Starting a business blog was the one decision that has had the most impact on my tiny business.  I owe almost every dollar that I have made to this website — it gives me a voice, it gives me a powerful marketing tool and it gives me authority.

But it didn’t start out that way.  When I started writing on this blog I had to find my voice.

It evolved over time in both style and message.  And it is still evolving.  It will always evolve because that is the nature of a blog.  The creation of my content evolves based on what I am hearing and seeing from my marketplace.

Your blog will evolve as well.

Here are four methods that I have used to find my voice as a blogger:

Write, Write, Write

When I started this blog, I made a commitment.  A commitment similar to one you make when you are starting a diet or an exercise regimen.  I made a commitment to post VALUABLE content on every weekday.  This has been (by far) the most significant method for finding my voice as a blogger.

When you start your blog, no one will be listening.  Like most things, you can see this as a positive or a negative.  The negative side is obvious.  The positive is that you can write in relative anonymity — you can use this time “alone” to find your voice.  You will get the occasional visitor at the beginning but for the most part you will be left alone to FIND what you can add to the discussion that is going on in your industry.

Read, Read, Read

While you are developing your writing style and message, it is critical that you are reading other bloggers.  Find the best of the best and put them in your RSS reader.  Study their style and message.  Look at the titles that they give their posts, notice how they use linking to create more value for their readers.  Incorporate what makes sense into your blog.

Talk to Your Audience

Once you have moved through the “Anonymity Stage” you will begin to develop an audience.  Now is the time to ask questions and to listen to your audience.  What are they needing?  Invite someone local out for coffee and ask lots of great questions — sit back and take notes.  They will tell you exactly what they need, it is up to you to deliver.

Take a Step Back

Every once in a while you must step back from your blog and evaluate whether you are delivering a consistent voice to your audience.  Are your topics focused?  Are you using consistent structure in your titles?  Is your posting frequency steady?  Do your categories make sense?

Do this on a periodic basis.  Put it on your calendar if you have to.  Make the necessary changes and then charge forward having solidified your blogging voice further.

What about you?  What kinds of things have helped you find your blogging voice?  What kinds of problems are you having finding your voice?

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