Lauren Wakefield

Let me start by saying blogging is hard.  Really hard.  I remember the first time I sat down to write a blog post and I sat there staring at the blinking cursor for hours.  All I could think was “Who cares what I have to say?”  “No one is reading this.”  I would rack my brain for hours trying to figure out how to sound interesting and unique.  It was awful.

It wasn’t until I stopped writing my blog for everyone else…and started writing it for me that it became something I loved.  Something that I looked forward to writing and something that has grown my business exponentially.  I 100% believe blogging is an amazing asset to your business.  I know there are LOTS of people out there that disagree with me…but I’ve seen it work first hand.  Today I am going to talk about how blogging can help grow your business and tips on how to make it something you love…instead of something you loathe.

1. Blog like you mean it.

When you sit down to write a blog post…write something that matters to you.  Something that you care about.  Your readers can see a fluff post from a mile away.  Think of your blog as a scrapbook of you life.  If you went on a weekend getaway to Idaho…talk about it.  Show pictures.  If you love rocky road ice cream…talk about it.  Make everyone who reads that post feel like they HAVE to have a bowl of rocky road ice cream.  Talk about the things that actually matter to you…not the things you think should matter to you.

2. Be consistent.

Consistency is key.  When you readers come back to your blog they want to see new material.  If they see a post that is 2 weeks old staring them in the face…they most likely will not come back.  If you can only commit to blogging once a week…blog once a week.  Or 3 times a week…or every day.  You get the idea.  If you have trouble coming up a blog post every day…start a series.  Some of my favorite blogs I read religiously have weekly series such as Wedding Wednesday or Tuesday Tips and Tricks.  I know if I go to the Gray’s blog on a Tuesday I am going to learn something.  So I never miss it.  Over time, your readers will get to know you.  They are reading your blog because they like what you like…and they are interested in the things you are writing about.  Which leads me to my next point…

3. YOU are your blog.  And your ideal clients love YOU.

If a potential bride is reading all about how your favorite show is American Idol…and her favorite show is American Idol…she instantly has a connection with you.  Before she has ever spoken a word to you she feels like she knows you…and that is all because of your blog.  I constantly blog about my dog, how happy I am with Gary, fashion, and my obsession with Starbucks.  Why?  Because I honestly, truly love all those things…and because my ideal bride thinks Goose is the cutest, loves her fiance, loves fashion, and wants to grab a Starbucks.  The people who don’t like you are most likely never going to like you.  So if you are trying to attract everyone…you’re going to drive yourself nuts. Be yourself and the people who like you…are going to really like you.  The brides who contact you and have been reading your blog for however long…most likely are going to be the brides you will be friends with years down the line.   Just remember the one thing you have that no one else has…is YOU!

Blogging is a huge task.  It’s a commitment and something you have to believe in.  I don’t have all the answers by a long shot.  And I have a LONG way to go in my business…but I know over the last year and a half my business has gotten to the place it is today because of my blog.   I have found clients who have become amazing friends all through being myself and putting it on the internet.  I am absolutely certain that there are people out there who passionately disagree with me on this subject…but this has worked for me and if I can help someone else grow their business in even the smallest way then it’s worth it.  🙂

If you have any questions on this subject or anything else…leave a comment or shoot me an email and I’m happy to help!

And since I firmly believe all blog posts should include a picture…I just saw these on Pinterest and decided I must have them.

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