How-To: Confronting Your Fear of Corporate Blogging
5 Tips from Author and Blogger Debbie Weil
It's understandable that you may be nervous about creating a blog, says Debbie Weil, blogging consultant and author of "The Corporate Blogging Book." In fact, she says, "You should be nervous about it. You're creating a series of public and searchable web pages, a digital trail. You want to be found, but you also want to put yourself in a good light."
Having recently moderated the panel on blogging at WOMMA's WOMBAT 2 conference, Debbie offered her five tips on confronting your fear -- and launching a blog in spite of it:
Tip #1. Think about blogging strategically
Ask yourself these questions: Why does it really make sense for you to add a blog to your marketing communications strategy? What is it that you really want to say? What are your customers really interested in?
Tip #2. Consider starting an event-specific blog
If taking on a project with no end to it feels overwhelming, begin a blog surrounding a certain event. You may find that there's a long-term tie-in, and you can continue the blog. Or, you may find that you've had enough, but now you have some experience under your belt and may not feel as apprehensive.
Tip #3. Get familiar with the convention of blogging
Give it a try. If you don't tell anyone, the blog will stay private and you can practice for as long as you like until you feel comfortable. Show colleagues and ask for their input before making it public.
Tip #4. Don't worry about running out of things to say
It doesn't matter what your widgets are, because you're not going to blog about your widgets. You're going to blog about things related to your widgets.
For example, a blog from an all-natural yogurt company wouldn't be very interesting if it focused solely on yogurt. A blog about organic farming would have a much wider appeal.
Tip #5. Just do it
You've got some experience. The blog is up and running (if only for your own purposes). You've figured out what you're willing to say, and what your customers are interested in that is related to your products and services.
Now, simply keep it up.
More about Debbie:
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Note: If you pre-order Debbie's book from Amazon, email her your receipt to receive a bonus chapter.
