Live Coverage from 1-Day WordPress Workshop

Posted by Marcie Hill | Posted in Event Casting/Live Blogging, The Write Design Company | Posted on 01-30-2010 | View Comments

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<a href=”http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=01f665d04b” mce_href=”http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=01f665d04b” >1-Day WordPress Workshop</a>

Writing Content for Your Blog

Posted by Marcie Hill | Posted in Blogging, The Write Design Company, Writing | Posted on 12-11-2009 | View Comments

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Write Content for Blog

Write Content for Blog

There is saying that goes, “It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it.” Well, in blogging, that is NOT true. What you say is just as important as how you say it – literally and figuratively. There are three ways to ensure that you say what you want to say in the way you want to say it is: 1) write relevant content; 2) use a conversational tone; and 3) use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

The content of your blog must be relevant to your audience; otherwise, they are not going to read it. If your blog is about photography, and you’re talking about microwaves, you are going to lose your audience and credibility. Unless those microwaves take pictures, all topics on your photography site should be related to photography. Relevancy of content is important. Check out Copy Blogger for tips on how to write content for your blog.

In addition, the tone of your blog should be conversational whether it is formal or informal. People read official documents and letters all the time. Make your audience want to come to your blog by speaking directly to them in a professional, yet conversational tone.

Lastly, your spelling, grammar and punctuation need to be as close to perfect as possible. Unless you’re the most accurate editor in the world, you may not catch all your flaws. This is OK. Just don’t make it a habit. If you know these are not your strengths, hire someone to do it. If your cash is a little low, barter. Your written presentation – spelling, grammar, and punctuation – is as important as content and tone. Grammar Girl is a great resource for grammar and punctuation.

What you say is just as important as how you say it when blogging. Your content must be relevant; the tone of your blog must be conversational; and your spelling, grammar, and punctuation must on point. If you have these three things, you are on you way to a well-written and well-read blog.

If you need help with creating and maintaining your blog or content, The Write Design Company is here for you. Call us today at 877.570.5228.

What Should Businesses Blog About?

Posted by Marcie Hill | Posted in Blogging, The Write Design Company | Posted on 12-04-2009 | View Comments

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As a business owner, you are always sharing information about your products and services. Normally, this is done through brochures, websites, logos, your elevator pitch, or any other medium through which you elect to communicate. With all the means of communications we have these days, blogs are the buzz.

A colleague once asked me, “Why would I GIVE AWAY information?” My response was, “You are NOT giving away information. You’re sharing your knowledge.” Essentially, you’re getting people to trust you, which open doors for greater opportunities. As you know, people buy from people they trust.

How do you get people to trust you? Talk to them.

What is the best way to talk to them? Conversations on blogs.

What do you blog/talk about? Anything that you, prospects, or customers want to discuss that will help increase sales, build your brand, or establish you as an expert. You can discuss how people will benefit from using your product; answer the questions of prospects or customers; or find out what they find appealing or need improvement. One question can lead to several blog posts.

If you receive a complaint or negative feedback, don’t fret. Use that as an opportunity to display your customer service skills to the world. Address all problems and concerns as quickly as possible, so everyone can see how well you care for your customers’ needs.

Those are just a few suggestions for blog topics. Contact The Write Design Company at 877.570.5228 for more blog posting ideas or how to get started blogging.

What Is A Blog?

Posted by Marcie Hill | Posted in Blogging, The Write Design Company | Posted on 11-20-2009 | View Comments

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What Is A Blog?

What Is A Blog?

That is a question that I have been getting a lot lately, and I would like to clarify what a blog is.

Simply stated, a blog is an interactive website.  It allows you to engage your audience in conversation.  For businesses, this is usually your customers and employees.

Blogs are different from regular websites in the following ways:

1. Blogs are interactive. You have the ability to conversate directly with your audience.  A regular website only provides information, and little or no activity.

2. Information is uploaded instantly on  blogs, which allow for frequent updates. Updates on websites usually take longer because a specialist is performing that task.

3. You do not have to be a specialist to write blog posts. You just have to have good written communication and follow-up skills.

4. Blogs give your company a voice. An informal yet professional voice can be used for online conversations. This helps customers to feel comfortable when speaking with you.

5. You do not have to be a web designer or technology guru to set up a blog. In fact, many blog programs have everything you need, including tutorials to walk you through the entire process.

Now, you have a better idea of what a blog is.  If you still have questions or would like to get your blog started, call  The Write Design Company at 877.570.5228.