1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:06,230 [Treehouse Presents - Quick Tips: Blogging - Freelances & Businesses with C.C. Chapman] 2 00:00:06,230 --> 00:00:09,710 Hey everybody. I'm C.C. Chapman, author of Content Rules. 3 00:00:09,710 --> 00:00:15,760 In that book, I talk about a bunch of ways you can use content to promote yourself, and these tips are especially valuable 4 00:00:15,760 --> 00:00:18,180 for freelancers and small businesses. 5 00:00:18,180 --> 00:00:21,530 One of the most effective tools is a blog. 6 00:00:21,530 --> 00:00:24,710 Starting up a blog is a fairly simple process these days. 7 00:00:24,710 --> 00:00:30,440 But what's not so simple is figuring out what to write about and keeping the content pipeline full. 8 00:00:30,440 --> 00:00:36,690 First of all, blogging is not the same as social networking. What you can provide in a well thought-out and prepared blog post 9 00:00:36,690 --> 00:00:40,980 is totally different than firing off a random tweet or Facebook update. 10 00:00:40,980 --> 00:00:47,610 Posting great information in the form of research, articles, interviews, photo galleries, and other announcements 11 00:00:47,610 --> 00:00:52,720 allows you to present content in a way that would be valuable to your customers. 12 00:00:52,720 --> 00:00:59,180 Also, when you write blog posts, are you writing them for yourself or for your readers? Because there's a big difference. 13 00:00:59,180 --> 00:01:03,490 You have to consider the value this content will have for existing potential customers. 14 00:01:03,490 --> 00:01:11,570 Providing real value through content means anticipating needs and questions and addressing concerns before they ever get raised. 15 00:01:11,570 --> 00:01:16,740 Many successful blogs have taken otherwise average topics, and through some insightful posts and case studies, 16 00:01:16,740 --> 00:01:19,070 open the eyes of new customers. 17 00:01:19,070 --> 00:01:25,080 When you share great ideas about what to do with your products or how your services can fit their needs, 18 00:01:25,080 --> 00:01:28,170 customers that need your help will find you. 19 00:01:28,170 --> 00:01:31,140 But you have to start by writing what you know. 20 00:01:31,140 --> 00:01:36,250 Don't pretend to be an expert on something you don't know because everybody will see right through it. 21 00:01:36,250 --> 00:01:41,850 For example, if you're new to one type of web-design framework, but you are more experienced with another, 22 00:01:41,850 --> 00:01:44,960 consider writing about the one you know best. 23 00:01:44,960 --> 00:01:50,970 Your knowledge and expertise will be reflected in what you write and customers will see how valuable it can be. 24 00:01:50,970 --> 00:01:54,680 So consider a blog when trying out new ways to present your content, 25 00:01:54,680 --> 00:01:59,430 understand the value it can have to generate new business, and write what you know. 26 00:01:59,430 --> 00:02:05,430 If you can do all that, you'll have a blog that's not only great to read, but also great for building your business.