How to blog without attracting negative comments

If the fear of negativity is what’s keeping you from blogging for your business, there are three things you must always do to avoid nasty feedback online.

Know what you’re talking about

When you’re creating content for your digital marketing strategy, write about the things you’re really good at. As we like to say, topics you know ‘like the back of your hand’.

Having said that, you still need to do some research to ensure your content is timely, relevant and accurate.

If you publish outdated content, some people could get upset and will attempt to correct you in public. That’s going to be embarrassing!

This could also impact your appearance to your followers who were looking to you for advice. They’ll start questioning your insights.

So if you want to lead the pack, I recommend that you do your research and make sure what you’re stating is true and current.

As a ghost for various clients, I have to make research a priority. While I have to write blog posts that engage, inform and educate a client’s audience, I must always check that the topic is definitely addressing an issue that is still an issue for most people.

So whether you need to search on Google, call another expert or subscribe to receive trade news, you must find the latest information before you write your blog post.

Know why you’re blogging

There’s no point writing – and it’s a waste of your time and money – if no one cares about the solutions or stories you’re publishing about. And you want your blog to bring rewards to your business, not disappointment.

But mostly, your blog should start a conversation with your reader. Use it to invite them to connect with you so you get to know them. Once you understand their needs, you’ll be able to deliver the best content and products or services that would solve their problems and bring happiness to their lives.

If you know why you’re blogging, you’ll ensure effectiveness. And you’ll in turn avoid negativity that could otherwise affect your blogging strategy.

So think about the reasons why you’re launching a blog, other than to create content that would help boost traffic to your website.

What are you going to be writing about? Who are you going to be addressing in your posts? And why would they want to read from you?

Rethink your language

Too often businesses write so much jargon that no one can understand… unless their typical reader works in their field. Before you start writing, think again about who you’re writing for and how best to ‘speak’ to them.

Go on Facebook, Google Plus or Twitter and look closely at your target audience. Watch what they’re saying. It doesn’t matter if they’re CEOs, mums and dads, engineers or students.

Look at how they converse. Do they use jargons? If you’re thinking “hmmm, no, Rhonda is right!” then you need to learn how to write in their language.

Another problem with some blogs is when the writer makes everything sound too much like advertorials – so they’re always selling rather than helping. One simple way to avoid this happening with your blog is to read everything out loud before you press ‘Publish’. See if your post sounds like something the ad guy would say. If it does, it’s time to go back and rewrite.

And remember, if you’re thinking of blogging just for SEO, don’t do it. Yes, go on and insert the right keywords, but ensure they appear natural. Plan to write for people who need your insights and you’ll be just fine in Google search results.

If you really want to learn how to blog for your business, you have to stop letting the fear of negativity cripple your plans. Feel free to contact me in Perth and we can discuss how to start a blog that’s well researched and well written.