One of the most essential features of any business website is a good, regularly updated blog. Not only does blogging provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your subject matter expertise, but it also generates fresh content that can be shared on social media, summarized in email newsletters, or simply used to keep the Google algorithms happy.
Not all blogs are created equal, though. If your website has a blog but you don’t feel like it’s providing much value, it may be time to take inventory. Explore some of the features most essential for a successful business blog.
8 Essential Features for Any Business Blog
1) Clear navigation.
First and foremost, you’ll want to make it as easy as possible for your readers to find the information they need, and to draw them deeper into your past blog posts. A clear navigation structure, including categories and tags, is invaluable.
2) CTAs.
Every blog should have a call to action at the bottom, aligned with one of your broader business goals. For example, you may use your CTA to compel readers to call for an appointment, to view a product page, or simply to subscribe to your blog’s RSS feed.
3) Mobile responsiveness.
Remember that an overwhelming amount of your traffic is likely to come via mobile devices. As such, it’s important to ensure that your business blog, like the rest of your site, is designed to be mobile-first. Verify that everything is easy to read no matter the browser or device type.
4) Compelling visuals.
If your blog posts are just endless walls of text, your readers’ eyes are going to glaze over pretty quick. Break up your words with some colorful, original images, GIFs, infographics, and charts. A visually appealing blog is going to keep people on the page longer, and potentially generate more shares, too.
5) Social sharing buttons.
A simple but important feature that every business blog should have: A panel of social sharing buttons, providing your readers with an easy way to spread helpful content far and wide. Ensure buttons for Facebook, X, email, etc.
6) Analytics integration.
How well do your blog posts perform? Which topics seem to generate the most traction among your readers? You won’t know by guessing. You’ll know by ensuring you have your business blog integrated into Google Analytics or a related program, allowing you to continually assess and fine-tune your content strategy.
7) Internal linking.
Hopefully, your posts direct not just to other relevant content in your blog archive, but also to useful pages elsewhere on your website. Internal linking can be a powerful way to boost SEO while also ensuring well-informed readers.
8) External linking.
Your blog posts can also benefit from having some links to credible external sources. This is another potential SEO boost, but it also helps shore up the authoritative nature of your content. Simply put, a willingness to anchor your work in external research helps you cultivate trust.
Is Your Blog Positioned for Success?
Maintaining a blog on your business website can be an essential way of building credibility, capturing leads, even boosting your site’s search engine visibility. To optimize your blog, be sure that it has all the necessary features in place.
Whether you’re looking to build a new website, establish an effective blog, or discuss a good content strategy, we’d love to offer our expertise. Reach out to the Woland Web team to discuss any of your website or marketing needs.
