As hated as a visit to the dentist . . .

Blogging doesn't have to be like pulling teeth!

Some people think of blogging the same way they think of going to the dentist - not pleasant and to be avoided at all costs.  But this year I've had more clients start blogging (and I'm ghostwriting more blogs) this year than any year in the past. Why? Because more people are seeing the benefits of blogging like how blogs get the attention of search engines because of the fresh content and the way a blog gives you a platform to showcase expertise.

If you are still struggling with blogging here's a few things I've learned that will keep things on track.

1. Give yourself a blogging due date and stick to it.  Like an appointment on the calendar make sure you have your "homework" done by that day each week.  When I've set a due dates for the client's I'm coaching we get it done 9 times out of 10.
2. Keep a notepad handy so when something you read or talk about sparks an idea for a blog post you can jot it down and come back to it later.  If you're really hurting for ideas try using the Content Idea Generator.
3. Watch your blog traffic - really! Because when you see how many people read a particular blog post it encourages you to write again!
4. Get a blogging buddy - that's right a buddy who will keep you on track, proof read, give you a second opinion and maybe even brainstorm ideas with you.

Remember - a blog post is first person, can include your thoughts and opinions and should always quote the source or link back to the source when you're referencing the writings of others. 

Blogging shouldn't be a painful exercise, it can be a fun, easy way to showcase your company. If you haven't started - today looks like a good day to do so right? How about now?

Off to a Great Start

What a week! Hard to come back after all those short weeks and holidays but Chris, Dan and I managed to get our heads together and we're back - full steam ahead!

Here are a few of the things we'll be focusing on this year:

• Mobile Web - does your website look smart on smart phones and other devices?
• Google+ - looks like Google is going to use their own social channel to help in ranking websites. We'll be watching the impact of social on Google's SERP.
• QR codes - yup, we can do that!
• Putting more videos on our website as a resource in addition to the articles we add to each month.

And of course, all the online marketing channels: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Bing, paid advertising, and email marketing. Speaking of that - have you liked us on Facebook yet?

Watch for new client designs coming out this month and updates on results we've achieved for our existing clients.

Hope your year is off to a great start as well!

And if you're keeping track, this is day 7 of 365 days of blogging. So far I'm on track with a post to my personal blog yesterday and a post to Anesthesia Billing & ATM Sales blogs today... now if I can keep it up over the weekend...

A Quick Blog About . . . well. . . Blogging!

Blogging doesn't have to be a mind bender.

If you still haven't started blogging (or you have a blog and fail to use it) then this post is for you!

The main reason people (business owners) don't blog is that they don't understand why it's a necessary part of any business website and, quite often, they don't even know how to begin.

Well despite the great value a blog adds to a site in terms of keyword rich content, blogs also reveal the personality of the owner and the culture of the company making it easy for people to want to do business with you. Using an out-of-the-box blogging program like blogger makes it easy for the "blogosphere" to pick up your content and leads to more site traffic. In addition, blogs are great for promoting your business via social media. 

Like everything in life, blogging starts with a first post. Some people get real hung up on creating long, thoughtful, informative posts. Don't. Blog posts don't need to be anything more than a paragraph or two on something that is meaningful to you! Here are a few ideas:

• Have an idea? Put it out there and see what your readers think.
• See something interesting on your way to the office? Write about it. . .
• Did something funny happen? Tell the story. . .
• Going on a business trip or vacation? Tell the audience . . .

The point is, your blog doesn't have to be always about your business. Be transparent by making it about your whole business & your life. Tell people when the company makes a mistake - and how you've learned from it. Share the comments you've received from customers (good & bad) and talk about how the company is addressing them. Talk about the outcomes of your latest business meetings, the experience of your flight in to a strange city on a small airline.  

And include photos! These are more important than ever when you are linking your blog to Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest.

If you want to get a better idea of how to blog - read blogs. Just get on Google and search the blog content for topics in which you are interested. Add comments when you are inspired by something you read, and feel free to adapt your style to blogs that you find interesting.
Remember, don't use hype or try to sell something. The point is, your blog doesn't have to be a dissertation - have fun with it! Just be yourself.