Blogging can be a great way to attract business and readers for Long Beach writers. Here are the top seven reasons why writers and authors should have a blog.
1. You're a writer!
Blogging is just another form of writing. Why not use your talent to market your talent? As a writer, blogging may come much more easily to you than it does for other types of solo-entrepreneurs.
2. Build your brand as an expert
If you are a non-fiction writer, or a fiction writer who specializes is specific types of stories, a blog gives you the opportunity to position yourself as a thought leader. It lets you showcase your knowledge and your expertise, thus demonstrating your authority on your topic.
In addition, it gives your brand a personality. Your readers will get to know you through your posts. What you write about in your blog becomes a window into your business’ soul ... and fosters the “know, like and trust” factor needed to build loyal customers and clients.
It also gives people a taste for your style. If they like reading your blog, they will probably like reading your other work, too.
3. Build client/reader relationships
Blogs are a great way to let your target audience get to know you. And blogs can be used to get to know your target audience better, as well. The commenting feature allows for feedback on your posts, and you can respond to those comments, joining in on the conversation. Remember, your blog readers are most likely to be your best clients and readers. A blog can keep the lines of communication open in both directions. This openness, in turn, fosters loyalty which can lead to more business for you.
Here’s a tip: Once in awhile, feature a post about one of your best clients or readers. This will solidify their relationship with you. It will also create a desire in your readers to become one of those featured, which leads to a more loyal fan base.
4. Grow traffic organically
Search engines love blogs. Their spiders feed on fresh content, a special feature of blogs. And, there are search engines that only search for blogs. If you don’t have one, you’re missing out on a potential traffic source.
Another source of traffic and back links? Other websites. There is something about linking to blogs and blog posts that website owners feel compelled to do. And, once a person visits your blog and likes what they see, they are more likely to return to see what's new and even subscribe to your RSS feed and/or newsletter.
5. Incubate your next masterpiece
A blog is a great venue for testing and fleshing out the concepts for your next book, script, article or whatever it is that you write. It gives you a way to “throw things at the wall and see what sticks.” Try posting about an idea you have and see if it generates interest. Does the post get ping backs, comments or links? What do these things tell you about the temperature of your idea? Hot? Or Cold? Possibly warm and need of some tweaks?
6. Foster rapport with reporters
Book authors, scriptwriters and others who write longer pieces are often interested in attracting the attention of the media. Depending on what you blog about, your blog could engender a following in the press. Don’t be surprised if you get an email or call from a reporter who wants to interview you because of something you wrote about in your blog.
7. Take control of your website
With a blog, you don’t need to depend on a webmaster to update your website. You can do it yourself ... within minutes. And, if you so desire, you can set up your blog is less than 30 minutes, even change the look and feel of it all by yourself. Now that is power!
Would you like to shine the light on your writing brilliance? You can leverage your presence online to attract better clients, projects and opportunities. Carma Spence can help. Visit www.carmaspence.com for more information on how Carma can help you nurture an online footprint that supports your goals as a writer.
NOTE: Are you a writer, author or editor connected to Long Beach in some way? Please contact me ... and you can be a part of my series of profiles of local writers!
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