On Twitter this morning, I saw a Copyblogger tweet that caught my attention as a brand-new business blog owner: “Building a Business Blog? Read this.”
I had a few minutes, so I clicked and was directed to “Hubspot’s Inbound Internet Marketing Blog,” where they featured a Q&A with Lee Odden, CEO of Top Rank Online Marketing. Here’s an excerpt from their conversation:
Q. What impact has your blog had on your business?
A. Online Marketing Blog has been instrumental in growing our business. It generates daily new business inquiries, weekly inquiries from the media as well as candidates and marketing partners. Over 5 years we’ve posted over 2,000 articles on internet marketing topics and have been recognized in many ways for that besides growing revenue, which of course, is what pays the bills.
Q: Could you run your business without your blog?
A: Great question. Running our business in terms of day-to-day operation has little to do with our blog. In terms of marketing and building thought leadership, it would certainly be possible to have a successful marketing program without a blog. It would involve other social media communication channels that allow two-way communications, frequent updates, engaging information sharing, etc – many features of a blog. However, with all that functionality contained right within blog software, I’d prefer to use blog software as a preferred way to create and promote content that inspires the kinds of conversations leading to new business, improved credibility and confidence in the TopRankMarketing.com brand.
Wow. Apart from appreciating their astonishing blogging success — which could either inspire a newbie blogger or just really bum you out — I think I just found another good way of stating my vision for this freelance copywriter’s blog:
“Create and promote content that inspires … conversations leading to new business, improved credibility and confidence in [my] brand.”
Yeah! I can do that — on a smaller scale, of course, but this is essentially what I want to do. I just kind of liked the way he said that.
Hey, for someone like me (a professional marketer-turned-stay-at-home-mom-turned-freelance copywriter), I figure it’s OK to take my inspiration where I can get it. And as I begin to pick my way toward a niche that feels right to me, I know that I will become more focused. I’ll get clearer on where I’d like to go.
But for now, I’m in no hurry. I’m doing this at my own speed, deliberately and with purpose. I’ll continue building my portfolio with the client projects that are coming my way, and my knowledge will grow. Right along with my business.
The best part? I can do all this from my home at the foot of the Rockies, and still be there for my little girls.
So thanks, Twitter. Thanks, Copyblogger. Thanks, Mr. Odden. Today I found some great resources and people to watch, and little bit of inspiration.
(Keep me in mind if you’re looking for a skilled writer to craft your clients’ messages.)
Congratulations Lea! Based on what I see here, I have no doubt you will be a great success. Freelance writing for business is one of the most lucrative ways to truly ”have it all” while you’re raising your kids. You are really at the right place at the right time to take advantage of the amazing connectivity made possible through new media. I’ve been a marcom consultant and professional B2B writer for almost 20 years, which has allowed me to achieve a super work-life balance in raising my two girls. I have a lot of catching up to do, however, in learning to use all these new tools to my advantage. I will look to you for inspiration, and wish you every success!
Sharon, thank you so much for your comment. I appreciate the encouraging words! It is an exciting time in social media — I am learning new things and expanding my network with every passing day (and will be sure to share what I’ve learned here). I hope you’ll stay in touch and let me know what you’re doing, too!