I was talking to a potential client this week who runs a furniture restoration and upholstery business. Pretty niche, I think you will agree and they need a lot of help with branding their online presence…or even having an online presence…
The first thing I suggested to them? That they should blog.
If you are wondering at this point why I am handing out advice before they have even signed on the dotted line, let me tell you this is the way I always do things. And it works.
I’m sure you’ve heard of the idea of reciprocity when it comes to sales – essentially, give away something valuable and the recipient is far more likely to then buy from you. Well, that translates to offline clients and advice as well.
Why did I suggest blogging? Because blogging is the best way to establish authority, build a relationship with your customers and get the right kind of traffic, i.e. traffic that is tightly targeted to your niche.
Still not convinced? Take a look at this:
http://blog.thewholebraingroup.com/9-b2b-blogging-myths-2017
And this:
https://www.incomediary.com/biggest-blogging-benefits
And if those have inspired you to start a blog, you need this:
http://www.blogtyrant.com/starting-a-blog-in-2017/
With another great guide for beginners here:
https://www.bloggingbasics101.com/how-do-i-start-a-blog/
Of course, the whole idea is to get a good ROI or ROYT (Return On Investment which in blogging terms usually means Return On Your Time and effort) – learn how to monetize your blog so you can get that return here:
https://makeawebsitehub.com/how-to-make-money-blogging/
There are any number of tools out there to help you blog faster, easier and better – here are 20 of the best that don’t cost a bean:
http://www.successfulblogging.com/tools-for-bloggers-free/
With 23 more here (there is some crossover):
http://www.jeffbullas.com/2016/12/13/23-free-blogging-tools-will-make-better-blogger/
While there are also techniques that can dramatically cut down the time and effort it takes to create great content:
http://www.bloggingwizard.com/write-your-blog-post-faster/
Want a great theme for your blog? There are 43 of them here:
http://www.wpbeginner.com/showcase/43-beautiful-free-wordpress-blog-themes/
With more here:
https://premium.wpmudev.org/blog/stunning-free-themes
Need some images to boost engagement? Try my current fave Pexels here:
Finally, if you could do with some encouragement to get that blog (or, indeed, anything) going, watch this:
https://www.ted.com/talks/david_kelley_how_to_build_your_creative_confidence
Finally, if you could do with some encouragement to get that blog (or, indeed, anything) going, watch this:
