The art of maintaining and growing a business blog is a fine balancing act – as those of us writing one know only too well.

The guides and Gurus, the internet marketers and their automated content programmes, the advocates of ‘set then forget’ rather than ‘grow and show’ all advise on how easy it is to manage your business blog.

They’re wrong. And here’s why.

When I started managing blogs for clients back in 2005, after launching the UK’s first fully-managed blogging service, it became clear (and pretty quickly, too) that most individuals and businesses were struggling to see the value or long-term benefits associated with a defined, structured, well-presented, thoroughly-researched, thought-provoking, thought-leading blog.

This is not, however, par for the course. Any social media marketer worth their reputation advocates a solid blog as the linchpin of any social media campaign. And with good reason – a good business blog delivers, time after time.

But, be prepared.

Take, for example, this beach picture I took recently of Godrevy lighthouse in Cornwall. Perfect, isn’t it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, not quite. Although it looks effortless, there a number of considerations to be taken into account before a picture such as this works.

There is preparation, planning and purpose. Definitely not a ‘point & shoot’ effort. Perfection takes practice.

And delivering a consistent blog over time is exactly the same. It takes time, effort, pain and practice. It isn’t easy. It hurts.

Get ready for the following barriers:

* Bloggers’ block (can’t focus)

* Bloggers’ lethargy (can’t be bothered)

* Bloggers’ fear (can’t be creative)

When one considers that 70% of all blogs fail or quit in the first 12 months, it might seem like a daunting task to even keep it going.

My top tip in maintaining a business blog to stand the test of time is simple – be prepared for it to be (at times) difficult, testing, painful, and bloody hard work. All marketing is.

You’re attempting to reach out and touch peoples’ lives, remember.

But, with the mindset of “it will be hard work, but it is worth it” you’ll find your business blog a little bit more manageable. Honest.

Hey, I’m still here and I started blogging six years ago. Give it some passion and see what comes back.

You might even surprise yourself – I know I have.