Entries Tagged 'engaging ideas' ↓
November 18th, 2008 — Buildify, audience, blog design, content, engaging ideas, post design, research, sales, writing style
Do you want to utilize social media to the best of its capabilities with your corporate blog? Here are ten secrets that the best social media users are utilizing in order to boost the capabilities of their blogs and other websites.
1 - Do your research!
Why? Because every single successful marketing strategy is based on solid research. You cannot go blindly onto a social media site and expect to get immediate success by submitting your content. Find social media sites that work well in conjunction with your niche.
2 - Interact with the community as much as possible.
Do not completely ignore the community as many social media marketers do , but instead get involved because this is what social media is really all about. Take advantage of the social nature of the platform and interact for better success in your corporate blogging and social media endeavors.
3 - Write FOR your audience.
If you want your content to be hot, and even viral, then you need to write for your audience on these social media sites. Interact with the community and get to know its members, learning about their likes and dislikes for example. Learn what gets the most attention and cater to it the best you can.
4 - Shoot for relevancy at all times.
Relevance is the true key to effective social media marketing. Look at Digg, StumbleUpon and other social networking and social media sites for proof of this fact.
5 - Keep your writing short.
Internet users do not tend to enjoy reading long text passages, preferring instead to scan anything that they are interested in. Be accommodating by keeping your content short.
6 - Good design.
When users come to your page, are they greeted with a design that is clean and welcoming in nature? If not, they may leave! To combat this, simply focus on presenting a good design and you will go far.
7 - Stop trying to make sales.
Another rookie mistake that is commonly made in social media marketing is to try ands ell your products. Promoting your brand is a good thing, but if all you are doing is pimping your products then you are never going to get any respect in the social networking world.
8 - Create Outstanding Headlines.
Your story may be excellent, but your headline is what sells. If you want attention when it comes to social media, you need to have an absolutely killer headline otherwise users will not notice what you are posting.
9 - Help Others Out.
If you want to become a top user or a popular user, you have to help others out rather than simply submitting and promoting the content that you write.
10 - Convert the hottest content.
Capitalize on hot content as often as you can. Make the attention that you garner last for as long as you possibly can by creating more posts to follow the hot ones so visits can read not only your popular post, but also your newer content as well.
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November 13th, 2008 — Buildify, blog design, engaging ideas, extra, post design, tools
Here are nine ways to make corporate blogging even easier for you. Writing your blog should be enjoyable and fun, rather than just a task you have no interest in doing. These some really great tools should help make blogging more fun and enjoyable for you rather than a chore or a task that you would like to enjoy.
1. AutoCopy
You can skip the manual copying and pasting by using AutoCopy. If you want to quote passages you find on the web, or reference other snippets, forget using Control/Command +C and Control/Command +V once you’re at the right place in the markup language. Instead, install the AutoCopy tool, a free FireFox extension found at https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/383. It will allow you to select text to automatically add it to the clipboard, then will allow you to paste it by middle clicking anywhere while in FireFox.
2. CoLT
This will allow you to copy both links and their titles, making it easier than ever for you to use the links you want in your blogs. CoLT is the Copy Link Text Firefox Extension, available at http://www.borngeek.com/firefox/colt/download.html.
3. Reusable Post and Image Templates
If you tend to post in ways that are similar in structure, you might as well create reusable templates for images and posting. Wired has a guide for automating actions in Photoshop. You can also grab free templates for Blogger and Wordpress or use a variety of different CSS templates that automate the posting process significantly.
4. Blog Live using Jott
Jott is a neat voicemail to text service that can allow you to post the things you need even when you are on the go. Jott, available through http://www.jott.com is compatible with Blogger, Typepad, Tumblr, WordPress and Livejournal.
5. Text Replacement
Use text replacement to automate repetitive code in your blog postings. This is a lot easier than embedding a flickr photo manually, or creating a custom signature template or custom headline, then add a text replacement app to your arsenal. Some examples are Tester from Windows, Snippits for Linux and TextExpander for Mac.
