Why and How to Set Up a Blog on your Ecommerce Website

Many ecommerce sites incorporate a blog, but have you ever wondered why? It's not simply because online shop owners have a passion for writing or an abundance of free time. The truth is, blogging serves as a powerful marketing and SEO strategy. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons why blogging is an excellent approach for promoting your ecommerce site, along with practical tips on how to establish a blog on your online store.

Why should you blog on an ecommerce site?

1. Inform your audience about your products:
   Blogging provides a fantastic opportunity to educate your audience about your products. Through well-crafted blog posts, you can demonstrate the usage and benefits of your offerings. Additionally, you can share insights about your company and create a narrative around your products. For instance, if your ecommerce site specializes in selling baby clothes, consider writing blogs about children's fashion and helpful parenting tips.

2. Stay top of mind:
   Regularly publishing blog posts and sharing them on social media helps you maintain a strong presence in the minds of your audience. Even when visitors aren't currently seeking to make a purchase, you want them to remember your brand. Suppose a visitor comes across your blog post on dressing children on a hot day. Although they may not need new clothes immediately, they've become acquainted with your ecommerce site through your post. This familiarity increases the likelihood that they will think of you when the need for children's clothing arises.

3. Enhance SEO efforts:
   Running a blog greatly contributes to your site's search engine optimization (SEO). Each time you publish a new blog post, you add fresh content that search engines like Google appreciate. Moreover, maintaining a blog allows you to generate content focused on keywords you aim to rank for.

Practical tips for setting up a blog on your ecommerce site:

1. Choose relevant blog topics:
   Conduct thorough keyword research to identify the search terms you want to target. These keywords should guide your selection of blog topics. However, keep in mind that a keyword alone is not a complete topic. You need to find an angle or a story that revolves around the keyword. Stay updated on current events in your niche, as they can inspire blog post ideas. You can also encourage your audience to leave comments on your blog, which may provide valuable feedback or questions to spark new post ideas. If you're still seeking inspiration, explore our guide on generating blog ideas.

2. Focus on readability:
   Regardless of whether your ecommerce site's blog covers fashion trends or the latest tech gadgets, its readability is paramount. Readability not only helps search engines understand your content, improving your chances of ranking for targeted keywords, but it also enhances the overall reading experience for your audience.

3. Include the blog in your site's menu:
   Your website's menu or top navigation is crucial in helping visitors understand your site's purpose and offerings. It should reflect the structure of your website. When you add a blog to your ecommerce site, ensure that it is prominently featured in your menu. Consider positioning it separately from the categories of your ecommerce products—either on the far left (next to the homepage) or far right of the menu. Your blog should be easily accessible from the homepage, as you want visitors to find it effortlessly. Linking your blog from the homepage also signals its importance to search engines, potentially boosting its ranking. Additionally, it's beneficial for both your ecommerce site and blog to be on the same domain, as they can mutually benefit from each other's search rankings.

4. Utilize tags:
   With a blog on your ecommerce site, you'll likely write extensively about topics related to your products. This might include events where your products are used, tips on utilizing them, or product comparisons. Consequently, your tags may overlap with the categories and subcategories of your shop. This is acceptable since the goal is to rank these posts and direct traffic to the products you sell. Grouping products, whether through categories or tags, simplifies the ranking process.

5. Leverage social media and newsletters:
   When you initiate a blog on your ecommerce site, make sure to share your posts on social media platforms. Additionally, send out newsletters to promote your latest blog content to your audience. Occasional reminders about your blog and brand will help keep you on your audience's radar.