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Greetings!
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Many of you own and maintain blogs and I'm sure the thought of having your blog run on auto-pilot has entered your mind more than once. It's a lot of work to keep a blog's content fresh, especially if you want it to be successful.
Today, I'm going to give you the routine I follow to automate my blogging. Before we go any further let me explain one thing, I don't use nor promote using automatic blogging software. It's out there, but it highly undervalues the effectiveness of your blog.
Why?
Because the content it generates is either someone else's or has nothing to do with the niche of your blog.
What I do to automate my blog is simple, straight-forward, and still requires you to put in time and effort into building a successful blog; but it makes things easier for you in the long run.
Let's get started!
Step 1 - Start an Editorial Calendar- Keeping a calendar will help you brain-storm post ideas and keep you organized. A few things to keep in mind when putting together your calendar;
- Decide what day(s) of the week you want to post.
- If you're going to post once a week then plan out a month's worth of blog posts. 2 or more times a week then plan for at least 1 or 2 weeks.
- It's ok if you don't stick to your calendar every once in a while, it's there to get you serious and organized about your blogging!
Here's a 17 minute videoI put together that will show you how to do it, the tool I use, and even my blogging strategy for the Success Center.
Step 2 - Write Your Blog Posts in Advance- Sorry, but there's no magic pill that will help you put together good content. You just have to put your hands to the plow and get to work! Here's some advice;
- Pick a day where you won't have as many distractions, get comfortable, and write! My day is Sunday.
- Devote at least an hour or two of time with no technological distractions (IE. Turn off your phone, no TV, etc.)
- Disengage - Social media is a huge distraction when trying to be productive, log off of Twitter and Facebook for a while.
Step 3 - Schedule Your Posts- If you're a Wordpress user you can schedule your articles to "post" on a later date. As you edit a blog post, look for the "Publish"tab, go to "Published On,"and click edit. Select your future date and time (Time uses the 24 hour clock standard so be careful) and you're good to go.
Step 4 - Schedule Promoted Tweets and Messages using Hootsuite- Hootsuiteis a great social media tool that allows you to manage multiple accounts at once. It's greatest weapon is the ability to schedule messages.
First, locate the Permalinkfor your article. It's the link that Wordpress gives to every article you write. You can find it directly under your article's title.
Select and copy the permalink.
Next, open Hootsuite, craft a message letting everyone know of your new post, paste the permalink into the "link shortener" boxwhich is below the main message box, hit "Shrink it", click "Send Later,"and schedule your message around the time your blog post is set to "post."
A few things to note about scheduling messages;
- Schedule the messages in "rounds" - I usually schedule messages to post to Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin every 20 minutes. You don't want to "turn people off" by over-posting.
- Switch up your message style - On your first message you might start off with "New Post" but, on the second, give a short description of your article. This keeps your messages fresh and non-repetitive.
- Schedule your messages for up to an hour or two and engage with your social networks in between the automatic postings.
- Find different things to share within your rounds to keep social content fresh and engaging (IE. quotes, other articles you find useful, etc.).
Having your blog run on automatic still requires you to put in a little work - if you want to build a highly valuable, community-driven, successful blog. If not, then get some software and steal other people's content. If you stick to the tips here you'll be able to have your blog posts written and ready to promote days before it's time to post. This frees you up to handle other things. Email meif you have any questions, comments, or concerns and I'll be more than happy to help you.
Rod Kirby is an Author, Success Coach, Editor-in-Chief of The Success Center. Read more about, Rod on his about page.  The Success Center is the #1 Christian entrepreneur's "Blog-a-zine" for small business, marketing, social media, and spiritual help. Check out the very best ofThe Success Center by visiting this page. Take a look at what's going on at The Success Center, below! |
The Power of Storytelling in
Social Media Marketing
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A few years ago, marketing your product or service online cost hundreds
(if not, thousands) of dollars with a slick web design, buying banner
ads, hiring a SEO (search engine optimization) expert, and buying ad
space with Google. Want to know a secret that can get you the same
results at a cheaper price? Read More . . . |
Interview: How to Make a Five-Figure Monthly Salary with Johnny B. Truant
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Welcome to another episode of my Inside the Success podcast. Today, I
chat with Johnny B. Truant. You've probably read his work on
Copyblogger, Problogger, or some other highly successful blog. Johnny's
going to tell us all his secrets to success!
In this interview you'll learn;
How to create a "win, win, win" situation for your customers What it really takes to make money online How to maximize social media to create your own third tribe Johnny's 5-figure salary success story. A unique hair product for people without hair and much more!
Click to Listen . . .
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Presentation: 4 Pillars to Building a Successful Blog
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On Wednesday April, 7th I had the honor of speaking at the Social
Expedition Breakfast that meets up monthly here in Memphis, TN. The
room was filled with entrepreneurs and small business owners who either
have started a blog or were thinking of making the jump. Enjoy my
presentation! Watch the Slideshow . . . |
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 , Blogging doesn't have to be a chore and a half. Automate it the right way and it'll run on auto-pilot for you! I hope these tips have helped and wish you the best of luck. The next edition of Success Tips will be delivered on May 3rd. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with your friends, colleagues, clients, or amongst your network by using the forward link or share options below.
Sincerely,
Your, "Success Coach,"
Rod Kirby
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