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(www.businessandblogging.com) Some small business owners I talk to are hesitant to start a blog because they are worried about how much time, effort and talent it will take. These fears are reinforced by so-called “experts” who tell them that they are too busy or too illiterate to write a blog that anyone would want to read.
Rather than reinforce the view that blogging is for the elite few, I’d rather offer some helpful advice to overcome any doubts and fears you may have.
So, in case you have heard these myths, I’d like to reassure you that:
you don’t have to write every day - it’s important to be consistent in posting so readers know what to expect and get in the habit of reading your blog; but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to post every day; you can set up a schedule that works for you – 3 times per week, only on weekdays, etc.
you don’t have to write a masterpiece - while it’s important to have some longer posts of substance so that your readers have a reason for reading your blog in the first place, it’s okay to mix in shorter posts along with them; balance is the key.
you don’t have to be an English professor – (or whatever language you write in). It is important to have at least an average grasp of grammar and spelling. Otherwise, your posts will be unreadable. Most wordprocessors can correct common mistakes for you. If you really struggle in this area – you can have an employee, friend or family member review your writing. As you write more posts and get more feedback, you may actually improve in this area which would probably benefit your business over all!
you don’t have to write all the posts yourself -
- you can co-author the blog like we do at businessandblogging.com, which divides the work and gives the reader a variety of voices and styles;
- you can have guests write some of the posts – a colleague in a related field might want to get some exposure to your readers – it provides extra value to your readers and later your colleague can return the favor to you
- you can reprint free articles related to your field – these can be found in article directories like ezinearticles.com
you don’t have to be original – sometimes, people just need to be reminded of what they already know; it helps reinforce their beliefs and may be just the nudge they need to buy an item, make a decision or implement a change
you don’t have to be brilliant – readers are looking for connection more than profound thoughts; authenticity and relevancy are the two most important factors; and besides, once you start writing, you might actually surprise yourself every so often by saying something brilliant!
you don’t have to use words – a lot of blogs I read have posts where they simply share a great picture, a funny cartoon or an amazing video
you don’t have to be a technical genius - basic blogging platforms are very simple, similar to writing in a word processor; you may eventually want to learn a few tricks to help format your words or embed a picture, but trust me, it is not rocket science
you don’t have to spend a fortune – Laura, my co-author, wrote a great article the other day that explains the costs of blogging in detail - bottom line – it’s cheap
you don’t have to neglect your business – blogging does not have to be time-consuming; I’ve already pointed out ways to make the posts shorter and faster; In addition to that most blogging software allows you to write your posts ahead of time and schedule when they are going to be posted – so you can write a whole week’s worth while sitting on an airplane, waiting for appointments, eating lunch, or battling insomnia.
So now, tell me, what did I miss? What concerns are holding you back from starting a blog to promote your small business?
photo credit: sota767
Hi Patricia
I’m so glad you came by to check out our site even though you don’t usually read business sites.
Although I have over 20 years experience in the Corporate world and can be as hard-nosed and results-focused as the next guy, I tend to balance it with a spiritual, “let’s make the world a better place” approach.
I simply don’t believe that growth of profits and growth as human beings are mutually exclusive.
One of the reasons I get so excited about blogging, even in the business world… especially in the business world…is the opportunity it provides for people to connect and remember that there are human beings with feelings, frustrations and frailities on both sides of the relationship.
And as for Stephen – I think he’s wonderful. I also connected with him before I learned about his hearing problems – and then I just admired him even more.
Thanks for stopping by – hope to hear from you again!
Liz
Hi. I read your article and enjoyed the list so much. I came here because of Stephen’s End of the Week Gratitude Theme #14. I usually check out the people that he recommends each week. I have only known Stephen a very short time. He was surprised by a series of emails back and forth between us recently when I told him that I subscribed to his site before I knew that he was deaf. It is because of the fact that his writing is real and honest and he isn’t afraid of being vulnerable, all of those things that I hope show through in my own writings at my blog.
I don’t read too many business oriented blogs. I mostly concentrate on the spiritual niche blogs. I will read more of yours because I did feel a connection to what you said in this article. I look forward to reading more when I get home from church later today.