6. Google Alerts
Google Alerts will allow you to get topic based post ideas sent your email inbox every day. This will allow you to laser focus in on the particular websites, blog posts, news stories and group posts that you are intending to find.
7. Spend Less Time Resizing
Blogs need imagines, but finding the perfect image in the perfect size can be time consuming. Use Photoshop or GIMP, or choose Picnik available at http://www.picnik.com to make this process a great deal easier and hassle free.
8. Foxmarks
You can keep your post ideas synchronized with Foxmarks, because posting fodder can be found all the time but you need a way to store it if you are not yet ready to post about it. Foxmarks can be found at http://www.foxmarks.com.
9. Tumblr
A tumblelog is a quick post blog that is powered using the Tumblr web application which makes posting anything you want a lot less intimidating than if you were to blog in the wide-open HTML space like Movable Type or Wordpress. Learn more about Tumblr at http://www.tumblr.com.
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November 7th, 2008 — RSS Feed, comments, customer feedback, engaging ideas
As readers become more involved with the blogs they frequent, a new form of communication is becoming prevalent – interactive blogging. There are a few ways to look at this and determine whether or not this form of interaction is right for your corporate blog and your readers. When used properly, interactive blogging can be a huge weapon in your arsenal towards building better relationships with your customers, but it can be a double edged sword.
First, let’s look at the most common form of interactive blogging, using your posts to answer reader questions. This commonly occurs when you have someone leave you a question in the comments section of your blog, frequently asking for more information on a certain topic. Now, if one person asks this question there is always a chance that there are more people that want to know the same thing.
You can use these comments to determine what your readers really want to know. If it’s a good question, consider writing a blog post that will answer it. If not, you can keep focusing your energies on your regular posts. However, it is a good idea to let your reader’s dictate what you will be writing about – at least to some extent – since this can help you develop a stronger reader following.
The second form of interactive blogging takes your comments section to a whole new level. This is where you encourage your readers to contribute on a regular basis and the comments section may even start to look a bit like a message board. This is another powerful tool that can benefit corporate blog owners.
First, you’ll be getting the benefit of having your readers return throughout the day to keep tabs on the ongoing conversation. You can also set up an RSS feed for your comments to make this easier. Second, you’ll be increasing the amount of page views you have as well as the opportunity to attract new readers through word of mouth advertising, and through search engine indexing.
Interactive blogging does have a catch though, as we mentioned above. If you can keep tabs on your readers and avoid having flame wars, or nasty comments, it can work quite well. However, if you let it get out of hand, you’re only asking for trouble. On one side, you’ll have readers that will wonder where you stand on the issue if you don’t take care of a problem, and on the other hand, if you take quick action and delete problem comments, you may be cast as against freedom of speech.
The easiest way to take advantage of interactive blogging is simply to set some ground rules, make them clear, and then stick to them. If your readers know right off the bat what they can and cannot do with your interactive blogging elements, there will be a lot less confusion and a lot more interacting going on. Try it for a week and see how your corporate blog changes.
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October 12th, 2008 — Buildify, advertisment, audience, blog design, bloggers, blogosphere, engaging ideas, marketing, money, networking, promotion, seo
Good morning Sunday readers! Are you looking for some blogging tips to help out your blog or thinking of starting one? Check out our quick guide below to some great places for ideas and resources.
General:
Blogging Tips:
Promotion and Advertising:
SEO | Optimization:
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October 10th, 2008 — content, engaging ideas, post design, video
As the user generated content business gets into full swing, many corporate blog owners are wondering whether or not using videos in their blog will be advantageous. There are a few schools of thought on the matter, as well as some basic ground rules that can be followed. In a nutshell, video can be a very powerful medium, but only if it is used correctly.
First, it’s best to determine whether or not video content will enhance your blog, or take away from it. If you are selling products for example, uploading a video on how to use the product, or something interesting about it, could be very advantageous and can work as a powerful selling point. However, if you have a video that does not showcase the product to its full potential, that can be disastrous.
