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With so many customizable, free blog templates available, through sites like Wordpress and Blogger, anyone and their mother can start a blog. (Please don’t tell my mom that…) But, once you’ve started a blog, you might find it overwhelming to decide what content to post, how to get readers to your blog and how to keep readers coming back.
The answers to these questions are really quite simple.
What should I write about?
First, decide who your audience is and cater to them. For associations, you may want to blog about upcoming events, news, and what’s happening inside your organization. If you write about what you know, a blog can position you as a thought-leader. Blogging is a also a way to give your association a personality and a reason for people to not only respect your cause, but to like you.
How do I get people to read my blog?
Social media is entirely about give and take. Don’t start a blog if you want to spend the time it takes to interact, meaning sharing your expertise in return for other’s. Seek out blogs in your industry and comment on them. Your comments will drive others in your industry to your blog if they like what you’ve said or find it controversial. Don’t forget to tag your posts so they’re searchable!
For a much more extensive list of how to drive traffic to your blog, including posting on weekdays, check out Seth Godin’s post on the subject here.
How do I get people to come back?
Be consistent and post often. That’s basically it. If a reader takes time out of their day to read your blog and you haven’t posted in a month, they won’t come back.
Blogging can be beneficial beyond words. A blog can help you boost Search Engine Optimization (SEO), position your organization as a thought leader, and start a discussion, enabling you to get honest member feedback. All you have to do in return is to be prepared to take the time to not only blog, but to blog the right way.
For more information on starting a blog, be sure to download a copy of our guide to blogging for associations.