The final part of this blog series about blogging from Kirsty France is all about how to start blogging.
One of my favourite things about my business is the fact that it gives me the chance to talk to business owners about marketing. More accurately, it means I get to ask questions about the ways they market their business. This isn’t just because I’m nosey (although I am). I work with small businesses to write content that works for their business, no matter what platform that might be on, so I like to know what’s working. I’m a big fan of blogging for lots of different reasons so if a business doesn’t have a blog I’m interested in knowing why. One of the most common responses I get when I ask the question is that people just don’t know how to get started. If that’s you, here’s my guide to starting your blog.
Find a platform
One of the main benefits of blogging is the fact that it brings people to your website where you can encourage them to sign up to your mailing list or show them other interesting stuff. If you don’t already have a website there are loads of providers to choose from – I went for WordPress as I find it very user-friendly and easy to update. The different WordPress themes meant I could get a good looking site even though I’m better with words than I am with visuals.
Picking a topic
One of my most frequently asked questions is ‘but what shall I write about?’ When you’re immersed in your own business it’s easy to forget that you know things your potential clients don’t. What seems easy and obvious to you could be completely mind boggling to them. Start with the basics. If you solve a problem, tell people how. Write down your FAQs and write a blog answering one of them. Don’t overthink it too much – remember you’re the expert, that’s why people need you.
Start blogging
Now for the tricky part – actually writing something down. I find it helps to break your topic down into smaller chunks so you can write a paragraph on each one. It helps you to keep on track but also means that you don’t have to sit staring at a blank page. Make a few notes about what you want to cover in each section then you can start turning those into sentences. If you really struggle, imagine you’re talking someone through your topic. If you record yourself you can even get it transcribed and transfer your favourite bits straight into your post.
The final polish
No matter how much you might hate it, it’s really important to read your work back. Reading aloud helps you to spot any holes and you might also find ways to make your phrases sound better. If grammar and spelling isn’t your strong point there are resources you can use, from the tools in Word or Google Docs through to Grammarly’s grammar checker. The most important thing is to get your work out there. It’s only by practising and getting feedback that you start to improve.
Kirsty France
Kirsty is a copy and content writer from Leicestershire. She works with small businesses everywhere to help them tell great stories in their marketing and make connections with their ideal customers.
So there you have it – how to start blogging. I would love to know from you – do you have a blog and if so, what is it about? Feel free to share your blog links in the comments below.
