(PR and Your Blog is a series written by Seth Hawkins (Debra’s husband). Seth is a PR professional turned school teacher, who is sharing his knowledge of PR. Catch up on the first two segments of his column, PR and Blogs- a Mutualistic Relationship and Branding Your Blog- Creating a Quality Product.)
The other day I was eating at Jason’s Deli, one of my favorite places to enjoy a bite to eat with my family. While savoring my delicious croissant sandwich, I couldn’t help but notice a series of signs around the walls that proudly proclaimed the core values of Jason’s Deli:
1. Be a great place to work
2. Hold the highest personal standards
3. Provide “out-of-this-world” service
4. Serve the highest quality of food
5. Be a healthy, growing company
In a world of marketing gimmicks, half-truths and rampant fraud, I was impressed to find a company that, first of all, had values, and had the courage to convey these values to their customers. As I thought on their values, I could see how these values shaped everything about the place.
So, what does Jason’s Deli have to do with blogging? Everything.
As a blogger, you are creating a product for others to view. You have an audience who follow your blog and expect something from you. What is it they expect? Do you even know? For that matter, what do you expect from yourself?
Understanding your core values as a person and a blogger will allow you to answer those tough questions. Core values are rarely talked about these days. People used to have values and stuck to them, but in today’s overly politically correct society, core values are often shunned in favor of vague and shapeless courtesies. This explains how easily companies can scam clients and customers without even blinking an eyelash.
What are core values?
Simply stated, they are the things you believe in and stand for as a blogger. To help you develop your core values, try answering these questions:
- What do you want to accomplish?
- Who are you writing for?
- Why are you writing this blog?
- What will you write about?
- Is there anything you won’t write about? Why or why not?
- What do you expect from yourself?
- What should your readers expect from you?
By answering these questions, you can compile a list of core values that will shape how you approach your blog. You may or may not choose to post these values, but having them written down somewhere will guide you as you write your posts.
Branding all comes down to core values. A company with a set of core values is solid and that shines through everything they do. The same thing is true of a blog. Your core values will guide what you post, how you post and how you interact with your readers, and your readers will know they can turn to your blog as a reliable source of whatever it is they are after; be it news, information, entertainment or leisure.
I’d recommend writing down your core values and doing a post about these so your readers can see them. It’s a challenging task, but one that will guide your blog to greater success and more effective branding.
Thanks for sharing this. Sometimes I feel like I get away from my core values just to make a buck. I need to remember why I started blogging in the first place!
Blessings,
Jennifer
http://www.jennifersikora.com
Thanks for sharing! I've often wondered what my blog is "all about". It's a mommy blog and I write about things that I hope other mom's will enjoy reading. To me though, I see it as so much more and with a lot of potential. Every entry is written with my personality shinning though whether I'm excited, frustrated, having a moody day or blissfully happy. I think that's what makes my blog great, in my opinion. I'm going to think about these core values and do a post in the next little while. I think it will help me find my blogging groove.
This was one of your best posts EVER!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and proud to be related to its author!
I'm your newest follower from Friday Follow! Can't wait to check out more of your blog!
Jennifer @ Life with the Lebedas
http://www.lebedafamily.blogspot.com
I have been a busy bee recently and have fallen way behind in the blogging world. I wanted to stop by and see what you have going on and saw this post. WOW! I am speechless! Great post! I have actually posted with a link back to your post!
I have a lot of changes on my blog, weekly chance at a guest blogger spot, and lot of fun giveaways! Come by and check it out and let me know what you think…spread the word
Stay Fabulous
Chara
http://www.nothingbutfabulousity.com