1554 days ago
[...] out Liz Fuller’s wonderfully inspiring article, Do You Have What it Takes To Write a Blog? She reminds us that we don’t need to write a masterpiece, be original or be an English [...]
Hi Stephen
No worries about the name mixup – it’s the two “L” names that confuses people.
I want to thank you for sharing a snowy Saturday with me – hope we can talk more in the future!
I’ll let you know about SOBCon08. Take care!
Liz
Liz:
First of all, let me apologize for calling you Laura instead of Liz in a previous comment. Sorry! OOPS!
Now that we got that straight, I’m truly enjoying this wonderful conversation with you. Thanks for the heartfelt reaction to some of my articles, particularly the “most embarrassing” ones.
True, when you make yourself that vulnerable, you are definitely being authentic. It isn’t easy to do but hey, I love it when other writers do it, so why shouldn’t I?
One thing I find working is when you write from your own experiences – it makes you an authority becuase you experienced them yourself. When people realize your stories are those of your own, they make more of a connection with you on a spiritual level (whether they believe in God or not – it matters not). YOu seem more real to them, just like you said.
As for how I could possibly think my articles aren’t original – well, you know how hard it is for one to evaluate himself/herself. I tend to be a bit hard on myself. I’m the one looking out – not looking in. It’s easier for people from the outside looking in to exclaim, “Wow, how original!” But those from the inside looking out might not necessarily feel the same way. Know what I mean?
Well, in any case, if you end up going to the SOBCon08, it’d be a great opportunity to meet you.
Thanks again for the heartfelt comments and appreciation for my work at Adversity University. I’m so glad you were touched as much as I was inspired by your work here.
Hi Stephen,
I don’t know how you can possibly think that your articles and experience are not original enough – but I do know that it can feel sometimes like you are blogging your heart out and you might as well be whispering into the wind. Then someone comes along and connects with what you’ve written and it can re-energize you and give you purpose. It’s great to know you’ve made a connection.
One of the great things you do on your blog is to write about your embarrassing moments – they are so authentic – (and so embarrassing!!) – my face is turning red as I’m reading them – just out of empathy!! That’s the kind of stuff that makes people connect with you because it makes you real.
I need to give some thought about how to put more of that level of candor into my writing….
I’ve been toying with going to the SOBCon08 conference in May but haven’t figured out if I’ll be able to. If I do, it would be great to meet.
Liz
Laura:
WOW. You have NO idea how much you impacted me this morning with your kind words. Thank you so much!
It’s nice to hear feedback from a relative newcomer to my blog. What I am hearing from you is exactly what my intentions have been from the very beginning. I really receiving your feedback because it’s a fresh perspective from someone I’ve never met or corresponded with in the past.
By the way, are you going to the SOBCon08 in Chicago this year? If you are, then we might have an opportunity to make a real connection in person. Wouldn’t that be great or what?
Again, THANKS for inspiring me with kindness and for reminding me why I am blogging in the first place. You came into my life at just the right time because like every human being on this planet, I was beginning to experience, shall I say, a downer period? I was starting to feel maybe I wasn’t original enough or all those things you mentioned in this article but because of you, I realized I don’t have to be. All I have to do is just be authentic like I’ve been and do the best I can, with the readers in mind.
What a “picker-uppper”! Thanks. You are an angel, do you know that? Wink, wink.
Hi Stephen
I’m glad you found the post encouraging – but I’m also more than a little amazed – your blog is so great – I love your weekly gratitude posts, your interviews and your inspirational articles!
You have a great way of connecting authentically to your readers. To me – that’s brilliant!
Well Laura:
You certainly did encourage me! Keep it up. :)
Hi Stephen!
I’m glad that you found Liz’s article to be an encouragement. Encouraging businesses to blog is one of our goals here.
Liz:
I learned about this article from Liz Strauss and I very much enjoyed the tips you offered.
It was a great reminder that I don’t have to put myself under such pressure to be “original” or “brilliant” or whatever else is stopping me from writing an article.
It was a great, “feel-good” reminder for serious bloggers like myself. Thanks!! You made my evening (it’s around 11 30 pm)!