This post was most recently updated on July 31st, 2016
Understand that far more than a simple container for content, your blog is your business card.
You do need to add content to your blog on an ongoing basis, of course.
And you want your readers to share your content, comment and engage on your blog and make it a popular place for people in your niche to visit often.
You also want your blog to be a place where your readers will be inspired to join your list and buy your products and services.
Of course, you promote your blog all you can, and strive to make it search engine friendly so that it might attain high page ranking on Google, Bing and Yahoo.
But the most important function of your blog, is in its role as your “business card”.
Hand Out Your Business Cards
I remember once, when a couple of kids in my neighborhood taped their business cards on people’s front doors.
It was pretty ingenious and these kids had more business than they could handle.
They weren’t marketers, and didn’t have MBA’s.
Heck, the weren’t even in high school yet.
But they knew how to use a business card.
Here as their strategy.
They rode their bike around the neighborhood to see who had overgrown lawns.
They took out their business card and handwrote on the back…
“Will Cut Your Lawn $x. Call Now.”
The printed side of the plain black on white card read…
Line 1. Name & Name
Line 2. We’re in 9th Grade at the xxx (local) School.
Line 3. We Cut Lawns Cheap, etc. (centered, large print)
Line 4. Phone #
Would you like to do as much business with your blog as these kids did, one hot summer… with nothing more than a simple business card?
Let’s see how you can make it happen.
First Impression
Nobody’s really much interested in plain old business card.
They expect it to have somebody’s name and phone number.
That’s not real compelling copy.
But when you leave it on someone’s door, your business card immediately makes a first impression on people.
Now don’t you want to have this opportunity to get noticed with your blog?
You can’t leave it on their door, but you can get it seen on a Twitter feed, or a LinkedIn post, or an email, can’t you?
So, in fact, your blog is just like a business card.
Don’t make it boring and ordinary.
Make it personal.
Remember, these kids wrote a hand written message that clearly got attention. They were talking to the homeowner.
They saw their lawn needed to be cut. So, hey, you may not know them, but they know you! And even more, they’re ready and willing to help you solve a problem you have.
Maybe you can’t cut your own lawn, fine.
But even if you can… you haven’t been doing a very good job of it.
So, hey, here’s a helping hand!
Think of ways your blog can appeal to people in this way.
People visit your blog.
They don’t know you, but hey, you know them.
You let them know right up front that you’re fully aware of what their problem is, where they need help, and that you need it now.
And you tell them right up front what you can do for them and what it will cost if they take action now.
“Will Cut Your Lawn $x. Call Now.”
Your Brand
Now, when people start reading a little deeper into your blog (when they flip your card over), they get to know a little bit more about you.
You let them know directly and personally, who you are and that you’re from the neighborhood (you’re “one of them”).
We’re in 9th Grade at the xxx (local) School.
Then you brand yourself as someone who can help them solve their problem, and you’re not going to charge them an arm and a leg to do it (you’re not, are you?).
We Cut Lawns Cheap, etc.
Your niche is narrow and focused.
You specialize in something, so you are a bit of an expert…
We Cut Lawns
But you’re not so totally specialized that you can’t see the forest from the trees…
We Cut Lawns Cheap, etc.
Etc is a little word, but it says a whole lot, doesn’t it?
Your branding is probably the key to your entire blog (ie., business card), so you definetly want it to stand out, bold, center, large print.
We Cut Lawns Cheap, etc. (centered, large print)
That’s the real take away from your busines card/blog, isn’t it?
You want people to know, first and foremost that when they need their lawn cut (We Cut Lawns), and they don’t wan to be taken advantage of (Cheap), and maybe they have a few other things they’d like done at the same time (etc.), that they’ve just made friends with the right person (centered, large print).
Your Clear Call To Action
Now, once people realize that your blog is the right stuff for them, you want to “capture” them immediately
If they click away, you may never see them again.
So, remember, your blog is like a business card.
The subtle call to action is an optin on your sidebar, a Contact Me page with information on how people can reach you, and your author box with a link to your squeeze page or contact information.
On a business card, the subtle CTA (call to action) looks something like this:
Line 4. Phone #
But, your blog has to be more than just subtle when it comes to telling people that they NEED to get more involved.
You’ll want a compelling CTA, too.
That’s something that tells folks, do this and do it now before it’s too late.
Give people a great “ethical bribe” to sign up for your email list, today.
Tell them directly, that it is URGENT that they do business with you now, before you get booked or change your offer or increase your price.
The compelling CTA looks like this:
“Will Cut Your Lawn $x. Call Now.”
What makes this so compelling?
Well, first of all, it’s hand written. So it’s not a regular part of your business.
This is a “special deal.”
What special deals can you offer on your blog?
Second, it has a price, but also says “call now.” That means, if you fail to “call now,” then that handwritten special deal price may well be gone.
After all, your card clearly says you cut lawns “cheap.” That’s great. Everybody likes cheap. But it also means that you KNOW it’s cheap and so as soon as too many people take advantage of your special offer, you’ll probably stop offering it so cheap.
HINT: they better get in on this now before you’re all over the neighborhood and can’t fit them in anymore… not at the special price, anyway.
Do you confront people with a can’t miss, compelling deal that they MUST decide on right now? Either grab it, or risk losing it.
If you don’t, figure out how you can.
Then, do it.
Your Shelf Life
When all else fails, your visitor comes, your visitor goes, your visitor doesn’t take the action you suggested…
Take heart.
One of the great things about a business card is it’s long “shelf life.”
