Not sure how to generate content for your blog posts? Are you one of those small business owners who doesn’t write blog posts or post updates to social media because you’re not sure what to write?
Are you one of those small business owners who doesn’t write blog posts or post updates to social media because you’re not sure what to write?
You know how much good website content can help your Google ranking and how social media can influence people to buy from you, yet you still don’t post because you don’t feel confident your posts will be read …
Here are 5 ways you can generate content your readers and customers will love.
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Start a conversation with your customers. Ask them:
- What do they like about your products or service?
- Why do they come to you?
- What problem do you solve for them?
- What helps them make their buying decisions?
- Think about your FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions. What are you asked regularly?
- If you already have a Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest page, ask readers what they like, what they don’t like and what they want more of
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Ask your suppliers for information you can share
Your readers want to know, like and trust you and your products before they will commit to buying. What information can you share with them which will build confidence in you and the brands you sell? Suppliers and manufacturers are often a mine of information regarding their products and services, including photos, case studies and other various types of information. Be sure to let the supplier know what you want the information for and get their permission to share it.
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Brainstorm content ideas
Get together with your staff, business associates or a group of friends. Take care to include people who are similar to your target audience so that the information is more relevant to your customers. Have a list of questions ready before the session, so that you can get the discussion flowing. Make a list of issues they raise, questions they ask and this will result in topics which you can write about.
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Check out what your competition is doing, and do it better
One good thing about websites and social media is that they make it easy to stalk your competition. Why not check out what they’re doing – they will probably do the same to you. Make sure you don’t just copy their tactics – work out how you can offer something better or capitalise on your point of difference.
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Remember the 80/20 rule when it comes to generating content
80% of your content needs to be light-hearted – informative, case studies, story-telling, amusing and/or confidence building. ONLY 20% of your posts should be directly selling a product or making an offer to your readers. Social media needs to be just that – SOCIAL. It’s not SELLING media. Readers get turned off very quickly if all you post are BUY FROM ME messages. Remember they’re only a click away from unfollowing you.
I hope these tips have given you some ideas on how to generate content your readers will love.
Hi, I’m Lyndall Guinery-Smith, The Professional Writer. I write copy dedicated to attracting and engaging your customers – and improving your bottom line. I happily work with clients all around Australia. Email me to arrange an obligation-free discussion about your latest project. Or if you’d like to learn how to connect with your audience and build your business, why not input your email address and receive my regular marketing updates in your mailbox? You can sign up for our mailing list at the base of the Home Page on www.ProfessionalWriter.com.au.
