10 "Surgical" Steps to Become a Blogging "Bad A$$" for Your Business

So, you think you're ready to conquer the blogosphere and become the next big thing in the online business world? Well, strap in and get ready for a "wild" ride as we guide you through 10 "brilliant" steps to kickstart your blogging journey for your business:

Step 1: Define Your Blog's So-Called Purpose

Let's start by pretending you know what the heck you're doing. Define your blog's "oh-so-important" purpose and goals. Are you aiming to enlighten the masses with your wisdom or just impress your mom? Go wild with your creativity here! Regardless of your reasoning, blogging is vital to helping you build your business's online presence, building your brand's authenticity, and educating your ideal customers. 

Blogging can also be repurposed and dissected surgically, with sharpe knives (see what we did there) to create social media posts, email topics, prompts, and so much more!

Step 2: Identify Your "Adoring Fans"

It's time to channel your inner detective and figure out who your audience really is. Who are these mysterious creatures that will devour your content like it's their last meal? Get your Sherlock hat on and start sleuthing.

Where do you find this information you ask? You need to think insightfully. First, go with your gut - as you know your business like no one else, think through who your ideal client is. 

No matter who you are, what you are selling, or where you are in your business's growth, you definitely have an idea of who your ideal customer or client is - and through that, you can make educated guesses as to who will find your blogs interesting and engaging. (Google Analytics also helps, as does Meta Insights)

Step 3: Choose a Blogging Platform - Because Options Are "So Exciting."

Pick a blogging platform that makes you feel like a tech-savvy boss. WordPress, Squarespace, or Blogger - the world is your oyster! Or is it a clam? We're still determining, but let's roll with it.

Now, if you're not a personal or lifestyle brand and have a traditional website selling products or services, look for a plugin that works with your existing website. There are a ton to choose from… Need help? Send us a message. 

If you are a personal or lifestyle brand, you’re probably already doing this sooo… let’s move right along.

Step 4: Integrate Your Blog with Your Website - Because Separation Would Be "Catastrophic"

Yeah - we know we just talked about this.

But it really is important. Don't leave your blog stranded on a desert island. Integrate it seamlessly with your website like two long-lost pals reuniting. Website, meet blog. Blog, meet website. Cue the emotional music.

Now, think of your blog as an integral part of your business journey. Remember what we said at the beginning—blogs can be repurposed time and time again, as you can pull from them like fruit from a tree. Think of them as a gift that keeps giving (in the form of content for all your marketing efforts).

Step 5: Use Your "Fancy" Branding Strategy

It's time to put on your imaginary designer hat and create a blog that screams "sophisticated business owner." make sure you use your brand's colors, fonts, and logo that make you feel like you're running a Fortune 500 company. You got this, CEO!

If you haven’t identified your brand's guidelines or strategy, then you might be ahead of yourself. We are big proponents of making sure every business, big and small, has a razor-sharpe, surgically designed brand identified, as we firmly believe it’s vital to the success of any brand, business, or service. 

If you need more information on branding and building your brand guidelines, identity, and strategy, check out some of our other blogs. 

Step 6: Plan Your Content Strategy - Because Oprah Doesn't Wing It

Create a content plan that will knock the socks off your "adoring fans." What topics will you cover? How often will you post? Let the planning begin, and watch out world – here comes your next viral post!

Building a calendar of topics might make sense to ensure you're talking to your readers regularly and with purpose. If you're trying to sell next season's new line, start prepping your readers with color suggestions, ideas, and images that will lead them to buy from you. 

If you are looking to get butts in seats for your next training, start blogging on topics you will cover and tease how you will teach the attendees how to overcome their perceived hurdles. You get what we’re saying. 

Step 7: Optimize Your Content for Search Engines - Because Big Brother … We Mean Google is Watching

It's time to sprinkle some SEO magic on your blog posts like a digital fairy godmother. Use keywords, meta tags, and other mystical SEO spells to attract those elusive search engine crawlers. Abracadabra!

SEO is a skill. Read. Read. Read. Google is looking for content that checks boxes and makes for engaging reading for the consumer. Learn what updates are out and coming, and make sure you’re following the rules. 

Google is watching. 

Step 8: Get Social - Because Myspace Is So Last Decade

Spread the word about your "amazing" blog on social media. Share your posts, engage with your followers, and even crack a joke or two. Remember, social media is your playground - time to have some fun!

Cut up your blogs into bite-sized pieces and use them for social media posts. Use Canva to make fun graphics and get your content out there. There are many ways blogging can be an effective way to create engagement and traction within your audience. 

Step 9: Analyze And Refine - Because Sherlock Holmes Had Nothing on You

Dive into your analytics like a pro detective on a top-secret mission. What's working? What's not? Channel your inner data guru and make informed decisions to take your blog to the next level. Elementary, my dear blogger.

Write a few blogs and watch what happens. Marketing strategy is a lot about trying things and learning what works. We only wish we could say it’s a one-size-fits-all situation. I just isn't… and don’t believe anyone who says it is. 

Marketing your brand will take time and understanding. The quickest way to learn is to be bold and look at analytics, ask questions, and listen to the answers you get. 

We always tell our clients that where they start and where they end up might be different. Don't be afraid of that. Your customers and consumers will tell you what will sell… be willing to hear their suggestions and unspoken advice. 

Step 10: Engage and Nurture Relationships - Because You're a People Person

Don't forget to interact with your audience like the social butterfly you are. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show your readers some love. After all, it's all about building those "meaningful" relationships—Aww (Ya, we barfed a little in our mouth, too).

Congratulations—you’re on your way to becoming a "brilliant" blogging mogul, you genius! Remember to keep it fun, sassy, and oh-so-creative as you embark on your business's blogging adventure. Who said blogging had to be serious, anyway? 

Get out there and show the world what you've got! 

Here’s A Blog Post Checklist To Get You Started.

Text Body

• Compelling headlines

• Compelling post lede

• Call-to-action

• Testimonials/Quotes from experts

• Relevant data/Supporting evidence

• Appropriate length (generally between 350 - 800 words)

• Relevant giveaway

• Good readability score (between 6 and 8)

Structure & Design

• Bullet points/Numbered lists

• Video

• High-quality visuals

• Short paragraphs

Headline

• Numbers, stats, or data

• Written in second person

• Target keyword present

• Communicates clearly what the blog post is about

• Power - words present (check this article to get a list of super-useful power words)

• Active verbs

• Under 65 characters