Finding companies on the internet selling products and services is effortless, and some may think they can do without an e-commerce blog. Many e-commerce websites do include a blog of some sort, but adding one without a clear purpose is not very useful. The real question is,
“Why should your e-commerce website have a blog?”
In this article, we will delve into four compelling reasons why you should incorporate a blog into your e-commerce website. Grasping the advantages a blog can offer will assist you in crafting content and organizing it effectively to ensure your blog thrives.
How Can a Blog Increase Traffic to Your Website?
The primary goal of having a blog in your e-commerce strategy is to boost the number of visitors to your online store. In other words, it’s about drawing more customers to your store.
Think of it like this:
In the past, some stores used to offer free food and drinks or let people use their restrooms for free to entice customers to enter. However, there was a catch – the restrooms were usually at the back of the store.
Why?
Placing the restrooms at the back was a tactic to compel people to traverse the entire store and explore everything on offer before reaching the restroom. The hope was that they’d spot something they liked and make a purchase.
So, consider a blog as a way to bring customers into your store by providing something valuable for free.
In the examples from the past, stores offered refreshments to lure people inside. Your blog offers free, valuable content to attract people. After they engage with your content, they’re more likely to make a purchase. Maybe they won’t buy something on their first visit, but eventually, they probably will.
But how does a blog actually drive traffic to your site?
The most obvious answer is through SEO. By including specific keywords in your blog posts, search engines like Google will find your site. When search engines locate your site, customers will discover your store. For example, a watch retailer creates a blog about watches with a post titled “The Best Watch on the Market.”
What’s the purpose of the blog post?
Firstly, it offers customers information about the best watch available, helping them make informed decisions. Secondly, the keywords “best watch” and “market” are intended to rank the blog on search engines. Once users find the blog, they can click on links that lead them to the e-commerce site.
It seems straightforward, right?
On the surface, it is. However, a successful blogging strategy requires your store to consistently deliver value. Users don’t want mindless marketing copy or irrelevant content. The more value your blog provides, the more customers will connect with your brand. In time, they will come to trust your brand.
Don’t forget one of the most important lessons in marketing: your blog should be an integral part of your brand positioning strategy. In other words, you need to maintain your brand in your customers’ minds at all times. You may do this by providing insightful content on a regular basis. A well-crafted blog will become another potent tool in your e-commerce arsenal.
How to Write a Blog for Your E-commerce Website
Writing a blog might seem daunting, but it’s quite straightforward. To get started, use these e-commerce blog pointers.
- Plan your topics: Begin by brainstorming topics for your blog posts. Ensure they are relevant to your audience and your store, products, and brand. Come up with 15-20 unique blog post ideas for your e-commerce site to avoid repetition.
To get unique ideas on blog topics you can use Answer the public.
- Do keyword research: Conduct a Google search for each topic to identify associated keywords. Use these keywords to help your blog posts rank in search engine results. Pay attention to the “people also ask” and “related searches” sections for additional keywords.
- Write for your audience: Speak to your audience in a language that resonates with them. Make your blog posts broad enough to interest newcomers to your brand while subtly introducing your products’ solutions to their problems.
- Avoid common e-commerce blogging mistakes: Don’t make your blogs overly promotional or solely focused on your brand. Instead, provide interesting and helpful content that builds trust and authority with new readers.
What Are the Benefits of Adding a Blog to Your E-commerce Site?
Apart from enhancing SEO, there are four significant advantages to integrating a blog into your e-commerce site as part of your brand positioning strategy.
#1: A blog on your e-commerce site establishes your brand as an authority.
How does it work?
An effective blog on your e-commerce site lets you showcase your knowledge about the products and services you offer. In other words, it’s a chance to prove that you’re an expert in your field. By providing valuable information, you can solidify your brand’s authority in your market.
Remember that this strategy works when you add an insightful blog to your website. Irrelevant content may lead users to disregard your brand. It’s crucial to make your brand authoritative by delivering as much useful information as possible.
