I posted about how to increase and improve traffic and commenting on your blogs last week, and decided to research blogs to find out are small business owners REALLY maximizing the strategy. Here is what I found:
Take the time to build strategy into your blog and you will achieve better results! What one change can you make to your blog?
*For coaching on your blog with Ann, join the Social Networking Coaching Club
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
It’s easy to think: “UGH! I just need to get a blog posted!” Creating a blog that actually gets read, and even better gets commented on, is important as a business strategy. To blog smarter, there are smart strategies that will help your blog get better traffic and increase potential customers finding it. Graduates of my bootcamps have said that hits to their blogs went up 50% in ONE DAY just by:
Creating a key word title that optimizes search engine visibility
Placing 3 to 5 links within the actual body of the blog that are also keyword optimizable, what I call link love.
Ending the blog with a call to action. A question is a great way to tempt others to comment.
Posting your blog on your social media sites to encourage followers, friends and connections to read it.
Making sure your comment section includes that ability for people to share it with others via social media sites and it will “post” to the blog.
Of course there are many other smart strategies I teach, but these 5 will make a HUGE difference! Take a few moments after writing a blog and do these things to help your blog increase in visibility and readership.
Imagine if you went back to an old blog post and “awakened” it with these tips, what might happen! Which tips have you seemed to most neglect?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
I was recently asked, “When did you start “Thinking Big” as a business owner?” Personally, I believe in “go big or go home”. I always have. What then is a “Think Big” mentality?
Jump in and make it happen mindset.
Ability to plan well for results
To set big goals and work back on how to achieve them.
To be willing to take a big scary “risk”.
Ability to see and seize opportunity everyday
These are just a few. None of them matter if you don’t do “one last thing” – Surround yourself with “Think Big, Go Big” people. People who will encourage you, challenge you, and ask you smart questions toward success.
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
This last month has been powerful for me when it comes to aligning my brand values with who I am. In this video I share two keys that have ALREADY taken my business to the next level in one short month:
So what’s the point?
1- is your voice truly aligned?
2- are you passing over opportunities that could give you the chance to reflect and grow?
I hope you will share and add!
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
I volunteer my time with Wardrobe for Opportunity and speak at a graduation ceremony for a women’s program they have called Pathways in Oakland CA. The first time I spoke there, I was invited because of my “motivational ability” to tell my story as a speaker. These are women down on their luck, laid off, no supplemental income, often single parents or who have a husband that’s not working either, and honestly they are just trying to make life work.
I love when I get to tell my story. I love weaving the important lessons I learned along the way that they can hear and apply sooner. My story is not uncommon, that’s why it’s important to tell. Many women asked many great questions, but two in particular I want to share with you. I think these questions, and not just my answers but my strongly held beliefs about them, are critical for success!
One Question: Do you ever say to yourself, “If I had only done that sooner?” Of course that answer was no! Regrets get in the way of success! Instead, I think it is more important to ask yourself: what lesson did I learn so I can improve over time? What can I do differently to get a different outcome if a similar situation arises?
Second Question: “Now that you are doing what you love, what’s next?” That is always such an interesting question! What’s amazing is the possibilities are endless when you do what you love because you are:
A Lifelong Learner, so you stay cutting edge
Flexible and adaptable, so you can move your interests with current trends and interests of others
These two questions are key to success. Do what you love and the possibilities are endless and never regret what happens along the way. How do you make sure you live by these beliefs?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Let’s face it. Dynamic, entertaining speakers that know their stuff are not always easy to find, but they are always in demand. Packaging what you do into a presentation is a competitive business strategy. Why?
It establishes you as an expert in your field
It gives you exposure to larger groups of potential customers
You become a name that is remembered in the industry.
Spend some time thinking about who your target audience is and research where they meet. Many associations have presentations at those regular meetings- it’s a great opportunity.
Deciding to speak is one thing. Being prepared, dynamic and interesting is another! It’s important that when you decide to present to a group that you’re able to do so in a way that helps your business not hurt it!
Therefore, keep these important keys in mind:
Build three presentations for 20, 40 and 60 minutes. Make sure it is content rich without giving away everything you offer. Ensure it is entertaining. Build logic as well as emotional connections. And make sure it engages the audience!
Be practiced but not scripted. Extemporaneous speakers are the best!
Video record and watch your dry runs. Remember, its one thing to say “I’m comfortable talking in front of a group” and actually demonstrate dynamic speaking ability.
Lastly, make sure you get access to who saw you present so you can follow up!
If you feel you need more practice join Toastmasters! It is a great way to improve your skills and get quality feedback. Presenting is another
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
