content marketing

  • Business, SEO

    Creative SEO: Why Basic Keywords Don’t Work Anymore

    • 0 comments
    • by

    Time are changing. Basic SEO practices aren’t enough anymore—and companies that want to stay top of mind online need to make some changes.

    In this article, I’ll walk you through how SEO is shifting and a few basic ways to incorporate creative SEO into your company content strategy.

    How SEO has changed in recent years

    It’s common knowledge that SEO has shifted dramatically since the early dot-com era. In its earliest days, SEO simply meant shoving a keyword as many times as possible into your blog post and calling it a day.

    Then things changed.

    Competition got tougher. And Google’s algorithms got smarter. Soon, keyword stuffing was a firm no-go, and smart companies started going after long-tail keywords that were easier to rank for, making sure to use the exact keyword a certain amount of times in their copy.

    And that’s where we were for quite some time.

    But things are starting to change again.

    SEO has been getting more and more complex in recent years. (Google’s made 36 algorithm changes in the last five years alone!) There have always been multiple factors to great SEO, like site mapping, backlinks, mobile optimization, site speed, and more. But now, the complexity is more pronounced.

    Google is getting better at understanding what people are actually looking for when they type a few words into the search bar. This means when you type something into Google, your top results may not actually use your exact words—but chances are, it’s the most helpful content.

    In short: Great SEO focuses on user experience and expert-driven, useful content more than ever before.

    (In fact, you may have noticed that a lot of companies are now shying away from the term “blog post” and using “article” more.)

    Simply searching for keywords (yes, even long-tail keywords) isn’t enough anymore. Enter: creative SEO.

    What is creative SEO?

    Creative SEO is a term I use to describe the new way to write incredible content that makes Google happy.

    It shifts the spotlight away from SEO keywords alone and toward prioritizing creativity, expertise, and data to create the kind of content your customers actually want to consume.

    In other words:

    Creative SEO uses your product positioning and your customer persona to come up with article topics—then strategically incorporates the right keywords throughout each piece.

    When you focus on your ideal customers first, the traffic will follow (and you earn more business).

    How to use creative SEO for your company website

    Creative SEO requires a little more elbow grease than bygone SEO tactics, but the benefits far outweigh the extra effort.

    Here’s a basic rundown of how it works:

    1. Do a deep dive into your product positioning and customer personas

    Stop relying solely on keyword tools and Answer the Public to come up with blog post ideas. There, I said it.

    Instead of asking Google what you should write about, start by looking inward—at your own product and customers.

    I recommend taking time to analyze your company’s product positioning (where you fit in the market) and your ideal customers. You need to get really clear on your brand and voice, why people want to buy from you, and what questions they need answered before they will buy from you.

    Reflect on these questions to get started:

    • How does your product or service fit into the market? What makes you unique?
    • Who exactly do you serve? Why is your product/service the best choice for them?
    • What things tend to keep your ideal customer from buying from you?
    • How can you help answer those objections in a way that educates or entertains them?
    • What other questions do customers have related to your product offering? What do they actually want to know?
    • How can customers use your product or service to make their lives better?
    • What relevant industry trends or news can your company provide expert commentary on?

    2. Create expert-driven, high-quality content

    Companies that have the best on-page SEO adopt a magazine mentality and have high editorial standards. They focus on offering helpful information, expertise, and quality writing.

    My recommendation? Make that your goal, too.

    Hire excellent writers. Lean on recent research. Use trusted sources and cite them. Structure your articles in a way that helps readers learn best. 

    3. Strategically use relevant keywords in your articles

    Yes, keywords still matter! And I even recommend writing some articles based on keywords that are truly relevant to your readers. But keep them in their proper place.

    It still makes sense to put exact keywords in the headline of your article (as close to the beginning as possible), use them a few times in your body heads, and sprinkle them throughout your copy.

    But don’t force it. Use them organically and add a few different but related keywords as well. 

    The result? An article worth reading—and not even Google can deny it.

    Need a creative SEO writer or strategist for your company blog?

    Excellent content takes time, it’s true. And your time is probably better spent doing what you do best (growing your business, making sales, or overseeing your marketing team).

    If you need content strategy or article content, you’ve come to the right place! With over a decade of writing and journalism experience, I regularly write SEO articles for businesses, including fast-growing startups and established Fortune 500 companies.

    Want to work with me? Email me at hello@jennyrosespaudo.com to discuss your writing needs.

    Read More

  • Hiring a Writer

    Find a Professional Freelance Copywriter With These Tested Tips

    How to Find a Professional Freelance Copywriter
    How to Find a Professional Freelance Copywriter

    Your marketing team is struggling to keep up with your growing company’s content needs and you know it’s time to find a professional freelance copywriter. What do you do? With over 131,000 writers in the United States, sifting through available freelancers can be quite daunting.

    If you’re a marketing director with deep connections in your niche, then maybe you ring up a few colleagues and ask them if they know anyone.

    And if it turns out they don’t, well then, bummer.

    What About Hiring Freelance Copywriters on Upwork?

    If your contacts fail you, you might try scouring Fiverr and Upwork for a copywriter in your niche. But as you scroll past person after person, you realize there’s no way of knowing just how good of a fit they would be with your company or marketing agency. Everything on these content mills stays on these content mills. You can’t browse their writer website or email them asking for specialized clips.

    Alas. The curse of content mills.

    Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of great writers on these sites. The problem is, there are a lot of bad ones, too.

    One of my clients recently told me a friend’s content-mill horror story. Apparently, the freelancer wasn’t happy with her rate and secretly charged the client an extra $750. (I know, right? Who does that? Blew my mind.)

    Not only did my client’s friend have to redo all the work the freelancer did, but now she also has to dispute a $750 charge on her credit card.

    Then there are people who impersonate real writers and use their portfolio to get work for pennies. (Read Carol Tice’s horrifying experience with this.)

    Again, there are a lot of great copywriters on these sites who are full of integrity and would never dream of doing something like that. But it’s much harder to tell who’s a good fit and who’s not while browsing hundreds of candidates.

    The 2 Best Ways to Find a Professional Freelance Copywriter

    You could spend hours combing various content mills in search of the perfect copywriter… or you could spend 10 minutes using the right methods and come away with a list of at least five high-quality writers in your industry. Up to you.

    Here are the top two search methods I recommend:

    • Search Google or LinkedIn based on region, title, and niche
    • Read the top publications or blogs in your industry

    Search for Copywriters by Region, Title, and Niche

    If you need a local writer, start by typing “freelance (your city) copywriter” into Google or LinkedIn.

    Once you scroll past the paid and organic search results from Indeed, Fiverr, and Upwork, you should find some copywriters in your area who have adequately optimized their writer websites.