That is, even those people who didn’t call the neighborhood entrepreneurs to get their lawn cut… even those people still held onto the card in all likelihood.
Why?
People were impressed that these kids know their stuff.
They cut lawns.
And they’re real pros.
They offerred a great deal, great discount.
They’re local, they already know about them and their lawns… so why not hold onto the card in case one day they DO need this service?
So the card sits on the bookshelf, or gets stuck on the refrigerator.
That’s “shelf life.”
Your blog will have shelf life if
- you’ve impressed people enough to bookmark it, or
- you’ve successfully enticed them to join your list and get some updates on your future posts, or
- you’ve put a Facebook pixel on your blog so you can create a Custom Audience of your visitors to retarget them on later Facebook posts. (This is advanced, but I just thought I’d challenge you to think a bit deeper into this process).
Your blog will have a decent shelf life even if your visitors recognize it in a future tweet or social media post that they decide to follow back to your blog… again.
So I hope you’ve got enough of an idea of how to use your blog like a business card, that you don’t need to cut lawns (cheap) to make ends meet.
Remember, your blog is your business card… so start handing them (your blog posts) out all over the place!
I’d love to hear what you think of this.
I’d also love to hear some of your “business card” stories or ideas.
Good luck with your strategy, in view of the fact that your blog is your business card.
-Donna
Twitter: danewah
November 12, 2015 at 12:24 pm #
Hi Donna,
I love this post, it so resonated with me.
I like the analogy you gave with the kids seeking for business, it’s so amazing how these kids have so much more business sense than most of us.
Sure, we can all learn something from those kids and you have done a good job to draw a parallel.
Thanks for sharing.
Dan
Dan Ewah recently posted..8 Essential Questions that Global Marketing Managers Must Ask
Hi Kay.
When we consider our blogs as an elaborate business card, we then get to realize that there are so many people viewing our blogs and never commenting.
Each time we put out a product and/or service, the first thing people will do is look you up. If you have a good blog with content that is helpful and plenty of people commenting, the KLT begins!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Bloggers Grave
Twitter: kaysomji
October 29, 2015 at 1:05 pm #
Great article Donna. I hadn’t considered the parallel between the blog and the business card.
The call to action is critical, I agree. On business cards we often see the number listed, but not a verb to get someone to take action. I also used to mow lawns and used a similar strategy 🙂
Twitter: AlmostPractical
October 25, 2015 at 12:33 pm #
Hi Donna,
I have been saying this exact same thing for years! So many people omit really important information from their homepage.
At a minimum – name and contact info is key – everything else you mentioned is also vital. It is such a missed opportunity to leave all that out.
It is also important to remember that a website is always a work in progress. Put something up and tweak it as you go – but don’t wait for perfection.
Neena recently posted..Email List Segmentation – What It Is and Why You Need It
Hi Neena,
So true…a website is a work in progress because we are lol. That also goes for all the campaigns we do and just about everything else.
So glad you came by
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..What’s Your ROI?
Hi Sunday,
The “simplicity of their offer” as you put it, is not only admirable for its simplicity, but it was also a very effective business builder for the kids passing out their business cards.
Sometimes, people think that the more expensive or complex a blogging strategy is, the more effective it will be.
I usually find the opposite to be true.
Find a basic, proven and SIMPLE strategy, and implement it with lots of action and consistency.
The “secret” here is that the simpler the better, because… the simpler something is, the more easily it can actually be put to use.
Business cards are a simple promotion of your brand, but they can be highly effective when use wisely and consistently. Blogging, too, is most effective when you stick to a simple strategy for using it to deliver your brand, your message and your call to action.
Glad to hear this article has given you some good ideas for improving your blog, Sunday.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..What’s Your ROI?
Twitter: sunnywilly
October 22, 2015 at 3:41 am #
Hey Donna,
Its interesting to know that one can learn basic and influential marketing from business cards shared by kids that are not even in high school. I admire the simplicity of their offer, and I am impressed with the way each part of the card was explained.
Indeed, a blogger can learn a lot from how the business card was presented. The niche is narrowed and the call-to-action precise.
I sure have idea of how to use a blog as a ‘business card’ now. The presentation in words and action matters a lot!
This comment was left in kingged.com where it was shared by Phillip Verghese Ariel
Twitter: rejistephenson
October 20, 2015 at 7:50 am #
Hi Donna,
You always come up with some thing new and interesting. You are not disappointing anyone this time too. Actually I landed up here from the comment you left in my blog.
Regarding the post, I totally agree with your point “Your blog is your business card”. If we have a business card, we just need to hand it over to other people and they start interacting with you from there.Likewise our blogs really act as a business card. Here, one difference I can say is that the business cards are to be send out to people while our blogs get noticed by people whom we never know or seen in life. So, I can agree with you and say that our blogs do more than what a business card can do for you.
Hoping to read more posts from you soon.
Have a great day.
Keep sharing.
Reji Stephenson
Reji Stephenson recently posted..List of top 50 technology blogs in India
Hi Reji,
We can’t hand people a business card, but we can send them to our blogs via URL links to certain posts. We can attach those links to social media posts, blog comments, YouTube videos and even paid ads like Facebook post boosts.
Because people have to actually click the link to get our “business card,” they are actually better qualified prospects than people who simply find our business card at their front door.
Thanks for your input, here.
And thanks for your kind remarks and support.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..What’s Your ROI?
Twitter: imblog101
October 20, 2015 at 2:49 am #
Hi Donna!
What a valuable post on blogging and business cards. I really like the concepts you are sharing here. 🙂
I totally agree with you here.
