It never ceases to amaze me the number of websites that I come across that have, "Blog Coming Soon" written in the related section. I'm always naturally curious when I meet people and one of the first things I do is look at their websites to understand and learn more about their particular business. As a writer, I'm naturally interested in their website content but l'm particularly drawn to their blog and news pages and I always feel somewhat cheated if I'm greeted with those immortal words and I probably don't need to repeat them again.
Anything Will Do!
It's also quite irksome when I do find articles written and it's obvious from the date or content that they are not current and it seems apparent that the article has just been published because "something" must go there and I find the content is of little value and is full of mistakes. The information may be "out of date" or it's related to a particular time of year which is well and truly over, for example, "Tips on Preparing For A Summer Bar-be-que" and it's now the beginning of February! (Note to myself, don't publish this in July!)
You've Probably Lost a Potential Client!
Of course, there is a chance that I have just stumbled across the site a few hours before the first blog post is due to be posted and I might have been really unlucky and missed out on a real gem. However, it's not "bad luck" for me, it's really bad news for the company as a potential client may leave your site thinking, "This company isn't ready for me! I'll try someone else!"
So What Does The Statement, "Blog Coming Soon" Really Mean?
"I really don't have a clue what to write about!"
"I will get around to this, but at the moment I have better things to do with my time!"
"The Blog section is at the bottom of my priorities and how important is it anyway?"
The bottom line is that you should really be saying, "Blog Is NOT Coming Soon!"
How Do You Get Over This Dilemma?
OK - I know, just write an article and publish it!
Perhaps you do have a topic in mind but you seem to have been agonising over it for what seems like days or weeks as to the best way to approach it. If this is the case, just start!
Or, maybe you have something that's partially written or even completed but because you are such a perfectionist, you don't feel it's ready for publication. Do remember, you are not trying to win the Orange Prize for Literature! Just ensure that the article is interesting and will appeal to your readers and it is without grammatical and spelling errors. Always use a Proofreader if you feel your use of the English language isn't perfect.
But, let's say that this is not an option!
Be Creative
Get creative with your page and think of some catchy phrases backed up by some interesting designs and pictures, for example a post box, a post it sticker, a clock or timer or a notepad or book and use colour to bring some life to the page without content. By doing this, you will be sending out a positive message.
"Hang in there!"
"Sit tight!"
"Fasten Your Seat belts, You're In For An Interesting Ride!"
Direct People Away From Your Blog Page
Another alternative is to distract people by diverting them to another page of your website, or you could ask them to sign up for your newsletter or direct them to your Facebook or Twitter feeds. I don't want to go around in circles here, but you will need content for all your social media and your newsletters so don't create a "double whammy" by directing them to a social media site that is empty. Remember, if you ask people to do something, they often oblige!
Remove The Blog Page
The last option and in my opinion, the least desirable is to remove the page altogether. However, if you do this, try to think of it as a temporary measure! If it is the latter, set yourself a time limit, perhaps a week or a month and hold yourself accountable. You may find that once the pressure of "having to fill that space" has gone, your thought processes become clear and your creative writing talents begin to flow.
The Real Solution
The real answer is to have content really for your blog page before you set it up. This can be achieved by:
• Getting your website content writer to include at least 1 blog and preferably 2 or 3 when all the copy is prepared
• Using a professional blogger to write your articles
• Learning how to plan and schedule your blogs so you are never short of content
What To Do Next
Writing and Blogging wants to eradicate, "Blog Coming Soon" and is helping many business owners with their blog writing by holding 1 to 1 sessions that will teach you why you should, how to construct a blog and how to plan your blogs so that you will never be short of ideas or content again. In this way you will have all the encouragement and motivation that you need to keep your Blog Page vibrant and interesting.
Alternatively, we can write your blogs for you.
For more information on this, please email annie@writingandblogging.co.uk