Why should you have a blog? And why blog coaching helps.

1. Blogging & Blog Coaching

2. What is a blog, anyway?
“Blog” = Web + Log
“Vlog” = Video + Log
It’s a way to tell a story and engage an audience.
It can be personal, like an open diary, or business-oriented.

3. Purpose of Blogging
● Tell your story
● Connect with customers/clients/stakeholders
● Because you want to
● Meet a need
● SEO
● Fresh content - keep ‘em coming back

4. Kinds of Blogs
● Microblogging
● Storytelling
● Education
● Product/sales
● Video
● Photo
● Recipe
● Etc...

5. Stumbling Blocks
● Don’t know what to blog about
● Writer’s block
● 5 good ideas...then what?
● Not a good writer
● Don’t know how to “web”
● Don’t understand the audience
● Sustainability
● Throw perfection out the window

6. What is Required?
● A place to blog (WordPress, Tumblr, Wix, SquareSpace, etc.)
● Ideas
● Time, energy, and commitment

7. Can a Blog Be Monetized?
Yes! But…
● It doesn’t happen overnight.
● Only about 8% of bloggers make enough to sustain a family
● It requires passion, patience, time, energy, ideas, marketing, commitment,…

8. How to Begin
● Create a site where you’ll blog
● Decide the frequency of your blog posts
● Create a list of potential topics and titles
● Keep a running list of ideas
● Just start writing!

9. If You Build it Will the Come?
No.
Well, not without a lot of marketing behind it.
● Social sharing (where is your audience?)
● SEO
● Guest posting
● Is it press-worthy? Write a press release.
● Establish expertise in your area
● Guest on podcasts

10. Why Hire a Blog Coach?
● Holds you accountable
● Keeps you on task
● Helps with ideas
● Proofing/editing
● Connection

11. How to Hire a Blog Coach
● Ask a successful blogger if they coach or can recommend one
● Use Google
● Interview them (interviewing a coach should be free, but don’t expect a coaching session
included in the interview)
● Be prepared to pay for the service

12. How Long Should You Work with a Coach?
It’s up to you. Think about the following:
● Coaching to get you started
● Spot coaching - sign up for time with a coach as needed
● Sustained coaching to help get you started and keep sustained
It really depends on your ongoing needs.

13. Resources
● WordPress.com
● Tumblr.com
● Wix.com
● SquareSpace.com
● HootSuite.com
● Canva.com

14. Michelle Frechette
● WorksByMichelle.com
● WPCoffeeTalk.com
● Twitter: @michelleames