12 Easy Blog Post Content Ideas for Small Businesses
Are you short on blog content? Wondering how to fill the weekly blog post and wishing you’d never started one in the first place? Don’t be! It’s actually quite easy. I’m here to tell you that you won’t run out of ideas because there’s actually heaps of options. And here are 12 really easy post ideas to get you started…
1. Your business
The one unique thing about your industry is your business - your processes, your strategies, your systems. Share some insights into how your business operates. Do you have a strategy that helps close deals, gets lots of follow up work, or saves you money on your overheads? Is there a particular program or website platform you use that you love?
Share these insights with your audience and it will help position you as a confident business leader. Better yet, write a tutorial; this has great share potential on social media
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2. Your story
Did your business start at the kitchen table or on a scribbled piece of paper back at uni? Was this business always your ambition, or did you fall into it by accident? Was the path smooth or bumpy? These type of personal posts show the human face behind the business, which builds trust and empathy.
Put a a personal touch on your posts by revealing your story to your customers - Content tips
3. Lessons learned
Small businesses have a lot in common, one of which is that it’s a step learning curve and we all fall and pick ourselves up a LOT. What are some of the pitfalls you encountered? What were your low points? What have you learned?
If you’re concerned about sounding weak or inexperienced, you’re won’t be. Rather, you’re demonstrating self belief, positivity, and humility - characteristics that any client would want from a business.
4. Your people
Yes, even Martha in accounts will shine in the spotlight. This is a great and easy blog post series that not only highlights the exceptional people who work with you, it puts a human face on your business.
And what if you’re a freelancer who wears a dozen different hats? Well, a post a hat, or even a 3-part series on your background, skills and experience. As well, you can profile people you work closely with - your suppliers, virtual assistant, accountant, mentor and so on.
5. Your projects
Take your reader on a step by step guide through one of your projects or services. This could be the steps you take to upholster a sofa or how you design a new logo. It may seem everyday and boring to you but it’s interesting and insightful to the potential clients who are looking to hire your services.
Don’t forget to include images and, if relevant, backlinks to your client’s website or social media.
6. Your expertise
This is the obvious one and there’s loads of blogging potential here. Small business owners love learning from one another. A simple pen and paper brainstorming session can unearth all sorts of ideas. Better yet, rope in a friend or two to help.
Are you a jewellery maker? You can discuss materials, styles, trends and suppliers. A website designer? There’s colour palettes, fonts, branding, domains and platforms. A personal trainer? Healthy eating, recipes, and simple at home exercises. An accountant? The ins and outs of a tax return and tips on saving money.
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7. Tips and How to’s
This is a great (and sneaky) post idea because it also educates your audience and potential clients on all the things you’d like them to know, preferably before they start working with you. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, you can do a post on why image resolution is vital for great design; if you’re a writer, you can discuss copyright and plagiarism; a restaurant, talk about dining etiquette; a personal trainer, the importance of warm up exercises.
8. Trends
Do a weekly or monthly round up of trends in your industry. This is great way to show you’re active and engaged in your niche, and by turn, that you’re modern and flexible with what’s popular.
9. FAQs
This is an easy post that where you answer all the questions you typically field. It doesn’t have to be specific to your business either. You can discuss common misconceptions, demands or issues within your niche, and how to solve them.
Plus, you can you can re-post an updated version every 6 or 12 months.
10. Your success
This is a feel good post that also demonstrates the growth and success of your business. Share a finished project, a new client, a new supplier, an exceptional customer interaction, a published article, a new staff member, or anything else that makes your heart sing. Your passion and enthusiasm will shine through to your audience.
My travel article on Vientiane, Laos was published in the Apr-May 2016 issue of DestinAsian
11. News and Sneak Peeks
Readers love knowing what’s around the corner, especially if it’s not public knowledge. And it’s the perfect way to pique the interest for a new venture, service, product, collaboration or output. Keep people on their toes and build some momentum.
12. Advice
Share a roundup of the best (and worst) advice you’ve received about business. Include gaffes and make it funny. Everyone loves to good laugh and it’s sure to resonate with others.
Are you raring to go? I hope so! Business blogging can be really enjoyable when you're prepared.
About the author: Lilani Goonesena is an Australian freelance writer, Squarespace web designer and blogger currently based in Vientiane, Laos. She loves helping freelancers and small businesses get online with web design and content, blogging and her awesome weekly newsletter on digital marketing, social media, blogging, web design and "all that online stuff". She also writes food and travel articles for businesses and magazines, and blogs at the delectable Eat Drink Laos, just for fun.