The Wax Blog

Now that you determined your content, your networks and the main structure of your social media campaign it’s important to determine the frequency with which you’ll post. Certain networks require different levels of attention. LinkedIn, for example, is not a network with a high sense of urgency. In other words, unless you have an active group discussion happening you are probably fine with checking in once a day. (Frankly, unless I’m promoting something that requires a strong LinkedIn component I often check in twice a week) Twitter, on the other hand, needs attention 2-3 or more times per day.  The second biggest hurdle in social media campaigns for smaller businesses or solopreneurs is staying consistent with your posting (the first is, of course keeping content fresh. Refer back to that post on content if you need to) Here are some general guidelines for frequency for each social media network. (more…)

Since my post on using the language of your target audience , I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about other crucial elements to consider to make your blog a success from a keyword perspective. Not only do you need to consider geographically where your readers (or your target market for business) reside; you’ve got to consider HOW they’re getting to your blog.

Think about it this way – when you read your favorite blog, where are you? Are you on the train? In the car? On the toilet (I know, I asked…but please don’t tell)? If you’re in any of these locations, you’re likely not using your desktop computer or even a cumbersome laptop. Our technology options today allow us to keep up with our favorite blogs and sites on devices that are easy to travel around with.

Well, research has shown that when people are using mobile devices to search for a subject, for simple convenience, their queries are more succinct. For example, if you want to find out if your dog could have fleas, on the computer you may type “signs that my dog has fleas” into Google. On your mobile device you may simply type “dog fleas”. The grammar in a short query might not be correct, but nonetheless , it will render some results.

Do you see where I’m going here? The language used on your blog includes keyword considerations. Mobile browsers change these requirements. So, to use the right language to attract more of your target audience, look at not only where people are visiting your blog from, but how they’re getting themselves there.  Making smart keyword choices with these factors in mind can really give your blog the upper hand over the competition!

Likely, keyword requirements for blogs will continue to evolve as technology does so this may not be a technique that works forever, but for now, don’t overlook it! And you wonder why I say when it comes to blogging, you can never stop learning!

By Beth Graddon-Hodgson
Here’s the thing with blogs – people think that even if it’s associated with their business, they are free and clear to do and say whatever they want. From a business perspective, I don’t think I need to tell you that this is already a bad idea. Bashing someone’s views or decisions is always going to lose you fans, especially if you’re ranting without a strong background of relevant information available to you. In addition to that, when you put something out there on the internet, it’s never going to go away. Yep, it really is there for good. Your blog can do a lot of good for your business, but if you aren’t blogging ethically, your efforts will work against you, so here are a few things to keep in mind:
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I had a conversation with a fairly well-known mystery writer a few weeks ago talking about using social media to promote his newest book. His question to me was “Is anybody REALLY reading all these blogs?”

So when the topic of this #letsblogoff came up I thought it was a timely one. The answer I believe is that all blogs serve a purpose – but not necessarily the SAME purpose. I think of news sites like the Huffington Post and it’s obvious they serve the purpose of media 2.0. Many blogs, like this one for example, help draw attention to a particular company or service provider.  Some blogs provide a source of income and employment along with valuable content. (Think of Copyblogger) Others give voice to a community of like-minded people who may not necessarily be heard normally, like the Fatosphere And many are simply public diaries, fulfilling the need to express emotions and communicate whatever it is that writer is experiencing. Matt Logelin is a poignant example of one man who poured his grief and heart out online, finding solace and comfort in the process.

Many bloggers start writing with one purpose, or because they simply were told they ‘should’…and later on find the real purpose behind their blog and find the true inspiration to continue. There are others that never find their purpose and those blogs die quickly.

So do blogs really matter? As long as they serve a purpose…to the writer or the readers…then of course they do. And I ask you…What’s the purpose of YOUR blog?

Read what the other participants in this #letsblogoff think!

Photo courtesy of space.com

The celebration of your business, book or product launch is an important milestone. But, before you send the invites, erect the banner, string the streamers and open the bubbly, there’s a few simple points to consider that will make your event worthwhile. (more…)

By Beth Graddon-HOodgson

When I discussed avoiding legal issues, I said that you’re safe when sticking with the facts that are provided from a resource you’re using because publicly known information can’t be considered plagiarism (as long as you reference where you found it). But the thing with simply sticking to the facts is that you’re not bringing anything unique to the table. You’ve got to give people a reason to use your article to give them the facts, or they’ll simply move along to the next search result.

Many of the components that can make your take on the topic unique have been covered before in past posts. There is one other way, however, and all you’ve got to do to capture a reader’s interest is put a fresh spin on the topic.
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