Leap Year Bonus! Boost Your Small Business Blog On Your Extra Day
The elusive February 29th has arrived! While it might feel like an odd day out, consider it a bonus opportunity to give your blog a little extra love.
I've been diving headfirst into the technical aspects of SEO (search engine optimization) for the last year. Let me tell you, it can be... a lot. But SEO doesn't have to be a complex mystery for small business owners like you.
Here's the secret to SEO success: create content your target audience finds valuable and engaging.
Step into your client's shoes. What burning questions keep popping up in their conversations with you? What are they searching for online related to your service and expertise? Can you address local market trends or unique challenges through your blog content?
Translate these insights into informative, engaging blog posts showcasing your local market expertise and problem-solving skills. This positions you as the go-to resource for anyone in your area.
Don't get bogged down by technical SEO just yet. Focus on what you do know best and create compelling content that resonates with your target audience. Over time, search engines will recognize your valuable contributions, and your blog will attract more organic traffic.
To get you started, here are three content ideas for small business owners writing for a local audience:
1. Refresh & Renovate Existing Content
Pick a favorite blog article or project and give it a fresh lease on life. Update information with the latest market data and trends, add eye-catching images, and incorporate client testimonials to enhance relatability and appeal. How do you update an old project? Throw an “Update!!” in front of the title and add quotes from your clients about their experience working with you, how your service made life better for them today, and any reflections you have on the project now that 6, 12, or 18 months have passed.
2. Q&A
Transform a frequently asked client question into a comprehensive Q&A blog post. This demonstrates your expertise in a digestible format, addresses popular topics your visitors are wondering about, and encourages further interaction with your audience. You can even expand upon the Q&A format by tackling a trending topic and inviting industry experts to contribute their insights for a collaborative and informative article.
3. Content Collaboration with a Local Business
Partner with a complementary local business for a joint blog post and link exchange. This is a fantastic way to reach new audiences interested in your services. You can also join forces with business owners in and outside of your industry. Is there a home decor boutique you're obsessed with? Reach out! Is there a restauranteur who makes your neighborhood feel like home? Engage with them! This creates an opportunity to cross-promote each other's services and increase brand awareness for both of you.
Remember, the key to SEO is to just start writing!
Plan your content calendar, schedule posts consistently, and feed the search engine algorithms with valuable content. They're hungry for the unique perspective and expertise you have to offer!
Do you have any burning questions about blogging or SEO? I want to create content that YOU want to know more about and helps you shine online to attract local clients. Shoot me an email and let me know what topics interest you.
Let's make this Leap Year a year of growth and success for your small business blog!
