Don’t worry, I get it. You’re probably busy enough without the added stress of starting a blog? Am I right? Thought so.

I’ve got a knack for these things.

Plus, I’ve met business owners just like you hanging around these parts of my website before.

Yep, you’re the type who’s becoming wise to the power of blogs. And – if I’m not mistaken – you’re the type who wants to get ahead of the game, right?

Told you I had a knack.

But before I tell you why your business needs a blog, let me tell you this marketing investment isn’t for the frantic business owner looking to make a quick quid.

Instead, a regular blog post is for the forward-thinkers. It’s for those who see the bigger picture and realise the hard sell approach doesn’t look after the future of your business.

It’s for those who are invested in the long game – and for those who want to build trust with their audience.

Sound like you? Okay, let’s get to it…

Climb those search engines

Blogging is a sleeping giant in the world of small businesses. And, as a small business owner, you may feel you don’t have the time or resources to justify its worth, but the numbers are hard to ignore!

According to optinmonster.com, companies who blog get 97% more links to their website and, more impressively, 434% more indexed pages.

I don’t know about you, but that translates to me as a business that knocks down their blogging walls are far more likely to increase their online visibility and potential leads!

It makes sense, really.

Blog posts act as another landing page. They’re another digital entrance for your customers to access your website, leading them to your products and services, whilst simultaneously closing the door on your competitors.

This probably explains why over 6-million new blog posts are uploaded to the internet daily.

People know they work!

Who can you trust, eh?

You, that’s who.

By frequently posting blogs that address the readers’ pain points, you’re showing you understand and, more importantly, you have the solution.

Over time, you become a trusted voice within your industry where readers don’t hesitate to invest in your products and services.

As far as they’re concerned, you’re the expert.

It won’t happen from the get-go, but – if your content is valuable and engaging – your readers may start to share your posts across their networks, and that means more exposure for your business.

Result!

You’ll be one of “the faces” in no time. (That’s a reference to my other blog post about standing out from the crowd if you’re interested).

People want more…and more!

It’s true, isn’t it? As time marches on, it seems we become less and less content. We want more of everything. More Netflix shows, more money, more Twitter followers, more pixels on our smartphones…it doesn’t end!

And that goes for Google, too.

To prove my point, type in a search ‘[your product or service] near me’. Then click on the top 3 results. I’ll bet you my Beach Boys vinyl collection they’re not simple 5-page brochure sites.

Nope, I bet their content stretches further than that.

That’s because, just like us, Google loves new content. Especially high-quality content. It tells its supercomputer your landing page is useful to readers and rewards you by pushing you up the rankings.

There are of course other techy things that impact where you’ll rank on search engines but, for the purpose of this post, let’s not worry about that right now.

Are we human (or are we a corporate waffle machine)?

I won’t labour this point too much. If you’re a regular reader of my blog posts on my website or on LinkedIn, you’ll know I’m big on businesses sounding human.

There’s only so much industry-specific jargon a copywriter can take before their pulse reaches 400bpm, their clothes start tearing, and THEIR SKIN TURNS GREEN!

Sorry, I digress. *composes himself*

Blogs are a great way to express your personality by using a conversational tone that relieves your readers from the usual corporate fluff.

You suddenly become approachable.

What’s more, readers might also leave a comment or two on your blogs, giving you a front-row seat into their live, unedited thoughts on a particular topic within your industry.

This is great news for you because it means you have another way to showcase your specialist knowledge by replying directly to readers who’ve taken an interest in your content.

It’s a win-win!

To conclude

Blog posts can help your business gain trust from online visitors who just need that extra step of assurance you’re the right choice.

Yes, they are a commitment and for you to reap the benefits, it’s a wise idea to post valuable, well-written, and relevant content on a consistent basis.

You won’t see the benefits to start with, but your future self will thank you for the investment.

Right, I’m off to buy a new t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Let me know if you’re too busy to write your blogs – I can help.

P.S. Do I get to keep my Beach Boys vinyl collection for now?