Your blog is pretty much your business card online. It is your home online.
Your blog is where people can learn more about you, what you have to offer, what kind of knowledge you provide, and how you can help!!
This is why you must work on your blog, the best you can. You want to make sure you impress people, I think that is a very important tip!
Take good care of everything here – not just your branding. 😉
Very valuable blog post, Donna. Thank you for sharing it!
Keep up the great work!
Have a fantastic week! 😀
Freddy Gandarilla recently posted..10 Psychological Tricks to Get Your Customers to Leave a Review on Google
Hi Freddy,
You’ve hit all the highlights for sure.
It’s kind of funny that so many times I’ll get to someone’s blog because I see them promoting it on social media, in their email, on a video etc etc etc…
and I can’t figure out what they’re about.
There’s no clear branding, no clear Call To Action, no offer for something of value, not even an invitation to join their mailing list.
Driving traffic is important. Handing out your business card is important.
But when people get to your blog or grab your card… it has to pull them in with value and clear CTAs to further the relationship.
Nice to see you, Freddy.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..What’s Your ROI?
Twitter: kim_willis
October 19, 2015 at 1:39 am #
I never thought of my business card being like my blog, Donna! But after reading your post and watching your video, you are right.
Just as a business card can be a reflection of you so it is with our blog – a reflection of us. As you say we don’t need to have everyone like our blog. We just need a sliver. Yes, a sliver of people that really ‘dig’ us because our messaging is totally relevant for them.
As an aside, the best business cards are those that have a cogent value building message on the ‘b’ side. I always take notice of that. Our blogs should do the same thing, but more so.
Thanks again Donna
Kim
Kim Willis recently posted..5 Steps to Expand the Vision of Your Customers
Hi Kim,
The “value on the ‘b’ side” as you say, is really the key to making your “business card” blog effective.
You need to make an immediate connection with people, and an actionable one. Otherwise, they drift away, never to be heard from again.
By telling people you’ll cut their lawn now, for $x… is clearly telling them that you can provide them a valuable service, but it may not last at the special price you’re offering it at, and they’ll have to take the next step if they want to get in on it.
This is the sort of connection you want to make with your blog visitors to get them on your list, or to buy a product or service.
The side ‘b’ is all about clear value, clear CTA, clear (and real) scarcity.
Thanks for sharing your insights today, Kim.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..What’s Your ROI?
Twitter: brentjonline
October 19, 2015 at 12:53 am #
Hi Donna,
Nice post!
You know, it’s funny… because even if someone hands me a card, usually I follow that up by searching for him or her online anyway. It’s great that they gave me a card, but I’m going to see their website, Twitter account, etc.
ESPECIALLY if that person has reviews online somewhere. 🙂
Just a heads up that I’ll be on the road until the second week of November — wanted to let you know, so if you don’t see me poking around your blog as often as usual, you’ll know why. Thanks a ton!
Best,
Brent
Brent Jones recently posted..Publish Your Writing with Don Easton
Hi Brent.
I do the exact same thing when someone hands me a business card. In today’s world information is at our fingertips, so yes, we can sure find out a lot about a person online.
And the same goes for those who are looking us up!
Thanks for telling me that you will be on the road. Enjoy!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: ErikaMohssenBey
October 18, 2015 at 10:43 pm #
Hi Donna ,
like always you did give good advice and I like
the story about the kids :).
I see many blogs where there is no owner to
see and I think it is important to know to whom
I comment .We want to connect to humans
not to a blog without soul 🙂
The only thing is ,I would replace the cheap with
affordable ,customers do not like to be exploited,
but the a business owner who gives service too 🙂
Thank you
Erika
Erika Mohssen-Beyk recently posted..The Spiritual Site of Success – Pilgrimage Walk
Hi Erika,
I like the way you put it: “I want to connect with humans…not a blog without a soul” That is a beautiful statement. I sure do feel the same way.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: SMITdebtb
October 18, 2015 at 5:36 pm #
Hello Donna!
One of the things your post reminded me of was a colleague I was working with made a comment about putting a notice out (on the Internet) about what we as a group were selling and that we needed to hurry up and put something out there!
Yes, we need to get our message out, but it has to reflect who we are and what we represent. I felt we needed to come up with a quality message. Remember the old adage, “Garbage in, garbage out?” I didn’t want anyone to think what we had to offer was substandard or garbage if you will.
You are so right in that our blog can often be the first thing someone sees that represents who we are and what we do. It should be easy to find, easy to navigate, and have a good look to it. Like a business card, our contact information needs to be readily available instead of hidden somewhere on your site.
Another great analogy! Good for those kids and their lawn mowing service. Wouldn’t it be great to see what they did with their knowledge and experience once they grew up? I’ll be they are entrepreneurs! 🙂
Deborah
Deborah A. Ten Brink recently posted..How To Choose The Most Effective Blog Categories
Hi Deborah,
Indeed, our message has to be out there clearly just like your group. When someone comes to our blog, the navigation has to be user friendly, the “about me” page must be transparent and done well. Often times we have to update that one as we go along lol.
Everything we do on our blogs from content to comments has to be as if someone was seeing it for the first time. Just like a business card, but only more elaborate.
People will “scan” through our blogs when we are out in the market place to see who we are and what exactly do we represent.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: SchrierLinda
October 18, 2015 at 3:04 pm #
Hi Donna,
What a creative idea, using our blogs as a business card. I love the analogy! Our business cards are the front door of our blogs. We must write great content for our audience and they must know what our business is about in our own voice.
