Are you ready to turn your Facebook fans into customers? Many of them probably already are, but how can you transform the rest of them? The answer is a blog.
Let me explain the strategy behind using a blog.
Once your social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter, especially) are reflecting high audience engagement, it’s time to start making sure your social media platforms promote your expertise. For example, your Facebook followers should regularly see original content on your page that demonstrates you as a thought leader in your community. Your social pages should give them the impression that you know what you are talking about when it comes to fitness, exercise, losing weight, nutrition, motivation, etc. Your blog is one of the primary ways for you to display your expertise.
When you blog about exercise tips, for instance, and include a story about one of your members who lost 50 pounds in your personal training program, your members are going to pay attention. You will be thought of as an expert and will stand out from the competition. When people are ready to make a purchasing decision, they’re going to want to go with the expert who generates results for other people.
Tips for making your blog work well:
- Update it regularly. Regularly doesn’t have to be every day or every week, but it should be at least once or twice a month.
- Make the title and first two sentences extremely compelling. Ask a question that makes the reader keep reading. For example, title your blogs something like “3 BIG Mistakes People Make Every Day in the Gym” or “How to Lose 10 Pounds This Month.”
- Make sure your blog is short and easy to read. 250-400 words is ideal. Use bulleted lists whenever you can.
- Use a strong call-to-action at the end of the blog. A good example is, “Call me today for your free health assessment.” Or, “Call our personal training department today at xxx.xxxx, and schedule a free session with one of our personal trainers to create a plan for you to lose 10 pounds before summertime.”
- Use photos and video when you can.
- Promote the blog. Don’t just post it on your website — e-mail it out to your entire database, share it on your social media platforms and send it to local publications/magazines for them to publish it as well.
Ready to start a blog, but need a writer?
Contact me at sarah@blbusinessconsulting.com or message me at www.facebook.com/socialmediasarah to find out how I can help you bring more customers to your business through blogging and social media!
Sarah Barrett is a communications expert for business leaders. She has ghost-written articles, blogs, presentations, curriculum, health programs and an e-book for many clients including two NY Times best-selling authors, medical doctors, various business, health and fitness leaders, and internationally renowned fitness brands. Sarah blogs and writes as herself under the brand Social Media Sarah.
Great advice, and the key to success with a blog is the “regularly” part. Before it gets overwhelming, get guest bloggers, clients that have expertise or have had great results, or use tips from vendors, like fitness product manufacturers or suppliers. You don’t have to do it all alone.