Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 65)

business advice craft focus 123 schedule, which means content comes through repeatedly and your readers know when to expect a new post. It also allows you to have ideas when the well runs dry. If you expect to sit down at your computer to write and come up with a great subject straight away, you may be disappointed. Plan ahead and you will always have a sparkling idea ready to go. All you have to do is expand upon it. Lastly, your calendar will help you to stay organised. As a small business owner, you probably wear more hats than will stay on your head. Your schedule will make sure your blog is top priority, and won’t take up more time than it should. Get started If you’ve got a WordPress blog, download and install StressLimit WordPress editorial calendar plugin. It is used by approximately 50,000 people and has many benefits, including ease of use, drag and drop features and accessibility. It’s also free. Once your calendar is set up, it’s time to brainstorm. Whether you’re writing a list, making a web, or using one of the latest mind-mapping apps on your smartphone, get as many ideas down as possible. This isn’t the time to judge your suggestions. Set yourself a timer and make a note of everything that pops into your head. You’ll be surprised how many seemingly terrible or silly ideas can be turned into great posts that readers will love. Remember also that guest posters can add another dimension to your blog. Just make sure you organise these in advance. Schedule them way ahead and put them on your editorial calendar. Find out what each author is writing about and record that too so you don’t cover the same topic twice. The guest blogger’s subject matter may also give you fresh ideas that you can then follow up in further posts. Remember that your blog is a vital part of your marketing armour; it gives you a chance to communicate with your customers on a regular basis. Don’t give up – if you plan your content properly, you will succeed. Michael O’Connor Grey Sergeant michael.oconnor@greysergeant.com Remember also that guest posters can add another dimension to your blog. Just make sure you organise these in advance. Schedule them way ahead and put them on your editorial calendar.