It’s all about people meeting people, some will learn to love us and some won’t. Some will know, like and trust us and some won’t. That is OK. It’s just how it goes.
In our call to action we must let our audience know exactly what we want them to do. The message must be clear and concise.
Thank you for sharing, Donna and you have a wonderful day and week ahead!
Linda
Linda Schrier recently posted..How to Maintain Your Blog?
Hi Linda,
Thanks so much..yes I do always see my blog as a huge business card. When I’m marketing a product or service, just about everyone will look me up before the purchase and come to my blog. There they can see that I’ve been writing content for a while and then the comment section, rich with many awesome people…like you.
They get the KLT factor right away and it does improve sales in the long run.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: ryanbiddulph
October 18, 2015 at 1:55 am #
Hi Donna,
I dig this analogy because…..it’s so true. Our blogs are just like our business cards except blogs are the online version. Stressing benefits is oh so key, to give readers your chief, important, overpowering, compelling benefit. I make sure my tag line is easy to see for all visitors. I also list every one of my eBooks on my home page because like the kids noted above I offer them for a super discounted price, at only 99 cents. I inspire visitors to digest my chief benefit and then, goad readers to snag an eBook or 5 on the way in to see what I have to offer. Then I follow up with clear, free, targeted content to make an impact.
Awesome sauce post Donna.
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Download 7 eBooks for $6.93
Hi Ryan,
You sure have made your mark with your blog. Whenever someone thinks Ryan, they think Blogging from Paradise and all the books you have written. You branded yourself so well it’s crazy!!! lol
Yes, you are very clear that you are a writer, can offer books to your customers specifically targeted and oh so awesome.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: ChrisDeeWaard
October 17, 2015 at 9:58 pm #
Hi Donna.
Great post. I actually wrote a post a while back
about how we should still be using business cards offline
to bring traffic to our blogs.
You are right, though, in saying our blog is our online
business card. It has all the info our visitors need in one
location. Once there, they can read our content, check out
who we are on our About Me page, see what we have to offer
on Products or Services pages, join our mailing list, etc.
I really enjoyed your take on this subject and your Periscope
the other day.
Have a great rest of the weekend and upcoming week…….Chris
Chris DeeWaard recently posted..Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow
Hi Chris,
It is a great idea to have a business card for offline purposes directing people to our blogs. I cannot tell you how many times people have asked me “What do you do?” and I have to get into a long explanation.
It is so much better to have a business card we can hand out to those off line folks who can use our services.
Our blogs are like a business card in the online world because people can find out so much about us and what we do. Especially joining our list!!!
I seen you on Periscope the other day. Thank you for hanging out with me on this topic. Enjoy your weekend.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: ravichahar27
October 15, 2015 at 3:27 am #
Hey Donna,
I like the concept of comparing a blog to a business card.
There are millions of blogs, but few are there which have their brand name. I agree with you that bloggers should build their brand to make people aware.
Filling the content is the best thing to do. It is the main task to do for bloggers. Having the perfect approach for your audience is needed.
I am sure this post is going to help many bloggers. Newbies need to know more about blogging ways.
Thanks for this informative post.
have a nice day.
~Ravi
Ravi Chahar recently posted..How To Redirect The Domain To Another Domain Using Simple Steps?
Hi Ravi,
When we are putting our content into our blogs, it is a great reflection of who we are and what we know. So, when others come to visit us or just curious of what we do, it is like a business card.
Indeed, a great message especially for Newbies!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: cheryschmidt
October 14, 2015 at 5:25 pm #
Hello Donna, Awesome post, I guess I never really thought about it like this before but it sre makes sense HUH?
As a few others have stated I to am amazed at the amount of people who don’t even share their name on their blog! This is just down right crazy.
You do want people to know who you are and what you can do to help them Right?
Thanks for sharing
Chery :))
Chery Schmidt recently posted..The Four Stages To Become A Successful Online Entrepreneur
Hey Chery,
Yep…when people don’t even put their name on a blog they own, it drives me nuts. Only because I want to find out who they are, put in the comment section Hi….whoever. But most of all, how the heck can I pass on the information to social media when there are no names nor connections?
Have to do something about that lol.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Hey Donna,
I really like this analogy.
Why?
Because me and a friend of mine use to go around the neighborhood to cut our neighbors’ yards. We didnt do it the same way as the kids in your neighborhood but we were still able to get a few yards to cut.
But this story is a great analogy of how we should look at our blogs. It’s true that out blogs are similar to a business card to show what we do and how we can solve problems. Especially when your About Me page goes more into detail about it.
And yes you want your blog to be everywhere. At least everywhere your target audience hangs out. When you get to the point that everywhere go your blog is there (not in a stalker creepy sense of course 😉 ), then you’ll definitely reap the rewards.
Thanks for sharing and Happy Hump Day !
Sherman Smith recently posted..5 Simple Tips For A Daily Social Media Promotion Plan
Hi Sherman,
So you were a little entrepreneur as a youngster. It all depends on the neighborhood I think…if it is heavily populated it is a good deal. When I was a kid in Brooklyn, I wanted to be a “shopper” So I rang old lady’s doorbells and asked them if they wanted me to go to the store for them. I got ten cents a pop.
We do want to be where are target audience hangs out and make sure that our blogs give an answer to a problem for them. Of course not in that creepy sense lol.
When we do this, people can get the KLT factor from us.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: Virtual_Bren
October 14, 2015 at 12:27 pm #
Donna,
I love this post but if MGP is my business card, I may be in trouble! 😉
B
Brenda Pace recently posted..Trick or “Not So” Treat?