    Still struggling to find what you need? Some writers don’t label themselves copywriters. Try a few of these job titles to expand your search:

    • Content writer
    • Marketing writer
    • B2B writer
    • B2C writer
    • Sales writer
    • Content marketing writer
    • Content marketer
    • Content strategist
    • Content marketing strategist
    • Writer

    Add your niche to your search phrase to narrow down the pool of results. This will help you find copywriters who have experience in your field. Granted, a talented copywriter doesn’t need to have experience in your industry to knock your project out of the park. But it always helps.

    This search method works especially well on LinkedIn as long as the writer has optimized their profile correctly. For example, many of my clients find me by searching for “real estate copywriter” or “real estate writer” on LinkedIn. Why? Because I use the right SEO keywords in the right places and highlight my real estate copywriting experience.

    Another way some writers will niche themselves is by writing type. For example, you’ll find that certain copywriters market themselves as website writers, email copywriters, sales copywriters, or even white paper or case study writers.

    Searching for writers by writing type is helpful if you have a specific type of project you need to get done. That said, most companies need copywriters who can write anything from email drip campaigns to website copy and from blog posts to social media ads. If that’s the case for you, searching by niche is your best bet.

    Read Your Industry’s Top Blogs and Publications to Find Writers

    You’ll find that talented copywriters often also write for magazines, trade publications, and—of course—your competitors’ blogs.

    To start your search, check out some of the top blogs in your niche and see if they use freelance writers.

    Sometimes companies don’t list the writer’s name on the blog post. That’s okay. Freelance writers will often still list the companies in the “Experience” section of their LinkedIn profile. Simply look up the company on LinkedIn, click on the “People” tab, and search for “freelance writer,” “freelance copywriter,” or similar titles.

    For example, some of my real estate clients have found me because I’ve written for other companies in their niche like Flyhomes or Knock.

    The same goes for industry-specific publications. These are rich sources for finding freelance copywriters.

    Looking for a personal finance writer? Read publications like GOBankingRates, The Motley Fool, or Yahoo Finance.

    What about a business writer? Check out Business Insider, Forbes, or MarketWatch.

    Need a health writer? Read articles on WebMD, Healthline, or Women’s Health.

    Magazine articles typically feature short author bios that contain a link to the writer’s website and sometimes their LinkedIn profile. Or the author’s name at the top will lead to a separate author page with said information.

    Now that you have a list of a few freelancers, it’s time look at each one to see who is the best fit for your project. Here’s how to do that:

    1. Browse their website
    2. Peruse their portfolio
    3. Read their testimonials

    Let’s dive into each one of these steps.

    1. Browse Their Freelance Writer Website

    A good website says a lot about a writer. There are some great copywriters whose websites flounder on the design side, but website copy never lies.

    In my experience, most of my clients come from LinkedIn. But often, it’s my website that convinces them to hire me. Why? Because it shows them I’m a professional and that they can trust me to create valuable content for their company.

    So when you find a copywriter, take a look at their site’s copy to get a feel for their writing style. Does it speak to a felt need? Does it take you on a buyer’s journey? Does the copy sell you on their experience and expertise? Do they make it easy for you to contact them? Is there a clear call-to-action?

    Keep in mind that many freelance copywriters don’t have websites. Some rely on their LinkedIn profiles alone, and that’s totally okay. Their headline and about copy still serve as valuable examples of their knowledge and writing ability.

    2. Consider the Copywriter’s Portfolio

    Often, writers house their portfolios on their websites. Or they may highlight their clips on LinkedIn. If you can’t find their samples, just ask. Nearly every freelance copywriter will gladly share their digital portfolio with you.

    Peruse the writer’s clips to get a feel for their skill level. Is their writing clear and concise? Does it flow well or is it clunky and full of grammar errors? Is it persuasive or educational, or is it bland?

    Check for voice, tone, and style, too. Does their tone fluctuate from client to client? (If so, this is a sign that they know how to adapt to various brands’ voices.)

    Tip: Keep in mind that most of the clips in a writer’s portfolio have been edited. So look at their website copy to get a feel for how their writing stands on its own.

    If you’re looking for a writer who specializes in your industry, look at the work they’ve done for past clients. Do you see any companies similar to yours? How did the writer approach their content?

    What if the writer hasn’t worked in your industry before? Don’t automatically discount them. Copywriters who have experience in journalism, ghostwriting, or a wide variety of niches often are skilled in researching a target audience and understanding their felt needs.

    The most crucial skill to look for in a copywriter is the ability to research and empathize with your target clients.

    When you find a writer like that, don’t let them go. They’ll sell your product best.

    3. Read Testimonials From Past Clients

    From what I’ve seen, nearly every good copywriter with experience has glowing testimonials. And usually, you don’t have to look too hard to find them.

    Often, writers will feature their best testimonials on their websites. You can also scroll to the bottom of their LinkedIn profile to find recommendations from past clients and colleagues.

    In some cases, testimonials are more helpful than clips. After all, a copywriter’s portfolio highlights their finished, edited work. That’s not a bad thing, but it doesn’t give you a full picture of what it’s like to work with that writer.

    A sample may look great, but did the writer turn it in on time? Did she give the client a strong first draft? Was he professional and responsive or rude and uncommunicative?

    At the very least, testimonials can show you the writer’s strengths.

    Once you find a copywriter who seems like a good fit, follow up with them and ask if they’d like to hop on a call to talk about your project. They may ask you a few questions about your project scope and budget first, so be prepared to answer those. But ultimately, the goal is to chat on the phone or on Zoom to see if their personality, work style, and level of professionalism are a good fit for you.

    Got any other tips for finding a good copywriter? Leave your insights in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

    Read More

  • Blogging

    Is This Common Blogging Mistake Sabotaging Your Business?

    One blogging mistake is treating your blog like a hobby.
    One blogging mistake is treating your blog like a hobby.

    Do you have a blog that’s not doing much for you? Well, chances are, you’re falling for a common blogging mistake that’s sabotaging you and your brand.

    When I tell you what the mistake is, you’re going to furrow your brows at me and say, “What are you even talking about? I don’t do that!”

    Well, maybe. Or maybe you do. But first, let me tell you what it is.

    You’re treating your blog like a hobby.

    Maybe you feel like you don’t do this. But… what if you do? And I’ve done this too, so don’t feel bad! It’s easy to slip into this mindset every so often.

    Here are some symptoms that you’re treating your business like a hobby…

    • You only write what you’re passionate about.
    • You’re blogging only when you feel inspired.
    • You blog inconsistently (This one is huge!)
    • Your blogs aren’t resonating with your audience.
    • Your blogs aren’t converting readers into subscribers.

