I put this list together whilst working for Business Link, to give members of staff some help when it came to writing blog posts.
Whilst some of the examples may be focused towards business support, I still hope you find it useful.
Instructional
Quite simply telling people how to do things. Sometimes works well as a ‘How To’ post.
E.g. How to write a business plan, How to plan an event, How to research a market
Informational
Giving information on a topic. Easier to do if you specialise in something or have access to good information.
E.g. How the Convergence programme impacts on Cornwall, How geo-tagging can be used by SMEs
Problem Post
Giving an answer to a common problem or question.
E.g. How should I structure my company? How much money should I spend on marketing? How much annual leave are my staff entitled to?
Events
Your response/review/build up to a event. Could include photos, slides or videos.
E.g. Ad Tech – a review of London’s high profile technology event, What to expect from Somerset’s Growing Green event
Lists
Listing resources or tips. Very popular type of post.
E.g. Top 10 internet marketing tips, 10 ways to motivate a team
Diary
Giving others an insight into a person’s daily activities. Try and make it as interesting as possible!
E.g. A day in the life of an Online Business Adviser, A day in the life of a Chief Executive
Research
Sharing interesting, current and relevant reports, surveys and stats.
E.g. Report: Impact of public sector spending cuts in the South West of England, Some stats and figures on how B2Bs choose to communicate
Inspirational
Be positive. What have you seen that has inspired you? What can you share that may inspire others?
E.g. Caring about your customers, The day that changed my viewpoint, More than just a business…
Interviews
Do you know someone who is an expert, leader or passionate about a subject? Why not ask them a few questions.
E.g. An interview with business leader Joe Bloggs, Joe Bloggs answers some testing Tourism questions
Case Studies
Document the story or real-life experiences of a person or business. Interesting or exciting hooks makes the story telling easier.
E.g. A sparkling future for award winning vineyard, Cornish clay company is poised to lead building revolution
Profile
Combine an interview with a case study. Tell an interesting story by focusing on one individual.
E.g. Joe Bloggs reveals secrets to vineyard success, Joe Bloggs the locksmith picks the key to success
Collation
Collate research, links and statements to give a thorough and well rounded view of an issue.
E.g. The World Cup Bid – how it affects the city of Plymouth, What is Solutions for Business and how does it affect businesses
Response
Provide a response to a recent and relevant event or announcement.
E.g. How The Budget announcement affects business in the South West
Debate
Give relevant background information on a subject, ask a question and encourage debate.
E.g. Staff representing a company online – a risk worth taking? Privacy vs Transparency – will we have a choice in the future?
Contrasting two
Discuss and explain two viewpoints or options to give a nicely balanced post.
E.g. Online advertising: pay-per-clicks vs pay-per-impressions. Working on your own – home or an office – which is for you?
Hypothetical
Run through a ‘what if’ scenario. These can be interesting but remember to keep them slightly realistic!
E.g. With Boscastle in mind, what if a flood hits your business? What if the local press print incorrect information about my business?
Involvement
Write something that involves participation. Post a poll. Share a survey. Start a project.
E.g. Do you provide social media services in Devon, Cornwall or Somerset? Poll: How important is a work/home life balance?
Anything with a killer headline
This is your chance to grab people’s attention. Hook them in.
Thanks for reading!
Do you have any more to add? Please let me know if I have missed any out!
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