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Blogging and “How To” Articles Can Build Your Online Presence

July 4, 2014 by: Jennifer Gretson 7

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If you’re promoting a product or service, or you’re interested in providing useful information about a topic, it’s beneficial to get to the point, leave out unnecessary jargon, and provide your readers exactly what they’re searching for.

Articles that are categorized into different sections of content are easier for readers to digest. For this reason, many bloggers and online affiliate marketers are numbering paragraphs, using subheadings and adding bullet points to make the content easy for readers to understand.

Also, if you’re creating an article that provides tips or step-by-step directions, a helpful way to get readers to understand exactly what you’re explaining is to start each new step with an action verb.

For example, according to an article on Homesalive.ca titled ‘How to Make Your Cat Stop Peeing Where He Shouldn’t,’ the author begins each step with an action and explains further in detail. Each section within this article is numbered, and there are subheadings to separate topics. It helps the reader grasp a clear understanding of exactly what to do in different scenarios to help a cat use the litter box.

“How-to” articles with easy-to-understand content help keep readers’ attention because the information is broken into straightforward steps. According to the article featured on Copyblogger.com titled ‘How to Write a Killer “How-To” Article That Gets Attention,’ the author explains that “how-to” articles are some of the most sought after content online.

If your readers love the information that you’re publishing, they’ll help you promote your content by sharing it on Facebook or tweeting and retweeting the article. It’s one of the best ways to attract readers and build loyal followers as well as promote specific products or services that relate to the content.

Businesses Use Blogging to Attract Customers and Generate Sales

An increasing number of businesses are establishing blogs in addition to their e-commerce websites as an effective marketing tool to build their company brands and promote products or services. Companies also provide tips on different subjects and “how-to” articles to add value to their businesses and establish themselves as authoritative sources in their respective industries.

Blogging also provides a way for companies to instantly publish updates on their products or services and send regular emails to customers. According to Forbes, a recent survey conducted by HubSpot.com revealed that businesses who don’t have blogs are considered minority companies.

The survey revealed that businesses who maintained blogs between 2009 and 2011 experienced an increase from 48 to 65 percent in their profits. With a helpful blog that allows customers to visit daily and find great information as well as company updates, a locally based company in certain geographic locations can actually expand their enterprises nationally and internationally when readers from around the world appreciate the information provided on its blog site.

Forbes also reveals that blogging can help a company enhance visibility, build trust with customers, establish expertise in its industry and generate new leads.