    I’ve said this a million times, but I’ll say it again: Blogging for your business is nothing like blogging for fun.

    Now, don’t misunderstand me. I didn’t say “Blogging for your business isn’t fun.” I said it’s not the same as blogging for fun. 

    Blogging for fun means blogging about whatever you feel like—whenever you feel like it.

    Blogging Mistake

    Why Is This a Blogging Mistake?

    It’s a mistake because treating your business blog like a hobby undermines the core strength of a blog: consistency.

    List-building guru Amy Porterfield says that consistency is what sets apart the entrepreneurs who are here to stay—and those who are simply a flash in the pan.

    I have a feeling you and I are the type of entrepreneur who does not want to be simply a flash in the pan.

    But consistency isn’t really the fun part of blogging. It’s not flashy or attractive. It’s… kind of boring sometimes.

    Consistency means you blog even when you don’t feel like it, even when you don’t feel “inspired.” 

    That doesn’t sound very “fun,” but it does sound like a recipe for success!

    The other reason treating your blog like a hobby actually sabotages your efforts is that it tricks you into writing about things that don’t actually move your business forward.

    In other words, you’re blogging about whatever seems interesting to you instead of blogging according to a set strategy that you know will fuel your business with quality leads.

    At best, this confuses people who come to your blog because they’re not exactly sure what you’re all about. 

    At worst, it repels the very people who could have become your ideal clients!

    3 Tips to Combat This Blogging Mistake

    So now that we’ve talked about why hobby blogging for your business is counterproductive, let’s discuss some action-packed ways to fix the problem.

    (Again, this doesn’t mean your business blog can’t be a total blast! It really can be… when you do it right.)

    1. Come up with a strategy.

    Do your blogs push your ideal clients closer to buying your offer? When people are finished reading your blog, is your offer on their mind? Does your blog help them see why they need what you’re selling?

    If not, now is the time to get strategic. Come up with a plan to write about topics that exacerbate your ideal clients’ pain points surrounding your offer. 

    If you offer made-for-you healthy meal plans, a blog about exercising or vitamins isn’t necessarily going to make people see the need for your offer as much as a blog about the financial benefits of planning a week’s worth of meals will.

    See what I mean?

    In my 1:1 coaching sessions, I help clients walk through this to come up with a strategy that’s tailor-fit for them. But hopefully these tips and examples are enough to at least get you thinking in the right direction!

    2. Batch your content.

    The easiest way to get behind on your blogging is by waiting till the last minute to do it.

    No joke.

    When I first started my blog, I was at least a month ahead! Then, as life’s duties overtook my time, I started getting less and less ahead… to the point that I was writing them the day before they were supposed to go up.

    That’s when I started missing a week here. A week there. A week over yonder.

    Yikes.

    That’s why I highly recommend batching your content. If that phrase is new to you, all it means is that you schedule a set time on your calendar when you write multiple blogs at the same time.

    This is especially helpful because when it comes to writing, it can take a little while to get into the flow of it. But once you’re there—wow, the words keep coming!

    Your goal is to get in that flow. And why not use that flow as an opportunity to whip out 2 or 3 blogs?

    The key is scheduling that time on your calendar and keeping your commitment to yourself.

    3. Stay connected to your readers.

    Always remember that your business blog is about your readers more than it is about you. 

    Are you writing about things they care about? Problems they’re facing? Issues that keep them up at night? 

    Are you using the language they use to describe their problems?

    And are you writing with a desire to bless them?

    I hope your answers to all those questions is a resounding “YES!” But if not, I encourage you to pray about this and ask God how you can better use your blog to help your audience.

    God has given you a unique and beautiful message that He wants you to share with this world. Maybe it’s in how you teach or in services you offer or in products you make. Your blog is the tool you can use to spread that message.

    Whatever it is … I pray you allow God this week to use your blog as a way to build your business—and His kingdom. 🙂

    And hopefully this article gave you fresh ideas for fixing that common blogging mistake!

    By the way… have we connected yet on Pinterest? If not, you can follow me here. And if today’s blog helped you in any way, please share it on your social media!

    Read More

  • Blogging

    Why a Business Blog Is the Best Way to Grow Your Brand in 2020

    Business Blog in 2020

    Build your brand with a business blog.

    Has the pandemic left you scratching your head, wondering how to effectively grow your business right now? Well then, let this sink in today: A business blog is still one of the cheapest, safest and most effective ways to promote your brand in 2020.

    As this pandemic continues to wreak havoc on people’s health and the economy, many of us are looking for ways to save money and time. We know we still need to keep promoting our businesses to draw in fresh leads, but who can afford expensive ads right now? 

    We’re looking for cheaper ways to organically grow our businesses that don’t consume a ton of our precious time. (Because don’t let anyone tell you differently—your time is valuable.)

    This is where blogging enters the picture. You may not feel like you’re a naturally gifted writer. Or you may think you truly don’t have the time. But I’m telling you: You don’t have the time not to blog.

    Here’s why I’m so convinced blogging is one of the best ways to build your business right now:

    A Business Blog Doesn’t Cost a Ton of Money to Get Started

    Starting a blog costs $0 if you already have a website. After all, your website theme probably already has an option for you to host a blog. You just have to use it. 

    And on top of that, many plugins that you need for a blog (SEO, social media sharing, etc.) are completely free.

    Now, if you don’t have a website, I do recommend you build one. (And no, you don’t have to be a professional coder or a tech genius to build a website.) Nowadays, you can easily set up a website and download a theme you like.

    Getting your website up and running can cost you as little as $3.95 a month when you sign up for Bluehost. When you purchase Bluehost, you also get a free domain name for a year (that’s the URL people type in to go to your website) and a free SSL certificate (which tells people your site is safe to use).

    Important Note: The link above is an affiliate link. That means if you click on it and end up purchasing Bluehost for your website, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. And just so you know, I only promote products I use and love. 🙂 

    If you don’t have a website and you really can’t start one right now, you can still “blog” on your social media with long-form posts. But I do highly recommend blogging on your own website. For starters, it looks much more professional.

    And the other reasons? Well…

    Business Blog

    It’s Safer to Blog on ‘Your Own Property’

    Here’s the ugly truth, my friend: You don’t own social media. 

    That means that when you make any social medium your blog’s home and post all of your messaging and promotion there, you are at the mercy of that platform. 

    Just yesterday, a fellow online entrepreneur shared his horror story of how Facebook shut down all his promotion for his online course. They deleted every one of his prior posts and blocked him from posting for at least 21 days. He said he felt “gutted” because he had put all of his course promotion on social media.

