Selling online is getting harder these days. As more and more big-box retailers shift their focus to ecommerce, remaining competitive takes more than low prices and a website. This is especially true if your products are not unique.One easy way to break out from the pack is with a blog.
Why a blog?
An ecommerce blog can really make a difference if it’s done right. That means keeping it updated keeping it fresh, and posting interesting and relevant material that your customers want.
How can a blog help your online store? Here’s 5 ways it can have an impact…
1. SEO SEO SEO
It’s no surprise that a blog can help with your search engine rankings. Google loves updated content. They also love content that is written in a way to be appealing to living, breathing humans.
As Google’s search system evolves, it’s gone beyond measuring keywords and links. It’s now looking at how well a web page will resonate with readers. Does it contain information people want to find? Is it being shared at places like Facebook and Twitter?
A blog fits this mold perfectly. You write a title for a post that appeals to your customers. The content is about a single theme and is relevant. Google realizes this and gives your blog post a higher ranking for the topic you wrote about.
BUT, make sure each blog post is focused and contains words and phrases related to your product line/ industry. The more focused, the better it will rank with the search engines.
2. Connect with customers
Although people buy products based on price and ease of ordering, they also will buy from a website they know and trust. If your website is just another store that doesn’t stand out, you’ll have a hard time swaying people to buy from you as opposed to a big-box retailer.
One powerful way to make a connection with your customers is through your blog. Personalize your company. Show them that you are more than a website with products.
Speak to them (and with them) through your blog so they see you as a source of knowledge and understanding. This type of connection can create a customer for life.
3. Introduce new products and new trends in your niche
Is there a new product on the horizon? New uses for an old product? You just came back from a convention with killer ideas? Use your blog to bring this information to your customers.
However, do NOT make your blog a walking billboard for your company. No one wants to read ads. Sprinkle in a product or two, but that should not be the focus of your posts.
Bring value to your readers. Keep them up to date on the latest happenings in your industry.
4. Provide information that your customers want
How to get the most out of XYZ. A great video of your product being used. Search YouTube for one to link to. Maybe a post about what you don’t like about one of your products (controversy can spark discussion).
Find out what your customers want to learn about, and give it to them. They’ll become loyal followers, and hopefully loyal buyers.
5. Highlight your customers
You want your blog to be about them? Make them the focus of some of your posts!
Get permission to post part of their testimonial as part of your blog. Interview them. Use one of their videos. Ask them for input or think about signing some up as guest authors to write their own posts!
…
The bottom line – When you focus on your customers, it makes them feel like part of your company. And that’s something more powerful than Amazon or Kmart.
Talk to us today about utlising blogging as part of your internet strategy
