You have a blog but do not always feel like posting to it, right? Take encouragement here - we all have days we feel like that. Some days I just do not feel like blogging, but, guess what? I make myself do it anyway. Read on to hear why.
Some days, like today, I just don't want to blog. I have videos tucked away and topics written down. I even have my LIVE ONLINE Q&A summarized to use as a blog post when needed. But some days, I don't want to format it; I don't want to keyword search it; I REALLY don't want to do my category, tag and SEO Pack; I could care less about that picture I need to find; and I don't feel like a catchy call to action.
So when you feel like this what can you do?
1- Remember that keeping it short and sweet is a good thing.
2- Use your blog more like a journal and less like a "promotional tool for your business." People like Seth Godin often blog one or two sentences - just things that are obviously on their minds.
3- Write what's on your mind, versus what you THINK you should write. That's real. That's authentic. That's vulnerable.
4- Write when you are inspired to write, then get them up and date stamp them to go out when you need them to. There are many blogging clubs that help people do this. I even think about starting a live online group- where we write and inspire for an hour every month.
Sometimes, I don't want to blog, but I find the inspiration.
If you find you are needing some inspiration to blog, here are some helpful tips:
1- Link to other blogs. Linking is one of the most simple strategies to increase blog visibility. Be sure to link to blogs:
That inspired you to write your blog (First, that is just good social media etiquette!)
Where you did your research?- give credit, again
That are in your keyword niche and out rank you in search engines
2- Use keyword titles and be sure the permalink is keyword rich
It's not just the title; it's the URL (the permalink) that is created from the title that help search engine crawlers
It's best to set the permalink prior to publishing, because if you change it later you break the link anywhere you posted it (404 error)
3- Make sure you have categories that you will write relevant content to regularly
- Unless you have a "niche blog", you are best to pick five, maybe seven categories and stick to them
- Don't be clever with your categories; think like your customer
- The more you post to a category, the more "street cred" you get with search engines
These are just a few tips I shared in my blogging sessions. I bet participants are already making changes to their blogs! What changes do you need to make?
I would love to hear your thoughts!
Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants in Feb 2001, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October of 2008, Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to "discover your REAL edge" and make more online in less time with integrity.
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