If you’re ready to cut through the clutter, there’s one surefire way.
Build a successful and profitable blog.
Your blog is a gateway to potential customers.
It’s a virtual bridge, connecting your business to consumers eager to share in the online space.
But they’ll never know who you are if you don’t put a strategy in place.
A strategy will combine your goals with the content needed to build awareness and brand reputation.
I joined Kelly Mitchell on Agent Caffeine, a show committed to fueling your business, where we discussed the steps it takes to build a profitable blog strategy.
Below are Kelly’s questions and my answers that will work to take you from super-secret to blogger extraordinaire.
Fuel a Profitable Blog Strategy
Q: What Does it Take to Build a Power Blog?
A power blog is run by a power blogger.
That person is strategic, focused, totally zeroed in on who their target market is, passionate about their topic, consistent in their efforts and always giving more than they ever expect to get back.
Danielle Bernstein who was highlighted in an article in the New York Post is a great example.
She’s the founder of WeWoreWhat.com, has 227,000 Instagram followers, 30,000 Twitter followers and has a voice and a brand that is followed intently by a legion of raving fans.
She’s also considered one of the elite fashion bloggers in the country.
The beauty behind that story is this. She’s making a living doing what she loves. It is possible, but the key is getting focused and building a solid, but powerful foundation.
Q: What are the Building Blocks to a Profitable Blog?
1. Provide Valuable Content
Listen to your readers. Comb through their questions and find ways to solve problems.
Offering a substantial amount of value builds trust and will establish you as the industry authority. Remember, trust takes time and will not happen overnight.
Give freely and be patient. Consistently offering your insight, wisdom and knowledge will allow readers to see you are in it for them, not just the paycheck.
2. Post Consistently
When was the last time you returned to a blog that hadn’t posted in weeks or even months? Probably never.
It’s difficult to consider them a viable resource when the blogger doesn’t take posting seriously.
Create consistency within your posting strategy. It lends credibility and will keep you in front of your readers and top-of-mind.
Plan on writing at least one content rich post per week. Then add it to your calendar and stick to it like any other appointment.
3. Get Inside Your Target Markets Head
Have a deep understanding of who your market is and what they’re looking for. Don’t assume you have the answers. Do your homework.
Breakdown your top three target markets and what problems you solve for each one. For example, if parents are your target market, take a deeper dive into that niche.
Your three target markets might look like this:
- Parents of teens
- Parents of teens with disabilities
- Parents of teen drivers
As you can imagine, the problems you solve for each one will be considerably different. Know exactly what those needs are and find ways to meet them in a very real and specific way.
Q: How Do You Create a Powerful Content Creation Strategy?
My solution is two-fold.
My first strategy is a swipe file. This is a file that allows you to easily swipe ideas as you make your way across the web and save it for content inspiration down the road.
This could be a blog post, a video, or podcast. Anything that grabs your attention.
The second strategy I live and die by is an editorial calendar. I am a checklist girl and what isn’t on the list, doesn’t get done.
That holds true in my business and flows through to social media.
Q: How Can Graphics Drive Blog Shares?
Graphics are an incredibly powerful tool.
Take the time to create a big, beautiful graphic and post it to Google+, Pinterest and Facebook. Then tweet that graphic.
According to a study by Dan Zarralla, tweets with images are 94% more likely to get retweeted than those that don’t. Don’t miss that opportunity!
The graphic I create for Google+ and Pinterest with a size of 800 x 1200. That takes up a lot of real estate and works extremely well on both platforms.
Q: How Can Bloggers Keep Track of Contacts Eager to Support Their Efforts?
I have three quick tips.
Each one can be used in conjunction with the others, but will depend on your overall strategy and the relationships you’ve built.
- Twitter Lists – This is an excellent way to manage contacts. Add those that actively share your content to a list of blog supporters. Share their content on a consistent basis. This builds awareness and generates reciprocity.
- Google+ Circles – As you post an article, ask who would like to be included in your Google+ shared circle. Then notify that circle each time you write a new article.
- Create an excel file with your top business advocates. Reach out to each one personally and thank them for their continued support. Let them know when you post each week and ask if they would be willing to share.
Q: How Can Google+ Communities Boost Blogger Awareness and Drive Additional Shares?
Google+ communities are a wonderful way to connect with like-minded bloggers.
Be very mindful of community guidelines and get to know the community before you begin posting.
It’s extremely important to understand what the do’s and don’ts of each community so tread lightly.
Most will allow you to share your own content as long as it doesn’t resemble link-litter where you simply drop a link with no context or explanation around it.
