Do you dream about building your reputation as an expert so that people automatically think of you when they’re in need of the services you offer?
As a service-based business owner – you should be.
One of the best ways to build your credibility (and your client list) is to create a blog/website where you can continue to add valuable resources and articles that you know your ideal client will love, will want to share, and will want to keep coming back to, in order to learn more!
Even though this is something you know you should be doing, life happens. You get busy and before you know it – a week turns into multiple weeks (or even months) since you posted your last article. Sound familiar?
I came across a fantastic article this week: “The 8 Habits of Highly Effective Bloggers” that touched on some very important behaviours that when followed, can help you build a successful blog.
Author, Annabel Candy came up with these habits after spending considerable time researching some of the top bloggers, such as Brian Clark, Darren Rowse and Leo Babaita – and pinpointing the habits and behaviours that these (and other) successful bloggers had adopted.
- Habit 1: Effective bloggers are prolific
- Habit 2: Effective bloggers are concise
- Habit 3: Effective bloggers are analytical
- Habit 4: Effective bloggers are lifelong learners
- Habit 5: Effective bloggers are focused and consistent
- Habit 6: Effective bloggers plan ahead
- Habit 7: Effective bloggers are persistent
- Habit 8: Effective bloggers are self-starters
Do you recognise these habits in the way you approach your blog?
I’m off to measure myself to see how I stack up against each of these habits.
In the meantime, here are my thoughts around four of the habits that really stood out for me.
1. Be Prolific
Writing regular articles on your blog to build brand awareness is crucial. Some bloggers write multiple articles each week, however if this seems overwhelming and almost impossible, at a minimum you should look at creating one informative blog post each week.
If like some people, you find it difficult to put words on paper, why not consider spicing up your blog by including video or audio posts.
Here’s an audio biz tip I shared with my Twitter followers, which was later turned into a blog post. I also got my assistant to transcribe the audio and include the words underneath the audio so that people who were in a hurry and didn’t have time to listen to the audio, could take away the main points through reading the post.
Don’t be put off blogging if you find it difficult to write. Think about creating an audio or video post and having the content you discuss transcribed in order to share your message with your readers (and prospective clients).
2. Be Organised
Do you find it difficult to find time to blog/write? My advice – is to MAKE time.
If you don’t block out time in your diary to research, write and edit your weekly article, then you’ll continue to struggle to find time to dedicate to this process.
And, if you’re serious about building a strong brand and reputation as an expert through developing a successful blog, you need to set aside quality time to work on it.
Monday’s are typically my writing day where I will sit down and put pen to paper (or keystrokes to paper).
However through the week I am always scouring the internet for inspiration from other bloggers.
A great plugin I use to get organised is WordPress Editorial Calendar. This plugin enables me to compile information, articles of interest and other notes as I am doing my research, so that everything I need to create my post is in one place.
3. Be Analytical
Trying to come up with topics to write about each week can become quite a challenge. I’ve often found myself sitting at a blank screen wondering what my next article is going to be about.
One of the ways I’ve been able to overcome this challenge is to constantly be on the lookout for what my ideal client is talking about, and ensuring these are the topics I write about in my articles/blog posts.
So what are your ideal clients struggling with? What keeps them stuck? What answers are they looking for which fit in perfectly with the services and value you offer? Pick one topic and write about it in your next blog post, ensuring you provide some tips and strategies that they can use to help them overcome their issue.
Here are a few resources I use regularly to help me get my creative juices flowing that I’m sure you’ll find helpful. At the moment, one of my favourite is Google Reader.
4. Be Focused
If I were to visit your blog, would I be able to understand exactly what it was that you could do for me within a few seconds of landing on your site?
Are you building a consistent message with the content you are sharing? Or are you blogging about so many diverse and unrelated topics that it would be difficult for me to understand exactly what it is you do.
Your website header, your tag line/slogan, the categories and keywords you blog about and your blog posts should all speak a consistent message that showcases you are an authority in your field.
Does yours?
It’s important to remember that your website/blog is your shop front; it’s where prospects can learn more about you and the expertise you offer.
By following these 8 important habits and behaviours you will continue to build your online presence as an expert. You will continue to build trust and respect with your community so that readers (prospects) think of YOU once they’re ready to take action and invest.
What do you think about the 8 effective habits of a highly effective blogger? Is there another habit you’d add? Let me know in the comments below. It’s always nice to hear from you!
Till next time, stay inspired!
AnneMarie! I love this post & I love the 8 Habits of the Highly Effective Blogger… so much so I’m marking this post as a favorite so I can refer back to it! Thanks for continuing to post such great articles!
Hi Knikkolette, these habits are great aren’t they! When I read them I was so inspired to include them in my blog post. The four habits that I have elaborated on is something I have been writing about for a while. Very important habits to build a successful blog.
Thanks again for stopping by – really appreciate it!
Great post, Annmarie!
Gave me a few new tidbits to nibble on, and also provided a few needed reminders.
I’ve been guilty this summer of not getting to my blog but once per week. So, as school starts, I’m looking forward to getting back on track.
Annemarie, consistent and clear you are — A leader by example!!
Would I add anything to the list? Cater to your audience. Focus on what they need to hear/see. Make sure your audience is ready for a topic you might explore as an interest of your own.
~Keri
Hi Keri,
Thank you – glad you enjoyed the post.
Your suggestion of catering to your audience and focusing on what they want/need to hear and see is very important. When you start building a reputation of providing great information and content, people will want to return to learn more. And, you continue building trust and integrity with your readers. Very important!
Best, Annemarie
Hi Annemarie,
Wanted to stop by and support my fellow Triberr friend. Love your place here, very inviting.
Great post as well Annemarie and I do believe I’m doing everything that you named. I just went through a program that I thought I needed to help me learn how to brand me. Long story behind the reasons why but the bottom line came down that after the owner of this program reviewed my blog and I also ended up receiving other input from my fellow class members, they told me it was just fine. I thought I needed to be an expert in just one particular area but I can’t just pinpoint one I enjoy the most. I love to help people learn period which is why my tagline is so broad.Obviously I must be doing something right since I do get a lot of visitors and comments to my posts. As one of my recent post stated, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
Thanks for these tips, wonderful, every single one of them.
Adrienne
Hi Adrienne,
Thanks for stopping by. Great to hear you are doing everything on your blog and building a strong brand (reputation). Absolutely agree – if it’s working, fantastic! You’re on track!
Often, service-based businesses continue to struggle to build a steady flow of clients and continue to charge what they’re worth for the amazing services they offer, because they just don’t have a clear idea on their brand, what makes them unique and therefore distinguishes them from their competitors. In this case, one of the first things we look at is defining and building a strong brand. It can make all the difference.
Continued success in your business Adrienne!
Best, Annemarie
Once you build your brand (reputation) and signature system (your unique program/service offering) you’ll be able to position yourself as an expert so that people (your ideal clients) recognize that you are able to help them overcome their problems and are far more likely to want to work with you.
After reading your post i have a better understanding.
Your post have the information that is helpful and very informative. I would like you to keep up the good work.
You know how to make your post understandable for most of the people.
Thumbs up and Thanks.
Glad you found this post helpful. Building a successful blog is certainly a great way to build your credibility and by following these 8 habits – you can be well on your way.
Hi Anne Marie
I think the Field of Dreams model is over, ie if you blog, they will come.
You need to look at how to amplify your content and get it thru the clutter that’s out there. What makes it stand out?
Ivan
Hi Ivan, thanks for stopping by and commenting. Yes, it’s so very important not only to blog regularly (with great content that your readers will want to read), as well as having a careful plan/strategy on how you are going to continue attracting people back to you blog. Otherwise no-one will know about you.
To become a successful blogger you need plan well and be focused on the goals that you want to achieve. Lack of focus is what makes some bloggers to stay for so long without posting. This may be due to a good reason but for many of them it is just lack of focus and determination.
It can be difficult to maintain momentum, especially when your diary fills up or you get writers block. However, it’s vital to continue posting regular blog posts, even one per week. I certainly notice a drop in traffic etc when I don’t post regularly.
To become successful blogger you need plan well and become focused on the goals you want to achieve. Lack of focus is why is some bloggers to stay for such a long time without posting. This may be as a result of good reason but for most of them it is just insufficient focus and determination. Thanks for your outstanding post!
Great post Annemarie! I have challenged myself to an Abundance Blog Spree for February! One blog post per day every day of the month – except that I will take breaks on weekends, because rest, relaxation and rejuvenation are all main ingredients of abundance.
So I’ll be posting Abundance Blog Posts on:
February 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27 and 28.
That’s 20 posts!
I love to write, and I write a LOT – but I don’t know if I have ever written this much in one month. I am guided to do this, it feels right – so I am going to rock it!!
I hope to inspire others to write more posts as well! Thank you! Love, Astra
Wow – Astra, I am so very impressed. This is going to be incredible content for your readers! I am doing a blogging course which starts in February and goes for the entire month, so perhaps I’ll be inspired to write more frequently as well!! Here’s to following your inspiration!
🙂 WooHOOO!! Yes yes – Inspiration is one of the most powerful guides! Here’s to writing, too!! 😀 Thanks, Annemarie!
My pleasure!!!
Thanks for this great post! I’m a new blogger with a passion for empowering Australian women and sharing my journey in marriage and motherhood. These tips and habits are going to become part of my foundation and structure to build a great reference point for my target audience. Thanks again!
Hi Judy, great to connect with you here! I’m so glad you found the article helpful and will use these to become part of the foundation and structure to build a great reference point for your target audience. Have you been blogging for a while now?