We’ve talked before about why blogging is a smart tactic in your marketing strategy. It’s good for SEO, it positions you as a leader in your industry, and it gives you original content to share on social media. However, if you understand the importance of blogging but aren’t feeling inspired to sit down and write – that’s almost as big an issue as not understanding it at all.
Many clients will tell me that they have no idea what to write about, but inspiration is all around them… if they know where to look. If you think that you don’t have a story to tell, allow me to change your mind.
1. In a conversation with clients.
The best way to figure out what your potential or current clients want to read is by talking to current clients. Perhaps you have a great testimonial that you’d like to share, along with a story about how you helped your client. Or maybe you’ve been getting the same question over and over from customers that you could easily address for the masses in a blog post. Your customers may even tell you, “You know, I wish I had more information about [blank].” Talking on-on-one is the best way to communicate with clients, but being a resource even after they’re left your business is a great way to show that you listen and care about them.
2. On your lunch break.
Sometimes inspiration comes from a place that is completely unconnected to your business. Just because you own an auto body shop, that doesn’t meant that you can only find inspiration in the garage. We are a big fan of metaphors here, and often these metaphors help us explain our business to potential clients in a unique and simple way. Take a walk on your lunch break and see if any new ideas to promote your business pop up!
3. In a pressure moment.
Not every day is perfect – and it’s on some of those horrible days that we get some of our best ideas. If something went wrong with a client or you run into an unexpected issue as a business owner, think about how you could turn this into helpful content. For instance, if there is a miscommunication that requires some customer service, try a blog post about how you make sure that customers feel respected and listened to, and remind them of all of the ways they can get in touch with you if they need help.
4. Other blogs.
As a business owner, it’s your job to say up-to-date on what your industry is talking about. A great way to educate yourself is to keep up with similar companies on social media and to follow their blogs. You can’t teach your customers if you don’t have the answers yourself! You may even find inspiration from blog that aren’t in your industry. For instance, if an interior design company is featuring a project of the week, a real estate developer can do the same!
5. Peers.
Your peers can be a great resource for coming up with blog posts. Consider calling up a friend in your business and meeting them for coffee or a drink. I bet that after your conversation is over, you’ll have PLENTY to talk about on your blog.
6. In the news.
Linking your business to current events is a perfect way to seem relevant to your customers. Nonprofits can discuss world issues, lawyers can discuss new proposed bills, and home goods retail stores can talk about the latest design trends. The best part of this kind of information is that if you’re passionate about you’re business… you’re probably reading it already!
Now click out of this window and go off and get inspired.