Are there secrets to writing great blog posts? Yes, and no. They aren’t actual secrets, but they are tried and true strategies that just might get eyes on your post and customers through your doors! How to write a great blog post isn’t a secret, but there is a formula.
The coronavirus pandemic and shut down of the country has meant many entrepreneurs have had to pivot and refocus the way they do business. No longer can you meet at a networking event or over a cup of coffee. Zoom has become the norm and the blog on your website has become your calling card.
How To Write A Great Blog Post
We have these tips to make your blog posts better and bring in new connections.
Be niche. When you choose a general topic like “swimming pools” you will be lost in a sea (pun intended) of other “swimming pool” posts. If you niche down to “infinity edge swimming pool contractors” you’re getting closer. How about “infinity edge swimming pool contractors in New York.” Now you’re niched. Know your niche and write to that. Don’t try to be everything to every one. You just won’t win.
Write a “compare and contrast” post. People love side-by-side comparisons. This doesn’t mean you need to trash the competition, you can just show how your product or service rises above the rest.
Solve a problem. Why do your customers come to you? Whether it’s for a haircut, a pizza, to buy widgets or get their pool cleaned or find a business coach – find what sets you apart and what problem you solve for them. Write about that.
Teach them something. Give the reader a reason to invest their time and attention to your blog post and teach them something they can use when they are done. You won’t be giving away all your insider secrets, but you will be a trusted resource who offers tips your reader can use – they will remember that.
Share success stories. You can highlight your customers and share their success stories. Interview a customer and show their before and after once they’ve worked with you or bought your product. Once you share their story they will share it with their friends!
Let your creativity shine. Let your reader know who you are and why you do what you do. Give them a peek behind the curtain into your business. Everyone loves that insider peek!
If you’re struggling with your content, reach out to us, we can help!
Entrepreneurs need to know how to write. If you cannot write, or don’t want to write, you need to know how to hire a content writer for your business. If your career path is to be a writer we have tips on how to begin a writing career.
Knowing how to write and how to sell your services as a writer is a booming business. One of the main reasons we are seeing this boom is because new entrepreneurs are entering the market and need content — blogging, newsletters, social media posts — you name it. If you have a passion for words, can interview your clients, meet deadlines and want to jump into the content creation market, now might be the best time!
You will need to build a portfolio and find that first client who will give you a testimonial and sing your praises to your next client.
How To Begin A Writing Career
While some writers do just wake up and say, “I want to be a writer!” most writers for hire have been involved with words for many years. They are avid readers and writers. They have a journalism background or some other successes in penning fiction or nonfiction.
Here’s what you need to begin a writing career.
You need to know how to write. You need to understand grammar. You need to be able to work to editorial guidelines if your client has them. Don’t rely upon Word or programs like Grammarly to “proofread” your content. You need to have those skills.
Start your own blog. Your own sharing of blog content and your expertise with the written word will help you find clients.
You need to be somewhat techy. You should know how to upload blog posts, add in images, understand newsletter delivery platforms, social media posting platforms and others. Take an online class and enhance your skills.
Work on your portfolio. Your blog posts on your own site can be part of your portfolio. You can toot your own horn by the quality content you create. Find a client and offer a cut-rate price in return for a glowing recommendation. Don’t do this too many times — you’re trying to build a business after all.
Study the experts. Network with other writers and find your niche.
Set your pricing.
Write a business plan.
Has being a writer been a dream of yours? What do you feel are your potential stumbling blocks? If you’re an entrepreneur, are you struggling to find a writer for your content? Reach out to us, we can help.
We are now five months into the Coronavirus pandemic and shut down of the economy. Many people are still working from home. Many parents are trying to find ways to homeschool while running a business. How to work from home isn’t as easy as people think. It takes time, talent and dedication to make working from homework for you and for your family.
Distractions and isolation are two of the issues many entrepreneurs face. Being your own boss and not having to commute are wonderful, but being a work-from-home entrepreneur brings challenges.
How To Work From Home
Working from home requires at least these five items.
A designated space. Even if your designated space is a corner of the bedroom, claim it and make it your own. You may think that working from the bed is the way to go but do you want to do Zoom calls and have your staff or co-workers see your bed? Have a space that is professional enough to allow for video calls. Some homes, we understand, were not set up for a work from home scenario, but we urge you to find a space to make your “office.”
Don’t jump out of bed and fall into the office chair. Have a routine and work in your “commute” time. You aren’t driving to work, but that doesn’t mean you have to get up and immediately go to the “office.” How long was your commute? Factor that into your workday and use it for me time.
Set office hours. Don’t let your boss think you are available 24 hours a day. Set office hours and stick to them — unless a major project comes up, of course. Don’t check your email or phone on your off hours — set boundaries.
Avoid distractions. It’s hard to work from home and see that the carpet needs to be vacuumed, or the laundry needs to be done or grocery shopping has to be finished. You need to honor your work hours. If you need to vacuum or shop, do it on your lunch break or before or after work.
Get up and move around at least every hour. You have to take breaks even if there is no water cooler to hang out around.
Remote working seems like a dream — until you’re doing it and find that it’s not the ideal you always imagined it would be.
Running a business can be drudgery. Many entrepreneurs go into owning a business and being their own boss with rose-colored glasses. They dream of loads of money and not having to work many hours a day or a week. Reality hits and they get discouraged. We have put together 5 tips to make running a business easier. Keep in mind, that being a business owner is work — but it’s rewarding and you are your own boss.
Keep your chin up! Running a business has become a very viable option for people during this coronavirus pandemic and the shut down of businesses across the country. People have become resourceful as a way to pay the rent and keep food on the table. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive!
5 Tips To Make Running A Business Easier
These tips are not secrets, but new business owners lose sight of them because they may not know they exist and they’re so excited about running a business that they jump in without making a plan.
Create a plan! Being profitable means knowing what to charge, what you need to earn, what your income and expenses are, and how you will get there. A business plan needs to have your goals and your WHY. You should also plan for growth.
Have contracts that you give to vendors and new hires. Talk with a lawyer — yes you may need to have a lawyer on your team — even if you’re a start up. Know what kind of insurance you need to have in place to protect yourself and your goods and services.
Research the competitors. Know how you are different from them. What makes you and your goods and services unique? Why should people choose you over the competition? Make sure it’s not because you’re the lowest price in town.
What are the trends in your industry? Know them and know whether you want to follow them or break them.
Take breaks. Yes, you’re building a business and that takes time and effort, but know that you need to step back and recharge your batteries. If you are a solo operation and you get ill from stress who will take over? The answer is — you should make your health a priority.
Working with a business coach is also a way many business owners thrive. Give us a call today and let’s talk about your business.
