11 awesome ways to supercharge your blog posts
As a business owner, one of the reasons we write a blog is to get more eyes on our products or services and ultimately drive more sales. To be effective, we need to create content that shows our customers how our products or services solve a problem for them and make it easy to find when they are searching for answers in Google.
If you’ve not taken this approach with your content development before, it can feel like a bit of a mind bend. But it’s honestly easier than it sounds. Start thinking like your ideal customer and you’ll soon be creating content that resonates with them, positions you as an expert and builds your brand’s visibility. Here are 11 ideas to get you started.
1. The ‘How do I’ blog
A great way to showcase your expertise since you know your ideal customer will be asking this very question.
Examples
How do I automate my email process in MailChimp?
How do I build my online audience using email marketing?
How do I lose 5 lbs in seven days and still eat healthily?
2. The ‘How to’ blog
A spin on the ‘how do I’ blog, the ‘how to’ blog is another great way for you to show you understand your customers’ pain points.
Examples
How to write a communication plan when you’ve never written one before.
How to land a great job in the technology industry after being a stay-at-home mum.
How to automate email in MailChimp.
Tip: Make your blogs as specific as possible to help differentiate them from the competition and boost your Google ranking.
3. The ‘How much does it cost’ blog
Pretty much the first thing anyone does when they’re thinking about investing in a new product or service is Google how much it might cost. Guess what your ideal customer will be doing right about now…
Examples
How much does it cost to hire a copywriter?
How much does it cost to develop a website?
How much does it cost to refurbish a bathroom?
4. The ‘How long does it take’ blog
People are always interested to know how long it will take them to reach a certain goal.
Examples
How long does it take to write a 500 word blog?
How long does it take to build a five page website?
How long does it take to become a career coach?
5. The ‘How can I tell’ blog
A great way to engage with your customers or clients and provide some reassurance on subjects that are worrying them.
Examples
How can I tell if I’m a good writer?
How can I tell if my boss respects me?
How can I tell if I’m ready for a baby?
6. The ‘How often’ blog
Similar to the ‘how long does it take’ blog, people are always worrying about how often they should (or shouldn’t) do things.
Example
How often should I blog?
How often should I go the hairdressers?
How often should I change my sheets?
7. The ‘Why’ blog
These types of blogs are a great way to answer the questions your customers are really asking.
Examples
Why you should hire a copywriter (the reasons might surprise you).
Why you should exercise regularly (even if you’re unfit).
Why you should get savvy about email marketing (if you want to build a successful business).
Tip: Create further interest by including some extra information in brackets.
8. The ‘Should you’ blog
These types of blogs give your customer the reassurance they need to buy your product or service.
Examples
Should you tell your husband you cheated if it only happened once?
Should you take up running if you’re overweight and over 50?
Should I get a dog if I live in a flat?
9. The ‘Things to say’ blog
There are times when we struggle to find the right thing to say which is why these kinds of posts can work really well.
Examples
Things to say to someone who has just lost their job.
Things to say to someone who has a life limiting illness.
Things to say when someone loses a pet.
10. The ‘Either or’ blog
A great way to showcase your expertise and explore a couple of ideas your customer might be thinking about.
Examples
Should I write my own blogs or hire a copywriter?
Should I start a diet or improve my fitness?
Should I move house or build an extension?
11. The ‘Listicle’ blog
Who doesn’t love a good list? These kinds of blog posts attract interest and work really well.
Example
9 ways to kick start the content creation process.
13 tips for getting the most out of your blog.
7 smart ways to keep your business on track.
Tip: Research shows that odd numbered lists tend to get better engagement.