We live in the era of YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram – do we really need to continue with the old-fashioned business blogs?
Blogging may be a bit older than the flashy channels available today, but it’s by no means old-fashioned. In fact, it’s one of the most reliable mediums when it comes to creating a solid relationship with the target audience.
Why Blogging Is Important For Your Business?
Simply put, blogs provide an easy-to-use platform where businesses can provide valuable insight into their activity and way of thinking. It’s also a fantastic method to connect with customers and leads, using a friendly & inviting tone. In short, blogs produce value for both the customers and the company.
Why Do I Need A Business Blog?
As such, we got the chance to receive insight from both large UK business blogs and small business blogs. Furthermore, we’re quite proud of our own blog, which is why we asked the “why” question.
Since we got insight from some of the best UK business blogs, we thought it best to share our findings. So, if you want to know if a business blog is worth the effort, make sure to keep reading (some of the reasons may surprise you)!.
57% of marketers say they’ve gained customers specifically through blogging.
(source: optinmonster.com)
#1: Provide Value for the Audience
We’re not going to sugarcoat it – the purpose of any business is to sell their products or services. Still, the online interface is not exactly super-friendly with customers.
Let’s take an e-commerce site as an example.
Even though the design is inviting, the products are well described, and the entire interface is easy to use, it can still feel one-sided. The customer only sees images and reads a description. If they’re lucky, they may also have access to reviews from other customers.
However, if there’s a blog, you can:
- Use a more friendly tone to warm up the atmosphere
- Describe, in detail, how and where to best use the products
- Showcase who (the main traits) loves these products the best and why.
- Talk about the manufacturing process (is it environmentally friendly, does the product follow current standards).
In short, a blog allows a glimpse behind the formal and cold business appearance. This can’t happen on any other platform. In addition, it’s a platform where the team can prove they are up for the task and that they care about customer’s needs, not just the sale.
#2: It’s Good for SEO
Google is a sucker for fresh and original high-quality content. However, a business website doesn’t offer that many opportunities for updates, especially for small businesses.
So, to make sure your website doesn’t get tucked away on a shelf, on page 10, it’s a good idea to use blog content for SEO purposes. In addition, if you translate the content, it’s a good chance to impress Google and other search engines even more!
Another advantage of translating blog content in another language is surpassing the competition. Most business blogs are written in English (the language of the Internet), but this means your Spanish-speaking audience has no idea about your competitor’s products. This way, you carve a niche just for your business, before anyone else can.
Lastly, a blog is a great platform for using long-tail keywords and increasing your visibility. This way, you invite a broader audience and boost your chances of getting more quality leads.
#3: Become an Authority in your Field
Who doesn’t like being counselled by experts in their respective fields?
The same is true online.
In addition, business blogs are the perfect way to position yourself as an authority. But only if you deliver valuable information that’s easily applicable in real-life and makes readers’ life easier.
77% of internet users read blogs.
(source: optinmonster.com)
In our experience, the best UK business blogs are the ones that actively show they understand their products and their customers’ needs.
Lastly, as the authority of your page grows more people start following the blog. This also translates in more backlinks and improved domain authority, which help boost your site’s position in SERPs.
#4: Build Engagement & Trust
A business’s reputation is a powerful driver for success. As such, we put a lot of effort into networking and building strong relationships with partners and collaborators. On the other hand, brands use various marketing strategies to build customers’ trust in their offer.
Well, a business blog is at the intersection of all these tactics. It attracts both partners and customers, and it showcases the values that sit at the foundation of your activities as a commercial entity.
In addition, a blog opens the door to all sorts of opportunities that couldn’t be possible otherwise.
Blogs have been rated as the 5th most trustworthy source for gathering online information.
(source: optinmonster.com)
#5: Create a Community
The most powerful brands are supported by equally powerful communities.
A community is made of people who are loyal to the brand, love talking about it (word of mouth), and will always defend it in front of the world.
However, in order to create such a social force, a business must offer a safe place for growth and communication. There are different platforms that offer such possibilities and blogging is one of the most powerful ones. On a business blog, you can use all sorts of elements (text, video, images, graphic elements) to create value and allow people to interact with your products, the brand, the team, and each other.
People love reading or watching content in their native language, so a great way to create powerful communities is to have the content translated.
How A Blog Can Help Your Business?
In short, a blog is a perfect tool to establish your business as an authority in the niche while building trust and creating a powerful community. And, it’s good for SEO as well!
Best Business Blogs
Now that we’ve established the usefulness of a business blog, let’s have a look at some of the most successful ones.
Quick note: We’re only going to list blogs with a general business topic, but if you want to know more about blogging on translations & language, here is a list of the top 10 language translation blogs.
#1: Apartment Therapy
Created by an interior designer out of love for beautiful designs, the blog is a powerful driver for his business. It recently reached 20 million followers and it’s now a platform that anyone goes to for inspiration, advice, and ideas.
Of course, it supports an online e-commerce platform where people can buy the things they read about.
#2: My Fitness Pal Blog
The blog section supports the My Fitness Pal app and training gear sales by offering readers advice on healthy living and eating, exercise programs, and more. While it may seem counterintuitive to offer people free advice on this topic, the blog is now a powerful community and people keep using it for daily tips and news.
#3: Vintage Revivals
Passionate and crafty, the founder of this blog used her creativity to start a business. The blog was a launching ramp and now she gets to do what she loves all the time. Also, she uses the blog to bring customers to her online store, where people can buy the products she creates.
#4: CopyBlogger Blog
Content marketing is one of the hottest businesses right now, so why would anyone offer free advice? Well, the guys at CopyBlogger proved you can make a business work by just using the right content to attract customers!
The blog is one of the most popular among people who work or want content marketing, and they use it to get a lot of new customers. If you ask us, this is a very clever way to promote your business!
#5: Shopify Blog
If you own or administer an e-commerce store, you’ve probably heard of Shopify. This is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms out there, and they’re only getting bigger.
Their secret? They love keeping people up to date with their new technologies, how-to articles, and the latest news in the industry!
Should I Start A Blog For My Business?
Yes! There is no doubt that a well-maintained and up to date blog is a wonderful channel for new customers. However, it’s also a way to connect with existing customers, find new partners, and identify new opportunities.
Still, when it comes to blogging, it’s important to be patient and find your pacing. Just like you wouldn’t expect your business to take off overnight, you shouldn’t expect spectacular results after a few posts. Blogs need care and attention before they can bloom into a powerful sales driver.