Hey Bren,
he he he MGP only goes to show the fun side of you so no, I don’t think it is trouble at all.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: sunshinessister
October 14, 2015 at 9:46 am #
Donna,
What an excellent simile for a blog, they are like a business card… if you could fit all of your hopes and dreams and offers on a business card!
I have to laugh about that a little because as a graphic designer, I’ve designed many business cards and so many of my clients wanted to do just that! It’s hard (and unrealistic) to give people enough information to know all about you and your business on a 3.5″x5″ card but so many have tried!
When I met with clients to discuss their design, I had to tell them over and over that I just couldn’t fit everything that they do on that small of space and that people wouldn’t bother reading the card if they over-packed it with information.
That is where your comparison in this post was so accurate…your blog is like a business card because you shouldn’t over-pack the details of what you do in the sidebars and in every post because you will overwhelm your readers. Keeping pertinent information on hand for them to contact you, and offering more for those interested by way of a CTA is much more effective in leading potential clients to the information you want them to have.
You had a excellent CTA for this post, when people want to know how to maximize the return on their blogging efforts…list building is the way to go! Great job on that!
I often would show my clients that making your name and phone number larger than the rest of the information was important so that people can find them quickly. I also tried to limit them to 3 bullet points of information so they were conveying their message as concisely as possible. That is so important to do in your blog too. If people don’t know what you do, they won’t stick around and search for it!
Wonderful examples, thank you for the great content…I’ll be sure to share!
Sincerely,
Andrea
Andrea Hewett recently posted..19 Social Media Authorities Reveal the Risk Hidden in Your Profile
Hi Andrea,
I could just imagine the kick you got out of this one because you create business cards lol. I’ve seen business cards with loads of information on them…both sides and cannot for the life of me find the person’s name or number.
It is true..three bullet points can do the trick in a real business card. And the same applies with our blogs. As we put content on it all the time, we cannot overload the sidebar. Just give one CTA at a time.
If someone wants to know who we are, we give them our blog contact and boom!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: marquitaherald
October 14, 2015 at 9:26 am #
Spot on advice as always Donna! From day one my blog has been a critical element to developing my platform – the author version of a business card. Being the creative type that I am I find I really enjoy the process and love experimenting, but I never vary far from my key brand elements – colors, look and the topics I write about. What’s been lagging behind are the “deals” but that’s finally beginning to change with new courses coming online.
One of your points that I think is especially important is having a clear focus and this was brought home to me in a very BIG way recently when I heard from a marketing firm in London representing a major brand. They’re working on developing a global initiative about resilience for women and have tapped me to be an expert consultant on the project. Honestly I was so shocked at the enormity of it all for a moment I thought someone might be playing a prank on me, but a couple of conference calls later it’s proven to be all too real. My point is this is an example of the payoff when you build a clear and compelling brand. Takes time but it’s pretty cool stuff. 🙂
Marquita Herald recently posted..Essential Keys to Unleashing Your Inner Strength
Hi Marquita,
I am thrilled for you!!! I’ve known you for a few years and you always were consistent to your brand and so helpful to many. It is wonderful news that this marketing firm in London has made you an expert consultant on this project. (happy dance)
It is so wonderful when something happens like that right out of the blue. You even thought it was a prank lol. But here you are and that payoff is well deserved.
I am so happy you shared this on my blog for all our fiends to see.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: msellithorpe
October 13, 2015 at 8:46 pm #
Hey Donna,
As always, you clear up some things that for some reason I’ve just not been able to sort out in my head.
Like many comments before mentioned, the business card analogy was great.
It’s taking me a while to learn copy writing but I am eagerly learning.
Thanks for everything.
Monna Ellithorpe recently posted..Have You Been Scoping Yet
Hi Monna,
Just think of all that you write on your blog. It tells others about you, your experience, and what you stand for. That’s the “business card”
Just 24 hours ago, I released a product and guess what is happening? There are droves of people looking at my blog right now as I write. Why? They are checking me out to see if I’m a real person. Yep…they may not comment…they will bounce around, but they are opting in!
You mention copy writing…now that is a tough one to learn. It is a whole different style of writing from a psychological approach to wording correctly. Good luck with that my friend.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: pvariel
October 13, 2015 at 4:03 pm #
Hi Donna,
What a wonderful and informative post!
Yes, you did it again!
The intro to the story of those young boys is an interesting and thought provoking one!
Yes, our pages are like business cards! And it speaks a lot about us thru the pages! As you said: Your blog is your business card… so start handing them (your blog posts) out all over the place! This sounds sometimes a kind of shameful thing for a few, but in fact it is a sure fire!
Yes, unless and until we do say about our resources/services/ products, etc who else will do this! Of course, there are many other options to this, but, the more effective one I feel is the one we do ourselves! 🙂
Very recently i placed a sticker of my url on our car’s back glass, and also placed a sticker on the back of my bike too! LOL some may think this as funny, but i now feel that it’s a kind of shouting out about our page to the public and in fact i am getting some enquires too after placing those writ-ups on the vehicles. 🙂
Thanks Donna for the wonderful insights in this regard you brought out even through video! It tells it all, as usual the periscope one is lovely one indeed Donna! Thanks for sharing that too with the post.
