6 Ways To Build A Freelance Blog

In one of my other posts I talked about what freelancing is and shared an infographic with you.  If you didn’t see it follow this link….

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Here's that link: http://www.nelsonvisualproductions.com/blog/are-you-a-freelancer-or-coach

Today I wanted to share with you 6 ways to build a freelance blog.

What is one of the best ways for you to gain exposure?  It’s by having online exposure.  It’s imperative for anyone wanting to succeed in business.

Having an online presence is your opportunity to showcase your skills and knowledge.  It’s also an easy way for you to start connecting with your ideal clients.

Having an online presence also makes it easier for your prospects to find and hire you.

So, the million-dollar question is: How do you go about doing this?

By now I’m sure you realize you need a website but more than that you need a blog.  A blog that’s on your website.

I can’t emphasize enough that your blog is your online voice.  It is more effective and efficient in terms of building the know, like and trust factor with your prospects.

Now that you understand that let’s get to the nitty gritty of it.

Choosing A Platform

Many expert bloggers (myself included) will advice you to start with a Word Press blog.  Why?  Because it’s the most commonly used blogging platform.  Let me make it clear that I am not talking about wordpress.com I am talking about wordpress.org.  That’s where you’d want to start.  There are many themes free and paid that you can choose from and customize the look and feel to your liking.

If wordpress seems too overwhelming for you could take a look at Blogger.  I started my first blog many years ago using that platform.

Another great platform is Weebly.  I have built websites for my clients using this platform.  Remember that although you may want to take charge and create your own website not everyone does.  Hint: this could be a service you can offer.  As a matter of fact building websites is one of the services I offer.

With Weebly you can start with a free account but if you are going to be selling through your site I believe they charge about $30.00 per month.

As I always say, it's about Being Seen and Heard, Locally, Globally, 24/7.

The Goal Of Your Blog

Before you begin to create your website you need to know what your goal is.  What do you want to accomplish with your blog?  What will you focus on? Obviously you want to be marketing your services, right?

What static pages will you have? For example you will want an about page, contact page, services page.   If you need more help with the must have pages for your website contact me.

Editorial Calendar

You need to plan your content before you create your blog.  What are the categories you will be writing your content in? Are you gong to be linking to any sites?  Will you be integrating your social media activities into your blog?  Once you’ve answered these questions your blog will have a clear plan of action.

Create A Content Plan

Now it’s time to put your pen to paper.  In other words start writing.  Keep in mind it’s about sharing relevant content with your ideal prospects.

Every post you create should have a purpose. The purpose could be to drive traffic to your site or a specific offer you have.  You can use your blog to make an announcement.  It’s your choice.  However I will say that if you want people coming back to your site and you want to create valuable information.  This information should help them solve a problem they have .

Just like you’d map out a road trip map out a month’s worth of content.  That doesn’t mean you have to write it all at one time.  Having this road map will help you to keep focused.  You won’t sit down and stare at your computer screen wondering what to write about.  If you need help getting started with content creation I can help.  Having content created for you can be the boost you need to brainstorm your own creativity.  Contact me by clicking the image below.

Start Posting

Now that you have valuable, relevant content start posting!  

Get Active

It’s really important that you get active not only on Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+ but also commenting on other peoples blogs.

The beauty of this is that you are starting to build business relationships.  This is the perfect way to get on their radar.  Once you do you can start offering to guest post.

There’s no doubt in my mind that the best way to build a freelance business or any business for that matter is by blogging.  It helps drive traffic to your site, increases awareness of you and showcases your knowledge and expertise. 

Blogging can help build credibility.

If you aren’t blogging yet hopefully this post has encouraged you to start doing so today!

What points did you find helpful in this post?

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Be Savvy and Successful!
Toni Nelson - Visual, Video and Content Marketing Specialist, Entraineur