    Chances are, this fellow business owner somehow broke Facebook’s promotional rules. But he’s not the only one who has accidentally done so. Social media platforms often have strict rules you need to follow when it comes to posting content for your business, and it’s easier to break them than you think.

    The lesson here is clear.

    You don’t own social media, but you do own your website. When you blog on your own website, you face far less danger of your hard work being deleted or shut down. 

    Plus, when you blog on your website, it’s like inviting your readers into your home. When someone reads your blog on your own site, it lets them see a clearer picture of who you are and what you do. In some ways, it fosters a deeper connection between you and them.

    The last reason I highly suggest you use your own website to host your blog is that it gives you way more opportunities to lead readers into your sales funnel as you promote your lead magnet on your site.

    Blogging Lets Readers Consume Your Content at Their Own Pace

    People often don’t have time to listen to an entire podcast or watch an entire video, especially now during the pandemic. Studies show that during COVID-19, time watching TV and on social media is up. Meanwhile, though, some studies suggest that podcast listenership dipped after the coronavirus struck.

    With people spending more time on their phones and computers, they have more time at least to skim your blog post. If what they see fascinates them, they can save it and go back to it later.

    Or if they have more time on their hands, they can binge-read your blog to easily find the info they’re looking for.

    A Business Blog Gives Better Opportunity for SEO and Backlinks

    This is a huge reason why I love blogs. 

    With blogs, you can optimize for SEO, link to credible resources and link to other pages on your site. 

    Podcasts can’t really give you that same opportunity unless you create show notes and transcripts. That’s totally doable, but it does take a lot more work. With blogging, you do all that in one fell swoop.

    Blogs Are Easier to Promote on Social Media

    When you post a blog link on Facebook or LinkedIn, all the reader has to do is click the photo and it takes them directly to your post.

    Here’s an example of that:

    FB Blog Promo Post

     

    See how the photo in that FB post is clickable?

    You can’t do that with a podcast because a podcast link doesn’t have a featured image. (Unless you’re hosting the podcast on a blog, which is something I recommend!) So when you post a podcast link, it shows up like a normal, ugly link within the Facebook caption.

    Yuck.

    What most podcasters end up doing when promoting their episodes is they put the ugly link in their caption. Or they have to direct people to listen on iTunes or GooglePlay. Then they upload a separate photo to attract attention.

    There are two things that make this difficult for an audience. 

    1. This adds an additional step for potential listeners.

    They have to either scroll through your caption to click the link, or they have to leave Facebook and find the podcast in iTunes or GooglePlay. You lose potential listeners in that process.

    2. People love clicking photos.

    People are far more inclined to click the picture than they are to click the link within the caption.

    Believe me. 

    When I was online news director at a Christian magazine, I actually tested this. Facebook was malfunctioning one day and not loading the clickable pictures for articles. So I put the link in the caption and uploaded the photo separately for our articles that day.

    Traffic suffered. Badly.

    My scrappy substitution posts were better than not posting at all. But the dip in traffic until Facebook fixed the bug in its system was pretty noticeable.

    A Business Blog Makes It Much Easier for Your Audience to Take Action

    Every content creator knows that they should end their message with a call to action (CTA). Something that tells the listener/viewer/reader what to do next.

    With podcasts, or even sometimes videos, you have to explain to the viewer/listener what to do and where to go. For example, on a podcast, the host may say: “Hey, please rate and review my podcast! Go to iTunes or GooglePlay and click the ‘Review’ button.”

    Again, the host is asking the listener to do an extra step. Far fewer will actually follow through and go the extra mile to rate and review the podcast.

    With a blog, though, you can provide a clickable link that directly sends your readers where you want them to go. Hyperlinking those CTAs makes the process so much simpler.

    For example, if I tell you, “Hey, go to Facebook and like and follow my page! My handle is @JennyRoseSpaudo,” you are far less likely to actually do what I’m asking.

    But if I say, “Hey, would you take just 2 seconds to go like and follow my Facebook page?” All you have to do is click twice to follow through with what I’m asking. So much simpler.

    I’m Not a Podcast Hater, I Promise

    My goal with this article is in no way to hate on podcasts. Podcasting can be a great way to organically grow your business, and if you have the time and resources to do it, I highly recommend it!

    But during this pandemic, when time and money are in short supply, blogging is certainly the ideal way to go for many small-business owners. 

    You have a lot of things to do for your business—like make money and serve people. So for those who are just starting out or are trying to tighten their money belts, all I have to say to you is: start blogging.

    Do you want to start a blog to promote your business? Grab my free roadmap to receive the clarity you need to get started the right way. Just sign up below to get started!

    And, P.S., if you’re already blogging and want to make sure your blog is optimized for your business, this roadmap will still be super helpful for you.

    Read More

  • Social Media

    Optimize Your Instagram Profile With 4 Easy Tips

    Optimize Your Instagram Profile
    Optimize your Instagram profile

    If you’re a beginner when it comes to content marketing, you should know that Instagram can be your best friend—if you optimize your profile. And if you want to optimize your Instagram profile, there are four tips you need to follow.

    I could regale you with tons of reasons why Instagram is financially worth your time. In fact, one of my favorite clients wanted to hire me when I first started my business because they found me on Instagram.

    I could also tell you why it’s the perfect platform if you feel you’re not a naturally gifted writer.

    And while we’re at it, it’s worth noting that Instagram surpassed 1 billion monthly users in 2018—and it just keeps growing.

    But as Instagram grows, it makes it harder for you to grow an engaged following, especially when you’re just starting out. So what can you do to stand out from the crowd?

    Optimize Your Instagram Profile

    Well, first of all, you have to make sure you’re optimizing your Instagram profile. Here’s where to start:

    1. Ask Yourself What’s Working and What’s Not

    OK, I’m going to ask you to do a little homework right now. First, open up your Instagram app. (If you have a business profile, click “Insights” to find the answers to these questions more quickly.) With your app open, I want you to ask yourself the following:

    What posts have the most comments?

    Which photos or videos have the most likes?

    Which ones have the most saves? (Keep in mind that saves aren’t super common, so if this number is really low, don’t sweat it.)

    What posts have the most actions taken on them? (Clicks to the link in your bio, saves, etc.)

    Did you find those posts? Great. Now, get out a pen and some paper and write down the answers to these questions.

    What kinds of photos got the most likes?

    Which kinds of captions elicited the most comments?

    What kinds of calls-to-action got people to actually follow through?

    Did you write them down? Awesome. Understanding what’s working for you is vital not only to increasing your momentum, but also figuring out what isn’t working for you and what you shouldn’t waste your time on.

    2. Check Your Bio on Your Instagram Profile

    A lot of us aren’t utilizing our bios the way we could be—or the way we should be. 

