Bail Agent Blogs: Start Yours Today in 5 Easy Steps

• August 31, 2011
• by Collateral Staff
• Marketing

In our previous article about blogging, we gave you 8 reasons to start a bail agent blog. Starting a blog can be intimidating, but following these steps can help you breeze through the process.

Step 1: Choose a Blogging Platform
There are several free or inexpensive, easy-to-use blog platforms with features bail agents can use for simplified blogging. Some popular sites include:

• Blogger - Blogger is a platform with an ease of use comparable to sending email. Linked to Gmail accounts and offering posting options through Microsoft Word, Blogger targets users with limited technological experience. Layouts, posting, and adding media and links are done through straightforward commands. As a traditional blogging platform, Blogger is easy to set up and maintain.
  
  
• WordPress - Though it caters to a more experienced blogger, WordPress is another option for traditional blogging. Like Blogger, WordPress has many layouts and features, but it also offers more customizable functions and the ability to alter HTML. Though it showcases advanced options, WordPress is a great option for the inexperienced blogger.
  
  
• Tumblr - Tumblr is a great site for microblogging, and the platform of choice for bloggers looking to post shorter, less formal, and media-centric entries. Somewhat similar to a Twitter feed, Tumblr is the best option for bloggers looking for quick posting. The ability to completely alter the HTML makes it the platform of choice for the technologically savvy, and with apps for various gadgets, Tumblr makes blogging quick and easy.

With many more options for blogging platforms it is important to do some research and decide what will work best for your bail agent blog. Once you have made your selection you will need to set up your blog.

Step 2: Set Up Your Blog
Setup can take a few minutes or a few days, depending on the platform and your appearance preferences. Regardless of which site you host on, you will need to take the time to set up a few things:

• The title - Perhaps the most important step in setting up your bail agent blog is choosing a title. Choose a name that relates to your company, communicates what you will be writing about, and is easy to remember. If possible, make your blog name and URL identical. Most blogging platforms allow you to add your blog to your website's domain (e.g., www.xyzbailbonds.com/blog), and though sometimes it requires an additional monthly fee it is considered a good promotional practice.
  
  
• About me - As a great place for showcasing your credentials, listing your name, company, and how long you have been a part of the industry will help establish you as a qualified contributor to the bail agent blogging community.
  
  
• Layout - All platforms offer a variety of formatting options. It is best to select fonts, color combinations, and layouts that make your blog easy to read and navigate.

Your blog settings are not permanent, so if you want to make changes, you can.

Step 3: Choose Topics You Can Blog About:
There is a constant surplus of news with the bail bond industry thriving. Your bail agent blog can be a place for you to:

• Share your opinions -Whether it's legislation changes, breaking news, strategies, or ethics, your blog can be a place to share your point of view.
  
  
• Connect with clients - You can explain common bail bond terminology, or clear up some common misconceptions about your profession.
  
  
• Share your experience - A blog can be a great place for sharing tips, step-by-step advice, and specific experiences with clients and colleagues.
  
  
• Provide information - Your blog posts can inform readers about special events and company news, or be a place to discuss conferences you have attended and new laws or practices related to your industry.

It is important to give your unique point of view, but be mindful of the fact that other industry professionals and potential clients will be reading, and always present your opinion in a respectful way.

Step 4: Create your first posts
Rather than launching your blog with one post it is best to publish 3-5 posts to establish variety and gain interest from early readers. These initial posts are a great place to introduce yourself and your company, discuss your experience, provide some information on your industry, and add some media or links to news articles.

Step 5: Maintain your blog
You may settle into regular blogging with ease, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.

• Post regularly - If you are concerned about your ability to post consistently, set aside a specific time devoted to blogging regularly, or create a schedule with time for brainstorming, research, and writing. Keep in mind that if you post too often you may lose followers, and if you do not post often enough, you might not be promoting your bail agency.
  
  
• Vary your content - It is important to keep your posts up to date. Photos, videos, and audio clips can add interest to your blog, but make sure that you are not violating any copyright terms.
  
  
• Don't be overly promotional - Your blog is a great tool for marketing your business, but posting promotional material too frequently can deter customers and decrease your following.
  
  
• Stay professional - Remember, you are creating a blog to promote your services. Speaking negatively about other companies, using improper language, or including personal or unrelated content can hinder your blog's credibility.
  
  
• Keep up with routine maintenance - Set aside a specific day once every few months for updating your blog. This can be an opportunity to check for broken links, change your layout, and reorganize folders and archives.
  
  
• Link your media - To increase traffic to your blog and website, link your blog to your bail agent website and social media accounts.

With numerous advantages to starting your blog, you have every reason to join the bail agent blogging community. If you enjoy sharing your thoughts, opinions, and news while promoting your business at no cost, start blogging today.

Join AboutBail

Looking to grow your bail business? Get in front of potential customers by joining AboutBail's trusted network of local, pre-screened bail professionals.
Join AboutBail Today