Is Your Business Blog Dull?

Did you know that a snail can sleep for three years straight?

Now, imagine if your business blog had the same effect on your readers. In today’s fast-paced digital world, a lively and engaging blog is crucial for any business to thrive.

But fear not, dear reader, for today we shall embark on a journey to transform your snooze-worthy blog into a dazzling beacon of wit and wisdom. So, grab your caffeinated beverage of choice, and let’s get started!

Identifying a Dull Business Blog

How can you tell if your business blog is dull? Here are some tell-tale signs:

1. Your readers’ engagement is lower than the limbo bar at a world championship.
2. Your blog topics are as predictable as a soap opera plot twist.
3. Your writing style is as exciting as watching paint dry (which, by the way, is not a recommended blog topic).

If you’re nodding your head in agreement, it’s time for an intervention. So, let’s dive into the tips and tricks to help you avoid the dreaded dullness.

How to Write a New and Meaningful Blog Post

You need to write something meaningful. Think you can do that?

See, the problem is this: You need to keep your business-face on and you have to make sure that people know you are serious and that you are…well…just like every other provider in your business.

You’re nothing new.

We hate being different, don’t we? We hate being contentious. We hate stepping over THAT line. We hate being the one to peek over the parapet and say: Hey, you know what? I might…I just might do something different. We hate writing stuff no one has written before.

How many words do you think there are in the blogosphere? At this particular moment in time?

I’m wowed by that question, more than I’m wowed by the fact that my Word autocorrect just corrected the word blogosphere (meaning there is actually a word and I hadn’t just made it up).

Know what that means?

Someone dared to make it up. Someone thought we don’t have a word for this, so I’ll create one. Here it is guys. Blogosphere. The sphere in which a blog exists.

Back to my point. The first way to shake the dullness out of your blog is to stop regurgitating the same old stuff that’s already out there.

If there are just 10 x 500-word blogs written every minute….sheeze, Louise…where’s that calculator? That’s a lot, right? A zillion gadzillion million billion posts. How much of that stuff do you think is good?

And by that, I mean how much of that stuff is ever being read properly? Most of it, I bet, is sitting in dusty corners of the internet ether, unloved and unappreciated.

Be honest, how many people are visiting your business site and reading your blog? Chances are, for most businesses, that number is a big fat zero.

Here’s the point: A well-sourced, engaging, regularly updated business blog can enhance you as a respected source of valuable information and drive traffic to your site.

Combine that with a strong social media presence and you have one of the most powerful and effective marketing tools on the planet today. But you have to produce great content.

How to Build a Business Blog List That Works

I’ve spent some time ranting about what you’re doing wrong but not how you put it right? Telling you to create better content isn’t that helpful, is it?

Here’s a quick example to get us going.

You have two blog posts for a gas engineer website. One is about the design specifications of the XD500 combi boiler. The other is about what thermostat setting you should put the room at to stay warm in winter but still save money. Which is more useful to the customer?

The XD500 is fine to discuss if you are talking about how efficient it is and how easy it is to maintain. That’s stuff people want to know, not which pipe goes where and how a rubber extrusion prevents the boiler from vibrating against the wall.

Find what questions your customers are asking and write blog posts about them. Don’t just write any old blog post, write the most comprehensive answer you can, in as much detail as you can.

How do you find what questions are being asked? Talk to your customers. Ask them what questions they had when they were hiring your service or buying your product. Ask what questions they have now.

Go online and start searching questions on Google related to your business.

What you’ll find is that, when you begin typing, Google will come up with a list to help you fill in the rest of the search term. This is based on what people are looking for and what questions they commonly ask. Make these suggestions the titles of your next blogs.

Even in what seems a relatively dull or narrow niche, this kind of approach gives you much greater scope than simply producing the same old industry dirges.

Here’s my top tip: It’s much better to write ONE quality post rather than TEN that aren’t any use to your audience at all. Focus on doing the one post well and you’ll engage more with potential customers.

How to Write for Your Audience

Everyone has their writing style, some good, some bad. But here are some basic rules for writing blog content for your audience:

• Pick simple words over complex ones.
• Use relatively short sentences.
• Limit paragraphs to two or three sentences to make your content easier to read, especially on mobile.
• Include images in your blog posts.

Even if you have a pretty dry subject that leaves you bored, writing about it with a good spoonful of enthusiasm is important. Keeping your language simple helps a lot and stops eyes glazing over. Using headings is one way to ensure that you break up content and make it easier to digest.

One key thing: always try to stick to the point. Don’t stray off it because you’ve just thought of an interesting fact that has no relation to the content. Remember, people are generally searching for a specific answer to their query. They don’t give two hoots about your other interesting stuff.

For example, if you are writing a blog about how to claim for personal injury following an accident, you shouldn’t suddenly start talking about your will writing service.

You don’t jump into a colourful description of how ice cream is made if your audience simply wants to know what flavours you can get.

Another thing to make note of is that people often scan blog pages and don’t read them properly. Get your important points into the early part of your post so that your audience can see them.

Leave Your Post

I will probably say this a lot on this site. Never write and post straight away.

Leave your blog post at least a few days before you shove it online. Give it to friends and family to read (and listen to their comments). Even better, give it customers who are likely to provide an honest opinion. Make changes if you need to and then post.

Okay, I don’t want you to get too anal about this and spend more time on each post than needed. But this little pause and then going back to the content is essential. Do it once, do it well and get it up there.