    This is a huge mistake because your Insta bio is the first thing people look at when they check out your page to see if they should follow you or not.

    You have 150 characters to convince people to follow you.

    Your bio is not the place to be cryptic or confusing. You can still infuse your personality into it, but make sure it is clear, concise and captivating.

    Your bio should immediately tell people what benefit you offer them, who you are, and what step to take next.

    Here’s an example of mine:

    Jenny Rose Spaudo Instagram Bio

    3. Look at Your Instagram Profile Feed

    As you analyze your feed from an outsider’s perspective, ask yourself questions like: “If I were my ideal client, would I be attracted to my feed?” “Are my posts pleasing to look at?” “Is there variety in the kinds of posts I do?”

    Now, before you go into a full-on panic attack, hear me out. Your photos don’t have to look like a model’s for you to have an effective profile.

    Not all your photos have to look professionally done. 

    You. Do. Not. Have. To. Be. Perfect.

    But you do need to have a profile that entices people to look deeper. That means:

    • At least some of, and ideally most of, your photos should be high quality. You can take good-quality photos with an iPhone, so don’t freak out if you don’t have a nice camera. (I have an Android, but I steal my husband’s iPhone all the time. We’re one flesh, so it’s OK.)
    • Add variety to your photos. Don’t make all your photos of your product or of you. Take photos of things that are relevant to your niche and what you offer. Give your audience a rounded-out vision of you and what you do.
    • Use a variety of posts. Make sure that not all of your posts are photos. Sprinkle in some videos, some images with text, etc.

    4. Take a Peek at Your Captions

    Make sure the first line of your caption entices people to read more. People won’t read the rest of your caption until you’ve convinced them within the first few words that it will be worth their time.

    Then, make sure your comment has some sort of call to action. It can be a call to comment below, or a call to save the post, or a call to click on the link in your bio.

    Be strategic about this. If you want to create a post simply to generate more engagement with your audience, then post an eye-catching photo with a comment that stirs up conversation. End your caption with a specific call to “Comment below with … (whatever you want them to share).”

    These tips are by no means comprehensive, but they are fantastic ways to get started with optimizing your Instagram profile. If you want more tips and strategies for optimizing your content marketing strategy, book a coaching session with me today!

    You can also follow me on Instagram for more free tips and strategies!

    Read More

  • Marketing

    How to Create Compelling Content When You’re Not a Writer

    compelling content for video
    compelling content for video

    Whether or not you’re a natural writer, you can create compelling content on a consistent basis. Believe me.

    For some people, writing comes easily. I know writers who can whip out 3,000 eloquent words in a matter of hours. And in fact, some of us even process our thoughts better in writing than we do aloud.

    While I can’t boast about being a fast writer, I can say that I do process my thoughts more easily by writing them down. But I know a lot of people who simply don’t process information that way. That’s not their preferred method of communication.

    And that is 100% okay.

    Compelling Content Isn’t Just for Writers

    Some people communicate better with their voice. They process information and express their ideas much better when they’re talking than when they’re writing.

    Maybe that’s you. Perhaps you feel much more comfortable speaking on a stage or chatting on a video than you do sitting in front of a blank Word doc. 

    If that’s you, please don’t feel like content marketing isn’t for you. That’s simply not true. You don’t have to be a natural writer to create compelling content that grabs people’s attention.

    You don’t have to slave away in front of your computer, laboring out barely 100 words per hour and then realizing they’re not even that good anyway.

    In fact, for natural speakers, content marketing can take on a fresh look and garner greater engagement—if you leverage your skills properly. And with all the tech available nowadays, it’s easier than ever for a natural speaker to content market their business.

    In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through how non-writers can create a compelling content marketing strategy.

    Let’s get started, shall we?

    How to Create Compelling Content

    Focus on Your Strengths, Not Your Weaknesses

    If your gift isn’t writing, it’s probably not the best use of your time to focus on improving your writing.

    My strength, for instance, is not in the visuals. I’m not a designer. I don’t have a natural eye for what looks good in photos and social media art.

    So I’m not going to spend the majority of my time trying to improve my design skills. I’m going to find a shortcut for design (yay templates) and spend most of my time working on what I’m already good at: writing.

    While I do believe we should all work on our blind spots, many thought leaders have pointed out that we’re much more effective when we spend the majority of our time building on the strengths we already have.

    Several studies have shown there are numerous benefits to working more with your strengths than with your weaknesses.

    Some of those benefits include:

    • Greater happiness/satisfaction
    • Less stress
    • A feeling of being healthier and having more energy
    • More confidence
    • Faster growth and development
    • Greater creativity

    Think about it: How much more effective would your content marketing be if you let your strengths drive your content, not your weaknesses?

    Your content would be better quality since you’d be using skills you’re best at. I would also say that you would feel more comfortable, which would make you more relatable and approachable—another factor in driving engagement and trust.

    Another reason to use your strengths to help you generate content is that it makes it much easier to simply get your ideas out of your head.

    For those who aren’t natural writers, it can be a very frustrating process to try to get ideas out of their brains and directly onto paper. It trips them up because there’s a step missing—processing the information.

    Capture Your Compelling Content Ideas

    If you’re more of a verbal processor, then suggestions like “carry a notepad around with you” aren’t the best advice when it comes to capturing your ideas.

    Instead, I recommend downloading a voice recorder app on your phone. That way, whenever an idea strikes you, you can immediately verbalize that idea in a recording and go back to it later to flesh it out and pare it down.

    The goal of recording your ideas is to later on turn them into written content (for social media, blogs, your website, etc.) as well as into videos or podcasts. More on that in a moment.

    Recording your thoughts audibly also has another benefit—your vocabulary.

    When writing compelling content, it’s important to use language that feels “real.” In other words, it’s important to write the way you talk. And what better way to know how to write like you talk than by actually talking through your ideas to begin with?

    (Read more about how to make your blogs and social posts easier to read.)

    When you listen to the recording of your idea later on, make sure to pay special attention to the words you use. You’ll find your writing much easier to understand, and much more captivating, if you speak your thoughts out loud first.

    Focus on Video Content

    To build off the benefits of verbally recording your ideas, the next best step to take is recording videos of yourself.

    Not only does this play on your strength of speaking, but it also allows your audience to connect with you in a way that they can’t do through reading.

    When people read your words, they connect with your ideas. But when they hear your words and see your face, they connect with your personality. That’s because, unlike with reading, viewers can see your facial expressions and hear your tone of voice.

    One important note: This tactic isn’t for capturing your ideas. These videos are actually for posting on social media. For that reason, it may be helpful to you to first capture your ideas with the recording app. Then, after you’ve had a chance to get clear on your idea, record a video of yourself to post on social media.

