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.

7 Social Media Mistakes Small Businesses Must Avoid

As the owner of a small business, you must already know the importance of social media. It is an excellent platform for connecting with potential customers and building long-lasting relationships with the existing ones. However, it is equally essential to identify mistakes that you can avoid to keep your social media strategy from failing.

Here are 7 critical mistakes small businesses often make and must avoid:

Mistake #1 – Absence of a concrete plan

To leverage social media for your business and save you time, it is important to have a strong social media marketing strategy in place. Identify your goal at the very beginning and plan how you can achieve it. Also, fix the resources and amount of time you will be willing to devote to the plan. Once you have a concrete plan in place, you’ll sail through the strategy more efficiently.

Mistake #2 – Being all over the place

Once your social media plan is ready, take one step at a time. Owners of small businesses often make the mistake of using various aspects of social media at the same time. Research to see which tools work best for different types of audiences; social media posts, videos, images, ads, there are so many things to try!

Mistake #3 – Ignoring the ROI and other important stats

As the owner of a small business, it's important to measure every aspect of your social media strategy to ensure that it's worth the investment. Ensure that you monitor the strategy goals at every step. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, , etc. offer various types of analytics tools to help you keep track of your strategy’s performance.

Mistake #4 – Simply promoting and not engaging

One the most annoying things is when someone is constantly bragging about themselves. That’s exactly how a brand comes across as if you keep promoting it on social media instead of listening. It’s a great idea to strike up conversations with your customers and post content that is engaging.

Mistake #5 – Not responding to negative feedback

If you want to improve your online reputation, don’t make the mistake of ignoring your upset customers or deleting any negative feedback. Social media is all about being upfront and personal. Instead of deleting the comment or review, respond to it in a humble way. Extend a heartfelt apology and offer the customer the option to take the conversation offline. Responding to negative feedback will build loyalty and a good online reputation.

Mistake #6 – Not understanding your audience

Your audience is your most valued possession. The key to a successful social media strategy is to know your target audience inside-out. You may be putting in a lot of hard work to establish a strong social media presence; however, if you don’t know your target audience, you’re aiming in the dark!

Mistake #7 – Fake followers

If you are buying followers to look good in public or offer contest prizes to get more fans, you’re committing the biggest mistake ever. Giving your target audience an impression that you have an active social media page, but no active participants can weaken your social media presence. Instead, adopt the slow and steady wins the race approach. Build a steady network of real followers.

The bottom-line

Social media can do wonders for your business, provided it is utilized properly. If you identify your mistakes and correct them, you can create an impactful social media presence and increase your conversion rate.

Out of ideas to improve your social media strategy? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

From content curation to growing followers. To learn more schedule a discovery call with us at www.gooroovirtualassist.com.

________________________________________________________________________

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