Keep sharing
Have a good day
~ Phil
PS: Hey Donna I shared/curated this post on the pages of kinged dot com the Internet Marketing Social Media Web page. Thanks
Philip Verghese Ariel recently posted..10 Top Security Tips For Bloggers – A Guest Post By Cassie Phillips
Hi Philip,
Thanks so much for sharing/curating this post. It is most appreciated. I love the idea of you having your sticker on your car and bike. I often think of doing that myself. I think I will one day just to have a test run. It will have to be in the Summer because I live in a tourist town. I always think it would be great to have high paying tourists “living the laptop lifestyle” lol. I will give this further thought.
Yes, we have to shout out our products/services. If now who else will? Our blog posts are snippets of information we give out freely to the public. But our products/and or/ services need to be out there because it can further help others to achieve their goals.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: coachtocoachguy
October 13, 2015 at 3:33 pm #
Wow Donna!
I must say, whenever I study at you blog, which BTW, truth told
is as often as you publish new post!LOL!
I always learn so much that’s extremely practical & profitable!
But this post truly blew me away!it’s just so spot on!
And on so many different levels! And I really loved your video too BTW!LOL!
Before I forget, do happen to have any contact info for those youngsters?
Because they may also know how to drive highly targeted traffic to my blog!LOL!
They are incredibly impressive indeed!
And I love the way you expertly compared branding ourselves via out blog,
with what our business cards might say on the flip side!
Absolutely brilliant stuff Coach! My creative marketing marketing juices are
literally running wild, right about now, thanks to you!
I’m definitely gonna share this & re-read it a few more times!!Thanks!
Mark recently posted..What Powerful Three Lessons Can You Learn About Successful Online Marketing From Complete Strangers?
Hi Mark,
He He…I wish I did have a contact for those youngsters lol. Our blogs are like our calling cards, Last year 2 teenage girls came around asking to rake my leaves for $5. To make a long story short, I asked them if they ever did it before….no they replied. Now I have about 15 trees on my property so you can imagine all those leaves.
I told them they were undercutting themselves. But I also made them work for an hour. They were pooped. “See…I told you so” To make a long story short, they did make some business cards, got a hold of an older brother with a truck and charged $10 an hour to rake and haul. Of course I hired them.
Just like these kids, our blogs have to be well thought out. We have to offer products/services at the right price that we ourselves can handle (time management) On and on we go. So there is a lot to think about when we are blogging.
It is a huge business card that not only reflects us, but what we do, the mistakes we have made and how we corrected them. The whole story!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: donpurdum
October 13, 2015 at 1:49 pm #
Hi Donna,
What a fantastic illustration. When I make a business card I think exactly like I do when it comes to my website, blog articles, videos, etc….
It has to be memorable and say something that gets the person I gave the card to look at it twice.
Our blogs demonstrate that we know our “stuff” and we know who our “stuff” is for.
That’s why I’m such a strong teacher of one article for one problem/need/desire, for one person.
It’s our card for the reader which helps to determine our competency.
We can either write broad, bland, no meaning articles that people come to and leave or we can create dynamic content that forces them to look twice.
Fantastic article Donna. You’re spot on as always!!!!!!
Have a great week. I’m off to share your business card.
~ Don Purdum
Don Purdum recently posted..What are the Secrets to a Highly Successful Business Website?
Hi Don,
Your blog is your business card. When I think “Don Purdum” I immediately know what you are all about. What to teach others, what you stand for and how you help.
You sure have that certain “feel” like an embossed business card…you know…the kind that is memorable.
You have succeeded with this via your blog, and as a regular reader I know exactly what you do. That is the trick. To make sure others know what you do for them.
You have achieved that!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: donpurdum
October 16, 2015 at 11:40 am #
Hi Donna,
You just made my day!!!! Of all the things anyone could say to me, I think your words are the highest compliment I could ever receive!!!!
FYI – I just updated my site, home page and added a new video there I think will capture it really well.
Have a great weekend!
~ Don
Don Purdum recently posted..What are the Secrets to a Highly Successful Business Website?
Hi Don,
Awww…so good to know I made your day. It is my honest opinion of you my friend. I have to check out your update… Your videos are always on point and you are a “welcoming” kind of guy….someone that really can get the KLT because you do come from an honest and true heart.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: CopyByTom
October 13, 2015 at 12:06 pm #
Hi Donna,
What a wonderful example of business know-how your story of those smart kids are. Thanks for telling us about it and bringing a nostalgic smile to my face.
Your liking a blog to a business card is a good one too. One thing about a business card is that it works best when given to people gathered together for a purpose. A purpose where people are looking for something. They have a need. A bit like those smart kids leaving their business cards at people’s homes who had lawns in need of mowing.
If they had left them at people with freshly mown lawns, their cards might have been tossed away, or at best put in a drawer for “next time” and forgotten.
I work with people who’re frustrated by a lack of traffic and their blogs are failing because of this. I work with them to show them how “getting traffic” is all about going where the people with the most need for their products or service.
Then, when they come to visit their blog that’s when you can “give them your business card” – which in blogging terms is targeted content.
– Tom
Tom Southern recently posted..Blogging Tips, Strategies And Tactics: How To Sort Through The Pile and Find The One That’ll (Actually) Work For You
Hi Tom,
Glad to put that nostalgic smile on your face. I do remember when kids were kids and they could actually take that push mower from door to door and ask a neighbor if they could mow the lawn. Those were the days hugh?
But these things worked…it is all about supply and demand. Our blogs are like a business card because we can supply an answer to a problem. As long as we keep doing that, it grows.
I can resonate with you working with those who complain that they need traffic. All they have to do is do what you have suggested – Period. The traffic starts to pour in a bit at a time.