    The great thing about recording videos like this is that they don’t need to be fancy. It can simply be your face talking to your smartphone. Keep it simple. Make it relatable.

    The other cool thing is that they don’t have to be long. 

    I’m not talking about an hour-long Facebook live session here. I’m talking about a one- to three-minute-long video where you share a thought or actionable idea.

    It could be as simple as sharing one or two strategies that have helped you overcome a specific problem your audience struggles with. It could be addressing a mindset issue your audience has. Or it could be simply sharing a peek behind the curtain into your life so your audience can get to know the real you.

    Don’t complicate this. Again, keep it simple. And make it relatable.

    Hire Someone to Write Blogs for You

    If you know you’re not a great writer but you do want to invest in your business by blogging… then hiring a blog writer can be a great move.

    In many ways, hiring a blog writer is an investment because, yes, it does cost money. But when you hire an experienced blog writer, they can provide content that is:

    1. Optimized for search engines
    2. Well-written
    3. Tailored to your core audience

    And if you’re following my advice by creating video content, then you already have information your writer can use to turn into blogs!

    Need More Help Crafting Your Compelling Content Strategy?

    If you’re not a natural writer, you can still create content that expands your reach and builds a deeper connection with your audience. It’s all about how you do it.

    If you want specialized help to craft a content strategy that works for you, let’s set up a free coaching call! 

    I’d love to brainstorm ideas with you and help you figure out the best plan for creating content while using your strengths. Email me at jennyrosespaudo@gmail.com and get your content strategy started today!

    Read More

  • Marketing

    5 Real Reasons People Aren’t Opening Your Emails

    Why people aren't opening your emails
    Get your emails opened.

    If you’re having a tough time figuring out why people aren’t opening your emails, you’re not alone.

    And although I offer email writing services for those who don’t have the time or simply don’t want to go through the agony of figuring out how to write compelling email copy, I want you to know that writing your own emails doesn’t have to be scary.

    In fact, I would encourage people to write their own emails for at least a little while before hiring a copywriter to take over. Why? So that you can nail down your personal voice.

    After all—and let me establish this right off the bat—your emails are NOT a corporate newsletter. You are a human being speaking to other human beings. 

    Email is simply the medium. Your words are the message. And the message is what’s most important.

    So let’s unpack some of the most common reasons your emails aren’t getting opened. Shall we?

    Why people aren't opening your emails

    1. You’re writing emails to the masses instead of having a conversation with a friend. 

    I’ve heard several marketing experts say that when writing copy (whether for a blog or an email or social media), you should write to one person. Picture them in your mind and talk only to them.

    One of my mentors suggested that I actually have a picture that matches my ideal client and stick it by my computer while I’m typing. That way, I’m imagining just writing to that one person who needs my help.

    The reason this is so important is that although you may be writing to multiple people, your email is arriving in your subscriber’s personal inbox. That is to say, they don’t see you speaking to the crowd. The crowd isn’t around. It’s just them at their computer, reading an email from you.

    So speak to that one person as if they’re the only one you’re talking to. Make it a conversation. And I promise that the person reading your email will feel a stronger connection with you and what you’re saying.

    2. You’re filling your emails up with so much text and pictures that it’s hard to follow. 

    I believe that emails should be incredibly easy to read. When people open your email, they should know exactly where to look, what to read, and where to go when they’re done reading. 

    Think about your own inbox. How many emails do you get a day?

    For me, it’s at least 50. Yikes, I know. So when I open an email that is way too busy visually, it stresses me out and, without even thinking, I delete it and move on to the next one.

    Don’t create an email that sends your subscriber straight to the delete key. 

    The good news about this is that it actually makes it easier on you! You do NOT need the stress of feeling like you have to come up with an overwhelming amount of content and pictures. 

    Start by choosing a simple format on your email service provider. Design is fine and be visually appealing, but studies have shown that plain-text emails perform better than super duper fancy ones. 

    In fact, the founder of ConvertKit—who is a designer—doesn’t even include fancy templates in ConvertKit’s email options because his experiments have shown again and again that people prefer simple emails over heavily designed ones.

    Does this mean you can’t add a little pizzazz to your emails? I don’t think so. But just don’t let your emails become visually confusing. If you add design, make sure it’s clear to the reader where they’re supposed to look.

    That said, write an email in plain, simple language like you would talk to a friend.

    Then, end with a very clear call to action. I would recommend limiting yourself to one call to action per email. So in one email, you might tell your subscriber to click to read your latest blog. In another email, you may tell them to take advantage of a limited-time discount your offering on a product.

    By giving your subscribers one task to complete, you’re upping the likelihood that they’ll actually do what you’re asking.

    3. Your newsletter isn’t adding tremendous value. 

    This is a hard one, I know. But really ask yourself if your emails are meeting a need. 

    Are you answering a big question people have? Or are you offering encouragement to a weary soul? Are you building camaraderie with someone who needs guidance? Or maybe you’re giving insider information to a hungry reader.

    Every email you send should add value. 

    4. You’re not being consistent. 

    Nurturing relationships takes time and it takes consistency. 

    Your relationship with the Lord is a perfect example. If you’re not daily seeking Him, reading His Word and listening for His voice, it is much harder to nurture your relationship with Him into all it could be. 

    Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t a guilt trip; it’s just how it is. Abiding is so much easier as you continually nurture your relationship with God. 

    In the same way, engaging your target audience is so much easier when you’re consistently nurturing your relationship with them. 

    That includes talking to them, listening to them and asking questions regularly. Relationships must always take precedence over sales. 

    5. You’re talking to the wrong audience. 

    Whoops! If you’re doing all the things above and people are still not opening your emails, then you may have a bigger problem. 

    Maybe people signed up for your newsletter for all the wrong reasons, or they signed up thinking you would provide one kind of content and you provided something different. 

    If that’s what’s happening with you, it’s totally OK.

    In cases like this, don’t be scared when you see people unsubscribe. Unsubscribes are really just cleaning out your email list for you of people who are unengaged and aren’t your target audience.

    In fact, having an unengaged email list can hurt you in the long run and make it more likely that your emails will be flagged as spam. 

    —

    Did you know I offer coaching and writing services?

    If you’ve tried my suggestions above and still aren’t seeing the results you want, schedule a call with me and let’s figure out a plan that works for you. Or hire me to write your emails for you! Reach me at jennyrosespaudo@gmail.com.

    Click here for more information on the services I offer to help your business thrive.

    Read More

  • Blogging

    How Personal Should You Be on Your Blog?

    how personal should you be on your blog
    Be personal on your blog

    Just how personal should you be on your blog?

    Some say you should never share anything personal online. After all, crooks could take advantage of  your personability to steal your valuable information. And creeps could, well, be creepy. 

