I’ve had many conversations with small business owners and one of their major struggles when it comes to blogging, is trying to find the time to create content and develop a content strategy. It’s already difficult enough as it is, trying to run a small business. Based on the current marketing trends, entrepreneurs are well aware that creating content is important for growing your business. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be forgotten and get pushed down to the bottom of that never-ending to-do list.
Here are some helpful tips to help you develop a content strategy
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Set A SMART Goal For Your Blogging Schedule
Yes, the more consistent you are with creating content, the better. But that’s in an ideal situation and if you have your own content marketing team. Small business owners may not necessarily have the resources, so the consistency may end up being less. If you feel you don’t have the time to write as frequently as 3 or 4x time (which I think is a bit much for a solopreneur) per week, start off small such as once a week or once every two weeks. But above all:
[Tweet “Focus on QUALITY FIRST.”]
It often takes me at least several hours and several drafts to write one single blog post. Now that I’ve positioned myself as a business to business service, I tend to publish content only once a week or once every two weeks. However, I still am promoting my content on a regular basis.
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Schedule It In
Just like how you schedule your client meetings, your networking events – block out some time to write on the calendar and create a reminder. If it’s part of your schedule, you’re more likely to make it happen.
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Cut Out The Distractions
This particular tip also has to do with productivity in general. Turn off the notifications, close all your social media tabs and put your phone away. You don’t need to check those things every 15 min. Seriously. Out of sight, out of mind. I can’t tell you how much more I get accomplished when my phone is not within arm’s reach.
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Outsource The Work
If you would prefer to have someone else do the writing, there are several ways to go about doing this. You can announce on your site that you are accepting guest posts (more of a one-time thing) and/or contributors to your site (writers who contribute content to your site on a regular basis – this is usually a non-paid position).
While I prefer to create the content for my site, I have had guest posts written for me in the past. This is usually a one-time thing. Guest posts have given me more time to work on other things and have provided content when I was away on vacation.
There is also the option of hiring a staff writer, which is a paid position. Staff writers often have more writing experience and a more extensive portfolio (have written for big brands, many brands and/or have had their work appear on other sites).
5. Other Types of Content
If you’re not too keen on constantly writing, look into other forms of media to create content for your business. While I am personally more comfortable with writing, I have made a goal to attempt live video at least once this year.
If you’re not ready for video, why you try doing audio? You don’t have to commit to something big such as launching a podcast, but why not record yourself doing commentary on one of your blog posts?
Or reading/summarizing a blog post?
Or an interview?
6. You Have More Ideas Than You Think
More often than not, people have mentioned to me that they don’t know what to write about. Read THIS: If you’re a small business owner, you have PLENTY to write about:
What do your potential clients/current clients constantly ask your advice on?
What recent changes/updates have you made to the business?
What are some common misconceptions people may have regarding your specific industry?
Why not share a personal story such as how you started your business/why you started your business?
The list goes on.
7. “Do or do not. There is no try” – Yoda
It can be quite scary putting your thoughts and opinions out there for the entire world to see. But if you’re a small business owner, you’re already putting yourself out there anyway. So put yourself out there even more. Not just offline, but online as well. Ask your followers/clients/customers what type of content they would like to see more of. Seek feedback from other people about your writing. This is how you will get better. The more you write, the more you will be able to find your online voice and develop your own style.
What tips would you suggest for creating more content on a regular basis?
Need help devising a content strategy? Check out my consulting services page HERE.
Very helpful. Especially since I am a new blogger.
I am glad you found it helpful. I think these tips can also be helpful to people who have been blogging for awhile but are having a hard time with consistency. When I first started blogging, I was all over the place. There would even be a couple of months where I wouldn’t post anything.
Another tip i have is to Plan ahead .when you don’t feel like writing you can start gathering information for your next posts.put them all in seperate files .When you feel like writing you have everything listed for you.
Yes, great tip. I have a few ongoing drafts of posts I’ve started. The topic seemed like a good idea but as of right now, the words aren’t flowing. I will get back to them in the near future and try again. 🙂
Thanks for sharing the tips! I especially agree with your point about setting a smart schedule. Also, I agree with quality over quantity. I think staying authentic and narrowing down your blogging categories to the most suitable categories for your own interests helps too.
After going through my own blogroll this morning, I noticed how bloggers have attempted to overextend themselves or have had too high of expectations. A lot of the blogs on my blogroll are now former bloggers and their blogs no longer exist. As you and I both know, blogging takes time.
Thanks again for sharing! Hope all is going well on your end. 🙂
Hey, Graham!
Great to hear from you and thanks so much for stopping by. It’s crazy to think how many blogs don’t even make it past the first year. I didn’t think I would stick it out for this long, but I’m glad I did. Now that I’m busy with growing the business I find myself limiting blog posts to once a week or once every two weeks. Hope you are enjoying your summer and all is well with you too!