Education or value-based marketing is an important tool to attracting new customers to your business.  Blogging is an excellent tool for sharing that knowledge with potential customers. Therefore, having your own blog or blog posting, commenting on others Blogs is a smart marketing strategy, as long as you implement these tactics.  These tips will get you started increasing your education-based marketing online.

When posting your own Blog remember these tips:

  • Blog regularly.  Daily is the optimum goal.  At least three times a week is better than only one day a week. Blog visibility increases with regular posting so this is critically important!.
  • Keep your posts short, yet powerful.  People, especially busy ones, like short, value-based information that makes them want more.  This tip also helps with the first point because if they are shorter it is easier for you to write and post regularly.
  • Pose a powerful question at the end of your blog.  Your goal is to get people to comment on what you wrote.  Comments are a good thing because it increases your visibility and web traffic.  A question tempts them to comment.
  • Make comments open.  Too often people “screen” comments by having to approve them. First this is a HUGE time eater as you create yourself more work! Second, don’t be afraid of somebody who disagrees with you.  That’s a good thing, not a bad thing and you can actually use it to your marketing advantage.

When reading other blogs:

  • Read blogs where you can offer your own feedback and value.  One of the most powerful ways for clients to find you is through this type of message.  Once, I got a client who said, “I was so appreciative of your comment on XYZ blog.  After visiting your site I’d love to work with you.”
  • If you read it, comment on it.  First, again it is great to read blogs, but again you can double your value by commenting too! Second, commenting brings business to you.
  • When you comment, always close with your complete name and web address.  This is the most common mistake I see made on blogging.  How can they find you if you do not make sure they can? I always end with my full name, and web address and my tagline.

Blogging becomes a powerful way to provide education-based marketing to potential customers which increases your opportunity for business.  It will also increase the opportunity for people to “find” you when they search! Establish your expertise through blogging, and watch your marketability soar!

 

Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”