First things first, if you don’t have a blog – consider creating one. Every business should have a website along with a blog. Why is blogging important, you ask? Take a look here.
In today’s difficult economic climate, it’s tough to make a sale these days, but there are things that you can do that will help get the return you’re looking for. Blogging is a wonderful thing – it can do the selling for you. No cold calls, no pushy sales talk, no gimmicks – just information presented to the customer in such a way that it adds value for them .
When you produce high quality content, you become a valued resource for your reader. This creates trust and it proves that you are worth the money. Prospects start thinking “hey, I wonder what else the author of this article knows that I need to know.”
Below are some trends that may seem familiar, but it’s worth noting:
- Business blogging is steadily on the rise.
- B2B companies with a blog receive more leads than those without.
- Higher blogging frequency is more effective.
- A B2B blog has tremendous SEO benefits and organic search attracts high-quality leads.
- A company blog has more long-term ROI than traditional marketing efforts.
Keep reading for our tips on how to generate qualified leads and sales through blogging!
Offer unique content
Unfortunately, there is a ton of content circulating that never gets read, or shared. If you are simply rehashing what everyone else is saying, you won’t get far. Look at a topic from a different angle and provide new information, or figure out how to present it in a new way. Readers want to learn. We all want to learn – so don’t tell them what they already know.
Build this into your content marketing strategy and brainstorm ideas that will keep your readers engaged.
Include content for all stages of the funnel
47% of buyers viewed 3 to 5 pieces of content before engaging with a sales rep. You need content for everyone. You want to draw in new readers, while also beginning to lay a foundation with others to start working with your brand and consider buying your product.
Be consistent
Post regularly! Consumers don’t like to see gaps in posts, and this can create mistrust. Consistency is key when it comes to making money from your blog. Take a look at this research done by HubSpot – companies that publish 16 or more blog posts per month get 4.5 times or more leads than those who publish 0 to 4 posts. Now, do what you can – remember, consistency is key.
Include a call to action
This can be a simple sentence at the end of you post – something like “click here to request a free consultation,” or “download our ebook now.” It would be such a waste for a customer to take the time to read through your content, and then you don’t ask for something in return. Your biggest asset is contact information. Do what you can to obtain it!
Don’t be afraid to use ads in the sidebar
Do you offer free ebooks? Whitepapers? Demos? Promote these, and your products and services in the sidebar of your blog. This way, you aren’t interrupting your reader with ads in the middle of your post – but you’re still showing what else you have to offer.
No matter what you are selling, keeping a tidy, consistent blog will help convert, and generate the ROI you’re looking for. Contact us today if you’re looking for help with your company blog!
Do you have other tips for generating sales with your blog? Let us know below!