When I started Motherhood Through My Eyes in August 2013, my first-born was only a month old and I was hosting my blog on a free platform.
Fast-forward to present day, I have been fortunate enough to have worked with three of the companies I hold dear to my heart and one of them I worked with twice.
But that’s not why I started my blog.
Yes having a blog can lead to monetary freedom, and I’m so excited for all my blogging friends who have been fortunate enough to generate a steady income through their posts.
But there is so much more to blogging for business that some may not understand.
Business blogging takes time and lots of planning. I had the chance to ask Darren Rowse of Problogger about his best tips for really connecting with your audience and he had a lot to say.
For those of you looking to connect with brands, Rowse considers thinking of what your goals are, and how you can improve with time to be top of mind. “Think about what your blog is about,” he said.
“Understand what your readers want to see and think about how you’ll be promoting your posts.”
He added: “Think about the top three people in your industry and connect with them throughout social media, and see how they engage.”
For Rowse, understanding the problems and dreams of your readers is key. “You want to really understand the pain of your readers,” said Rowse.
He then explained that bloggers need to know the emotions and the feelings of their readers because readers like to feel connected to the blogger.
Taking Your Readers On A Journey
With the invention of live-streaming platforms such as Periscope it’s important to get comfortable with video.
Although video may be king, Rowse believes bloggers should be persistent when trying different online platforms. “Try a lot of different things,” he said. “Try alternative topics, mediums, etc. with your audience to see what resonates with them.”
Setting Time Aside For Blogging
Many bloggers will agree that not only does blogging require planning and lots of dedication, but it can suck up time away from more important things like family time.
Rowse brought up an interesting point on how relationships have been torn apart because of blogging.
“You need to put boundaries around blogging,” he discussed during the interview. “Set up a time for blogging and for your family…You really need to protect both things that are important to you for one another.”
One way Rowse does so is by making it a point in his home that when he’s in his office, he makes blogging a priority. Otherwise, he’s with his family, being a father.
Check out Darren Rowse over at Problogger.com