgement. You and Adrienne do such a great job at this!
Hey Rebekah,
I guess it’s a Smith thing LOL j/k… Thanks Rebekah. I really appreciate the compliment
The foundation of every successful blog begins and exists because of these 9 commandments. Without each and everyone of them you’ll be hard pressed to grow week after week.
There’s not much more to add here, you’ve really hit the nail on the head here, Rebekah! But I love the last one, Be Humble, too many forget that and let their success make them change them and their priorities. You’re proof that you’re never too successful to stay connected to your audience. You ROCK, lady!
Right back at ya Andrea! I love all that you’re doing within your business and blog. You are showing so many how to be successful through powerful visuals. This is an art so many are struggling to understand.
Keep on creating beautiful (and provocative) content!
Rebekah,
Each and every blog I read, I gain tremendous value from them. Thank you for being that guiding light for me!
This blog introduced me to another valuable asset to follow on SM blog by Regina! – WOW! This girl is amazing and worthy to follow and listen to!
She is amazing, isn’t she Anna? I’m surprised you haven’t run into her on Instagram. You will love all that she’s sharing!
Hey Rebekah,
What great suggestions and I agree with every single one of them.
If you have a business online then I believe you should incorporate blogging as your marketing tool. What better way to share with your audience things that will help them. It’s also the best way to make those necessary connections that we both know is crucial to our overall success.
What a surprise, seeing me mentioned here. I so appreciate that, thank you so much. Through this process for me personally I really appreciate the time each individual has taken to not only read my content but leave a comment and share it on social media. Out of all the content online today they chose my blog so that means the world to me. How can I not let them know that so that’s how my relationships have been built just out of me letting them know how much I appreciate the time they put aside to stop by my place.
I know that with all the blogs that are out there today, some are finding it hard to know how to stand out. As you’ve mentioned here, don’t be boring with your content and trust me when I say you have a LOT of wisdom to offer. Our own life experiences can be shared in a story and that’s how most will start to relate to you and what it is you offer.
As always, fabulous advice Rebekah and thank you again so much for the mention. I hope you have a wonderful day and a fabulous week. Now I’m off to share this post with my friends too. They need to hear this.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne!
You make it so easy to support and promote you Adrienne. You practice what you preach and gladly share with others the secret behind your success.
I wish everyone would follow your lead. You are incredible at building community and relationships. All I have to do is look around to see the leader you are and the people who lovingly support all that you do.
I sing your praises everywhere I can!
This is useful post for me as a blogger. I have starting writing last year and now making it my proffession. Please keep sharing similar content.
That’s so exciting Pardeep. Congratulations!