Blogs 101... 06-11-2006

What's the story about blogs? And, how do they pertain to businesses? "Blog" is short for "web log." There are personal blogs and business blogs. The personal ones are more prevalent and can hook you, like a novel or a soap opera. And, now it's happening for business blogs.

Business blogs are a burgeoning communications tool. They add a human face or voice to business leaders, products, services, and issues. They give you the "inside scoop," in a more conversational tone. I like that! But, they're not meant to replace traditional marketing copy that begins with a command phrase and culminates in a call to action, just supplement it.

So, what place does a blog have in a business? Blogs help build interest and trust, and add a personal dimension to the relationship. After all, what are we all, if we're not people, first? If you're lucky, and your blog is interesting enough... it's a fast, FREE way to grow a following of people who are interested in your musings, tips, products, or services.

Secondly, search engines LOVE blogs... which means your blog might be found, and that's free publicity for your business!

Google owns this blog platform (www.blogger.com); that's why I went with it... oh, and it's FREE; that's a good starting point! Also, I trust Google to take care of his (or her) blogs first! I've also heard that the news-hungry media follow blogs, looking for trends and other cool things that are happening out there. So, who knows, there's a chance of being noticed.

Thirdly, blogs are amazingly easy to set up... say, 5 minutes! Blogger has a wizard set-up thatwalks you through naming it and choosing a template. Then, you start typing.

Fourth, blogs are EASY to manage... you don't need a web designer, to run it. Blogs come with an administrative console, complete with Word-type functionality. So, if you can use MS Word, you can use this! I'm a web designer and I find this refreshing; I didn't have to do any designing or file by file uploading.

What kind of business could or should blog? I don't think there are any rules. If you have something to say and enjoy a more "conversational" approach to communication with your customers or prospects... you'll have a good time and people will appreciate the candor.

Blogging is: a form of direct communication with your customers, it's a way to reach out to others outside of your network, and you can explore aspects of your business (or personal life) that you wouldn't otherwise have a chance to do.

I own a web design company and have clients in all different kinds of businesses. I can think of a many ways they might use a blog. They have interesting professions and colorful personal lives. I'm encouraging them all to add another dimension to their business and communications by starting a blog.

Check back for more marketing strategies you can use! And, check often!