Most bloggers will tell you one of their biggest challenges is coming up with engaging blog content on a regular basis. If you have plans for increasing your blog readership or engagement, we can help. Here are a few tips for creating awesome content for your blog and finding a schedule that works for you.
Meeting of the Minds
It can be very helpful to get the key staff together to brainstorm different blog topics, assign writers, or suggest guest writers. Get together and do a brain dump of all the possible blog topics or case studies that may be interesting to write about. Don’t forget to take a look at your current and past marketing strategies and other hidden and underutilized marketing assets within your company that can be re-purposed into blog posts.
SEO/Keyword Focus
We all know to write blog posts for your audience first, and search engines second. But when searching for blog post topics, use all the SEO, keyword, competitor, and industry research available to you. Log into your Google Analytics account to see how people are currently finding you and what opportunities you may have. Google Alerts are another way to find out what is being said about “your keywords” so that you can identify interesting angles to hot topics within your industry.
Master Idea List
Decide where you want to keep a master list and/or calendar of all your blog topic ideas. This could be done in Word, Excel, Evernote, or in the WordPress Editorial Calendar. You could also set up a folder in Gmail or Outlook for emails that could spark blog post ideas later. Use your Master Idea List whenever it is time to brainstorm, write, or schedule blog posts. The goal should be to have a fluid list of content ideas to spring board from.
Plan Ahead or Publish as you Go?
When you have a large block of time, writing a month’s worth or more of blog posts can give you added flexibility. This method gives you more time for planning a strategic approach to the month’s content, such as writing a series of posts that compliment each other. Planning ahead at least a few weeks in advance gives you come wiggle room in case the content isn’t flowing, you need to get approval from others before publishing, or other unexpected delays.
Many of us have too many logs in the fire to write posts far in advance; so sometimes week-to-week blogging is the best option. If you write often about current events or have spontaneous creativity, this method allows for more on-the-fly publishing. However, you may find that the week-to-week option may lead to more stress as you strive to stick with deadlines. The flip side –If you work well under pressure, you will get it done!
There is not just one right way to manage a successful blog. Even a combination of all the tactics above can help you get great results – just jump in, and don’t be afraid!