#2: Having a blog on your e-commerce website helps customers trust your business.
With authority comes trust. A blog on your website helps you build credibility by establishing your expertise. As you demonstrate your authority, you can then foster trust in your brand.
Consider this:
The world’s most popular brands earn trust by showcasing their expertise. Customers prefer brands with a proven track record. Would you trust a doctor who doesn’t know their stuff? Would you rely on a financial advisor who can’t provide clear information?
Expertise builds trust over time. So, a blog on your e-commerce site allows customers to access valuable information before making informed decisions.
How does a blog enable you to provide useful information?
Adding a blog to your website allows you to delve deep into topics that interest your customers. Detailed explanations and product specifications work well in long-form blog posts. In contrast, lengthy video presentations or extensive emails can harm your brand.
Customers will return to your blog because they know they’ll find essential information. This trust will help you build customer loyalty and grow your business in the long run.
#3: Visitors are drawn in by a blog on your e-commerce website.
Customers don’t want a constant stream of sales emails or promotions. While they appreciate occasional updates about your products or services, too many promotional emails can become annoying.
So, what’s the solution?
Adding a blog to your website provides a reason to reach out to customers without pushing products. By saying, “Hey, check out this new blog post,” you engage customers without directly selling to them. Instead of being sales-driven, you can maintain an ongoing conversation with your customers about topics they find interesting.
Would you like to take this strategy a step further?
You can ask your customers what topics they’d like to see on your blog. By involving them in your content decisions, you encourage them to become active participants in your marketing strategy. It’s like being able to read your customers’ minds, except you don’t need mind-reading powers. They’re happy to tell you what’s on their minds. Your challenge is to deliver the content they want. This builds your brand’s authority and trust.
#4: A blog on your e-commerce site can increase your email subscribers.
A blog on an e-commerce site allows new users to discover your content and, by extension, your store. This situation not only leads to more sales but also opens the door to adding subscribers to your mailing list. You can do it by simply adding a subscription plugin and activating it.
Why is growing your mailing list important?
Not everyone is ready to make a purchase immediately. Some customers might take time before buying from your site. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t follow your content. If your content is valuable, they’ll keep following it. This way, you can build your subscriber base by inviting them to sign up for your newsletter to receive updates about upcoming content.
You can take this strategy even further.
Subscribers could access special deals before everyone else. By adding a blog to your website, you can offer these deals without being overly pushy. The goal is to maintain constant engagement with customers. A blog filled with useful and relevant information is a great way to achieve this.
Also Read: How To Set Up WooCommerce Subscriptions?
Conclusion
Adding a blog to your e-commerce website is a strategic move that can yield a multitude of benefits. From improved SEO and marketing synergies to enhanced customer engagement, a well-executed blog can significantly contribute to your online business’s success.
By integrating a blog into your e-commerce strategy, you can not only attract and retain customers but also establish your brand as a credible and authoritative source in your industry. So, take the plunge and embark on the journey of blogging to bolster your e-commerce presence.
FAQs on Blog On E-Commerce
1. Do I Need to Hire Professional Writers for My E-Commerce Blog?
While professional writers can enhance the quality of your blog, it’s not always necessary. Many e-commerce entrepreneurs write their own content or work with freelancers. The key is to provide valuable and relevant information to your audience.
2. How Often Should I Publish Blog Posts on My E-Commerce Website?
The frequency of blog posts can vary depending on your industry and resources. However, it’s advisable to maintain consistency. Starting with one or two posts per month and gradually increasing the frequency is a reasonable approach.
3. Can a Blog Help Smaller E-Commerce Businesses Compete with Larger Ones?
Absolutely. A well-crafted blog can level the playing field. Smaller e-commerce businesses can use their blogs to highlight their unique selling points, provide in-depth product knowledge, and engage their audience, all of which can give them a competitive edge.