Any video content you put on your blog should follow some basic principles. If it’s yours, it should be as professional as possible, easy to watch and should not bore the viewer. If you decide to use someone else’s video, it is vital to do a little background on that person to make sure that you won’t run into any problems through your association with them. You’d be surprised at how easy it can be to ruin a reputation, simply through association.
Let’s say that you find a great video that works well with your content, and is already quite popular. You add it to your site, and your viewers go to watch other videos from that person. If they happen to be a white supremacist this could definitely work against you. Always go through the video collection before you actually post someone else’s video on your site.
For most corporate blog owners, it is best to stick with videos that are made in-house, and by a professional team. If you are using a bad camera with shaky audio, it’s going to give your audience the impression that you don’t know what you’re doing. On the other hand, if your videos are crisp and clear, that will give the impression that you are professional.
The videos you do add, if you do decide to go this route, should be brief and to the point. Many people make the mistake of droning on in their videos, and end up losing viewers as a result. If you have a longer video series, you may want to consider breaking it up into a few parts. This works in two ways. First, you won’t be overloading your viewers with information. Second, they’ll have an extra incentive to keep coming back to your site.
Corporate blog owners that do start adding video should remember to keep a good balance between written and video content. Don’t lose your focus and become solely a video blog, since you may end up losing those that prefer to read your information. Try to find a good balance between the two so that you can capitalize on the benefits of both forms of communication.
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September 29th, 2008 — audience, content, engaging ideas, goals, planning
When you first start your corporate blog, it can be pretty exciting. You’re all charged up about the benefits you’re going to be reaping and the sales you’ll be making. After a few weeks of this however, this newness tends to wear off. If you didn’t luck out and gain instant success with your blog, it can feel like it’s just you and the crickets. While no one wants to waste time and resources, it is important to give your corporate blog enough of a chance to make it, and that means sticking with it, even though you may be completely fed up. Here are some tips to keep you going.
1. Set up a posting schedule and stick to it every day.
Once it becomes routine, and you realize that posting really only takes a few minutes, it is easier to keep the habit. Try making your morning coffee time your corporate blog time too, or find ways to combine your posting time with something that you enjoy. If necessary, set up a reward system so that you treat yourself for every post you make. Your blog won’t stand a chance if you abandon it, so you’ve got to keep at it until something happens.
2. Set realistic expectations.
Very few blogs make it overnight, and less than 2% of all blogs are actually runaway hits. It is vital to go into this project knowing that the returns may be smaller than you expect. You will need to give your blog at least six months to develop a steady audience. If after that time you have not seen any measurable results, it will be time to reevaluate your options. Until then however, stick with it.
3. Find new ways to get excited about posting.
Every single post you make on your corporate blog does not need to be a well thought out missive. Try putting up polls instead, or reference an interesting article that you saw. By finding new things to talk about that are related to your industry, you can keep that forward momentum going.
4. Put a face on your audience.
Corporate blogging is all about putting a personal face on your business, but this works both ways. It can be pretty difficult to get excited about posting when you feel like you are talking to a brick wall. To keep your energy up, imagine that you are writing to a friend. Envision this person and write your posts as though you were having a conversation with them.
This has the added benefit of making your posts more reader-friendly and more engaging. Try it and see if you don’t notice a difference in your attitude.
5. Don’t set yourself up to fail.
If you find yourself grumbling about “no one is going to read it anyway,” stop right there. Defeatist talk will only get you defeat. You’ll need to keep a positive approach going and give yourself time to succeed. It will happen, if you apply yourself.
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September 18th, 2008 — content, customer trust, engaging ideas, post design, public relations, search engine, video
Although video content is lauded and championed as the future of the internet, there is still a lot of dissension over whether it has a place in corporate blogging. While there is no one clear answer to this, there are a few benefits that videos can bring, as well as a few downsides. Let’s look at each of these to help you determine whether or not your corporate blog can benefit from the addition of video.
