Way too often when it comes to blogs we hear “we don’t need that,” “what’s the point,” or “people don’t actually read those.”
We get it. Ads are easy to understand, newsletters are straightforward, and social media is instantaneous. Blogging, it seems, is a little more nuanced.
So we’re going to break it down in an informative, engaging, easy to read…wait for it….blog.
BLOGS HELP PEOPLE FIND YOU
Let’s start off with Search Engine Optimization. We’re guessing that when you got your website, your developer – tech-savvy friend – talked to you about SEO. That’s because it’s really, really important when it comes to helping your customers find you.
Now, let’s say you have a 5 page website. Each page has different keywords strategically placed to help you rank high on Google. Now imagine you have a weekly blog. At the end of the month, you now have 9 SEO optimized pages. At the end of the year, you have 57. That’s your five original pages and one additional page for each week you blogged that year.
In fact, you have a 434% higher chance of getting ranked on search engines if you have a blog on your site. And since 75% of users never scroll past the first page of results that’s a big deal.
PEOPLE DO READ BLOGS
Don’t believe us? Then what are you doing right now? But on a more serious note. In our experience, blogs can get up to three times more engagement on social media than your standard text and picture post. That’s because craft drinkers are geeks – and we mean that in the best way possible. There’s a reason why #beergeek is used on 3.3 million posts on Instagram. Craft drinkers are thirsty – for knowledge. What better place to get it (and a couple of pints) than from their local brewery?
BLOGS BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
You know how we feel about building relationships (and if you don’t, read our blog about it). Bottom line, it’s important. It helps people get to know your business and learn about your products. Social posts are good for building relationships, but blogs are where you can go more in-depth. Does your brewery make the best stouts? Talk about the history of stouts, the different variations on the style, and why you love them so much. After reading about them, people want to come in and taste test. As an added bonus, your blog gives you more material for your social media!
DO YOU GET IT YET?
We just scratched the surface on the “why” but we didn’t get a chance to talk about the “how.” Blogging is an outstanding marketing tool if it’s done right. But it has the potential to be a little cringe-worthy if it’s not. Ready to start up your blog? Shoot us an email and we can help.