When we hear from people wanting to start a blog, they are often excited and passionate about getting started with blogging their message. They can hardly wait to blog.
We have a quick start guide that asks a few questions before you start a blog. And the focus isn't on what you have to say. It's on readers and knowing what your readers want.
Joe Pulizzi of Junta 42 says this happens to him as well. He writes about 10 Questions to Ask Before You Blog. Here is an excerpt from his excellent post:
"My questions back to them usually startle the person, because so many start thinking about what they want to say, other than what their target audience needs to hear. Here are a few...
1. Who are your primary and secondary targets for your blog?
2. What do you want to tell them?
3. Do you understand what the key informational needs of the audience are?
4. Are you reading other blogs on that topic, and ones targeting your customers and prospects?
5. If you are reading, are you leaving comments that add to the online conversation on the blogs you cover?
6. Do you have a firm grasp on the types of keywords to focus on that would be relevant to your blog?
7. Do you follow those keywords on Technorati and Google Blog Search? Do you have alerts set up around those keywords at Google Alerts?
8. Can you commit to blogging at least two-to-three times per week? (consistency is key)
9. What is your ultimate goal in starting a blog? In one year from when you start blogging, how will your life be different?
10. Are you looking at blogging as a challenge or something that could be fun?
We agree with Pulizzi. Blogging is a tool for building relationships and communicating. But if you start up a conversation, then just disappear, it isn't good for you, your business, your reputation. Make sure you start right and commit for the long haul.
Read other blogs in your field and know what's going on. Be active and leave comments.
His closing paragraph wraps it up nicely: "Some businesses aren't ready to commit resources or change their culture (full transparency) to adapt to a blog. That's okay. But all businesses must understand the power of blogging. Your brand is what people read about and talk about online. You have to decide if you want to be a part of shaping that conversation around your brand."
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