Blog Checklist: 15 Ideas for Your Next Blog Post
Blog Checklist
Blog Checklist: 15 Ideas for Your Next Blog Post
A blog checklist is a valuable tool for new entrepreneurs. Consistent blogging is a key strategy that you need to use to build your new online business. Today's blog post is a blog checklist with 15 ideas that you can use to create engaging, informative, and fun content. The ideas from the blog checklist will work for whatever specialty area (niche) you are in. Remember to be creative. Share your ideas with your prospective clients.
1. Take a photo. Share a picture instead of words.
2. Share a relevant YouTube video. You can analyze the video in your post.
3. Make a video of your own. People love to see you and hear your voice. This is more engaging than just reading your words.
4. Comment on another blog post on your blog. For example, if another well known blogger makes a strong statement on a topic, respond to that statement on your blog.
5. Comment on news events. Talk about how the news story relates to your field.
6. Write a “How to” post. Telling your audience how to do a particular thing, i.e. set up a WordPress site or buy a domain name, works very well online.
7. Debunk a myth. Are there common thoughts or beliefs people hold in your industry that simply are not true. If so, write a post showing why it is merely a myth.
8. Tell an entertaining and educational story. What are some turning points in your business career?
9. Create a Q&A post. List some of the common questions that your audience has and what are the answers to the questions. We recently did a Q&A post on starting an online business.
10. Examine a problem. Take a problem that people often get stuck on and go in depth into its causes and solutions.
11. Write a “Top X” list. People love lists.
12. Interview an expert. Post it in audio or video on your blog. Here's a link to an interview with an expert on the Top WordPress Plugins.
13. Review a product. Talk about the benefits and drawbacks. What sets it apart? Would you recommend it?
14. Write about common pitfalls. Talk about mistakes that beginners might unknowingly make.
15. Ramble. Just talk aimlessly and passionately about a topic. Set it aside for a few days. Then go back later to make sure that it is relevant before you post it.
Conclusion
Here are 15 ideas for your blog posts that can help you engage with your prospective clients. Be creative and have fun as you share your ideas with the word.
Leave us a comment about this post. Have you tried any of these ideas? Let us know.
We would love to hear from you to see how we might work together in the future. Find out more about our mentoring program: The Strategic Pathway to Success Program.
Income: Making Money with Affiliate Marketing
Income: Making Money with Affiliate Marketing
Income: Making Money with Affiliate Marketing
As a new entrepreneur getting started building an online business, you want to start generating income. You may have heard all about working from home on your computer using the internet to earn income. This article will discuss one way that you can begin earning income from your new online business. We will discuss affiliate marketing. You can begin making money with affiliate marketing while you are still working and making that transition to becoming a full-time entrepreneur. As with any business, you need to understand your prospective client so that you can recommend products and services that they need and want.
What is Affiliate Marketing?
There are many ways to earn money online. One of the most lucrative ways is to become an affiliate marketer. Affiliate marketing is the process of recommending and promoting other people's products. You receive a percentage of the sales. As an affiliate marketer you can promote products on your blog, website, social media accounts, and in email. To begin as an affiliate marketer, you need to search for businesses that have affiliate programs for products that your prospective clients need and want. You need to join the program and then start promoting. You can find out more about affiliate marketing by listening to this recent podcast: How to Make Money with Affiliate Marketing
What Types of Products Should I Promote?
You can promote both digital information products and physical products. We recommend that you promote products that you use and love. You can search affiliate networks like Clickbank.com or Nanacast.com for digital information products that would be relevant to your clients. For physical products, for example, you can become an affiliate for Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Remember, Amazon also sells information products: books.
How Should I Promote Affiliate Products?
Many people think that it is easier to promote other people's product rather than creating your own products. We think this is an excellent way to begin your online business. However, your goal is to create your own products. Eventually you want to have your own affiliate program. For now, you should concentrate on promoting the products that you use and love. You want to promote products that your clients need and want. You want to focus on quality products. You should explain to your prospective client why this particular product will be helpful to them.
You will use your website, blog, social media, and email to share your recommendations with your prospective clients. As you get to know your audience through your various marketing channels, you will get a better idea of the types of products to promote.
We recently conducted an interview with our mentor Connie Ragen Green. Connie is known as the “Queen of Affiliate Marketing.” Listen to this interview to learn Connie's strategies for generating income from affiliate marketing.
Leave us a comment about this article. We would love to hear from you!
If you would like to work with us to help you to build and grow your online business , please consider joining our membership program: The Strategic Pathway to Success Program.
