5 ways you can use your blog to save time and create more space in your business

New business owners often tell me they don’t want to start a blog because they feel like they will have to post there all the time.

I get that. It is what we are told we need to do.

While there are many business benefits to having a blog (discoverability through search, less time on social media, owning your own content etc), that’s not what I want to focus on in this article.

Instead, I’m going to encourage you to look at your blog in a completely different way.

When a client says to me:

“I don’t want to have a blog because I already have too many other things on my to do list”

I nod and then I ask:

“What if your blog could SAVE you time?”

Believe it or not, your blog can be both a place for sharing content AND a productivity tool you can totally use to create more space – in your schedule, your inbox and your creations… let me show you what I mean.

Here’s five ways you can use your blog to save time and create more space in your business (with real-world examples from my biz):

01 // Answer frequently asked questions

This is one of my FAVE things to use my blog for and a BIG time saver.

I find I get asked the same questions over and over again. When this happens, I create a blog post on it. This could be in the format of written, video or audio – depending on what the topic is.

As it’s a common question being asked, I know a lot of people will find the post valuable.

This is a big time saver because next time I get asked that question, instead of writing out an email in response or having a lengthy conversation about it, I simply send the link to the blog article.

Most of my video tutorials on my blog have been recorded in response to a common question I’ve been asked.

(And hello, YouTube my unexpected friend – loads of people seem to find me via this platform these days).

02 // Share supplemental Information

Use your blog to share information that perhaps doesn’t fit or is too detailed for your sales / services pages. For example, the finer details about your process, your deeper values, the tools or techniques you use to support your clients.

This article on budget friendly branding is one I link to from the FAQs section on my sales pages. It helps new business owners on their search for affordable branding. It’s one of my most viewed posts. I used to get emails about this quite often, now it rarely pops up.

Here’s a great example from The Ink Garden where she outlines her branding process. I read this article carefully and it was the piece of content that got me to book a call to work with Kristen. By the time we got on the call… I didn’t have any questions for Kristen about her process – which saved us loads of time.

03 // Cover core topics or messages

What are your core messages or topics that you tend to talk about over and over again? These are the things that you find yourself re-explaining multiple times, that are essential to the work you do or that might even annoy you because you feel like you’re forever trying to articulate the importance of this topic?

I do a lot of linking back to blog posts that cover core, important topics. It saves me from having to re-create, re-write or re-explain the same core messages multiple times…

An example of where I’ve done this is inside my Website Creation Companion ebook. This has kept the book more digestible but, if the reader wants more information, they have the option to dive a little deeper by heading across to the blog article.

04 // Educate

I use my blog to educate people on how to get the best out of their website project. I explain what they need to prepare before we work together so they can get the best result from their investment.

Again, the time savings happen here because it firstly eliminates anyone who isn’t quite ready to work with me (which means less time on mis-aligned sales calls).

When I do jump on a sales call with a potential client, they generally are already aware of what needs to happen before we co-create together… this way we spend less time talking about that stuff and more time focused on exactly how I can support them.

05 // Values-based content

Creating values-based content – that is, content that explores your deeper beliefs, values and philosophies – I find, can be much easier and enjoyable to write. PLUS humans naturally connect with each other through common values and beliefs. So sharing this type of article is a very natural and effective way to connect with your audience – think: less time spent marketing and more time connecting with your ideal clients who share these similar values.

My little sister and digital marketing strategist, Koren Helbig has built a successful business through sharing values-based content. Listen to our interview over this way.

Another example of this is this article I wrote on Business Minimalism. While not directly related to website design, a recent client told me that it was this article and video that sealed the deal with wanting to work with me.

Bonus idea: Free Resources Library

This is not something I personally do, but if you’re really adverse to the idea of having a blog… why not look at it like a Free Resources library instead? Here’s a place you can share mini video trainings or classes, meditations, audios, checklists, ebooks etc.

Rather than call your blog, a ‘blog’, call it ‘free resources’. And each blog post becomes a free resource that your visitors can watch, listen to or download.

A simple mindset shift… using different language for your blog might help with the resistance to wanting to have one.

Okay, phew, if you made it this far – you’re a legend.

To sum up, here’s some topics you could consider adding to your blog:

• Common questions you get asked on sales calls or that come into your inbox or common core messages that you find yourself talking about over and over again.

• Simple mini trainings, videos, checklists, printables or other free resources

• Write out your unique process you take your clients through. What differentiates you from other people in your industry? And how does this benefit your clients?

• Do you have pre-requisites that someone must meet before they work with you? This could be things they need to physically create or prepare, it could be a certain mindset / values / outlook they need to have, it could be that they need to be at a certain level or point in their life / biz/ career.

• What are some common misconceptions that prevent your clients from getting the results they want or that occur in your industry? How can these be improved / prevented?

• What are your business values? What stories about your own journey can you share or articles could you write that showcase this? This doesn’t have to directly relate to the work you do but is more about showing more of your personal side.