SmallBizResource Blog -- Economy

How To Buffer Your Blog During The Economic Bust

Posted by Gayle Kesten Tuesday, Oct 21, 2008, 02:38 PM ET

The merits of blogging as a marketing tool for our microbusinesses are no mystery. Some of us are even making money and/or a living as bloggers. So the concern for how to prepare our blogs for an economic downturn is huge.

For that, ProBlogger offers a baker's dozen tips, all of which are especially useful should you find yourself with extra time on your hands. Here's a sampling:

1. Focus on content: Continue to create useful content that solves problems, enhances lives, and fulfills needs. How-to and advice content is particularly important in times like these; during an economic downturn, searching for this type of content will likely increase.

2. Build networks: Use the coming months wisely by expanding your networks, both online and off. Perhaps working with another blogger (or a group of bloggers) to support each other and to promote one another’s work could be one way forward through this tough time.

3. Don't panic about your future: What good would that do? Stay logical and, if you're having a weak moment, DON'T panic publicly on your blog.

4. Build authority: Do as much as you can to pump up your perceived expertise. This is especially powerful in times of uncertainty, when people are looking for leadership, advice, and stability.

5. Find ways to expand and improve your blog: Now is the time to position yourself for the future so that when the economy expands, you're ahead of your competitors. (Tracking your blog stats is a great way to see what needs improvement.)

6. Cut costs: Evaluate all of the low-cost, recurring services you have signed up for but hardly use. Perhaps it's time to eliminate some and/or to find ways to cut back.

7. Experiment with income streams: What's working for some bloggers, such as cost-per-click advertising and affiliate marketing, isn't working for others. Test different income streams, even old ones that you’ve previously written off might now be performing.

One I'll add: Step away from your computer. When the pressure builds, it often leads to massive writer's block and other forms of mental paralysis. Get off your butt and go do something else. You'll be all the better for it. I promise.

Take a look at what else ProBlogger suggests, then let me know if you have any suggestions of your own.

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