Are you a small business owner wondering why you should invest your time, money, and energy in blogging? More specifically a home building contractor or home remodeling contractor? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Like you, there was a time when I had the same dilemma.
Today, blogging is a vital part of my marketing plan, and the same goes for my clients. Blogs have a long content lifespan and a large share-worthy reach. Because of this, they are an inexpensive asset with a good return on investment.
As a fellow small business owner, I know that your time is limited and precious. To respect it, I’ve written this blog in a question and answer style so you can skip around as needed. Let’s dive in!
Why should I blog?
Five reasons: relevancy, Google likes it, longevity, credibility, and education.
Relevancy
Let’s say your website already looks perfect. Still, potential clients visiting like to know you are a thriving business. A blog is the perfect way to showcase this. It features your current projects, company news, and expertise on industry trends. Visitors will see the date of your last blog post and feel confident your business is successful and busy!
Google Likes It
Google likes original content. Google prefers specific keywords and consistently adding new copy. These simple solutions help you show up in Google search results.
Longevity
Think long term.
Investing in your business is important. When you create content for your blog, you are the owner of it; creating something that will be around for years to come.
Social media sites, on the other hand, own the content you are posting. Essentially, you’re renting online space from them. What happens if they shut down in a few years? What would happen to all of your posts?
Credibility
Potential clients prefer to work with someone they can trust. Having a blog and posting on it consistently and professionally positions you as a credible industry thought leader. It’s an accessible way to demonstrate your authority and convey your passion and personality.
Education
Blogs are a great place to provide education on your processes and products. Homeowners considering a new home build or remodel often immerse themselves in content and research, learning everything they can about their future investment.
If you are the person that provides them with answers to their questions, they will start to trust you, which will make your first meeting with them that much easier.
Think about it. If you are considering a large investment, how much time do you spend surfing the web, reading all that you can about it? I know I do.
If you are like me, and your potential client, you might already be sold before ever speaking with anyone. Who doesn’t want that kind of client?
How often should I blog?
Starting small and manageable is always a good idea, especially if you will be writing the blogs yourself. I’d say once, maybe twice a month.
Remember consistency is key. You can always increase the number of blogs at a later date as you get more comfortable with the process.
What if I’m not a good writer?
No worries. You can’t be good at everything, right? I know I couldn’t do your job.
Do you have an immediate family member that likes to write? Or someone on your team? If those are not options, either look for an individual copywriter or a company like ours that specializes in the industry.
Hiring someone that knows marketing and the industry will save you time.
How long should my blogs be?
Don’t focus on the length of your blog to start. But if you are looking for a number I’d say shoot for around at least 500 words.
Some blogs will be shorter and more visual, and some will be longer and more in-depth. It all depends on your blog strategy and marketing goals.
What social media sites should I use to share my blog?
Any and all that makes sense for your marketing strategy and target market. Most of our clients share their blog posts on Facebook and every once in a while on Instagram.
Other places you could share your blog posts are LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Should I include blog posts in my e-newsletter?
Absolutely! Your e-newsletter is an excellent way to communicate directly with your audience. Including a blog post will peak interest and encourage readers to visit your website.
Do I need to include images in my blog post?
Yes! Human beings are visual. Help tell your story by including at least one (high quality!) visual.
Where do I find images to include in my blog post?
The best images to include are your original work. Create a folder of potential images from your best projects. If you don’t have any or enough, consider hiring a photographer.
Investing in photography is one of the best decisions to make for your business. One of my earliest clients did this when we first started working together, and it’s enhanced their entire brand. They are never short on photos for their blog posts.
If neither of these is an option, you can purchase stock images.
How do I think of blog post ideas?
I start by making a list. You might even be surprised by the number of ideas you generate!
You can write about completed projects, homes for sale, new communities, company news, or industry trends.
Do I include a call to action?
Make your blog about education or entertainment, not selling. The last thing a reader wants is a blog filled with spammy, generic, inauthentic sales wording.
Although, it is completely acceptable and smart business to include some version of a call to action at the end of your blog. It could be as simple as:
“contact us for more information on _____”
“to keep in touch sign up for our e-newsletter”
“stop out at our model this weekend”
How long does it take to write a blog post?
It depends on how quickly you write, edit, find images, and post. Blogs take our team anywhere from 1-4 hours to create.
What if I want to pay someone to write my blog posts?
Ok, shameless plug – hire us! We love writing and making our home building and remodeling contractor clients look good. It’s what we do all day long, and we love making our clients look their best!
Give us a call or send us an email to see if we’d be a fit to work together.