How are you building a powerful and profitable blog? I’d love to hear from you!
Watch the show in its entirety here:
Aysh says
April 15, 2014 at 12:38 pmWow! I am speechless! This is such a powerful post. I have never known a powerful post before… but this is. Thank you.
David Merrill 101 says
April 6, 2014 at 6:52 pmThese are excellent ideas, Rebekah.
Power blogging is a big commitment. Consistently offering great content to a targeted crowd is the right path to be on, but it does take work and organization
Your tips are very helpful in that regard. i especially like the idea of using Google+ communities to communicate with others in your niche.
Leslie Denning says
April 6, 2014 at 5:09 pmMan, oh man, Rebekah, do you ever sleep? You’re not only a top real estate agent, you are also a social media/blogging coach. Sometimes I get tired just coming to your blog LOL
Seriously, I also get to learn from you, which is great for a gal who grew up with a typewriter, a corded phone, and a record player. I appreciate this topic very much, and it’s gone to Evernote for further study. Thanks so much.
All the best,
Leslie
Cole Wiebe says
April 4, 2014 at 5:35 pmHi Rebekah,
You’ve compiled a lot of valuable information in one space.
I appreciate the reminder to stick to my editorial calendar. Sorry clients… blogging must come first. 🙂
– Cole
nick catricala says
March 31, 2014 at 6:36 pmRebekah,
Learning, learning, learning and MORE learning.. there is no end and love it..
I love your article on how to build a power blog… there is so much to learn (for me) and all what I read so far give me inspiration to learn more and do better..
You are truly a professional.. and for sure I must visit your articles more often so I can improve faster…
THANKS so much for sharing such great informations.
_nickc
Sarah Arrow says
March 31, 2014 at 12:04 pmHi Rebekah, like you I’m a big fan of the editorial calendar – it’s not planned it won’t happen. I’m careful with whom I reach out to though, I would hate to build up a relationship with someone and they think I’m only interested in using their influence to my own ends. And I’ve had people contact me, out of the blue, and ask me to promote their content. This has to be very well thought out or you will upset / offend people.
Willena Flewelling says
March 31, 2014 at 10:45 amWow, Rebekah! This post is loaded with great tips! My favourite, and one I can start implementing right now is the swipe file. One gem of many you’ve given us, but it’s the one that shines brightest for me.
Kyle Nelson says
March 31, 2014 at 7:45 amWow, this articles was jammed packed with valuable information. I have been searching for a solid editorial calendar and followed your link within the post. Thanks for sharing that and i look forward to utilizing it. The next step with it is commitment for me!
Heather says
March 31, 2014 at 2:48 amWhat an informative interview! Thank you!
Sue Bride says
March 30, 2014 at 4:44 pmExcellent tips Rebekah. I am often asked how to SEO and sell through a blog. Many are disappointed to learn that there are no shortcuts to creating a successful blog. They will maybe use an SEO plugin, share posts via social media but either not blog enough or just write purely promotional posts. They are not prepared to do what is really necessary.
donna merrill says
March 28, 2014 at 7:54 pmHi Rebekah,
I just love all your tips! I like the idea of a swipe file and will incorporate that one to my strategy. That will certainly be a time saver for me.
Consistency…oh boy one of my pet peeves. One must be consistent even if it is one blog a week. There is nothing worse for me than to go to a blog and try to figure out what the heck am I going to read!
These are great take-aways as usual my friend.
I thank you,
-Donna
Ryan Biddulph says
March 26, 2014 at 8:14 amRebekah, super! Consistent content draws in people, and targeted content at that. I publish 5 or more times daily – plenty of little videos here. Publishing frequently helps you draw in fans, and readers, and over time these relationships turn into prospering relationships.
Thanks. Tweeted!
Marquita Herald says
March 26, 2014 at 7:06 amGreat advice Rebekah, I felt energized just reading the article! I agree with each of your points, but from a reader’s perspective I have to say the issue of consistent posting is a hot button for me. When I see a blog that goes a couple of weeks (or longer!) without a new post that tells me the author isn’t serious about the blog so I’m not likely to return.
Chery Schmidt says
March 25, 2014 at 1:43 pmHello Rebekah! I love your blogging strategies! My biggest take away was the swipe file, this is something I do need to start doing this more, I come across so many amazing sites and get these brainstorms while there but then I get busy doing something else and well you know LOL
Well off to see what you have to say about these swipe files in your next article.