Be Honest, Don’t Be Salesy

There’s nothing wrong with putting a call to action at the end of your blog post. But you mustn’t make your content overly sales orientated.

Save that for dedicated landing pages if you want to produce this kind of content. Be honest about the advice you give and present it in a way your audience can easily understand.

Don’t Let Keyword Choice Dictate Your Posts

Another thing that tends to get in the way of engaging blog content is the choice of keywords. Yes, you can use your blog to rank for certain words better.

But that shouldn’t dictate the type of content you are writing – that should be influenced by what your audience is searching for.

Again, specific landing pages are far more suitable solutions to boost your keyword ranking.

Injecting Humour and Personality

Why so serious? Adding a touch of humour to your business blog not only makes your content more enjoyable but also helps humanize your brand. After all, who doesn’t love a good laugh? Here are some tips for infusing humour into your blog:

1. Use relatable, funny stories: Share amusing anecdotes from your personal or professional life that your readers can relate to. Laughter is a universal language, and a good chuckle will keep your audience hooked.
2. Incorporate clever wordplay and puns: Don’t be afraid to play with language. A well-placed pun or a witty turn of phrase can bring a smile to your reader’s face and make your content more memorable.
3. Play with formats: Experiment with humorous lists, quizzes, or even satirical pieces. Variety is the spice of life, and mixing up your content will keep your readers engaged and entertained.

Tips for Choosing Interesting Topics

Nobody wants to read the same old, same old. It’s time to step away from the ordinary and venture into the extraordinary. Here’s how to choose interesting topics for your business blog:

1. Look for unique angles on common topics: Instead of rehashing the same ideas, find fresh perspectives or explore niche aspects of your industry.
2. Share exciting industry news and developments: Be the go-to source for the latest trends and innovations in your field. Your readers will appreciate your expertise and insight.
3. Offer valuable insights in a fun and engaging manner: Ditch the jargon and present your knowledge with flair. Use storytelling techniques to captivate your audience and make your content more accessible.

Tips for Making It Visually Appealing

You know what they say: a picture is worth a thousand words. And in the world of blogging, this couldn’t be more accurate. Here’s how you can make your blog visually appealing:

1. Use infographics to present data in an engaging way: Transform boring stats and figures into eye-catching, easy-to-understand visuals. Your readers will thank you for it.
2. Include custom illustrations or comics: Stand out from the crowd by incorporating unique artwork that complements your content. Not only will it catch your reader’s attention, but it will also make your brand more memorable.
3. Select eye-catching images that support your content: Choose high-quality photos and graphics that reinforce your message and add visual interest to your blog.

Tips for Creating an Engaging Writing Style

No one wants to read a robotic, monotone blog post. Your writing style can make or break your content, so let’s explore ways to add some pizzazz to your prose:

1. Add personality to your writing: Don’t be afraid to let your unique voice shine through. Embrace your quirks and idiosyncrasies – they’re what make you, well, you!
2. Showcase your brand’s unique voice: Your blog is an extension of your brand, so make sure your tone and style reflect your company’s personality and values.
3. Encourage reader interaction: Ask thought-provoking questions and invite your readers to share their opinions and experiences. Engaging with your audience will not only foster a sense of community but also help you better understand their needs and preferences.

A Great Business Blog? Consistency Is Key

They say variety is the spice of life, but when it comes to your business blog, consistency is just as important. Here’s how to keep your audience hooked:

1. The importance of regular posting: Consistently publishing new content signals to your readers (and search engines) that your blog is alive and kicking. Plus, it gives your audience something to look forward to.
2. Maintain a consistent tone and style: While experimenting with different formats and topics is great, make sure your overall tone and style remain cohesive. This consistency will help establish your brand’s identity and keep readers coming back for more.

Steer Clear of Religion and Politics in Your Business Blog

There are certain risks that come with dipping your toes into the realms of politics and religion. If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ll know how polarising it can be. If you take this route, you risk: Alienating or offending your audience, diverting focus from your core business message, and damaging your brand reputation

1. Maintaining neutrality: As a business, your primary goal is to cater to the needs of your diverse audience. Delving into religion or politics may alienate a portion of your readers, negatively affecting your bottom line.
2. Staying on message: Your business blog should focus on topics relevant to your industry and expertise. While discussing politics or religion might generate buzz, it can also distract from your primary mission and dilute your brand’s message.
3. Preserving your brand’s reputation: Engaging in controversial discussions can lead to polarized opinions and heated debates, which may tarnish your brand’s image. It’s essential to create a welcoming environment that fosters positive connections with your audience.

Are there exceptions to the rule? A few, here are some that might be relevant:

• Contextual relevance: If your business is inherently tied to religious or political themes (e.g., a faith-based organization or a political consultancy), it’s acceptable to discuss these subjects. However, it’s crucial to approach these topics with sensitivity and respect for differing perspectives.
• Handling sensitive topics with care: If you must address a controversial issue, do so with tact, diplomacy, and empathy. Present a balanced view, and avoid taking a definitive stance that might alienate readers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, transforming your dull business blog into a lively, engaging platform doesn’t have to be rocket science. By adding humour and personality, choosing interesting topics, creating visually appealing content, adopting an engaging writing style, and maintaining consistency, you’ll be well on your way to captivating your audience.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to revamp your blog and say goodbye to the days of snail-speed reader engagement. And, hey, if your newfound blog liveliness leads to a sudden surge in reader comments and shares, we wouldn’t mind if you popped back here to regale us with your success stories.

Happy blogging!