Starting an Online Business: A Question & Answer Session
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Starting an Online Business
Starting an Online Business: A Question & Answer Session
In this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series we held a question and answer session to discuss some of the key questions that entrepreneurs frequently ask about starting an online business. Just think, you could run your business from anywhere in the world with an internet connection and a computer. But before you run off to set up your website for your online business take a few minutes to think about the many issues involved in starting an online business. This episode of the podcast is the start of a conversation between us to discuss just what it takes.
In this episode we discuss:
- How do you make money with an online business?
- How do you get noticed on the internet
- What methods do you use to attract customers and clients?
- Should you use a virtual assistant?
- If you are going to work out of your home, should you have an office?
Key Issues to Consider When Starting an Online Business
Before starting your online business there are several issues to consider. For example, what are you going to sell? Remember, you are not in business, unless there is something to sell. In this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series we talk about (1) selling information products; (2) teaching online courses; and (3) affiliate marketing. These are only three of the ways to make money with an online business. You can also sell physical products. There are entire courses dedicated to that subject. If you are interested in selling physical products, contact us to discuss the various options.
One of the most important issue that you must address, is whether this is a hobby for you or a business? If starting an online business is a “business” for you, then you must sure that you set it up and run it like a business. With any business, there are certain legal and regulatory matters that you must address. Those matters will be addressed in future podcast episodes and articles.
Final Thoughts
As you consider starting an online business consider having someone at your side to show you the ropes. You need someone who has done it before. We would love to be your guides. Read all about “The Strategic Pathway to Success Program”
Online Marketing: 5 Tips to Increase Your Visibility, Credibility, and Authority
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Online Marketing
Online Marketing: 5 Tips to Increase Your Visibility, Credibility, and Authority
In this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series we discuss five strategies that you can use to increase your visibility, credibility, and authority as a new online marketer. Online marketing can present you with many struggles as you try to gain traction in your area of expertise. For example, you may have difficulty identifying your ideal client. Once you have identified your ideal client, you need to build a relationship of trust. In this podcast, Dexter and I discuss how you can overcome those struggles.
In this episode we discuss (1) how you can avoid mistakes that keep you struggling; (2) how to be a savvy entrepreneur on social media; and (3) how to increase your visibility, credibility, and authority.
Online Marketing Tip #1: Focus on Your Business
As an online entrepreneur you may find yourself getting distracted by every new idea that comes along. Yes, you must be flexible. But you do not need to follow latest fad, if it does not fit your business model. Remember to stay true to your vision of your online marketing business.
Online Marketing Tip #2: Plan for the Future
As you prepare to launch your online business be sure that you have clearly focused on the needs of your potential clients. Have a plan in place about how and when you will deliver your product or services.
Online Marketing Tip #3: Take Action
At some point, you have to take action to launch that website. After all the upfront planning, you must take action.
- Post high quality content on your website.
- Build your presence on social media.
- Start a podcast.
Learn how to launch a impactful, fun, and dynamic podcast with The Special Report and Training Guide: Podcasting Power.com
Online Marketing Tip #4: Learn the “ABCs” of Social Media
To be a savvy online marketer, you must know the “ABCs” of social media. In this part of the podcast, we refer to the tips in our recent post: Social Media “ABCs” for the New Entrepreneur.
So remember:
- A: Don't use too much Automation
- B: Branding must be consistent across social media
- C: Customer focus is the key to your success
Online Marketing Tip #5: Develop a Content Marketing Strategy
Be clear about the topics that you will discuss and where you will hold these conversations. As you develop your content strategy, consider using a content calendar to keep you organized. Here is a post that gives you additional ideas about content strategy: Content Strategy: Your Goals and Plans
Final Thoughts
Online marketing can be daunting to undertake. However, by following a few proven strategies, you too can become a successful online marketer. Following these tips will increase your visibility, credibility, and authority.
Let us know how we can help you in your journey. You can find out more about our product and services at: “The Strategic Pathway to Success Program”
Dexter and I would love hear from you. Leave us a comment below.
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Creating Valuable Content: 3 Steps to Increase the Benefits to Your Clients
Creating Valuable Content, Not Spam!
Creating Valuable Content: 3 Steps to Increase the Benefits to Your Clients
Creating valuable content is essential to your success. Content marketing can be quite lonely if nobody reads what you write! Are you the only one reading your blog posts and your email messages. Well, it may be time to change your strategy. You may need to get to know your audience better. What problems can you solve for them? Creating valuable content and products that provide those solutions in a unique way that is your style will earn you a greater audience. You have to provide your audience with content that is easy to understand and valuable, but uniquely yours! Remember that value is always from the point of view of your audience and clients.