Thanks for sharing.. Chery :))
Leanne Chesser says
March 25, 2014 at 11:38 amYour point about getting into your target market’s head is really the key, I think. The rest flows from that. I’ve been spending time doing that and have a series of posts planned that answer questions and challenges that my market has told me about. Images/graphics are becoming a bigger part of what I do as well.
Karen says
March 24, 2014 at 8:52 pmLots of great suggestions here, Rebekah! I really like the idea of using a good graphic to drive traffic to your blog. Pictures definitely seem to speak a thousand words and I’ve noticed that they tend to get pinned more on Pinterest as well. By the way, how do you create a list in Twitter?
Thanks again for all the useful tips!
Kumar Gauraw says
March 24, 2014 at 4:31 pmHi Rebekah,
I made some improvements in my Google+ strategy in recent months, joined a few communities but honestly, I am not yet ON there. Yeah, I am there and then not there. Just because I have been getting good traction with Facebook and Twitter since the beginning and those things kept me engaged more.
But you know what, each time I come to your site, you motivate me to pay some attention and I had made my profile improvements on your recommendations (if you remember).
And I know I can find sometime for Google+ and I am going to work on that aspect in weeks to come. Thank you for this awesome post. It adds a lot of good value once more!
Regards,
Kumar
Holly says
March 24, 2014 at 12:55 pmHi Rebekah! I have a lot to learn on this one.. Some great info for me to take away and use!! Although I’m mostly still doing my thing offline.. I’m starting to get more interested in how to do what I do online!!
Rebekah Radice says
March 24, 2014 at 6:37 pmHi Holly! I’m glad to hear you’re slowly making the transition from offline to online. It’s all a process, but it sounds like you’re enjoying it!
Angela Booth says
March 24, 2014 at 12:27 pmHi Rebekah — great advice; I especially love the idea bout the Swipe file. I keep a list of bookmarks, then manage to forget all about them.
I like the idea of 800×1200 graphics too – mine are way too small. Will think bigger. 🙂
Thank you for the article… pinned, and will reshare.
Rebekah Radice says
March 24, 2014 at 6:38 pmI would do the same thing with bookmarks Angela. Out of sight, out of mind as they say! 🙂
Marc says
March 24, 2014 at 10:53 amAll of your points are valid and powerful Rebekah. Like you, I’m also really dependent on my editorial calendar and my checklists. One of the keys that I’ve found is to have a long term approach and mindset to blogging. Like you mentioned, it takes time and effort to build a successful blog, and even when the traffic is growing it still may take a while for the blog to really produce much business or income. If you focus on the long-term benefits and how valuable they blog can be once you’re put in the consistent effort, I think it is a lot easier to stay motivated. Most people give up pretty quickly if it looks like things will take longer than they expected, but if you have a long term approach a slow start isn’t nearly as frustrating.
Rebekah Radice says
March 24, 2014 at 6:40 pmExcellent points Marc. Focusing on the long-term does keep you moving forward, especially on the days when you’re less than enthusiastic.
Anything worthwhile is worth giving your all to in my opinion!
Heather McLane says
March 24, 2014 at 9:26 amHi Rebekah,
These are great tips. I’ve definitely found Twitter lists to be helpful, and have been using them a lot more lately.
I’ve been reluctant to join a G+ community (the groups I joined on LinkedIn didn’t do much for me), but will reconsider on your advice.
Thanks,
Heather
Rebekah Radice says
March 24, 2014 at 7:39 pmLinkedIn groups are substantially different than G+ communities. give them a try. I really think you’ll find a lot of value in them!
Ashley Faulkes says
March 24, 2014 at 6:39 amHey Rebekah,
So many actionable tips this week, I love it.
I like the use of lists on twitter and special circles on G+ to segregate those that deserve a special mention.
I am also a bit fan of images like yourself and paid attention to your recent HOA with Ryan where you talked about color consistency and branding. All my latest images are going in that direction and I think it really helps (I don’t have a cool chick on all my images, but I try nonetheless :>)
have a great week
ashley
Rebekah Radice says
March 24, 2014 at 7:42 pmYou do a terrific job with consistency Ashley! I’m always impressed by the quality of your work. I love to hear that you’re seeing success with big images too!
Reginald says
March 24, 2014 at 4:19 amHi Rebekah,
Saw this on Triberr and hey, great write indeed.
I wrote something about that recently too and heck, your writing made mine look so bad 🙂
Thanks for writing this and signed up for your newsletter too!
Talk to you soon.
Rebekah Radice says
March 24, 2014 at 7:43 pmThank you Reginald! I really appreciate you hopping over from Triberr and for subscribing!