25 Tricks That Will Enhance Your Blog’s Value: Part 2

03/27/2012 3 min read Written by Lynton

If you missed items 1 – 5 in Part 1, you can click here to catch up. As mentioned in the introduction of Part 1, your company’s blog is a necessary tool for a successful web marketing program. Companies with blogs get 97% more inbound links than others who don't. That’s huge if you want to be found in the vast expanse of the Internet.

Moving on to items 6 – 10...

6. Include Calls to Action

Every blog post should have a call to action, preferably at the end. This can be as simple as a line such as, “If you want to find out more, go here to get X.” Even better is a graphic element linking to an offer or an invite form to sign up for something like a newsletter. If someone takes the time to read your blog, there’s a high likelihood they will sign up if asked.

7. Embed Video

Like lists, embedded videos make for easy posts, plus they perform well in searches, especially YouTube. (If you don’t have an account, it would be a good idea to set one up.) Just make sure the videos have good descriptions and are tagged with the right keywords.

8. Invite Guest Bloggers

This could be a post unto itself, but for now, know that inviting thought leaders who blog to guest post on your site spreads goodwill, builds links, and exposes that person’s audience to your blog.

9. Tie Content to Strategy

Picking random topics for blog posts is less effective than a series related to a current marketing campaign. If you have a new product launch coming up, build buzz by blogging about topics surrounding that product’s function.

10. Show, Don’t Tell

If you tell readers all the whiz-bang things your company can do, they probably won’t care. Essentially, you’re just providing sales copy. If you show them what you can do, especially in an entertaining way, then they will stick around. Let’s say you’re selling a new software program. Write an amusing story about all the problems you once had without this software. This puts your product into a context people can relate to, and they will probably remember it more than they will a list of features. (Now take it a step further: Have a picture of a free brochure with the software specs as a call to action.)

Again, take a moment to think about how this could work for your blog, and ask any questions you may have in the comment section. You can continue on to Part 3 via this link.

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Want to bring value to your blog and your social media program?

Contact LyntonWeb for an evaluation of this and all your company’s other social media needs at 877-LYNTONW or info@lytonweb.com. Also, keep up to date with the latest social media and inbound marketing news by connecting with us on our Social Media networks.

 Photo Credit: Freestock Images
By: Lynton

Lynton is a HubSpot Elite Partner that provides certified knowledge and tools to grow your business through integrated inbound marketing, including lead generation strategies, website designs and development, and CRM integrations.

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