{"id":485,"date":"2017-02-13T10:00:37","date_gmt":"2017-02-13T15:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.seankirbycopy.com\/?p=485"},"modified":"2020-05-15T13:10:42","modified_gmt":"2020-05-15T17:10:42","slug":"blog-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seankirbycopy.com\/blog-more\/","title":{"rendered":"4 ways to blog more, even if you\u2019re a small or solo business"},"content":{"rendered":"
It turns out that more really is better when it comes to blogging. At least that\u2019s what the statistics say.<\/span><\/p>\n A Hubspot benchmark study found that companies that published 16+ blog posts per month got about<\/span> four and a half times more leads<\/span><\/a> than companies that published between 0 – 4 monthly posts.<\/span><\/p>\n The takeaway is clear. If you want more leads, you need to blog more.<\/p>\n That\u2019s easy enough for big companies with plenty of resources. But if you\u2019re in a small company, you\u2019re probably asking, \u201cHow can we pump out that many posts every month?\u201d<\/p>\n Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Each of the strategies outlined in this article can work, but there is also a tradeoff for each. You have to decide what is most important to your success.<\/p>\n Pros:<\/b> This is probably the easiest solution, at least in the long term. As someone inside your organization, a hire will gain familiarity with your target audience and your brand. As time goes on they should be able to work more independently. That allows you to devote your time to other tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n Another benefit of hiring a dedicated blogger is consistency. The tone and quality of the writing should remain steady as long as you employ that writer.<\/p>\n Cons:<\/b> Hiring anyone is a significant investment. In addition to salary, you need to account for expenses like benefits, paid time off and training. If you\u2019re committed to blogging as a marketing tactic, then the investment is probably worth it if you can afford it. But not all small businesses have the budget.<\/span><\/p>\n Tips:<\/b> Choose talent over subject matter expertise. A direct hire should be a long-term investment. Even if it takes a little more time and effort getting that person up to speed, it should pay off in the end.<\/span><\/p>\n Pros:<\/b> Like with a full-time hire, you\u2019ll benefit from the skills a professional writer or blogging team brings to the table. But outsourcing isn\u2019t as big of a commitment. And you don\u2019t have to worry about scheduling around vacation days.<\/span><\/p>\n While you\u2019ll want to review the work your outsourced talent is producing, it\u2019s less work for you than if you did it yourself.<\/p>\n Cons:<\/b> This is another option that requires a decent budget, especially if you want posts that are any good.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to that, you will likely be one of several clients the agency or freelancer has. And you may not be their biggest priority.<\/p>\n Tips:<\/b> If you choose this option, make sure you do your homework first to find the right fit.<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t just look for the cheapest option on sites like Fiverr or Upwork. You typically get what you pay for. Instead ask around for recommendations or contact people who create blog posts you admire and if they are available for freelance.<\/span><\/p>\n Pros:<\/b> This is the most economical approach on the list. Yes, there is a cost associated with your time, but it won\u2019t eat into your marketing budget. When you can\u2019t afford to hire outside help, then that trade off could be well worth it.<\/span><\/p>\n This approach also gives you the most control over the tone and messaging of your blog. And because you already have an intimate knowledge of your industry, company and customers, this is also the quickest to implement. You bypass the learning curve the options above require.<\/p>\n Cons:<\/b> It\u2019s hard work. Blogging is not something you can automate. You need to devote time and energy to every post. That means that you may have to sacrifice your free time and leisure activities. Marcus Sheridan, who credits blogging with saving his pool business, would often write his posts at 11 p.m. or later. That\u2019s when he arrived home after a full day of working.<\/span><\/p>\n Tips:<\/b> Getting started is the often the hardest part, especially for non-writers. Block out specific time in your schedule to devote to blogging. Make it part of your regular routine.<\/span><\/p>\n When you\u2019re under a time crunch (and you usually will be with a DIY approach) it\u2019s important to maximize your productivity. Close your web browser and email notifications. Shut off your phone. And eliminate any other potential distractions.<\/p>\n The Pomodoro technique<\/span><\/a> can also help you maintain your focus and productivity. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work until the buzzer goes off. Then take a five minute break and start the process over again.<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll also want to take advantage of tools like<\/span> Hemingway app<\/span><\/a> or<\/span> Grammarly<\/span><\/a> to check your writing for grammar and readability.<\/span><\/p>\nOption 1: Hire a full time blogger (or a team of bloggers)<\/b><\/h3>\n
Option 2: Outsource to freelancers or an inbound agency<\/b><\/h3>\n
Option 3: Do it yourself<\/b><\/h3>\n
Option 4: Enlist your employees<\/b><\/h3>\n