The Three E’s of Blogging for Photographers – Story First Blogging
We all know that blogging is the key to a successful marketing strategy. But let’s take that a step deeper. Why do people read blogs? What will make your ideal client take the time to click on the link and read your blog? Why do some posts get shared and re-shared more than others?
The secret to writing great content that your clients will love is in the three Es: Excite, Establish, Engage. Let’s dig in to see how you can leverage this trick to writing awesome content.
Excite
The reason why people click through to read a blog post is because it excites them. In order to write content that excites your ideal client, you really need to know who they are. Always write your content with your ideal client in mind. To your existing clients, they will love seeing their images and hearing about your experience on the day of the shoot. To your prospective clients, they might imagine what images you will capture on their special day. The key to exciting your clients is writing content that is relevant, valuable and interesting. What problems can you solve? What inspiration can you offer? What stories you can tell? When you know what content is valuable to your ideal clients, that’s when your posts will excite, entice and delight.
To your existing clients, they will love seeing their images and hearing about your experience on the day of the shoot. To your prospective clients, they might imagine what images you will capture on their special day. The key to exciting your clients is writing content that is relevant, valuable and interesting. What problems can you solve? What inspiration can you offer? What stories you can tell? When you know what content is valuable to your ideal clients, that’s when your posts will excite, entice and delight.
Establish
Before you publish your next post, take a moment to re-read it. Ask yourself the all-important question: “Who cares?” Let that sink in for a moment. If you’re writing a blog post or a content piece that doesn’t matter, don’t post it. If you’re writing another throwaway post that isn’t adding to your brand and helping you market, it needs to be revised. That’s where ensuring your posts establish who you are and what your brand is about is important. Your content should always have a point. Maybe your point is to tell the story of a couple or a family, but always be focused on what you are trying to communicate to your readers. Establish the message you want to send and craft your content with that in mind.
Everything you publish should matter.
Engage
Content should drive action. So many blog posts and pieces of content get posted and then sit there. Why did no one comment? Was this post a dud? Each post should have a call to action. Whether it drives your clients to post a comment, follow your blog, or visit your website, each post should invite the reader to engage with you. People respond well to invitations. They might be watching from the sidelines, not sure if they are allowed to comment or to take part in the conversation. Encouraging people to engage with you and with your content will help them to feel more connected to you.
Keep these ideas in mind when you are creating your posts. The forms that we create as part of the Story First Blogging package can help you to answer the important questions about your sessions, but the next step is taking those outlines and weaving them into a story. Remember that if your content excites your readers, establishes value and helps promote people to engage with you, your posts will be more successful.
Need help blogging for your photography business? Story First Blogging has the story templates to help you blog on your own!