How Blogging Transformed My Small Business
As a small business owner, you often find yourself juggling a hundred different tasks at once. From managing your website to engaging with customers, it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day hustle.
For me, there’s one tool that has truly transformed the way I operate my business...
Yep, you guessed it – BLOGGING.
Recently, I was invited to do my first guest post with an incredible social media manager Just Peachy Digital. While it was a little daunting, it got me reflecting about how much has changed in the last year since I started blogging:
I’ve doubled down on my content-marketing strategy so I never run out of content ideas, almost tripled my website traffic through SEO, established authority in my industry, and got into the groove of writing for my business.
Not bragging, just facts. And I’m serious that it can help you too.
Just to set the record straight, I’m talking about high-quality, original blogs. I’m not talking about that ChatGPT rubbish (use that to brainstorm ideas or write an outline, though).
Here's why blogging has been a serious game-changer in my small business, and why it’s worth the time investment as a busy small business owner.
Content-marketing: The Power of Multipurpose Content
I always knew the value of content-first marketing (you can read more about my marketing mindset here), but starting my journal really solidified my DIY marketing process. Creating a blog post isn’t just about sharing your thoughts; it’s about crafting content that can be repurposed and redistributed across multiple platforms.
Every blog post can be broken down into smaller, bite-sized pieces of content that can be shared in various forms. That 1000-word article? It can easily become a series of emails that offer your subscribers valuable insights without overwhelming them.
Those same insights can be transformed into carousels for Instagram. You can turn key points from your blog post into digestible slides, and suddenly, you’ve got a piece of content that’s perfect for social media.
And last, but definitely not least, video content. I’m on the cusp of the Gen Z cutoff, but I’m a millenial at heart and reels have taken me sooo long to get into. But by breaking down my blog posts into short, snappy educational videos, I’ve found them so much easier.
This content-first approach means that you’re not constantly scrambling for new ideas. Instead, you’re stretching the value of every piece of content you create, ensuring that it works harder for your business.
SEO: Driving Traffic to Your Website Through Blogs
One of the biggest benefits of blogging is the impact it can have on your SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). As a small business owner, you know how important it is to get your website in front of the right people. No budget and can’t afford the wild Google Ads prices? Blogging is your new SEO bestie.
When you create high-quality, relevant content, search engines take notice. They’re looking for content that answers questions, provides value, and is updated regularly. Each blog post you write is an opportunity to include keywords and phrases that your potential customers are searching for.
Over time, as you build up a library of valuable content, your website becomes a resource that people turn to when they need information. Plus, when your content is engaging and valuable, other websites are more likely to link to it, which is a perfect way to get high-quality backlinks.
Blogging helps drive traffic to your website by making it easier for people to find you. Better yet, it gives them more reasons to come back (did you know that Marketo found that 96% of people aren’t ready to buy when they first come to your site?!)
And not to state the obvious… the more people who visit your site, the more opportunities you have to make that money, honey.
Thought Leadership + Beating Imposter Syndrome
Blogging is also a powerful tool for establishing yourself as a thought leader in your industry. When you consistently share valuable insights, tips, and advice, you position yourself as an expert. This not only helps build trust with your audience, but it also sets you apart from your competitors.
I struggled hard with imposter syndrome, especially when I was just starting out with this ol’ marketing thing. The idea of putting your opinions and personality out there for the world to see is scary, right?
But, the more I blog, the more confident I become in my knowledge and expertise. It’s a way of reinforcing to yourself and to others that you do know what you’re talking about.
Sharing your blog posts on social media is another great way to amplify your voice. It gives your followers a reason to engage with your content and helps spread your message to a broader audience.
Over time, as you build up a collection of blog posts, you’ll start to see the impact that your thought leadership can have…
People will begin to turn to you for advice, and you’ll find that you’re no longer questioning your place in your industry. It’s a big YES from me.
Supercharge Your Tone of Voice & Writing Skills
This was something that had me shook. I realised how much writing blogs has honed my messaging style and made me way quicker at the rest of the write-y things you have to do as a small business owner. Pretty obvious in retrospect, but from project proposals to Insta captions, my new writing skills have made my life much easier.
Every time you sit down to write, you’re practising the way you communicate with your audience. Over time, you’ll start to notice that your writing becomes more consistent, your messaging more clear, and your tone of voice more distinct.
Your tone of voice is a big part of your brand identity. It’s what makes you unique and helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Blogging gives you the opportunity to experiment with different styles, see what connects with your audience, and nail your approach.
Practice makes better, amirite? (because we’re all recovering perfectionists and focus on improving, not perfection). Blogging regularly forces you to think critically about your ideas, organise your thoughts, and communicate them clearly.
This not only makes you a better writer, but also a better communicator, which is key for getting your audience to engage, click, and hand over their hard-earned cash.
You’re inspired and you’re asking: How do I get started?
Stahhhp, I’m flattered. But seriously, let’s get you started on your blogging journey with a few simple steps.
Brainstorm: Start by reviewing common customer questions that you could address in your blog. What are the burning questions that keep popping up? Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, think about some behind-the-scenes topics that could shed light on your process or industry. People love a peek behind the curtain!
Decide on the key takeaway: Before you dive into writing, decide on the key purpose of the post. What do you want to achieve with it? Maybe it’s educating your audience, driving traffic to a specific product, or simply sharing a personal story. Whatever it is, keep it in mind as your guiding light.
Get writing!: Don’t let writer’s block hold you back. Use tools like ChatGPT to help outline your thoughts or brainstorm ideas. But remember, the magic happens when you add your unique voice and perspective to the mix.
Edit ruthlessly: Once you’ve got your first draft, go back and refine it. Cut out the fluff, tighten your sentences, and make sure your message is crystal clear. Your blog post should be as concise as possible while still packing a punch.
Promote, promote, promote: After you hit publish, don’t just sit back and wait for the traffic to roll in. Share your blog post across all your social media channels, include it in your newsletter, and consider repurposing it into other content formats like reels or carousel posts. The more eyes on your post, the better!
My Blogging Love Letter Wrap-Up
Blogging has the power to transform your small business, just like it has for little ol’ me. It’s a comprehensive strategy that can level-up your marketing, boost your SEO, establish you as a thought leader, and give you the help (that you know you need) to refine your messaging.
Content-first marketing: Use your blog content as the foundation for emails, social media posts, and videos to maximise your reach.
SEO: Improve your website’s visibility by creating valuable content that search engines (and people) love.
Thought leadership: Build authority in your industry and overcome imposter syndrome by consistently sharing your insights.
Messaging and writing skills: Develop a clear, consistent tone of voice and sharpen your writing skills through regular blogging.
If you haven’t yet embraced blogging as part of your business strategy, it’s better now than never. Take it from me, the opportunity for both personal and business growth is wild! Start with one post to see how you get on, and, as always, reach out if you need a hand.
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