5 Blogging Tips

Blogging can boost your current marketing efforts. It’s easy to set up a blog (go to www.blogger.com), but what do you do after you’ve created a blog.

Here are some basic but relevant tips that will help you get the most marketing bang from your blogging efforts.

1. Commit to a Schedule

It takes time to build a blog to the point where it draws regular readers. The first, and most important, thing you need to do is commit to a regular posting schedule. You can update your blog daily, weekly, twice a week or monthly, the choice is really yours. I recommend you choose a frequency that you can stick to, because your readers will come back to your blog, expecting to see new material. Once you are in a routine, it will be easy and your visitors will be coming back for more.

2. Stay Informed on the Latest Happenings in Your Industry

The best way to make sure you have something to write about is to keep informed about your industry or 'area of expertise'. By doing so, you will avoid the common blogger's dilemma of not having enough to write about. Take time to read other blogs, industry websites and other publications focusing on your industry.

3. Give Value to Your Readers

Blogging can help you establish trust and rapport with your readers. It allows you to show yourself as an expert in your industry. To be the expert, your blog posts must answer the common questions your readers have that relate to your field.

5. Promote Your Blog

Once you have your blog up and running, be sure to promote it through your email signature, your social networking profiles (Facebook and Twitter) and any marketing material you distribute in your business, such as your newsletters and brochures. You can also promote your blog by participating on other blogs as a guest blogger.