    But there’s no denying that the more personal you are, the more people feel connected to you. And, as a result, the more engaged they are with you and your brand.

    By sharing personal details about your life, you give your followers a peek behind the curtain, so to speak. You make them feel like they’re actually getting to know you as a person instead of just what you do for your business.

    Just a quick look at any influencer’s Instagram or Facebook will tell you that the posts that get the most engagement are the ones that are most personal. And blogs that give you a deeper peek into the writers’ lives tend to perform better too.

    I’ve experienced this same pattern. People loved seeing photos of the backyard garden my husband planted. (And I can’t blame them. He did a great job!) And after I posted a heartfelt message about some difficulties I went through in January, people reached out to me saying how much my words meant to them.

    But keep in mind that being appropriately personal is not a way to get more followers. It’s a way to genuinely connect with human beings who can benefit from what you have to offer.

    So How Personal Is Too Personal?

    I actually think the Bible has the perfect answer to this question, so I’ll let the apostle Paul speak to it.

    how personal should you be on your blog

    “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29, NASB, emphasis mine).

    In other words, only share what you believe will build people up and help solve their problems.

    Think about it like this: You’re blogging (or podcasting) because you have knowledge or products that meet a specific need. You post content that helps people solve their specific problem or encourages them to move forward in their specific journey.

    Let’s use a hypothetical character named Tracey as an example. Tracey is a mom of two kids who have numerous intense food allergies. As a result, she’s had to learn how to cook food that 1) kids actually enjoy and 2) won’t make them break out in hives—or worse.

    She turned her expertise and experience into a business by selling allergy-friendly cookbooks and courses to moms who also have kids with allergies. She blogs as a way of expanding her brand’s reach and building a stronger connection with her followers. (And because she’s a smart cookie, she repurposes her content to save time!)

    If Tracey applies Ephesians 4:29 to her blog, she would only write what she believes will build up her audience. And on a professional level, that means only what will help her audience better parent and feed their allergy-ridden kids.

    So that might mean Tracey sharing a deeply personal story of how she had to rush one of her children to the hospital after they accidentally ate peanuts. But it also might mean she doesn’t share about the horrible fight she and her husband had that same night about a different topic.

    When sharing personal information, it’s important to think about your audience and their needs. Ask yourself, “Does sharing this personal experience encourage, inspire or inform my followers in the journey I’m helping them on?” If so, share it!

    And this doesn’t mean every single tiny personal detail you share has to directly correlate to your business. But on a whole, your personal sharing should be about building up your readers, not getting something off your chest or showing off. 

    (I know plenty of people who might disagree with my last point, and that’s totally fine! I’m just sharing what I think works best and honors God and others the most.)

    Get Permission From Others

    Chances are, if you’re sharing personal information about yourself, you inevitably will share personal information about another person. After all, our lives are intertwined with those of our families and friends. 

    And for the most part, this is fine. But it’s important to consider the impact or toll sharing someone else’s personal information could have on them.

    If you’re going to tell a story about a fight you and your husband had and how you resolved it, make sure you talk to him about it first. Ask him if he’s comfortable with you sharing that story. If not, don’t share it.

    If you want to share some advice you gave your best friend when she was going through medical issues, make sure you talk to her first. 

    Sharing your own information is one thing. But don’t assume you have the right to share other people’s.

    It’s better to err on the side of caution here. Some people may not feel comfortable with you talking about them at all to an online audience of total strangers. When in doubt, just ask.

    Write Out Beforehand What You Feel Comfortable Sharing

    Another good idea is to sit down and write out the things you’re not comfortable sharing.

    If you’re married or have kids, do this with them. Ask them what they would feel uncomfortable with your online audience knowing. Ask them what they would like to be off-limits for blogging conversation.

    Social media guru Jasmine Star offers one unique way to figure this out: Ask yourself what you would feel comfortable sharing with a stranger on a plane.

    Your list might include some personal details that could put you or your family at risk if you publicize them. Or it could include medical issues, moral failures or intense debates within your home. Just get a clear picture beforehand of what you feel is off limits.

    Once you have those boundaries clearly defined, write out a list of things that are definitely OK for you to share online. Brainstorm about ways you can work on being more personal with your online audience and build a stronger connection with them.

    Speaking of which, if you need help brainstorming in this area or are struggling to get clarity on what is the appropriate amount of personal detail to share with your audience, connect with me at jennyrosespaudo@gmail.com or message me. I’d love to connect with you!

    Read More

  • Blogging

    Should You Blog About COVID-19?

    Blog About COVID-19
    blogging about covid-19

    Well, there’s no getting around it. COVID-19 has flipped our world upside down. And some are saying there’s no going back. So how does this affect your content marketing strategy? Should you blog about COVID-19 or just ignore it and give your readers a sense of normalcy?

    For the most part, my suggestion to you is to talk about it as long as you’re responsible with the information you share. There is so much misinformation spreading about COVID-19 that you should definitely not add yourself to that mix!

    That said, this is the perfect opportunity to bring hope to someone. After all, the coronavirus has impacted practically every single person in the United States. (And if you live outside the U.S., chances are, it’s impacted every person in your country, too!)

    Granted, there are some bloggers who probably shouldn’t blog about it because it’s simply not helpful to their readers in any way.

    People who shouldn’t blog or podcast about COVID-19 include people whose followers are seeking an escape from the bad news of everyday life. Their readers follow them to be entertained or to learn more about a feel-good hobby.

    But even that doesn’t mean all entertainers or hobby instructors should shy away from talking about COVID-19. The best way for you to know if you should stay quiet about the virus is to simply ask your audience.

    If you’re still not sure which camp you should be in, email me at jennyrosespaudo@gmail.com or send me a Facebook message. I’d love to help you figure this out!

    After all, it’s more than likely that you shouldn’t shy away from this ugly topic.

    Blog About COVID-19

    Why You Really Should Blog About COVID-19

    I’m of the opinion that those who shouldn’t blog about COVID-19 are the exception, not the rule. 

    Why?

    Because the virus has changed the way many of us live our daily lives. Our habits have changed. Many of us are starting to work from home full-time. Some are learning how to homeschool their public-schooled kids. Others are trying to figure out how to do things digitally that they’ve done in-person for decades. Raise your hand if you had to figure out Zoom in the last month.

    It’s a weird time to be alive. And if one thing is certain, it’s that we’re all learning new things and trying to figure stuff out.

    That’s why now, more than ever, your followers need to hear from you that everything is going to be OK. 

    If you’re a homeschool influencer, your followers need to know it’s going to be OK—they can protect their families, keep them healthy and still get their homeschool duties done. 

