6 reasons why blogs are good for websites
You’re busy. Life is hectic and balancing priorities for your business is difficult. Finding time to write a blog is way down on your list. In fact, it’s fallen right off it. Ah well, maybe next month. Why are blogs so important to websites anyway?
In fact, blogs are vital for a healthy website. Keeping your blog fresh and interesting will pay dividends for your business. Here’s why…
Blogs boost your SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
It’s a fact that Google likes information-rich pages and ranks them higher if they offer interesting advice and help. Search engine listings are determined by software programmes (called ‘spiders’) that look for various features when they index web pages. These spiders will pick up on certain ‘key-words’ and ensure that anyone searching with the same words or phrases sees these pages first.
As a result, well-written blogs, containing the relevant key-words, will make your website much more ‘findable’. And if you ensure that, once they’ve landed on your site, customers are sign-posted to other key areas such as products or services, you have a better chance of persuading them to stay and browse. In fact, when your write your blog, you can include links embedded in the text that take visitors directly to other blog posts or sections of your site. This will also improve your website’s ‘stickiness’.
Blogs update your website with new content
How often should you blog? At the very least, once a month. Once a week would be even better. The regularity of new content is important to how your customers and the spiders view your website. Sites that haven’t been updated for months lose their appeal, to search engines as well as humans!
Blogs showcase your expertise
Nowadays, people use Google to answer all their problems. It’s the ‘go-to’ place for solutions to all aspects of life. No matter how obscure the query, there’s always an answer on-line. The key to a successful blog is to put yourself in the shoes of your customers and think, ‘If I was them, what problem would I be trying to solve?’ Then write a focused blog that specifically answers that question, using search terms they are most likely to use.
By doing this, you’re providing your customers with a broader level of service. In fact, you’re offering free advice, which is always popular! Your company will be seen as expert in its field, raising its status in the eyes of potential customers.
Blogs give your business personality
If you write with humour and empathy, your blog can be a great way to build the personality of your brand. Websites are often dry and factual, so your blog is the perfect place to inject a human touch. People buy from people, so the more engaging and approachable your blog, the more likely you are to attract attention.
Don’t be afraid to allow your personality to shine through. It can make a big difference to the success of your blog. And make sure you express your opinion. This will differentiate your blog from your competitors’.
Blogs work brilliantly on social media
If you’re promoting your business on social media, blogs offer the perfect content. By regularly sharing your blog posts, you’ll encourage new customers to visit your website. In fact, your blog should be the foundation of all your social media platforms. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn, you can post links with relevant images that entice people to click through. This gives people a reason to visit your website.
Blogs attract links from other websites
If you produce interesting and insightful blog posts that give your personal opinion on a topic, you’re more likely attract links from other websites. People link to something that’s current or expresses a new angle – whether they agree with it or not!
The more external websites link to your site, the better your SEO, particularly if the other sites are in the same field as you.
---------------------
Has writing a blog moved to the top of your ‘to-do’ list? We hope so. The time it takes will be a sound investment in the long run. The health of your website depends on it!
Call us to discuss your website needs on Freephone +44 (0) 800 802 1968 or email on info@figadigital.com
