Starting a small business, especially online, is difficult. You know that there are steps you should take, but aren't sure where to start. The standard recommendation for getting noticed online is by starting a blog.
There are a few steps you can take to help you start your small business blog online. You already have one of the perfect laptop for blogging tasks or one of the best Chromebooks that are good for bloggers and other equipment you need to promote your business. If you have a WordPress website for your business, you can add a blog simply enough. However, if you have a non-WordPress site, you may have a harder time incorporating a blog.
If you are starting from the very beginning, here are some steps to follow for starting a small business blog.
Steps For Starting A Small Business Blog
Have a look at these steps for getting your business blog going and growing.
1. Choose A Blogging Platform
Choosing your platform is a critical decision. You can make life very difficult for yourself if you pick the wrong one. There are a variety of different website templates you can use to add in a blog. One of the most user-friendly sites is WordPress. Wix is also a user-friendly website/blogging platform.
However, steer clear of the Platforms that don't cohesively promote your business. You don't want a www.yoursite.blogspot.com type of thing because it will take away from your business and just put you in a generic list of other blogs.
Using a self-hosted platform for your blog is the ideal route to take. You get to promote your blog, your business, and your website using the same tool. There are many options for blog and website platforms, do you research for which is most comfortable for you. Also, check out Netbooknews for ideas on which laptop or computer will work best for website building.
2. Choose A Theme
No matter what platform you choose to have your website and your blog on makes no difference, you still need a theme. A theme is a basic outline of what you want your website to look like. There are ways you can build a website from scratch, but it is much easier for you to use a pre-constructed theme.
When choosing a theme, keep these things in mind:
· Is it easy to use and responsive? Can it adapt to mobile and tablet as well as a computer?
· Does your theme come with some level of customer support?
· How much customization does it allow for? Each of these points will help determine how easy your blog will be to develop.
3. Domain Name
Once you have everything ready, you want to choose a domain name. That name is the thing that sets you apart from anyone else. Usually, you will make this your company name. For example: www.mybusiness.com, Where mybusiness is the domain name. You can do through any number of domain registrants, such as Godaddy.
Make sure your domain name is simple enough to remember but unique enough to set you apart from the competition. Also, you want to like the name you pick, as it will be what differentiates your business from anyone else. Some people will choose to name their small business after themselves, use industry play on names, or go completely out of the ordinary. The decision as to what domain name you pick is entirely yours. Think this one through thoroughly. You don't want to regret the decision you make.
4. Hosting
Though your WordPress is a free platform to use and your theme can also be free, you do have to buy a hosting site. Paying for hosting will cost more than your domain will. You can purchase hosting from a variety of companies like A2hosting, Bluehost, or others. A hosting site will stream your website and get it noticed on the web. Hosting does not rank your website; it just makes sure it becomes public.
5. Develop A Plan
Once you have your website up and running, it is just a matter of writing. You want to be strategic in what blogs you write about. If you are looking to promote your small business through your blog, you want to make sure that your blog is centric to your industry.
Follow a logical sequence when starting your blog. Make sure one blog helps or makes sense with another so that they are following logical steps. Additionally, you want to make sure that your blog follows a regular posting schedule as this will interest your readers as they will come to expect when to get some new content from you.
As you develop your business blogging plan, ask yourself these questions:
· What is your primary objective? Do you want to build an email list or be seen as an expert?
· How often will you blog? Do you want to put something new out a few times a week or a few times a month?
· What is the originality of your blog? Do you want it to be fun and lighthearted or academic?
· What will bring your readers to take action? Will you have a sales page? Promote products in your blog, or have a form for getting quotes?
Once you have your content marketing plan in place, you want to get started and writing blog posts. Make sure you follow your business blogging plan.
Conclusion
As you get your small business blog started using these easy steps, you want to make sure you are making an impact in your industry. Therefore, as you develop your online blog for your business, set yourself apart as an authority in your field. Do your research of others in your industry so that you don't become another generic voice while blogging for business.
Develop a voice that will be unique but to the point of what your business is doing. You want to be friendly and approachable while being consistent. To make the most of a small business blog, consistency is critical. Your readers need to know that they can count on you to provide new content on the same schedule every time.
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