Why Every Small Business Needs A Blog

Regardless of the critical and invaluable potential that running a blog presents, not too many people are aware of it. Too many small businesses are still stuck at the stage of simply owning a business website, and too afraid to start a blog. According to Stephanie Chandler, author and contributor on Forbes, a static website without a blog is more or less an online brochure.

In today’s world, where social media currently rules, trying to grow a small business without a blog is futile. A blog is essentially a digital marketing strategy for the effective growth of your small business. Trying to go without one will alienate you from numerous opportunities.

Below, we take a look at the opportunities that you are missing out on as a small business.

Traffic Growth and Lead Generation

A blog acts as an avenue to posts quality and engaging content with your target audience. By creating and providing helpful and useful content for your visitors, you are able to meet a need in your niche. Studies reveal that individuals often browse the internet for valuable information.

Google tends to rank content that is fresh and informative higher on the results. Moreover, according to Stephanie Chandler, creating content increases the chances for prospective buyers to find and discover your business. This, in turn, leads to an increase in traffic to your website and blog, and increases lead generation.

In fact, according to Hubspot, small businesses with blogs have been found to experience at least 126% higher lead growth as compared to those without.

Establish An Authoritative Presence

As previously mentioned, Google tends to rank high- quality, fresh and valuable content higher than old and generic content. People are always looking for content that can help solve a problem. While creating content, ensure that you are meeting a need for your target audience.

To make it easier, find a niche that you are more acquainted and knowledgeable in. Share what you know in an authoritative manner that is reputable, transparent and consistent. Within no time, people will recognize you as a go-to resource for the particular niche you are an expert in.

Of course, this lends a hand in creating a reputable and trustworthy business name and brand.

Creating Personal Connections

Recent research confirms that blogs and social media are great avenues to engage and interact with your customers. Blogs also help attract potential customers as previously mentioned.

However, ensuring constant engagement and communication with your audience, you are able to nurture a relationship based on trust. Encourage your customers and followers to ask questions and share their queries and promptly answer them.

Maintain a sense of individuality and do not be afraid to let your personality show. The more human and personal you are, the more relatable you are. This makes it easy for others to trust you and your brand.

Starting a blog could mean the difference between success and failure. Starting and maintaining a blog can be a lot of work. The overall benefits, however, can make all the work, dedication and time put into it worth it.

Need help getting started and sharing your expertise? GOOROO Virtual Assist offers administrative services and social media solutions to help your business stay ahead and stand out.

Don’t run the risk of missing out on opportunities. Connect with us at https://www.gooroovirtualassist.com/wecanhelp.

How to Handle Negative Comments on Social Media

How to Handle Negative Comments on Social Media

Everyday, we are exposed to negative comments and reviews on social media. Unfortunately, social media is very public and cannot be entirely controlled by you or anyone else. As a business minded person, you must be mindful of the way you react to negative comments. Believe me, we all want to cause a scene and cry ourselves to sleep when we receive a negative comment, but the best way is to address the issue and move forward.

What should a company do?

Respond to all comments:

Whether legitimate or illegitimate, negative or positive, you must respond to all your comments. Keep in mind that your responses aren’t really for the people who left the negative comments—they’re for the outside observers. They stay on the side line and watch how you handle your customers’ complaint.

Think before you reply:

You may receive some very rude and demeaning comments, but your company’s reputation is at stake. Take a walk, blow off some steam, and give a cool-headed reply.

Admit your mistake:

If you evaluate the situation and find out that your business is at fault, admit it. A simple “we're sorry for the experience” is often enough to quell the fire.

Turn the tables:

If handled with tact, a negative comment can be turned into a positive one. Once you have admitted your company’s mistake, you may decide to poke a little fun at your company. Just be mindful about how you insert humor—don’t overstretch the joke. Remember, you're not a comedian.

Take the conversation away from public glare:

This is particularly important if the negative comment is revealing and sensitive. Use a defusing reply like “Mr. X, we’re sorry to hear about your experience and we would be glad to resolve your complaint(s). Could you please email us at Complaints@yourbusiness.com so we can help you?” This way, you demonstrate to observers how much you care about your customers.

Invest in a social media expert:

Rather than use automated messages that get triggered off whenever certain keywords are used, why not invest in a social media expert? This is person who stays online all day, analyzes your customer’s comments, and crafts custom, thoughtful messages for each response.

Social media can be a gold mine or a mine field for your business—it’s your pick! Simple decisions like how you respond to a negative comment can be your key to success.

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Need administrative & social media support? Contact us at GOOROO Virtual Assist or 619-512-3667. www.gooroovirtualassist.com

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