Business Blog Like a Pro: A Flawless Formula to Content Creation

Blogging seems like a good idea, but when you’re facing a blank computer screen “good” and “easy” clearly show themselves as two entirely different things. Luckily, things do not have to be so difficult. 

By reflecting internally you can come up with some killer content ideas that you already know quite a bit about.  And by following the format below, you can consistently create some stellar and engaging posts.

Let Your Lessons Be Your Guide
Figure out your lessons learned; whether they were your startup mistakes or current blunders, your pitfalls can actually guide you to blogging success.  Remember how hard it was to juggle your family, friends and your business when you were first starting out?  There’s your inspiration for your newest post titled: How to Reclaim Your Life from a Soul-Sucking Startup. 

Or how about the first, second and third time you dealt with a disgruntled customer?  Combine those experiences to create your blog titled: 3 Ways to Fix Mistakes and Make Your Customers Fall in Love.  With the right perspective, the daily activities of running your business can simultaneously fill your editorial calendar.

When crafting your post’s intros briefly share your personal experience and your motivation for the post.  You’ll also want to detail how readers would either be pained to go on without this advice or pleased to receive it; this will get them motivated to keep reading.

Strive for Threes
Unlike other information portals, blogs need to be quick and concise if they are going to keep the attention of an online reader.  Keep your paragraphs short (2-4 sentences) and provide bolded words and bulleted entries for speed reading.  Understand why others need this information, and strive for explanations in threes.

Highlight three reasons why this content should matter to your audience. Continuing with the startup, family and friends example, (1) A person could become burnt out, (2) Their family and friends could feel neglected (3) They could lose touch with their passions. 

Under each unique downfall or concern, suggest some quick and easy-to-implement solutions.  Continuing with our example: (1) unplug after work by doing X, (2) designate some exclusive family and friends’ time during Y, and (3) engage in new activities like Z to enhance your creativity and inspiration.  (Keep in mind the internet is filled with bloggers, the more unique and refreshing advice you can dish out, the better.)

Motivate Readers to Take Action
Once you’ve explained the issue and suggested solutions, it’s time to wrap things up.  Just as you started your blog post, you can end yours with a personal experience and a divulgement of your lessons learned.  The final and very important step of blogging is to provide your readers with a call of action.  Motivate them to give things a try and encourage them to take your advice.  Finally, ask them to share their own experiences and give feedback by posting a question at the end of the post.  For example: What have been your experiences while striving for work life balance?  Share your lessons learned in the comments section!  

Polish and Perfect Your Post
Strive to put a day between your post and publishing it.  The extra time will refresh your eyes and will help you fix any editorial mistakes or errors. 

Once you catch your audience, you’ve got to keep the conversation going if you want to turn ultimately them into loyal followers.  Be prepared to check back periodically to interact with other people’s posts, tweet and likes.  Finally, provide your audience with easy subscribe and share buttons so the word can spread and your following can grow.

How do you create valuable written content?  Share your tips with us!