Thanks so much for coming by and leaving your great comment,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
October 13, 2015 at 11:59 am #
Hey Donna,
You are SO right my dear.
I have a lot of people who follow me every single day on Twitter. With their Twitter profile they don’t have their names so because I want to call them by their name I head over to their blogs to find it. Want to know what I find the majority of the time? Nothing…
Not a name, not a clear message, nothing about who is even behind the blog. It boggles my mind that these people create sites like this yet this is the first impression I have when I stop by. I’m not going to stick around to try and figure out what it is that they do because they’re so impersonal.
Our blogs are our business cards indeed and without a clear message of how we can help them and of course showing our own personal flare, most people won’t stick around to figure you out.
Great message Donna, thanks for sharing this one with us and I do hope that others will soon get the hint! 😉
Have a great day…
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..5 Reasons Your Blog Will Never Progress
Hi Adrienne,
Oh yes, I know exactly what you mean. It can drive me up a wall when I am trying to find a person behind a blog. No pictures, no name, not even a contact…I just have to skip on to the next.
When they don’t have a name on their blog, it is so difficult to comment because I like to address the person.
As long as we are clear about how we can help others, and do show our personality, people will stick around. They even may tell their friends. I love word of mouth lol.
Thanks so much my dear,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: atishranjan
October 13, 2015 at 11:23 am #
Hi Donna,
Very nice topic you have chosen. Thank you so much for this.
My blog is my business card for sure. Whatever work I get online that is because of my blog. Recently, I got contacted by Yahoo New, India to contribute few articles for them, and I got them via my Blog’s contact form.
In the early days, I was not so serious that my blog is my brand and I have to make it look professional, and try not to do mistakes. But, now I saw the power of a blog, I am trying my best to maintain high quality and professionalism on that because it can turn out to be a great source of getting great clients.
Have a good day ahead.
Atish Ranjan recently posted..Edit, convert and modify PDF files with Wondershare PDFelement
Hi Atish,
Well that is wonderful. What great news that Yahoo New India contacted you just from your blog.
You are maintaining a high quality of professionalism on your blog my friend. It is a great source of getting clients.
I’m so happy for you!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: stellachiu97
October 13, 2015 at 8:26 am #
Hi, Donna
Wonderful comparison of our blogs to business card.
Just like your suggestion, we need to take our blog seriously and personally.
I recently saw many blogs whose contents all are useless information.
Concise(to the point) is the key to the business card then concise is the key to the blogs. I am supporter of this idea. Because of that, I am really troubled by some of the famous bloggers’ statements: in order for the blogs to be noticed, the length of the blogs must be 2000 words or more. I am very confused. Your opinion is needed.
Really enjoy to read your post every time.
Love, Stella Chiu
Stella Chiu recently posted..7 Reasons Seattle is an Awesome City to Live and Visit
Hi Stella,
I never counted one word on a blog post. Ever! There are many people out there that will tell you that it has to be a certain number of words, but that works for them. There is no one size fits all when it comes to blogging.
A two minute video has a lot of words doesn’t it? he he he
As for “famous bloggers” Each one will give you what worked for them. In reality you have to find what works for you. I find that if a message is simple and straight forward that can help another person that’s all you need to do.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
October 13, 2015 at 7:52 am #
Hi Donna,
Well said, it’s so true. Our blog IS our business card, and that’s why we should make it clear as for what we do and who we are.
I find it amazing when I go on blogs with no name and no face. How are they visitors supposed to trust those people? Personally when I see no name and no face it makes me doubt, so I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one feeling this way.
I hope you’re enjoying your early fall days 🙂 By the way, you said you were in the North West in the video. Were you?
Have a wonderful day!
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Why You Must Heal Your Subconscious Issues To Clear The Way For What You Want
Hi Sylviane,
I sure know what you mean by visiting blogs with no face, and sometimes no name. How the heck am I supposed to comment? Dear “whoever wrote this” lol. It sure makes me full of doubts too.
Oh I am enjoying these fall days and have been on both coasts lately. Getting a good deal on a ticket to the west coast is my new passion. Seattle to Maine and back. David and I are enjoying visiting before the holiday season rolls in. I never travel on holidays…too much stress.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: ikechiawazie
October 13, 2015 at 6:21 am #
Hi Donna
Super creative and you got my mind sparking with inspiration.
I saw this title in your last Linkedin post and the end message is the title of this post.
You are right when you say that our blog is our business card. For sometime now, I have dabbled into Content development. Some people have approached me for consultation and it is all thanks to my blog.
This is why people should take their blog seriously as it is gives you a first impression online.
Thanks for an awesome share. Hats off to you Donna.
Hi Ikechi,
Isn’t it a wonderful feeling when a person approaches you because of the impression you have given on your blog?
As long as we are ourselves and it rings through our content, it is the best way to connect with others.
I find that in the marketplace, where not many people know me, they will hit the “about me” page on my blog, but more than that, skim through some of my posts.
When they tell me why they have purchased my digital product it was because they were impressed with my blog.
So yes…our blogs are like one huge business card.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: cybernaira
October 13, 2015 at 3:38 am #
Hi Donna,
You’re right about in all you said, and I just can’t imagine enough how important bloggers/online marketers should take this advice seriously.
Our blog is more than a business card, is our true identity – the real person behind the blog. That person you’re in real life, internet marketing is a “Ghost marketing”, the better you can let people discover who you are, what you are and how you be of help to them……the better your potential to achieve your goals.
Thanks for sharing, nice reading.