Benefits
1. Increased interest.
If you have quality video content, this can only interest your readers and encourage them to keep coming back. Video content sometimes does a better job of getting your message across, and if you are producing your own videos, you’ll be getting the benefit of extra face time.
2. Increased consumer trust.
This really only applies if you are starring in your own videos. By putting a face with the posts, your audience will start to feel more connected with you. This is a double-edged sword however. If you are stiff in front of the camera, it won’t work well. If you’re a naturally engaging personality however, there are a lot of benefits to posting videos.
3. Taking advantage of viewer comprehension.
Text based comprehension is historically pretty low. That’s why advertisers usually rely on television or radio, since it takes advantage of visual and auditory senses. By providing your blog visitors with video postings, you will be able to take advantage of all three mediums, audio, visual and text based learning.
Downsides
1. Poor quality.
You should only post videos if they are high quality and enjoyable. If your videos have poor sound or the picture is distorted, it gives the impression that you are too cheap to get a good camera and sound system. This is not an impression that any company wants to give the public. If you’re going to do it – do it right.
2. User generated content.
If you are considered putting up user generated content, such as YouTube videos, you run a lot of risks. They may not be professional and they may provide yet again, the wrong impression of your company. Even if a video is the most viral creation ever made, that doesn’t mean it belongs on your site.
3. Not as discoverable.
Video posts will not be indexed by search engines the same way as text posts, so you are losing out on the opportunity to take advantage of more keywords. The key to beating this is to have more than just a video in your post. Write an introduction with keywords and commentate on the video. If necessary, provide a transcript to get more keywords into the post.
With the right approach, video is a great thing for a corporate blog. You just need to take the time and money to produce high quality videos and utilize the right posting structure to make sure that they get indexed. If you’re not ready to do this, it is best to wait and make the most of your blog the way it is.
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September 15th, 2008 — audience, content, engaging ideas, goals, planning, reputation
If you’ve been considering starting a corporate blog, but you’re not quite sure that your company is ready yet, there is still a way that you can get your feet wet and start taking advantage of what a blog can do for promotion. Instead of closely defining a corporate blog as something that is used to talk about only your company or to relay company news, you can get involved in a niche topic that may actually be more popular.
A niche blog is usually a defined topic blog that covers something that interests you or can be related to what your company does. For example, let’s say that you run a company that specializes in search engine optimization. You could start a niche blog that would cover tips and tricks or new techniques that are available in this industry. By focusing on a single topic, you may be able to experience more success than you could with a regular company blog.
Here’s a great tip to get you started. Write down everything that your company does or sells, and get your inspiration for your niche blog from there. Find a way to tie in something that the public will find interesting or helpful and choose that to be the main focus of your niche blog. Using another example, let’s say that you have a sporting goods online store.
A great corporate niche blog for this type of company would be one that focuses on fitness tips. You can incorporate what you sell in a subtle way and provide a service to the public. That is the heart of a niche blog and the key to its success. By giving readers something they can really use or benefit from, you are ensuring that you will be able to quickly rise to the top ranks of corporate bloggers.
There are many different ways that a niche blog can be put to good use for your company. One of the most powerful is that you will be developing a reputation for yourself as an expert. Many first time bloggers make the mistake of trying to remain anonymous, or they don’t work on self promotion. We’re not saying that your corporate blog should be the “me show” but you will still need to find a way to inject a little bit of your own personality into your blog.
A niche blog offers a great way to do that, especially if you are covering tips that can be used or helpful information. Look at your blog as a way to develop yourself as an expert in what you do, and let company promotion occur as a side effect. Chances are, your blog will be more interesting and you’ll be getting solid traffic to your corporate site as a result. When you look at a corporate blog as a way of reaching out to the public and providing a service, it will give you the solid foundation you need for success.