    In fact, now is a great time for homeschool influencers to expand their market and reach out to parents of public-schooled kids who desperately need advice for how to teach their children at home.

    If you’re a nutritionist or fitness expert, your followers need to know it’s going to be OK—they can still eat healthy and work out faithfully even during quarantine. Look, those extra quarantine pounds are REAL, friend.

    If you’re in ministry, your followers need to know it’s going to be OK—God is still with them. And He’s still the same yesterday, today and forever. He will get them through this crisis.

    If you’re a financial expert, your followers REALLY need to know it’s going to be OK! With everyone freaking out about recession, now is the time to reinforce basic financial wisdom and remind people they don’t have to panic if they manage their money wisely.

    It’s Time to Get Innovative

    A crisis isn’t a time to shy back in fear. A crisis is a perfect opportunity to get creative.

    Don’t think of it as taking advantage of the horrible situation. If that’s your motive, stop and get that right first.

    What I’m talking about is an honest desire to help people with their newfound needs.

    Look around you and think about it. How have people’s lives changed since the coronavirus hit? How have those changes created new needs, new concerns and new challenges?

    Speak to those pain points. If you have a solution to their problem, offer it and don’t hold back.

    I have to tip my hat to a lot of churches around the U.S. who have gotten creative in the midst of quarantines and stay-at-home orders. 

    Many churches have either live streamed their services (some for the first time!) or are even doing drive-in services. A drive-in service is pretty much what it sounds like. Congregants park in the church parking lot and listen while the pastor preaches, often from the church roof or a scissor lift. Sometimes they’ll honk their horns in place of a hearty “Amen!”

    That’s a great example of getting creative to solve a problem and meet a need.

    Now it’s your turn. 

    What need are you seeing that you can offer a creative solution to? That’s your next blog topic! And maybe your next product.

    Need some help coming up with ideas for how to help your followers during the COVID-19 crisis? Connect with me and let’s talk about it!

    Read More

  • Blogging

    How to Blog When You Have No Time

    How to Blog When You Have No Time
    how to blog when you have no time

    I know plenty of people who know they should be blogging but just don’t have the time to do it.

    Their schedules are full of keeping their businesses running, taking care of their kids, and tending to the thousands of other things they’ve volunteered for. They just don’t have time to blog.

    I get that. 

    But also, respectfully, I disagree.

    I think if people were to let go of some of their blogging misconceptions, they would feel free to invest in this important content-marketing strategy.

    Hear me out.

    It’s true that blogging can become a full-time gig. Some people invest hours each day promoting their blogs on social media, engaging people on forums and pitching affiliates.

    But that’s not the only way to blog.

    So how can you blog when you have no time?

    My goal is that this article gives you some hope. If you want to start blogging but don’t know where to find the time for it, keep reading, my friend.

    How to Blog When You Have No Time

    Misconception #1: Promoting my blog and writing consistently take too long.

    No, they don’t.

    Promotion can be a black hole if you let it. So don’t let it.

    Learn the top one or two social media platforms your ideal clients use, and focus on those to promote your blogs.

    Don’t waste hours promoting your blog on forums or social media where no one will care. In the future, when you have more time to branch out, you can do that. But for right now, start with your core people.

    As for writing consistently, find a frequency that works for you. Right now, I’m working a full-time job in addition to maintaining this blog. So the frequency that works for me is once a week. 

    Find what’s right for you.

    Misconception #2: Writing one blog will take hours.

    It can, but it doesn’t have to. And it really shouldn’t.

    If your blog is a way to provide insight into your brand and show yourself to be an expert in your niche, then there are some simple ways to write blogs that don’t consume tons of time.

    First, write what you know.

    What are some of the main problems you see your customers facing? What advice would you give a client who was struggling with one of those problems? Write your blog as though you’re writing to that one person.

    Second, write out of your own experiences.

    Again, use examples from your own life to write your blogs. Tell your readers what has worked for you and what hasn’t. Tell stories about mistakes you’ve survived and lessons you’ve learned.

    Third, write like you’re having a conversation.

    Don’t make your blog stuffy. Often, writing takes us so long because we’re trying to sound smart. 

    You don’t have to fall for that time-waster. Write as though you’re talking to a friend. 

    An easy way to do this is to say what you want to communicate out loud. Then simply write out what you just said and clean up any grammatical yuckiness. (Yes, that’s the technical term.)

    Misconception #3: Editing my blog will take forever.

    If you’re a perfectionist, then, yes, it will take forever. 

    I know this because I’ve lived it. And still do sometimes.

    But blogs aren’t meant to be perfect. You’re not publishing your blog in a magazine or newspaper. So be willing for it to be less than perfect.

    This does NOT mean that it’s OK to let your blog look like a hot mess. But editing doesn’t have to take forever. Run the piece through a spell checker. Or ask a friend to look over it for you. Or look over it once or twice yourself. (Or hire someone to edit it for you, let’s be honest now.)

    But don’t require it to be perfect.

    Misconception #4: Making graphics for my blog will take forever.

    It certainly can if you don’t have the hang of it or if design isn’t your thing.

    It’s not mine, for sure.

    That’s why I purchased social media templates from Bluchic. (You can check them out here if you’d like.)

    I purchased the package when they were having a Black Friday sale. But there are tons of others out there.

    The templates may cost a little money, but they save you a ton of time.

    Another easy way to create social media graphics is on Canva.

    I introduced my mom to Canva a couple of months ago and she loves it! Some of the graphics she’s creating now are way better than mine, and I’m not even salty about it.

    Basically, Canva gives you templates you can edit and customize to make them unique for your purposes. They have templates for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and more. 

    Misconception #5: I don’t even know how to start.

    Here are a couple easy ways to introduce your blog:

    • Help the reader visualize the problem you’re trying to solve. Provide an example or a story.
    • Help the reader visualize the success they’re trying to achieve. Create a scenario in which the reader is the hero. Then tell them how to get there.
    • Start off with a controversial statement. Then explain why you think that way and how it will help your reader.

    Check out my full post on this topic here.

    Bonus Tips

    Just because I think you’re swell, here are three more tips to help you save time on blogging:

    1. If you’re an author, use short excerpts from your book and simply tweak the intros and outros.

    2. If you’re a pastor or speaker, use excerpts from transcripts of your sermons or talks.

    3. If you already write for social media, take your most popular posts and expand them just a bit. A blog doesn’t have to be long.

    The truth is that, yes, writing a consistent blog is a time commitment. But it doesn’t have to be a big one. You can streamline the process and make it work for you.

    As always, I’m here cheering you on!

    Hey, see that line of social buttons on the left side of your screen? If you liked today’s blog, click one of those buttons and share this article. 🙂

    Read More