Developing blog content can be a very exciting yet challenging experience.
However, making an interesting and at the same time, a compelling blog may not be as easy as you think.
When starting out, the process usually goes through a lot of speedbumps can be quite challenging and at times, discouraging.
However, as time passes and with determination, you can learn valuable lessons to effectively and efficiently build your brand and establish your mark in the real estate market.
The importance of blogging
A blog is an online diary or journal that chronicles events and happenings. Today, it has become an effective marketing tool that helps introduce brands, promotes online visibility, engages the audience and attract leads.
Most often it follows a format likened to editorial content that focuses on a central or core topic, specifically on a chosen niche or industry.
It also helps drive traffic to a website or social media platform, which is expected to convert leads, build the blogger’s brand in the industry, and develop professional relationships.
Studies found that businesses have taken advantage of blog content that yielded positive returns on investments (ROI) for their businesses.
Here are some of the best blogging practices and common mistakes to avoid when using blog content to establish reputation and identity in the industry.
Aim for a large team and long-term goals
A common mistake in blogging is developing content that only reflects a blogger’s personal interests instead of aligning it with a large group or organisational goals. While personal blogs may be a good platform for personal chronicles, interests, or opinions, it does not impact so much for niche or specialty blogs, where content needs to reflect growth factors and goals of the group or organisation.
Remember that niche blogs aim to solve problems for the target audience and not just simple or plain ideas or concepts that do not relate or associate with the larger targets and goals.
Develop content to communicate, not impress
Successful and effective blog posts are the ones that the audience relate to and created in such a way that it easily conveys a blogger’s thoughts and ideas to the audience. Blogs are meant to convey the human element and should not be done similar to research or term papers full of technical terms and industry jargon.
Blog content should be developed in a way that it “talks” to the audience, not impose.
Avoid focusing too much on self
Many new bloggers make the mistake of sharing too much of their personal stories and interests, which may not be very effective when it comes to niche or business blogging.
People are always more interested and attracted to what you can teach them, rather than bore themselves with a blogger’s personal experiences. For instance, a real estate blog will not have value for its target audience if the content focuses on the achievements and personal life of a rockstar agent.
Develop blog content that does not reflect too much of yourself, rather take advantage of your skills to engage, entertain and educate your audience by determining what topics or solutions could provide them with the best benefits.
Be consistent both in-process and what you share
Avoid making emphasising a good or focus point only once throughout your blog content. This will help prevent your audience from losing interest in the flow of your content so remember the importance of stressing your points several times in your material.
Not only do you get to deliver your message clearly, but it will also help your audience keep track of your flow of ideas.
Focus on your topic
Blog content with too much information can cause people to lose interest in the material. Always remember to focus your attention on one or two topics at a time and avoid generalising ideas that may not seem interesting or attractive to your audience.
For instance, start your content with a clear, specific and concise idea. With this, you will be able to focus on your desired topics and ideas.
You can also start your material with a question, especially one that can be directed on a common problem so you can catch your audience’s attention and they will expect to get answers for it.
Use data and cite references
Blog content becomes more credible, convincing, trustworthy and reliable when data and information are supported by quantifiable and verifiable data.
When stressing a point, delivering facts or sharing findings of a report, make sure to properly cite references and sources.
Always review and proofread your work
Simple and common mistakes such as typo errors, incorrect punctuation or grammar slips can change the message or think of the article. Worse, it can cause your audience to doubt your credibility as a serious and reliable content developer.
Always review and proofread your work before posting or publishing it.