What Blogs or Websites do Small Business Owners Read?
Small businesses are increasingly becoming tech-savvy. India is experiencing a digital revolution. This is the information age and small businesses are more aware of what’s happening in the world. They scour the internet for ideas and opportunities that can help expand their business. Small business owners prefer the following types of blogs and websites:
1. Blogs that are available in regional languages
India is a country of many languages. We have different cultures and languages every 100 KMs. Many small businesses are fluent in English but they still prefer to read in their mother tongue. People are more comfortable reading blogs that are available in their language. Content creators have noticed this trend and there are a plethora of blogs and websites in regional languages.
It is easy to get caught up in an echo chamber and think that most people are comfortable with English. Even with many blogs and websites available in local languages, there is still a dearth of good content in this space.
2. Business news
Small business owners read blogs that can help them in their business. They want to know the available various business opportunities. Business blogs that are centred on the economy and the financial markets are fairly popular.
The financial markets blogs usually contain information about the latest IPOs and trending shares. They want to know how popular companies are doing. They also see the stock market as an investment opportunity.
3. GST and Income Tax
Business blogs that have information about Income Tax and GST fillings are also popular. Ever since the introduction of GST, some small businesses are finding it difficult to understand how the GST regime works.
The GST regime is not easy to understand. It is complex and novel. Small business owners are still having difficulties with the new system. Many owners have had to employ professionals to help them deal with GST. Therefore, they prefer blogs that shed a light on GST and guide small business owners on how to file their GST.
4. Investment Blogs
Small business owners want to be financially literate. They want to invest their money in a place where they get a good return. For this, they frequent blogs and websites that contain financial news and investment ideas.
Traditionally, small business owners have been conservative about their money. They used to part their funds in safe places like Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits. The new generation has realised that they can get a good return on their investment if they thought out of the box. Therefore, we are seeing a massive increase in the number of mutual funds and ETFs in the country. The rise is partially attributable to small business owners.
5. Easy to read blogs
Small business owners like to read blogs and websites that are easy to read and understand. Content creators should focus on how they write their content. They should not provide irrelevant information and get straight to the point. The flow should be active and easy to follow. If the reader thinks that they are wasting their time, they will not read the blog.
6. Travel blogs
The world has never been more interconnected. India has come a long way in the last few decades. Our economy has never been more strong and the average income has been increasing steadily every year. As people earn more money, they want to explore the world. Thus, Small business owners want to utilise long holidays like Durga Puja to travel. Gone are those days where they used to hoard their money and accumulate capital.
Small business owners are realising that they should enjoy their life. They work hard for a major portion of the year so that they can take much-needed vacations and appreciate the world that they live in. There are a lot of up-and-coming travel blogs and vlogs that explore the world and inspire others.
7. Fashion Blogs
Due to globalisation, we are living in a world where the latest fads travel fast. The fashion industry has come a long way now. There was a time when it was for the elites. Now, normal people can dress like celebrities and sports stars. Therefore, it is no surprise that fashion blogs and websites that cover the latest clothing styles are frequented by small business owners. They want to be urban and follow the newest trends.
The number of fashion and clothing websites has skyrocketed. Websites like Myntra, Ajio, etc. get tens of millions of visitors every month. Small business owners contribute a large part as India is a country of entrepreneurs.
8. Technological Blogs
Technology has come a long way in the last 40 years. People are enamoured by the latest tech. Small business owners can easily own high-tech and sophisticated gadgets like drones, VRs, etc. They follow all the happenings in the tech world. Blogs and websites about the latest smartphones, iPods, etc. are read by almost everyone.
Tech blogs centred around gaming are even more popular. PUBG had millions of users in India before it was banned. India has millions of people that play games such as Asphalt, Candy Crush, League of Legends, etc. Small business owners are a big part of the gaming community in India. Gaming blogs and websites that have tips and tricks for popular games are well-liked.
9. Fitness Blogs
Physical activity reduces stress and keeps us fit. Fitness blogs provide information regarding various diets and workout regimes. Sitting at a shop or an office for long periods can be extremely unhealthy if someone is not getting the proper exercise. Small business owners have realised this fact. They want to be physically active to stay healthy. Furthermore, exercise is a great way to destress.
Diet has always been a problem in the life of a small business owner. It becomes difficult for them to have a proper diet due to workplace stress. As such, they tend to follow health blogs to start a proper nutritional diet.
Small business owners want to be aware of what’s happening in the world. They want to know about the latest happenings of various things like fashion, tech, fitness, etc. Blogs and websites that are available in regional languages are favoured. Furthermore, easy to read blogs that provide relevant information are frequented by them.
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FAQs
Q. Which type of content do small business owners need?
Ans. Small business owners like to read content that helps them stay abreast of the latest news. Furthermore, they read content that helps them run their business.
Q. How important is it to have blogs in local languages?
Ans. Many business owners are not comfortable with English. They want to read content that is available in their local language. So, blogs need to be available in regional languages.
Q. How do I write content for small business owners?
Ans. You should write relevant and informative content that is easy to understand. Furthermore, try writing in your local language as well as there is a dearth of content in local languages.
Q. What is the best small business?
Ans. It depends on the socio-economic conditions of your city. Handyman, carpenters, mechanics, etc. are some small business ideas that work well regardless of the geographical area.
Q. Does my small business need a blog?
Ans. A blog can increase your visibility and help you get new customers. The blog will help you in showing up in Google searches and drive business your way. Furthermore, it can help you create a great brand image.
Q. How can I attract small business owners to my business blog?
Ans. Your blog should offer something new to the reader. You should offer fresh insights and perspectives about business, the economy, and the financial world. Furthermore, you can also explain complex financial news in simpler terms. You should aim to solve the problems of small businesses such as not knowing where to invest.
Q. How do I start a blog for my business?
Ans. First, you need to figure out what you can offer. Understand your voice and brainstorm topics that you know a lot about. For example, if you have a retail clothing store, you can write about the latest fashion, clothing tips, etc. Focus on providing value, not self-promotion.