Does Your Franchise Need a Blog? The Truth About Business Blogging ROI
-p-500.jpg)
Let me guess: you're sitting in your office, staring at your competitor's blog that somehow ranks #1 for every local search term you care about, wondering if you're missing something crucial. Your corporate marketing team keeps pushing "content strategy," your marketing budget is tighter than your grandmother's pickle jar, and frankly, you're not even sure anyone reads blogs anymore.
Here's the reality check most franchise owners need: while you're debating whether blogging is worth it, your competitors are quietly capturing customers who should be walking through your doors. And the numbers? They're pretty sobering.
After helping franchise owners navigate the digital marketing maze over the past 5 years, I've seen this scenario play out countless times. Successful franchises that embrace blogging are pulling ahead, while those that don't are falling behind—often without even realizing it.
Let me answer the burning question directly: Yes, your franchise absolutely needs a blog. But not for the reasons you might think.
The biggest misconception I hear is "my customers don't read blogs." Here's what the data actually shows: 70% of consumers prefer getting to know a company via blog posts than traditional ads. Even more telling, 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information, and 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day.
Your customers aren't just reading blogs—they're using them to make purchasing decisions. The difference is they're not necessarily reading your blog. They're reading your competitors' blogs, getting their questions answered there, and then visiting their locations.
But here's what makes blogging even more critical for franchises: local SEO domination. Companies that blog attract 55% more website visitors than those that don't, and more importantly, 87% of customers use Google to find local businesses. If you're not blogging, you're essentially invisible in the local searches that matter most.
This is the number one objection I hear, and I get it. You're running a business, not a media company. Between managing staff, dealing with corporate requirements, and actually serving customers, who has time to write blog posts?
Here's the game-changing reality: marketers who prioritize blogging are 13x more likely to drive positive ROI. That means for every hour you spend on blogging, you're likely getting 13 times the return compared to other marketing activities.
The Solution: You don't need to become Shakespeare overnight. Here's the franchise blogging formula that works:
Start Small, Think Local:
Leverage Corporate Resources:
Outsource Strategically:
Let's talk numbers that'll make your accountant smile. Companies with blogs generate 67% more leads monthly than those without blogs. For small franchises specifically, businesses that blog get 126% more lead growth than those that don't.
But here's where it gets really interesting for local franchises: 80% of users who conduct local searches visit a related store within a week. When your blog content ranks for local search terms, you're not just getting website visitors—you're getting foot traffic.
The Real ROI Picture:
Local Franchise Blogging ROI Examples:
The key is understanding that blogging ROI for franchises isn't just about immediate sales—it's about local search domination that brings consistent, qualified traffic to your location.
This one's completely valid. Most franchise owners are experts at running their businesses, not crafting compelling content. But here's the thing: 80% of bloggers report that blogging drives strong marketing results, and you don't need to be a professional writer to succeed.
The Solution: Focus on expertise over eloquence. Your customers want authenticity and local knowledge, not literary masterpieces.
Content Ideas That Work for Any Franchise:
Local Expert Content:
Customer-Focused Content:
Industry Expertise Content:
Community Connection Content:
This is where most franchises give up, but it's actually the easiest problem to solve once you understand local SEO strategy. The secret isn't driving traffic to your blog—it's creating content that intercepts the traffic already searching for what you offer.
59% of shoppers use Google to search, find, and learn more about something they want to buy, and 50% of shoppers discover new brands through Google. Your blog content needs to show up in these searches.
The Traffic-Driving Strategy:
Local Keyword Optimization:
Google Business Profile Integration:
Social Media Amplification:
Local Link Building:
After working with tens of franchisee locations, here's the blogging strategy that consistently drives results:
While you're still deciding whether blogging is worth the investment, your competitors are quietly building content libraries that push you further down in search results. 70% of marketers consider SEO to be more effective than paid advertising for long-term results.
Here's what's happening in markets where franchises embrace blogging:
DIY Blogging Works When:
Professional Help Makes Sense When:
The most successful franchise owners understand that blogging isn't about becoming content creators—it's about capturing local market share through strategic online presence.
The question isn't whether your franchise needs a blog—it's whether you can afford to let your competitors continue capturing your local market share while you wait on the sidelines.
74% of in-store shoppers search for the closest store near them before visiting. If your content isn't showing up in those searches, you're losing customers before they even know you exist.
Ready to stop watching competitors dominate local search results while your locations struggle for visibility? The time to start building your content authority is now, before your market becomes even more competitive.
Build your franchise's SEO mansion today
Let's Talk
Katrin is CEO in Lahav Media. She has a passion for knowing what goes into successful local SEO for franchise businesses. She wants to share her knowledge to people who wants to get into SEO with the right fit.