Shamsudeen recently posted..The Bitter Pills Of Making Money Online You Must Swallow
Hi Shamsudeen,
Indeed, our blogs are a reflection of who we are. How we can help others achieve a specific goal.
I like the way you call internet marketing “Ghost Marketing” because I see so much of that. But when I see a real live person, with a blog, or website. Someone talking online, I do get more of the trust value from them.
When we are out there marketing, we have to be transparent and our blogs can say so much about us.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: harleenas
October 13, 2015 at 1:55 am #
Hi Donna,
Awesome indeed 🙂
I loved the analogy of the business card, and you are so right – our blogs ARE like our business cards, though sadly so many bloggers don’t take it that way.
Being personal is just the way the cards are hand-written, and that’s how your personality would shine through. Everything else on your blog, whether it’s the design and other things are important, but if it doesn’t have your voice through the posts you share – it doesn’t work.
Enjoyed your Periscope videos as always, and thanks for sharing such a wonderful message with all of us. Sharing it further as it would certainly help others. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Guide To Healthy Living – The MEN Approach
Hi Harleena,
What ever happened to that hand written card or letter? I still write them to my daughter and grand children. It is a more personal touch…an energy of sorts.
Yes, our blogs are like a giant business card because our voice rings through. We do need to always remember that personal touch.
Nice to know you liked my Periscope video. Thanks so much.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: getsickcure
October 13, 2015 at 1:07 am #
Hi Donna, I have found your comment on Enstine blog and follow you here. I am curious about your title which is about blog business card.
I am amazed on your example of those two grade school kids and yeah they are genius even though they still young they can think out of the box ideas.
I guess, for me the symbol of business card on my blog is through commenting. Like what have you said in the post above, you have to make sure that the visitors know all the info on your blog (like those kids posting those card on the door of their prospect customer)… In that way, you can build trust from your customers.
Cheers
Eve
Eve Adams recently posted..Vacuum Traffic That Make More Money
Hi Eve,
So happy you found your way here via Enstine’s blog. Indeed, those two kids can think out of the box and it reminded me of when I was young and did so too.
Our blog comments say a lot about us. The conversations that go on are real social proof that we are engaging with others.
Yes…it is a great way to build trust from your customers
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: janesheeba
October 13, 2015 at 12:43 am #
Hey Donna,
What a wonderful message and what an analogy 🙂 I’m super impressed!
Like the business cards of those 9th grades, personality matters a lot. A hand written note is so powerful as long as it serves the purpose.
This is what most bloggers forget – they think about making it all sophisticated but miss the point of including their personality.
But all people expect and what works great is the personal touch and “to the point” approach.
Thanks so much for publishing this powerful piece Donna! Have a wonderful week 🙂
Cheers,
Jane.
Jane recently posted..How to protect your WordPress blog from brute force hacking using Login Lockdown Plugin
Hi Jane,
Many bloggers get into the mindset of making things sophisticated…true! Some miss the most important point of all…their personality!
We are our blogs and need that personal touch. Everything we write and each comment we answer is a reflection of who we are.
It is like a giant business card to me. Especially when people purchase a product from me and say that they did because they know all about me from my blog. And these are people who never even left a comment.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: SusanPCooper
October 12, 2015 at 10:11 pm #
Hi Donna, I was just mentioning on your other post how important our web presence is. Because it really is their first impression of you. I know I want, and try hard for, my blog to be a reflection of me and really showcase what I have to offer and how I can help with whatever problem they are having. Hopefully visitors of my blog are impressed enough to bookmark me and better yet sign up for my email list. :). It is a great reminder though, to go back and look at your blog, as if it’s your first visit there and determine if you are leaving the impression you want.
Susan cooper recently posted..Sera Fina Cellars – Cinque Wines: #Wine
Hi Susan,
It is so true…it is a good reminder to go back to our blogs and look at it as if it was the first time we viewed it. What does it say about us? Does it help others? I know it is quite difficult to do because it is our work, but I do think we are our own best critics.
Indeed, our web presence is the first impression of us. It could be on a blog, a sales page, or on social media. But whenever people find us, they always seem to go to our blogs to find out more about us.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: mrsdeegee
October 12, 2015 at 8:39 pm #
Hi Donna,
I love the analogy of the business card. Yes, our blogs are like our business cards.
Or as Adrienne put it in her latest post – they are like the 30 second elevator speech.
I didn’t see it that way before, but I do now.
You can be a creative as you’d like in regard to design, colors, etc…but the message of what you’re all about has to be clear.
That and what you have to offer.
I’m learning quite a bit the second time around. 🙂
Thanks for the post.
Dana recently posted..Are We Aware of What We’re Thinking?
Hi Dana,
It is never too late to learn, but you know that lol. Our blogs are a reflection of us, what we do and how we can solve a problem.
We can design it with words, images, videos…whatever. But we also have to pay attention to the people that come on over and read our blogs and are kind enough to leave a comment.
When a stranger wants to find out who you are, the “about me” section is not enough. The proof of the pudding is your content and communication.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?
Twitter: RenardMoreau
October 12, 2015 at 4:32 pm #
[ Smiles ] Donna, you are absolutely right about our blog being akin to our business-card.
I like to say, “My blog is my brand!”
For a personal blogger, I do take my blog seriously.
Content is still king!
Do have yourself a wonderful week!
Renard Moreau recently posted..Is Your Blog Being Supported By Others?
Hi Renard,
Indeed, Content is still King. When it comes to our blog, it is not only content but also the people that come to it and comment. The interaction with others sure makes a great impression for first time viewers.
Enjoy your week!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are Your Subscribers Responsive To You?