Access Profiles, Inc.

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you will know the value I place on business blogging.  I have shared with you the benefits and even some tips on how to make your blogging easier.



(You can find out more about those benefits and tips here and here).



Those of you who have taken my advice, should now find Blogging a part of your regular schedule.  You have committed yourself to writing a set number of articles each week, month, or at whatever interval that makes sense for you.   


You have also found ways to get your articles out there through your social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms.


Now it is time to take your blogging to the next level.  It is time to explore Collaborative and Guest Blogging!


Guest blogging is when you feature articles written by others on your own blog or you share your articles on another’s blog.  In each case, the author is given full credit for their work and links back to their blog are included.


Another option You can explore is starting a Collaborative Blog!


A Collaborative blog differs from a traditional blog in that there is not necessarily one “main” author.  Here there is a group of bloggers that contribute regularly scheduled content to their shared blog.


Most times there is a pre-determined schedule for when each is to submit an article and even an agreed upon set of topics or focus.


There are great benefits to both.  Each gives you a new avenue to share your content and the content of others.  The power of numbers also helps you reach an extended audience that may not have come across your posts through your regular channels.



Both can be fantastic in building quality connections, brand value, and even increasing your business.


Grow Your Blog Audience with Guest & Collaborative Blogging!  “Tweet This”

• Become an Expert

One of the main reasons to start a blog in the first place is to share your knowledge.  Whatever your field, if you provide quality content, your expertise will shine.

The same is true about sharing quality guest posts and Collaborative Blogging.  You should only accept those articles that are in line with your blog’s core purpose.

In deciding on which bloggers are right for you, make sure their writing styles and core values match or complement your own.  It is important to remember that you need a consistent “voice” for your blog.

For example, my blog’s focus is on Small Business issues and tips. To that end, I would only feature articles that did the same.  This makes sense.  

In the end, it is all about sharing the best possible content with your readers that aligns with your blogging goals.   

• Increase Your Audience

Guest blogging will increase your chances of getting noticed, more than you could probably accomplish with your solo blog.  Each new contributor brings with them their own readers and social site connections.  The key here is to make sure your guest bloggers share the content they post on your site just as they would post articles from their own blog.  

Much like with Guest blogging, by its nature, a Collaborative blog allows you to also reach a much wider audience.  And because each member has a vested interest in the success of your collaborative blog, they are more likely to actively share any new posts on their own social networks. 

I recently discovered a tangible example of my own blog’s reach.  I had joined my husband at one of his business meetings.  While I have done this often, this time we were having dinner with quite a few people I had never met.

Over the course of the dinner, I mentioned my name and my company’s name.  One of the guests said, “I know you.  You write that blog I read on LinkedIn”!  All of a sudden, I found myself fielding questions on what I do from the other guests. 
  
Imagine the increase in the possibility of something like this happening if your blog is shared on a wider scope!

• Build Strong Relationships 

This is one of my favorite aspects of Guest & Collaborative Blogging.  On one hand, I get the opportunity to connect with other bloggers who share my interests.  On the other, I get to forge relationships with new readers.

But as anyone who has done anything on social media knows, you have to be in it for the long haul.  You have to earn your success here.  It takes time to build the strong relationships you want.  Be patient and work hard.

• Reach Potential Clients and Business Partners

This is why the quality of your posts really matters.  By focusing on sharing top-notch information, you will have the greatest chance building a strong reputation and reaching potential clients and customers. 

By setting yourself up as the “go to” person in your field, you are more likely to come to mind when they need the type of services you offer.  And, after all, the success of your business should be your ultimate goal.

accessprofilesblog.com

A Collaborative Blog will:

• Lessen Your Blogging Workload

You can realize this benefit much more easily through a Collaborative Blog than with a Guest Blog.  With a Collaborative blog, you will achieve a more frequent and consistent posting schedule without having to write more yourself.

For example, I have found that with my “real work” schedule, it is only feasible for me to write one new article each week.  Through a collaborative blog, it would be possible to get more posts “out there” despite my busy schedule.  It is also a great way to keep a fresh online presence even when taking a well-deserved vacation!

• Allow You to Cover more Topics of Interest

You can’t be an expert at everything.  We all have areas where we are more comfortable in sharing our level of knowledge than in others.

With a collaborative blog, you will have greater access to more knowledge that you could ever hope to have on your own.  In fact, the goal in setting up your collaborative group should be to include those that are experts on things that you aren’t ~ while still keeping in mind the needs and interests of your audience.

This varied skill set will also give your readers the “fresh” information they crave.  In addition, it will ease the burden on you of having to come up with new topics on your own!

• Increase Your Reach and Exposure on a Regular Basis

This is where setting up a posting schedule really helps.  If done right, with a Collaborative Blog there will never be any lulls or gaps in your publishing of new posts.  Articles will go out a regular basis.  The value here is that your readers will know when to expect new posts and will come to anticipate them.  


Although there are very real benefits to using Guest and Collaborative blogging, that does not mean that there is no value in your traditional blog.  It is still possible to accomplish your goals even when you carry the entire load.



But if you are looking for a way to enhance what you are already doing, then it is time to look into what Guest and Collaborative blogging can do for you.  You may find it to be the perfect way to provide your readers with a variety of content and reach a wider audience ~ all while taking some of the weight off your own shoulders.


Now is the time for You to take the leap into Guest and Collaborative Blogging.


What are You waiting for?  


Calling All Bloggers ~ If you are interested in finding out more about blogging for your Small Business, OR if you would like to be a Guest Blogger on my blog, Contact Me Now!


Please Spread the Word.  I invite you to Share This and Leave a Comment.  I look forward to hearing from you!


Authored by