This is going to be a short post - but an important one. I'm going to introduce you to a tiny, easy to use piece of html code that will help you blog for business.
It's this: <hr>
It stands for horizontal rule and it does just that. It draws a horizontal line across your page. And with that line you create a footer, a space 'below the line' where you can add comments, links and information that you want to share with your readers, but that doesn't fit naturally in the main part of the post.
It's one of the most useful things I've learned in the last six months, and it's changed the way that I write my business blog.
Blog writing is all about conversational, engaging pieces that create rapport with your reader, that build a sense of connection. It can feel awkward sometimes to add in the information you need to get across, like a service you're running at the moment, or where to find out more about a product you're offering.
The footer is the ideal place for this kind of material, keeping the post free for the chat and the friendly conversation.
Here are some of the things I've dropped into my footer:
- Polite requests to subscribe to a feed
- Information on who I am, or who a guest author is
- Links to other posts I've written on a subject (a great way to keep readers for longer)
- Reminders about a theme for the month or a series I'm writing
- Information on a special offer that's running
- My signature (name + strapline)
The beauty of this bit of code is that it's so easy to use. Just go into 'edit html' view. Add the code:
<hr>
And that's it. You've got a horizontal line. If you have material you use time and again (like 'subscribe to the feed' or your signature) you can cut and paste the html code for the whole thing, store it in notepad and drop it in each time you reach the end of your post.
Really, it couldn't be simpler!
Have you discovered the joys of using a footer in your posts? What kind of ways do you use them? How do they help you promote your business?
This is Part 7 of the mini-series Showing Off Your Content, part of the Practical Tips for Business Bloggers programme at Business Blog Angel.
Episodes to date include:
Intro: Showing off Your Content
Part 1: Should I Have A Welcome Post On My Blog?
Part 2: Use Bold And Bullets To Break Up Your Posts
Part 3: Break Up Your Posts With Quotes
Part 4: One Simple Programme That Can Save You Blogging Time
Part 5: "Continue Reading" With Style
Part 6: How Do I Format Links?
Part 7: How A Footer Helps You Blog for Business
If you'd like some practical coaching assistance with formatting your blog - either fixing something that's gone wrong or keeping yourself right in the future - you can now book business blog coaching sessions with Business Blog Angel Claire by the hour.
Follow this link for more details and to access to the booking calendar.
