The whole point of blogging is to have a lead generating tool that works for you at all times. I understand writing on a consistent basis can seem like quite the task. But, it’s actually very simple and just takes a time commitment. Trust me, it’s worth it. Not only does blogging give you organic search engine optimization, it allows your audience to understand your industry and to get to know you as a person. And did I mention it works for you while you are sleeping? I have received many leads from blogging and I just found out you can now make some serious cash from it! To me this is a no brainer… I write content for my clients and potential clients all while getting paid to do it…who wouldn’t want to do this? Now, don’t get me wrong, blogging takes work and TIME. But like anything else, you only get out of it what you put into it.
I am proud to introduce you to this marketing genius and friend of mine… Ms. Shauna Zamarripa. She straight up knows all about lead generation and can help you with make residual income all from blogging. Her new book titled “How To Make Money Blogging in 90 Days or Less” walks you through the process of developing yet another marketing strategy that works all on its own.
How Blogging Can Make You Money! By Shauna Zamarripa
Before I get into the “how” of blogging (or content marketing), let me begin with the “why”.
-B2B companies that blog generate 67% more leads per month than those who don’t. (Social Media B2B)
-61% of consumers say they feel better about, and are more likely to buy from, a company that delivers custom content. (Custom Content Council)
-78% of consumers believe that organizations providing custom content are interested in building good relationships. (TMG Custom Media)
-Blog give websites 97% more indexed links. (Content+)
-Interesting content is one of the top 3 reasons people connect with brands on social media. (Content+)
No. Wait. Come back!
Content marketing is not akin to the scary monster that lives under your bed. In fact, content marketing is fun, innovative and a creative way of attracting (and keeping) more customers, all while boosting your business in the interim. Don’t believe me? Let me prove it to you!
Follow these simple steps for the next 30 days and watch your business transform from zero to hero.
First off, Google Yourself
Google yourself. Take a screenshot. Save it. Set a reminder to Google yourself again 30 days from now.
Build a Blog
You (like it or not), need a blog. In fact, most blogging platforms are so versatile now, they can replace a website completely – and probably should. You can have static pages, e-commerce plug ins and all the whistles and bells you could possibly imagine that you would expect from a normal website, regardless of the blogging platform. This makes for a site that is both dynamic and versatile….with half of the required maintenance of a “normal” website.
My weapon of choice? Blogger.
Choose a Theme and Customize It
I custom design everything for my blogging clients. However, it never hurts to start with a great template. I find most of mine on My Blogger Themes. I download the code, tweak it, add a few social plug ins and viola. Done.
From there, I create the static pages I know I will want, throw in a contact us form and plug in my CRM (Client Relationship Management Tool) so that people can opt in to weekly e-blasts (where I promote my content).
Weapon of choice? MailChimp
I build each static page and customize them with content, I also remind myself to update these (and check the links on them) every week.
Finally, once the design and static pages are complete, I can write a blog description (important for SEO) and create the meta tags – I use different generators for this. Then, I plug those last few things into the blog, sit back, relax and launch that puppy.
Monetization
Using my Mind Map blueprint for blogging, I advocate a few different ways to monetize any blog – something I explain in detail in my book.
Some examples of affiliate links I advocate are:
Now, Start Blogging!
Now that you have built it, it is your job to make them come – and by them, I mean your readers. I advise jotting down 25 different title ideas and just start writing to those – or hire someone to do it for you. However, even I can get stuck (or get a wicked case of writer’s block) when it comes to titling. If you need some ideas, I love Hubspots Blog Post title generator.
Now what?
After 25 pieces of content are out, circulating the internet and waiting for people to find them, you are ready to start promoting that content. Here is my quick recipe for success.
- Using the recommended sites on my Mind Map, select five sites you are qualified to submit content to – and get paid for it both actively and passively. Put a byline that links to your social media accounts and your blog.
- Use tools to help you promote to a vast array of social media sites. Hootsuite allows you to post to up to five accounts at a time, for free. It schedules all of your posts, allowing you to stay top of mind, while still having a life. You can also use a service like Gramblr to post to Instagram, direct from your desktop.
- Once you have a few subscribers, ask for someone to do a guest blog.
- Repackage your content from your blog (and content published on other monetized sites) into a weekly e-blast.
- Re-create something from your blog: a meme, an infographic (Piktochart is great for this), a video or even a subject to talk about on a pod cast or radio show – resources on the Mind Map.
- Repackage your blog into a video. If an instructional, record a webinar and upload that to YouTube. Then, monetize your YouTube channel. Repost the video as a brand new blog…on your blog.
- Curate content from your social media posts (think screenshots) and make a blog out of it. Interview interesting people for your blog. Re-use content (with attribution) from around the web.
Remember, the entire goal is to market in such a way that it attracts people back to your monetized blog and to drive content to the other sites you are earning a pay per click rate with. If you keep up to one post per day, you will end up with one viral piece of content per month – something that will pay your bills, and fund your entire life after awhile.
Sure, it’s a lot of work, and of course I didn’t give all of my secrets away in one short blog post. What sort of marketing expert would I be if I did? However, for those bold and brave enough to tackle this on their own, having a map to send back is something I truly enjoy doing.
So, let me ask you, if you knew that blogging could make you a six figure income in a standalone capacity and make you even more money, becoming a lead capture magnet 24/7, 365 days a year, would you still be so resistant to do it?
If you are still resistant, hire a pro to help you. It might just give you the boost you need. Then again, what do I know? I’m just an expert.
Shauna Zamarripa is CEO and founder of Valkeryie Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping business owners monetize their marketing and a content marketing expert. Her book, “How to Make Big Money Blogging in 90 Days or Less” is available for purchase through Amazon.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram.
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Psalm 20:4 “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
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