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.

Three Reasons Why Businesses Should Have Blogs

Posted by Marcie Hill | Posted in Blogging, The Write Design Company | Posted on 11-27-2009 | View Comments

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Not too long ago businesses of all sizes were encouraged to establish an Internet presence with websites.  If a business could not be found online, it really wasn’t a business.  Today, the same thing is being said about blogs.  In fact, some people are advocating blogs over traditional websites while others are including blogs on their websites.  Which is correct?  It’s a matter of preference.  One thing is for certain – if you are in business, you should have a blog.

Following are three reasons why organizations should seriously consider adding blogs to their marketing toolkit:

  1. To build their brands
  2. To establish itself as the expert in the industry
  3. To have direct conversations with their audience

What do people think when they think of you or your business?  What do you want them to think? Your brand is your reputation.  It can be your business name, logo, tag line, jingle, or any other written or visual message that is associated with you or your business.  A blog can help build or maintain this brand by sharing consistent messages and conversations about your company.  It can also help with public relations activities which contribute to improved reputations and relationships.

Businesses can also become known experts in their industries through messages shared on blogs.  Chris Brogan and Mashable are sites I frequent to learn about social media and Web 2.0 tools.  Problogger and Copyblogger help me to develop content for my blogs that will attract and engage readers which will generate a consistent cash flow in the near future.

Lastly, blogs allow businesses to have informal, direct conversations with customers, prospects, employees and other stakeholders.  This not only allows for easy communications, it makes the company more transparent, which ultimately fosters relationships and builds trust. Google’s blog is one such site.  Not only are they sharing information about their products, they are speaking in a conversational, engaging tone that makes you want to know more about what’s happening with them.

The above three reasons are why businesses should have blogs.  Contact The Write Design Company at 877.570.5228 to help you get started blogging today.