Julia’s Blog Squad Advice: Key Words Are King

The unofficial version of Julia…

1. Tell us about yourself and your business.

I’m an entrepreneur who’s passionate about helping other business owners use new media to make them more findable on the web. Whether it’s through the use of SEO (search engine optimization) or growing communities on social media, getting found online is an important marketing tool. In fact, it might just be the one tool that takes a business from barely surviving to thriving.

I also devote a lot of time working with organizations I believe in:

· Founding organizer for Canada’s first 140 conference (in Waterloo in 2011 and again in 2012)

· President of WithIt, a leadership development organization focused on women in the home and furnishings industries.

· DotCominatrix for WIBN – because I adore Leigh and the reasons she founded this community.

When I’m not online, I’m speaking at conferences or attending face to face networking events. While my online world is important, nothing replaces a handshake or a conversation filled with body language and real emotion.

I’m a mom to four great kids, who remind me daily that I might be a big deal online but that doesn’t count at home. I’m happiest when I’m outside camping, riding my bike or hiking with my Dad. And I have a not-so-secret passion for bold red wines, hoppy beer and old cheese.

2. Do you blog for business? Can you describe a bit of how you use it?

I’ve been blogging for business since 2005. As a journalist through the 90′s, I was exposed to blogging early and by 2005, it was apparent to me that we were heading down a path that was changing the core of how business can communicate, effectively and efficiently.

As a contributor to the Chicken Soup series and a teacher of creative writing at the college level, I understood the incredible power of sharing – but blogging took it to another level. Although I wanted to be on that path early, I learned quickly that this journey was going to be both exciting and filled with a lot of missteps.

I now train clients in blogging best practices and blog for SocialNorth, Brandtannery, WIBN, GoGirlfriend and guest blog at various media outlets.

3. Do you use SEO or social media in conjunction with your blog?

In my opinion, SEO is a small business owner’s best tool for sustainable growth in the changing economy – even more important than social media. As we continue to create online content at a staggering pace, it’s almost impossible for businesses to be found online – unless they understand their keywords and how to use them.

To keep people who use search engines happy and coming back, search engines must be constantly adapting their strategies while always serving up the freshest, most relevant content. This is where social media can work with SEO to create a winning strategy.

4. What’s the best blogging advice you’ve ever been given?

The best blogging advice I was ever given was to treat my blog like someone’s reading it. In the early days when it was only my mom and girlfriends reading, discouragement was a constant companion. But if you blog like crowds of readers are waiting with baited breath every day, your writing will be stronger and more passionate. And when those throngs of people do finally find you, they’ll be searching through all of your content – so you want to make sure it’s good content.

The Official Julia Rosien

Julia Rosien is the CEO and Chief Idea Officer of SocialNorth, a social media strategist firm, and president-elect for Withit.org. Drawing on her experience as communications director for an international mattress manufacturer, Julia uses real life examples to teach companies how to become more findable online. Along with SEO best practices, Julia is a staunch supporter in the power of word of mouth. Her work online with bloggers and social media influencers prove that getting found online is not only doable, it’s a must-have business strategy.

Julia’s been named one of the most influential women in social media. Drawing on her past experiences as editor of a national magazine, teacher at a women’s prison and local college, regular guest on a local talk show and mother of 4, Julia’s uncommon candor connects with audiences. If you have a question about how social media can help you grow your business, Julia is your go-to gal.

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About Julia Rosien

I'm the resident DotCominatrix for Women in Biz Network as well as Chief Girlfriend for GoGirlfriend.com. When I’m not traveling, I serve on various boards of directors and am currently the 2013 Chairman for Withit.org, a non-profit organization for women in the home and furnishings industries. I’m also co-founder of Canada’s first 140 Conference and its master of ceremonies as well as a presenter at TEDxWomen Waterloo, Impact99, Tweetstock.ca, Women in Biz Conference to name just a few. Connect with me online and let's continue the conversation!