Why Your Business Needs a Blog

Why Your Business Needs a Blog

Posted by Anne McAuley Lopez | Sep 14, 2017 | Blogging for Business Owners |

Blogging is my primary business and I love it. The biggest challenge for me and my web designers is creating an understanding of the value of a blog. Business owners often view a blog as an extra and unnecessary part of their business and website. The reality is that a blog is one of the most valuable marketing tools you have for your business. Here’s why your business needs a blog: Establishes you as the expert: What better way to illustrate all that you know about your industry than to write about it for your readers. You might think...

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Linkedin for Business

Posted by Anne McAuley Lopez | Sep 7, 2017 | Social Media Content |

In 2005 I was in corporate America, working at a computer analyzing data. It wasn’t exciting work but I loved my colleagues and the corporate culture. A co-worker kept sending me a request to join him on a new website – at least new to me – called LinkedIn. After talking to other colleagues, we all decided to create accounts. It was until 2010 when I was laid off that I began to see the power of LinkedIn for business and career. When I got laid off, we were given a to do list that included updating our LinkedIn profiles and developing a personal brand online. Long story short, I didn’t find a new job. I found a new career as a freelance writer and I’ve used LinkedIn for business development. LinkedIn isn’t for everyone. Know your target market. LinkedIn is a great social media platform if …. You’re seeking to connect with other professionals. For me, that’s easy. I am connecting with small to medium size businesses who have a need for content. Tips for Using LinkedIn for Business Is this the right social media site for you or your business? Complete your profile to 100%. **Include a photo — you’re 14 times more likely to be found on LinkedIn with a photo. Ask for recommendations Give recommendations Post updates (statuses) Comment and share the updates from others...

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Choosing the Right Social Media for Your Blog

Choosing the Right Social Media for Your Blog

Posted by Anne McAuley Lopez | Aug 21, 2017 | Social Media Content |

When it comes to choosing the right social media for your blog, there are two things you need to define: your target market and your social media goals. That gives you focus to create and share content exactly where your readers are spending time. Define your target market. Who do you want to read your blog? Who do you want to buy your product or service? EVERYONE is NOT your target market. Once you get clear, you can focus your social media efforts based on that demographic or interest group. In their simplest form, there are three primary social...

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The Truth About Social Media for Business

The Truth About Social Media for Business

Posted by Anne McAuley Lopez | Jun 29, 2017 | Social Media Content |

Social media isn’t for sissies. There’s a lot of competition to get your voice heard. The truth about social media for business is that you need an executable plan to make it worth your time, effort, and resources. Be clear about why you’re on social media, who you want to reach, and the message you want communicated about your brand. Most importantly, you must be consistent. Here’s the truth about social media for business. You need to identify your target market. Choose social media platforms where you are most likely to find your target market. Just because everyone is...

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Steps for Getting Started Blogging for Business

Steps for Getting Started Blogging for Business

Posted by Anne McAuley Lopez | Jun 23, 2017 | DIY Content |

You’re a business owner who is developing a marketing plan. You know you should be blogging. You don’t know what to blog. You’re overwhelmed because you’re just not sure how to get started. Here are steps for getting started blogging: Read More: Find resources to help you generate ideas on which you can write. For example, I read about content marketing and social media because I want to know what others are saying. Reading helps me generate ideas not only for this blog but for my clients. Make a Note of It: I show my age when I say...

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Begin Creating Engaging Content

Begin Creating Engaging Content

Posted by Anne McAuley Lopez | Jun 20, 2017 | DIY Content |

Creating engaging content begins with making a commitment to creating content and then following through. It’s that second part, that follow through, that is challenging for many of us. It isn’t for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. Next you need to identify your target market and why you want to create content. Without these two pieces, you won’t build content that is focused on your goals. Identify Your Target Market If you don’t know who you’re talking to or want to be talking to, then how do you know what to say? You don’t. You have to...

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Three Tips for Creating a Badass Blog Post

Three Tips for Creating a Badass Blog Post

Posted by Anne McAuley Lopez | May 10, 2017 | Blogging for Business Owners |

Creating a badass blog post doesn’t have to be complicated. Many of us are reading your post from a cell phone or tablet and don’t have time to read hundreds of words formatted in paragraphs with no end in sight. We have time for a quick read while we’re sipping a cup of joe waiting for our next appointment. Simplicity is key. Three Tips for Creating a Badass Blog Post Keep it Simple: You’re giving a few tips about your topic not writing a dissertation. Keep your blog posts simple and to the point. Your readers have short attention...

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How to Blog When You Have No Time to Write

How to Blog When You Have No Time to Write

Posted by Anne McAuley Lopez | Apr 29, 2017 | Blogging for Business Owners |

We each have 24 hours in the day but I have days that feel a lot shorter. I make excuses for not focusing on my own writing projects but it boils down to how I manage my time. To blog when you have no time to write means thinking ahead about what, when, and how you want to organize your content. Before quitting the idea of creating blog posts for your brand, consider these: Get into a Routine. My blogger pal Robbi Hess has been telling me, for way longer than I care to admit, to block time for...

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You Need Content to Share on Social Media (and other reasons your business needs a blog)

You Need Content to Share on Social Media (and other reasons your business needs a blog)

Posted by Anne McAuley Lopez | Apr 28, 2017 | Content Marketing, DIY Content |

As business owners we’re often too focused on building business and serving customers to see the value in expanding our digital marketing presence. Social media is effective and grows brand recognition in the community but there’s more to marketing. You have to create your own content to gain the love of Google, establish yourself as the expert in your industry, and share more than other people’s content on social media. All too often I hear the concern that blogging and (other content like live streaming, videos, and podcasting) will give away too many secrets about a business but it’s...

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Don’t be Lazy When it Comes to Content Creation

Don’t be Lazy When it Comes to Content Creation

Posted by Anne McAuley Lopez | Apr 19, 2017 | Content Marketing |

Creating content takes time and energy….and lots of it. All too often I hear business owners say they don’t have time or resources to write on their blog or post to social media. When I ask why, they say they just don’t see the value. Many say they get clients through referrals and they don’t need to be found online. Creating content is essential to your business being found online, and ahead of your competition in search engine results. What happens when the referral pipeline runs dry? Building a business based solely on referrals means relying on others to...

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