blogging and your business

Jessica Ann

@itsjessicann

www.jessicaannmedia.com

How to Do Less Marketingand Find Freedom

Blogging + Your Business

(what is it?)

• A place to publish quality content• Attract new website visitors//customers• Keep your existing visitors engaged• Show thought leadership

Blog (short for web log):

Blog vs. website…what’s the difference?

A blog is a website(it’s just more dynamic)

• Findability (automatically notifies search engines)

• Flexibility• More interaction means more opportunity to

build a bigger community

A platform to tell your story

Why Tell Stories?

Shifting mindset…

Evokes emotions Not just any emotions…but the RIGHT emotions.

Set up your blog:

Choose your CMS (content management system):

1. Tumblr 2. Squarespace3. WordPress

wordpress.org vs.

wordpress.com

WordPress.org Pros:

• Complete control over the look and feel of your site

• You can install any WordPress plug-in to extend the functionality of your site (very powerful and inexpensive way to add functionality)

WordPress.org Cons:

• More technical set-up (FTP access)• Need a hosting provider (Bluehost charges

around $6.95/month)• Need to manage your own backups (but free

plugins automate this easily)

WordPress.org back-end

Must have plug ins:

• Akismet• Google Author Link• Livefyre (real time comments)• W3 Total Cache (improves speed and user

performance of your site)• Nice to have: Social Metrics

Link your Google+ profile with the content you create

What kind of blog do you want to create?

Do a buyer persona– An example of a real person buys, or might buy,

your products or services. – Informs messaging and content marketing

decisions.

Create editorial calendar to create consistency with your blogging efforts

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook @garyvee

• Add value to your customers.

• Be original + unique (do NOT steal content).

• Create meaningful content (not just content for SEO purposes)

• Publish content consistently.

Blogging 101

Natural, human conversation is the true language of commerce.

- The ClueTrain Manifesto

Use Social.Media

• Connect with other like-minded people• Share their content (don’t just share your

content)• Build meaningful relationships

Quick Review…

• Be yourself• Write for your customers• Be human• Be accessible• Don’t write purely for SEO• Link your Google Authorship• Connect with others• Build your audience

What if you’re not a writer?

Many business owners are not bloggers.

It takes tons of time to create high-quality content.

Work with a copywriter or content strategist.

Find the right people to help you.

What you’re doing is bigger than just

• Possibility• Opportunity (finding more time + freedom)• Creates a community and a sense of belonging

Blogging

You’re creating meaningful change by:

• Starting conversations

• Speaking up

• Having a voice

• Telling your story

• Bringing in revenue for your business

Questions?

Visit: www.jessicaannmedia.com

Email: jessica {at} jessica ann media dot com (no spaces)

Twitter: @itsjessicann

Google+: Jessica Ann

Photos courtesy of: