You’ve heard it a million times: “Content is king.” But let’s be real for a second. If you’re a local business owner, starting a blog can feel like one more thing on an already endless to-do list. Is it really worth it?
Well, we wanted to know what the experts think, so we asked them. In a recent survey, 70% of local SEO pros agreed that blogging is a solid way to build backlinks for local businesses. That’s some serious endorsement. But—surprise, surprise—there’s more to the story.
Blogging: Essential or Optional?
68% of respondents believe every local business should have a blog. Yet, 12% flat out said, “Nope, not necessary,” and a significant chunk is undecided. Here’s the kicker: while a blog can be a powerful tool, not every business needs one.
“Poorly written or irrelevant content can do more damage than not having a blog at all,” said one expert.
Before you dive headfirst into the blogging world, ask yourself:
Do I have the time to keep it up?
Do I have something valuable to say?
Do I understand what my customers need?
These questions are crucial because no one wants to waste time on a blog that no one reads.
How Often Should You Blog?
Here’s where it gets interesting: 98% of experts say businesses should update their blog at least once a month, and 43% think you should go for a weekly post. Why? Consistency builds trust with your audience and signals to Google that your site is alive and kicking. But hey, don’t let frequency kill the quality.
"The biggest mistake? Starting a blog and then ghosting it,” one respondent shared. “If your latest post is from 2016, just take it down or explain why you’re no longer blogging."
Consistency is key, but only if you’re adding value. Don’t blog for the sake of blogging.
What Should You Blog About?
What do local businesses need to blog about? Help guides, local news, company updates, and product reviews all made the top of the list. Pro tip: focus on answering the burning questions your customers are already asking.
As one expert put it: “What are searchers really looking for? If the blog isn’t answering those questions, they won’t bother.”
Sure, it’s tempting to just talk about your products, but remember: a good blog offers more than just a sales pitch. It’s about providing useful, actionable information that keeps your audience coming back.
How Does Blogging Help Your Business?
Blogging can position you as an expert, boost your search rankings, and give you content to share across social media. Plus, it can improve customer engagement and even drive backlinks to your site.
But let’s be clear: blogging for SEO alone isn’t enough. Your content should serve real customer needs, or as one pro put it: “If no one reads it, what’s the point?”
The end goal is simple: create content that attracts, engages, and converts. But don’t forget to promote it! Write it, share it, and get it in front of as many eyes as possible.
Avoid These Common Blogging Mistakes
We asked our panel of experts about the biggest mistakes they see local businesses make with their blogs. The top offenders?
Irrelevant content – No one wants to read about your weekend hobby when they’re looking for a solution to their problem.
No call-to-action – If you’re not leading readers to the next step, what’s the point?
Forgetting local focus – Your blog should speak to your local audience, not random people across the globe.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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