Are Blogs Still Relevant?
Well, since you’re reading this, I guess you already know where we stand!
But in all seriousness, this is a huge question, especially as best practices for online marketing continue to evolve. The winds of change are always blowing, and we’re big on devoting time and resources to the methods and strategies that will work best for you and your contracting business.
So, with that said, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind.
Are Blogs Useful for SEO?
Yes. Definitely. We’re not an SEO company, but we work with SEO firms who still believe in (and prove) the value of blogging for your painting, roofing, or remodeling company.
Search engines (like Google, mostly) look for sites that are active and changing, and blogs are an easy way to keep your content fresh.
Well-written blogs that utilize keywords (more on this below) are also good for your organic search value, meaning that people looking for the services you offer online are more likely to find you. Bonus.
Old SEO Strategies Can Do More Harm Than Good!
Gone are the days when keyword stuffing worked. You know, sentences like: “Interior painting in your Cincinnati home is essential, so finding a residential house painter who offers painting services relevant to your Cincinnati home improvement goals is key.”
That’s an extreme, horrifying example, but you get the idea…
First of all, nobody wants to read that. Secondly, search engines are too sophisticated for those tactics. Thankfully.
What do we recommend? Address questions, first and foremost, using your blogs as educational outlets. “Should I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets?” There’s a simple, good example. People in your area ARE searching that question, user longer-form questions/search terms, and if you can write awesome content that answers the question, it will prove valuable over time.
Educate people, don’t just sell to people.
Stop Blogging for the Sake of Blogging
Is routine blogging important? Yes. But we recommend really putting thought into your articles. Quality over quantity! They’ll perform better, people are more likely to engage with and share the content, and you may score some backlinks (when another site links back to YOUR content).
We often suggest that our own clients chat with their sales team, asking them what questions and concerns they hear from prospects. Then, answer those questions in blog and video format (the video can then be embedded in the blog). For inspiration, check out the awesome content being created by Webfoot Concrete Coatings (Hey, look! They’re getting a backlink! Told you…).
Another great blogging idea? Feature projects! Talk about the process, the products you used, and how you did the work. What may seem super mundane to you is going to be interesting to someone looking for the services you provide.
Remember To Use Social Media To Promote Your Blogs
After that blog is live, share it! And tag any relevant companies or product suppliers that you can, too. That ramps up the chance of them seeing it and sharing it as well.
So, are blogs going anywhere? No, not anytime soon. But it IS time to dust off your strategy and try something new.
