Blogging is dead, huh?
Meh, I’m not buying it. Sure, some folks prefer a podcast, some swear by YouTube vids or Facebook groups to boost their brand and build an audience but there’s still plenty of exciting things happening with business blogs.
And plenty of reasons to keep reading them!
Maybe you’re trying to build a business while stuck in the office at your 9-5, skimming a few blog posts for entrepreneurial ideas during your lunch break. Or you’re a mum, trying to get as much done while your little ones are napping — a noisy YouTube video or podcast is not what you need.
For me, blogs are the quickest way to learn something new. Most of my day is taken up with client work or family stuff which leaves little time for business development. I can usually learn just as much by reading a well-researched and well-written blog post as I can by listening to an hour-long podcast.
Luckily for me — and for all of you guys who take in more info when reading than when listening — there are plenty of businesses out there that are absolutely killing it with their blogging. And whether you need to brush up on your design knowledge, figure out your finances or want to work on your entrepreneurial mindset, there’s a blog out there for you.
Fiona Robertson Graphics: for design, branding and all things entrepreneurial.
Okay, so she’s my sister, my pal and my go-to gal for all things design-related. Aaaaand I write some of her stuff…so I’m definitely biased. But, Fiona’s blog genuinely is worth reading.
She’s been running her design and branding business for over a decade now so she’s already encountered just about every problem you’re likely to face as a business owner: the crappy clients, the fear of putting yourself out there at networking events and the nail-bitingly awful question of generating passive income. Not only that, she’s been dividing her time between two businesses (the other is Fox and Finch and it’s gosh-darn adorable — check it out!) so she knows her shit when it comes to running both service-based and product-based businesses.
Bolt from the Blue: for all things copy and content
This is another one where I’m completely biased but also completely justified in my recommendation. I’ve been a part of Team Bolt since 2017 and there are very few people who know as much about copywriting and content as Rachel, Bolt’s head honcho.
When the world is trying to sell you a paint-by-numbers path to business success (‘you must be vulnerable’, ‘you must niche’, ‘it’s all about the hustle’), she’s not afraid to cut through the bullshit and show you that you have options.
My favourite blog title of hers? ‘The Greatest Marketing Lesson You’ll Ever Learn from an Asshole in a Bar’. It makes me literally lol every single time.
Andrew and Pete: content marketing for the small and mighty
No surprises here, I’m always going on about these two lovely lads. Probably because what they don’t know about content marketing ain’t worth knowing. If you’ve ever considered joining their Atomic membership (and you should!), but aren’t sure whether it’s for you, having a look through their blog back catalogue will give you a good idea of the type of stuff you’ll be learning. More than that, because they’re always asking Atomic members to contribute (here’s the blog I did for them a while back on website wow words), you’ll be able to see exactly the type of amazing individual you’ll be hanging with when you join. 😉
They, and their members, will walk you through everything from the secret tools to conquer your content marketing to cool mindset stuff like finding a better work/life balance as an entrepreneur, or how to get out of your own way (and don’t we all need to know the answer to that one?).
The Middle Finger Project: For f-bombs and truth bombs
This one comes with a massive disclaimer — if you’re a delicate wee flower who cringes at an f-bomb, this ain’t the blog for you. Then again, you’re probably shaking your head in despair at my language already so unlikely to take my recommendations seriously anyway.
Ash has real bee in her bonnet at the moment about women and money. We’re still not making enough of it. We’re still too conservative in our pricing. We’re still letting bullshit excuses get in the way of our true earning potential.
Here she gives us twenty big, fat reasons you’re still not charging enough. Read it and weep. Then dry your eyes and raise your damn prices!
Countingup: the tech bros in the know
If you’re still reeling from the profanity of The Middle Finger Project, you might prefer to get your financial advice from these guys. They’re doing some really cool stuff in the world of business banking, bookkeeping and cloud accountancy. Wondering how the hell to get your clients to pay their invoices on time? Wondering if you really do need a business bank account? Stumped about Making Tax Digital and how it’ll affect your business? These are the tech bros in the know.
Now you’ve done the reading, how do you fancy joining in with the writing? Any of these guys will tell you that investing time (and sometimes money) in their blog has been a huge factor in their business success, from building an audience, boosting brand awareness and making actual, honest-to-goodness sales from their blog posts.
Not sure where to start? Sign up for my Blogging Bootcamp (way less scary than it sounds, promise!) and I’ll take you through the process of figuring out your audience, deciding on a content strategy, coming up with blog titles and even share the secrets of structuring a kick-ass blog post.
Or if you want to reap the benefits of having your own business blog but can’t be arsed/don’t have time to go down the DIY route, book one of my blogging packages and I’ll take the hard work off your hands.
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