I’m often asked “What does it take to write a blog? to write an e-news?”
Writing a blog led to starting a business
You may remember I recently interviewed Delia Folk for my podcast – she started out writing a blog which led to starting a business. The episode has had a terrific and positive response. Click here if you want to listen in
You may also know that The Daily Edited founded by Alyce Tran and Tania Liu grew from a fashion blog.
How long have you been writing a blog, Ingrid?
I’ve been writing blogs and newsletters for more than 15 years. I started back in mid 2000s when I started my first business and I honestly cannot even remember what the software system was that I used back then. It was one of the US based email system and I remember I had to call an international phone number for their Help Desk
It truly doesn’t matter what system we use – the method is the same today as it was back then. Whatever system you choose to use, the method is the same.
When you listen to Delia talking about her blog – she was answering the questions being asked of her.
How would I write a blog, an e-news?
Maybe you already write a blog or a regular e-news email? Maybe you you want to get started?
Here’s a few things I do, that I’ve learned over the years that might help you:
- Write to one person only. So right now I’m writing this just to you. You and I both know that there are other people who will read this as well. In this moment it’s just you and me.
The thing is, it’s helpful to imagine you opening the email and reading my words.
- Write for a very specific, narrow audience. I’ve always written for Business owners and aspiring business startups. At first it was more general and now I’m moving my focus to write for businesses who create well-being – in many different ways. So that’s professionals in allied health, movement practitioners and others creating well-being products and services. You are really good at what you do – improving the health and well being for your clients.
I’m here to add to your business acumen – so you can do more of what you do well!
- I write like I speak. I try to keep my language consistent with how I talk rather than how I might write. That means shorter sentences. Shorter paragraphs. Simple language.
I like to think you will feel my energy and enthusiasm and hear my Voice as you read
- Regular and consistent – my intention is to show up in your inbox on a regular basis. Occasionally I email a little more often – if there is some thing special going on or I think of some thing that “just can not wait!” Occasionally it might be a longer gap between news – for pretty much the same reason – something going on that I just can not manage.
Maybe some of you have the same thing happen? Mostly we do what we can to be consistent and regular and let’s be kind to ourselves if we have to take a break.
- Helpful. I don’t map out and write the content for the next 10 weeks of newsletters or blogs – I never have and I certainly cannot see myself doing it in the future.
I think this year has taught us that day to day and week to week things change
You ask: What would I write about?
What indeed? Having said I don’t map out weeks in advance, I do like to have ideas about topics that are relevant to a time.
For example, at the moment I have a series of posts and short videos on my FB page about getting set up for EOFY.
There is a FB Lice I did that is proving to be very popular. Click here to watch
I digress …
… back to writing blogs and news and what to write about??
Delia wrote in her popular blog answering questions she was being asked over and over. I often do the same.
Or I write about topics I believe are current and interesting and helpful…
Sometimes, if I am dealing with an issue I’m thinking others might be as well – so I write about that.
Next steps?
Give it a go start writing and post it or send it out. You’ll be surprised where it might lead.
Have a terrific week and let’s go take care of our great clients and customers…..
As always, answers are just an email away. Email me at ingrid@healthynumbers.com.au
There has never been a better time to start a business; to be in business.