I. Content Should Be Easy to Understand
Whether your content is a blog post, information product, or podcast it should be easy to understand. If your product is in writing, it should also be easy to read. A few key ways of making your writing easy to read and understand are to:
- Use one main theme per content piece
- Use subheadings to break up your points
- Use simple formatting like bullet points, numbers, and short paragraph
II. Content Should Be Conversational
When you are creating your content, remember to use your personal and unique voice. Write content as if you were talking to a trusted client with whom you have developed a deep relationship. Write and talk like you are having a conversation with a peer or a really good friend. To accomplish this goal, that means you will not be using industry jargon. You will also clearly explain any new concepts that you introduce.
III. Content Should Focus on the Needs of Your Clients
When you sit down to create any product, whether in writing, video, or audio, ask yourself one important question: “How is this of benefit to my client?” You need to be able to answer the question: “Why would or should they pay attention to this?” If the piece of content does not add value, don’t publish it. Publishing content that does not add value, detracts from your value
Conclusion/Call to Action
Remember that creating valuable content is essential to your success. When you create any content it should (1) be easy to read, (2) conversational, and (3) focus on the needs of your clients. As you prepare product that meets this criteria, also remember to share personal stories and examples in your content. You will connect much better with your audience when you have some transparency and authenticity. Your unique voice and style should shine through in all that you do.
When you need help in finding your voice or creating your valuable content, contact us at My Biz Dream Team. We would be glad to share our expertise with you.
Leave us a comment below to let us know how you are creating content that your clients value.
Developing Your Content Plan
Dexter and Pamela Montgomery
Developing Your Content Plan
Now that you have decided to produce content for your ideal audience, what is your plan? If you have a topic that you love, and know how you plan to publish your content, then you’re ready to begin developing your content plan.
Will you publish blog posts or produce a podcast? Will you send out email marketing? Perhaps you plan to produce a combination of all the content that I have listed. That's what I do.
Your content plan will help you stay organized, focused on your goals, and productive.
As your business grows it can be difficult to manage and track all of your content – it adds up quickly. A content plan will help you stay on top of everything so you not only don’t miss anything. You’re also able to maximize your content for the best results. Let us help you with developing your content plan at My Biz Dream Team.
(1) What Is a Content Plan?
A content plan is quite simply a detailed outline of (1) what you’re going to publish, (2) the goal for the content, and (3) when you’re going to publish it.
Your plan may also include:
* Links to include in the content
* Creation notes – Who is creating the content and what do they need? For example, if you hire a ghost writer to create your blog posts.
* Deadlines – When do you need to have topic research completed? When do you want the content uploaded and scheduled on your blog? When do you need to get the graphics from your designer for your report?
* Analytics and Tracking – How will you measure success?
In short, your content plan includes any and all relevant information about your content. There are a few key questions you’ll want to answer before you create your plan.
Developing Your Content Plan
(2) How to Organize Your Content Plan
Organization – What’s the best format for your content plan? For example, do you work better with pencil and paper? If so, then you can create a written version of your content plan. Prefer digital planning tools? Try an online calendar or content management system.
Length – How far in advance do you want to plan your content? Consider planning at least a month in advance. It’s often better to plan for three months so that you can create a more streamlined approach. However, for some people that can feel like too much. For us, we find planning one month in advance sufficient.
Schedule – When will you review your content plan? This often depends on how you approach creating content. If you create a month’s worth of content in one or two days, then you may only review your plan on a monthly basis. If you create content weekly, then you’ll probably want to review your plan more often.
(3) Conclusion/Call to Action
Begin pulling your topic ideas and notes into a content plan. Decide how to best organize your information. Decide (1) how often you want to publish content, (2) what types of content you want to begin with, and (3) how you’re going to create your content.
If you are interested in finding out more about developing a content plan, listen to the following episodes of “My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday” :
Also read the following blog posts for additional valuable information on developing your content plan.
- Creating Valuable Content: 3 Steps to Increase the Benefits to Your Clients
- Content Marketing for Entrepreneurs: What's Your Goal?
- How Planning Your Blog Content Can Help You Get More Done
At My Biz Dream Team, we show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us help you accelerate the growth of your business so that you can reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.
Pamela Montgomery
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, online marketing strategist, and speaker, providing you results-oriented strategies that help you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life.
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