Nowadays, doesn’t it seem like there are just too many blog consultants out there? Have you already started your blog using Wordpress or Blogger? Many bloggers start out in the fast lane, very excited about their blogs. Unfortunately, even more run out of gas before they even finish the race.
You can actually avoid having a business blog that simply fizzles out. All you need is a clear understanding of the reasons bloggers fail. So, here are 5 reasons why many business blogs fail.
1. Not Defining Your Objectives
It’s amazing how many company’s have their blogs set up by their IT team, without ever defining the key objectives. Then, weeks later, everyone’s wondering why the blog isn’t getting traffic.
Is your goal to connect with your customers? Is your blog part of an SEO program to archive FAQs, newsletters, etc…? You must identify your main objectives for blogging. Then, create your promotion and content plans based on these goals.
2. Having Unrealistic Resources And Expectations
It takes dedication and hard work to blog effectively. Business blogs showcase your company’s personality, while listening and responding to your online community. It takes much more than great SEO keywords to raise your search engine rankings.
In order for your business blog to be successful, you’ll need access to resources, such as technology, processes and people. Set both long and short term goals, and track your accomplishments using reporting systems like Google Webmaster. Allocate various tasks and make sure everyone’s doing their part. Plan for your business blogging success.
3. Not Planning Future Content
Editorial guides are great for keeping your blogging team on track. Many successful bloggers plan their editorial calendars on a monthly basis. So, you never run out of content to publish.
Have your blog posts written by multiple people so that no one person has too much on his/her plate. Encourage your people to keep their eyes open for content ideas. Many blog post ideas can come from right inside your office.
4. Not Allowing Trackbacks and Comments
Two of the biggest things that separates websites from blogs are trackbacks and comments. Many business blogs disallow both. Why? Because they believe they don’t have the resources to allocate someone to handle them. They also fear the things people may say. Whether good or bad, feedback has a way of starting a conversation, keeping visitors on your blog longer.
You must also measure your feedback mechanisms using various analytics. Some of these include linkbacks, comment on other relevant blogs, social media marketing, RSS feed, searches conducted on your blog and web visitor analytics. These help you measure your online reach within your industry.
5. Attempting to Do It All Yourself
Anyone can set up your business blog quite easily. But, it takes much more than just setting up your blog for it to be successful. Unless you’ve already created a successful blog yourself, you won’t know just how complicated blogging can be. This is especially true if you’re dedicated to providing excellent customer service and quality services or products. You simply may not have time to do both efficiently.