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September 11th, 2008 — audience, content, engaging ideas, networking, planning, social bookmarking sites
One of the biggest problems facing corporate bloggers is finding an audience. If you’re using your blog as a way to promote your company’s products, it is vital to quickly build up a strong readership. This is not an easy task, and even though paid promotion can be helpful, there are some better methods that can be used to get real results. Blog networks may be the answer to your problems.
If you’re not familiar with how blog networks work, it is similar in a way to the webrings of yore, but with some key improvements. A blog network will usually cover a set variety of topics within a certain industry. For example, there are blog networks for golfing, books, news, and many other topics. Readers that visit the blog network are given an opportunity to discover blogs that cover information they are already interested in.
A blog network will usually have a main page that will list all of the newly posted blogs that are members of the network. In addition, they may even promote select blogs that are doing well and feature them heavily on their main page. B5 Media is a great example of a massive blogging network that has had tremendous success. They now feature blogs in practically every industry and niche under the sun and continue to add more on a weekly basis.
Now that you understand what a blog network does, how can you begin to take advantage of that? First, you will need to identify your specific topic niche. This can be something that your company does, sells, or something that is pertinent in any way to your company. For example, let’s say that you run a site that sells golf clubs. You should look for a golfing blog network.
After you have found the blog network that is right for you, it’s time to get serious about posting. You may need to modify the approach of your blog for the network to make sure that you will be successful. Bloggers that incessantly promote their stores, or fail to craft interesting posts usually don’t do well. Instead of focusing solely on your company in your blog, you may need to start writing posts that provide information readers can really use.
To illustrate this, let’s return to our example of a golf club store. The corporate blogger for this store could begin writing posts that deal with golf swing tips. A subtle promotion link could be added to the store within the post, but the main focus of the blog post would be on an actual tip. This type of post usually does very well on a blog network and you can see remarkable results.
If you’re ready to get serious about promoting your blog, seek out a blog network that caters to your niche and sign up. Chances are, you’ll be able to increase your readership very quickly and your site will see the benefits right away.
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September 10th, 2008 — comments, engaging ideas, statistics, web traffic, writing style
If you’ve decided that you are going to allow readers to comment on your blog, there are a lot of benefits that you can reap. In addition to increased page views, comments allow you to build up a strong relationship with your readers. They can be very beneficial, but it may take a little while before you start seeing comments. Although writing engaging material is the best way to encourage reader participation, there are a few other tips that can be very useful.
1. Ask your readers a question.
This is one of the easiest ways to encourage more comments on your blog. Ask your readers a question that is pertinent to your post and ask them to leave their responses in the comment section. This can be a double edged sword, but when properly managed, you can do quite well. Just remember, if you don’t want to hear the answers, don’t ask the question. Go for questions that are not vitriolic to avoid excess controversy that could harm your company.
2. Run a contest.
This is probably the most blatant method, but it does work. Try running a contest for something that you sell, or a really great gift that will get a lot of attention. You’ll want to extend the contest for at least a week for the best results. Let your readers know that you’ll be picking a winner from among those that leave comments on your blog. The key is finding a gift that people will really want, since that will increase the likelihood of getting better comments and more participation.
3. Leave your own comments.
If you get a comment on your blog, it’s very important to respond to that person in the comments section. You can start a whole dialogue there and your visitors will go away with a brand new impression of you. By taking the time to answer a question or thank someone for their opinion, you are letting them know that you care about your readers. This helps them develop a stronger relationship with you and it will benefit your business in many different ways. Take the time to get personal and you’ll definitely see an increase in readership.
4. Make commenting easy for your readers.
Most of today’s blogging platforms have made it relatively easy for people to leave comments, but there are still some issues that may keep your readers from using the system. You need to make sure that it is incredibly easy to leave a comment. While asking users to register before they are allowed to leave comments can be helpful, it generally makes it more difficult and time consuming. It’s best to do away with this step. Your readers will be more likely to leave comments since they won’t feel as though they are giving you too much personal information. Today’s internet users are savvy and they care about the information they share, and if you don’t require this step, they will feel much more comfortable leaving a comment.
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