Public Relations & Social Marketing Insight

Learn how you can use your blog not just as a traffic and lead generator -- but also as a lead nurturing tool....

When it comes to the role of business blogging in inbound marketing, there's no question that it fits quite nicely into the 'Attract' stage of the methodology. Because blog content makes excellent social media fodder and is naturally discoverable through search engines, it can be a phenomenal way to attract new visitors and prospects to your website. Furthermore, blogging also plays a critical role in the 'C

onvert' stage, since we all know how effective it can be for lead generation. But there's another part of the inbound marketing methodology where blogging also fits -- and doesn't get enough credit. And while it may not be where most marketers would primarily put it, it can definitely have a significant impact here, as well. That, my friend, is in the 'Close' stage -- the stage of the methodology in which marketers are actively trying to nurture leads to a point of sales-readiness. Because not all blog readers are brand new visitors, right? I bet many of the leads in your database are reading your blog -- shouldn't you pay them some attention, too? That's right! Not only can your blog help you bring in qualified visitors that you can convert into leads; it can also be a powerful lead nurturing tool.

A bit of a marketing Swiss army knife, that business blog. So, are you ready to start squeezing more juice out of your blog in the middle of the funnel? Here are 11 great ways to start using your blog as a tool to nurture your existing leads....

Mobile is a must for your blog: learn how to create a mobile version of your website and the different options available to support your blog. Do you want more mobile subscribers and readers? Is your blog suitable for a mobile device? In 2012, mobile users spent 63% more time on their devices accessing mobile websites and apps and this is set to increase. In this article I’ll explore the importance of mobile for your blog and the different options available to support your blog on a mobile device....

Stop giving flimsy excuses for your lack of an effective call to action. Now’s the time to focus visitors on simple and effective call to actions that will boost conversions and establish you as an authority, says Joanna Wiebe.

To be honest with you, writing a call-to-action message that will compel your visitors to take the right action isn’t an easy task. The 8 tactics below will simplify it for you....

In copywriting, the word ‘we’ is a really, really bad word. But why is ‘we’ a really, really bad word? It’s because it’s used when we talk about ourselves, about our business. But guess what! Your customers and prospects don’t want to hear about you, they want to hear about them. They want to know that you understand their problems, their needs and they want you to show them how rosy their future will be once they’ve bought your product or used your service.

So here’s what you do. Go through all your emails, your website, your leaflets and cut out the word “we”. Change the sentence so it focuses on your customer or prospect by using the word “you”. Do this on all you copywriting, even on your About Us page on your website. Tip: Show them how you can solve their problems don’t talk about your XX years’ experience or your awards.

From videos to SlideShare presentations to quotes, consider adding these content types to your editorial or social media calendar.

In building my blog over the last four years I have discovered some insights and important principles about creating content that people want to read.

Here are some ideas for creating shareable content...