Characteristics of a Successful Business Blog

Sitting down to write isn’t always easy. Even the most successful bloggers sometimes grasp for content. The trick is to stick with a theme or topic, then branch out from there to create an offering of connected subjects that inform readers about how your products or services can benefit them. If you're ready to start a business blog, how do you find focus and time to write when there is already so much on your plate?

Here are some tips for starting and maintaining a successful business blog:

Schedule

Every blog needs a schedule. Consistent posting not only attracts readers, but also makes it easier for you to write. The first step to creating a business blog is to outline a schedule that works for you. While dreaming up potential content is typically the first thing people think of when they consider blog writing, if you don’t have a consistent habit of posting, few people will take notice. Use an online calendar tool to provide an overview of your month's content plan, and set reminders and deadlines to help stay on track. Most importantly, to set yourself up for success, be realistic about how often you can post.

One you've determined your post frequency, consider the ideal length for each blog post. Include a variety of content topics all centered on your main focus, and be mindful of the order in which you present the information. Some topics that require in-depth information might be best presented in a series, scheduled to go live one at a time throughout the month, for example. Also, consider creating a theme for each month's content to stay organized and fresh, while also tying into any relevant seasons or holidays.

Content

Learn from other companies that are blogging with consistency and purpose, and enjoying lots of success along the way.

Apple Rubber, for example, does a great job of posting regularly, and includes a healthy mix of topics that range from sustainability to ethical business practices, all directly relevant to their manufacturing industry. Because their audience knows that they produce well-written, informative content on a regular basis, they enjoy lots of feedback from visitors on their site, which increases brand awareness and loyalty.

ModCloth is another good example. This brand does a nice job of catering to their target audience with witty, educated, and culturally savvy content. By staying relevant and featuring fashions from American Horror Story before its season premier, in one example, the company connects with the audience on a level that resonates with their fashion-loving sides, while also aligning with their other interests.

Strategy

When crafting your content strategy, aim to identify what current and potential customers will want to know about your business. What issues can you address? What questions about your services can you answer? Focus on dispelling myths about the industry in which your business operates. From there you can branch out to larger, connected subjects.

Remember to get the most out of your blog posts by sharing them via your social media accounts, and encouraging your employees to do so as well.