Post by braided-rug on Apr 4, 2008 15:22:26 GMT 10
I Don't Sew Aprons - A Lesson in Blogging
By Heidi Whitaker
I have had some business blogging success in the past. I blogged the way the “pros” say to blog. My blog pointed to my autoimmune information site. The purpose of the blog was to establish my credibility as an expert on autoimmune disease, direct traffic to my primary website, and then ultimately make book sales from that site. It worked. People were convinced. Traffic flowed. Books were sold. Glowing testimonials from happy customers followed. (You get the point.)
Following the same format and style, I started another blog for homeschoolers. (This blog focuses on combining homeschooling and a home business under one roof.) While commenting on other homeschoolers’ blogs to increase traffic to mine, I realized that my blogging style needed to change. I was accustomed to writing and posting non-personal, informational articles. Appropriately so, there were no pictures of my children, garden, or latest craft project on my autoimmune information blog. This blogging style was perfect for sick individuals looking for someone to trust, but not for homeschoolers.
What I discovered while visiting popular homeschoolers’ blogs were posts that were long, essay-like, and highly personal. I also found lots of pictures of kids, family projects, and apron patterns. Yes, apron patterns. (It was as if I had entered some kind of online apron fashion show.) Although I don’t sew aprons, I can certainly stitch in more family pictures and make my blog a stronger blend of personal posts and professional advice.
The lesson for this homeschooling entrepreneur – KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!
Heidi Whitaker is an author and popular speaker on the subject of autoimmunity. She co-founded www.HealthyDivas.com, a resource center for those with autoimmune disease looking for help and answers. Heidi has given hope to many with fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, MS, arthritis, and Chrohn's.
Heidi's newest blog, Secrets of a Homeschooling Family Turned Entrepreneurs, can be found at www.learntohaveitall.com
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heidi_Whitaker
By Heidi Whitaker
I have had some business blogging success in the past. I blogged the way the “pros” say to blog. My blog pointed to my autoimmune information site. The purpose of the blog was to establish my credibility as an expert on autoimmune disease, direct traffic to my primary website, and then ultimately make book sales from that site. It worked. People were convinced. Traffic flowed. Books were sold. Glowing testimonials from happy customers followed. (You get the point.)
Following the same format and style, I started another blog for homeschoolers. (This blog focuses on combining homeschooling and a home business under one roof.) While commenting on other homeschoolers’ blogs to increase traffic to mine, I realized that my blogging style needed to change. I was accustomed to writing and posting non-personal, informational articles. Appropriately so, there were no pictures of my children, garden, or latest craft project on my autoimmune information blog. This blogging style was perfect for sick individuals looking for someone to trust, but not for homeschoolers.
What I discovered while visiting popular homeschoolers’ blogs were posts that were long, essay-like, and highly personal. I also found lots of pictures of kids, family projects, and apron patterns. Yes, apron patterns. (It was as if I had entered some kind of online apron fashion show.) Although I don’t sew aprons, I can certainly stitch in more family pictures and make my blog a stronger blend of personal posts and professional advice.
The lesson for this homeschooling entrepreneur – KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!
Heidi Whitaker is an author and popular speaker on the subject of autoimmunity. She co-founded www.HealthyDivas.com, a resource center for those with autoimmune disease looking for help and answers. Heidi has given hope to many with fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, MS, arthritis, and Chrohn's.
Heidi's newest blog, Secrets of a Homeschooling Family Turned Entrepreneurs, can be found at www.learntohaveitall.com
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heidi_Whitaker