by Kirk Wakefield – April 2013

Why you should be blogging

Your profile picture may be ridiciously good looking and you may already write good like Derek Zoolander. But why should you write anything for others to read? Because you have something to say–and if you work for a team you have a built in audience. [dropshadowbox align=”right” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Little known fact about John Grisham

John and I were church ushers together in Oxford, Mississippi. Some time after getting to know John, The Pelican Brief was published with a character named F. Sims Wakefield. Unfortunately, F. shoots himself. So, I was never certain if his outcome was just because he was a lawyer or maybe the impression I left on John. [/dropshadowbox]

You may not think of yourself as a writer. But, if you follow these guidelines, in time, you’ll be as popular as my friend John Grisham.

CEOs from major corporations use blogs as a way to build personal and corporate brand equity. You can follow some of the best here.

Top 20 tips for blogging

Adapted from McGraw Hill’s Online Marketing book, we share the Top 20 Tips for writing ideas.

Note: Read this book if doing anything in digital marketing.

1. Write as simply as possible. Like that.
2. Keep it short. See?
3. Plan a writing schedule and keep it. See #5.
4. Make a list of topics to cover. Think about your target market.
5. Look at the calendar. What’s in season?
6. Create editorial departments. Like a magazine.
7. Stay informed. Try www.google.com/alerts.
8. Look to the key phrases for inspiration. What is trending? 
9. Take advantage of inspiration. Write down clever thoughts during the day. Or night.
10. Plan “think pieces.” Provide background, analysis, and opinions. 400-500 words.
11. Slice the onion thinly. Divide longer pieces into part 1 & 2. Stay tuned.
12. Author how-to articles. Like this one.
13. Include educational articles. Be authoritative. Research and facts help.
14. Share your checklists. What works for you? Make a list. With numbers. Like this one.
15. Try a Top 10 list. Or even 20.
16. Interview people in your industry. Now you have an excuse.
17. Embed videos from YouTube or elsewhere. Videos engage. Try it.
18. Link to podcasts. Then add your opinion.
19. Outsource to experts. Get a guest blogger. Day off!
20. Get the best blogging advice everyday. Where? Here.

What sells?

According to the same Online Marketing book, six things:

1. Comparisons between two competing ideas or products.
2. Problems solved. How have people made mistakes doing something? Show pitfalls and how to do it right.
3. A better way. Sure, that’s a good way, but have you tried this “cool trick”?
4. New uses. People forget what used to work still works. Or maybe it’s used elsewhere (corporations), but not here (music, sports, entertainment).
5. New features, new prices, and, well, news. What’s new?
6. User stories. (No, not drugs.)People trust people like them. What have you or others you know used and it worked?

Looking for something to write for the S3 Report? If you work in professional/collegiate sports or affiliated agencies/brands, pick a topic from one of the six that sell and you can start today. Or in the off-season. Either way, let me know.

[dropshadowbox align=”center” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]S3 Editor Contact Info: Kirk_Wakefield@baylor.edu or connect via LinkedIn.[/dropshadowbox]