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Small Business Blogging: Your First Post
A recent comment on Twitter reminded me again that each person has their own challenges when it comes to creating marketing content. But if you run a business, there’s always something to say. Ideation, like writing, gets easier with practice. But if you really don’t … Keep reading…
Get More Eyes on Your Blog Posts
You’ve written it and published it on your blog but that doesn’t mean you’re done. There are lots of ways to keep “working” that content. My most-read blog post is from 2015. That’s because it shows up on page 1 of a Google search for … Keep reading…
Saved by the Last-Minute Content Idea
You’ve been busy working in your small business – time flies when you’re having fun, right? But lying in bed at night, you mentally review all the things you keep putting off, like your next newsletter or blog post. You’ve just been too busy to … Keep reading…
Are You Blogging in Your Head Instead of on Your Website?
Received this message from a friend: “Why is it that we even bother to carry “writing” around in our heads? As soon as we sit down to do it, it is completely different than what we’ve been thinking about!” I know she wasn’t looking for … Keep reading…
Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About
THIS is yet another good reason to be creating marketing content: “Conversation is king. Content is just something to talk about.” – Cory Doctorow While I would argue that content is more than just something to talk about (or should be), I love this sentiment! … Keep reading…
If Starting to Write is What’s Causing You Pain…
A glowing white screen can be mesmerizing in its utter emptiness, taunting you to type something… but not just anything. It’s got to be useful or interesting to your blog and newsletter readers. It’s got to be better than the last article you wrote. It’s … Keep reading…
1,000,000 Pageviews Happy Dance
I’m tickled pink because I finally reached 1M pageviews here on the blog. It feels like a #VanityStat but I know it has led to lots of great opportunities over the years… ten years, in fact. This wasn’t even a goal when I started blogging in … Keep reading…
Social-Media-Friendly Blogging
You’ve just finished editing (and proofing!) your latest blog post. You pause for a mental happy dance, then you click Publish. Ahh. And now the rest of the work starts. Because, of course, you need to let people know about this new useful and interesting … Keep reading…
What Are Your Small Business Blogging Goals?
If your answer to the title of this post is “increase sales”, you’ve got that part right. But you should also realize that there’s no direct path from one to the other. You don’t start a blog and immediately make more sales – although I … Keep reading…
What’s Your Stumbling Block? Blogging Survey
Ever since I wrote this article — Where Do You Get Stuck? — a couple of years ago, I’ve been on a mission to come up with solutions to content creation obstacles. coming up with ideas adapting your ideas for writing starting to write finishing … Keep reading…
Get Read to Get Ranked
Years ago when I first started doing email newsletters, each new client had questions about writing the introduction to their very first issue. Eventually, I prepared a tip sheet for new clients and also posted the info on my blog thinking it might be useful … Keep reading…
Editing Checklist for Your Marketing Content
Whenever you write something, it’s always a good idea to wait a while before editing – later the same day or the next day. You’ll have a fresh perspective and it’ll be easier to pick out what can be improved upon. Here are a few … Keep reading…
Content Template – Share a Concept
You just had an a-ha moment – by thinking, researching, reading, discussing, learning, teaching, experimenting, or problem-solving. And now you’re anxious to share that new insight with your readers who will also benefit from it. Not sure how to organize your ideas and get writing? Download … Keep reading…
We Can’t Do It All So Let’s Choose Wisely
My good friend and business collaborator, Anita Kirkbride, has been doing keynotes recently about how to embrace being #flawsome. It’s a hard lesson for someone like me with perfectionistic tendencies. But around mid-May, I made a conscious decision to let a few things suffer so … Keep reading…
Email is the Alternate to SEO
What’s a goal of business blogging that will never be a goal of email marketing? Search engine optimization (SEO), of course. For email, it’s all about subject line optimization. (Is SLO a ‘thing’?) Crafting a compelling email subject line can achieve better and more immediate … Keep reading…
Is Your Newsletter a Vehicle or the Destination?
Small business owners often arrive at the desire to start an email newsletter from one of two different directions. The route has an impact on the strategy, tactics and tools you will use. A Vehicle Some have already been blogging and, for them, an email … Keep reading…
Your Blogging Deadline is Looming
It’s time to write your next blog post. Or maybe the time has already passed. What do you think when your deadline is looming? My own lament is often, “What can I pull together fast that will be useful?” I talk to a lot of small … Keep reading…
Quality Control for Your Content
You’ve just finished an insightful new article for your blog. You’re anxious to publish it and find out what your readers think. Depending on the topic and type of article you’ve written, it might make sense to do a little research before publishing. Researching after … Keep reading…
Get Focused Before You Start to Write
If you want to be doing more content marketing but aren’t, do you know what’s stopping you? A few months ago I wrote this article – Where Do You Get Stuck? – and ever since I have been committed to developing solutions for these stumbling blocks: … Keep reading…
How to Answer a Question on Your Small Business Blog
You might think your website FAQ page is the best place to answer questions but I would argue that your blog is even better. In fact, I suggest your FAQ page should list the questions, and perhaps short answers, with links to blog posts for … Keep reading…
Find Marketing Opportunities in Your Own Content
Marketing analytics can be confusing. You need to learn how to use the software to get data. Then you need to figure out what information you want from the data. Then you need to figure out what actions to take now that you’re wiser. Here’s … Keep reading…
Boost Your Expert Reputation with an Evergreen Series
Writing a series of articles is a great way to connect related content together. It is also an attention-getter, encouraging readers to subscribe or return for the next installment in the series. And it can be a showcase for demonstrating your expertise on a particular … Keep reading…
I Want to Start Blogging – Now What?
Think of it as learning to drive a car. You’ll need to learn how to drive and you’ll need a car to drive. Which comes first? Some of the learning… the theory part. You can learn about both driving a car and blogging easily enough … Keep reading…
Finding a New Angle for Your Best Information
Stuck, uninspired, unmotivated, feeling stale – anyone who blogs regularly is going to experience those things from time to time. Especially when we’re busy, it’s hard to take time to get inspired. Sometimes I don’t need inspiration so much as a new angle – a … Keep reading…