How to Create a Successful Blog

April 4, 2008


asdamd/photos/stylus/22103-ManComputer.jpg
In 2008, the blogosphere shows no signs of slowing down. According to Technorati, there are at least 112.8 million blogs, not including the 72.8 million blogs in China. It seems as though everyone - business owners and teens alike - are blogging.

So, why setup a blog for your small business?

Blogging can be an effective marketing tool that allows you to connect with customers in a unique way. In addition, when customers are able to connect with a company they tend to hold it in higher esteem, which, over time, creates brand loyalty. While it's an informal method of communicating, blogging is highly effective; allowing businesses to provide company information, increase Web site traffic and establish a connection with their customers.

Blogging is so popular that many small companies forgo maintaining an expensive Web site and simply operate a blog. It's a low-cost alternative and provides a Google searchable web presence.

Creating a blog is easy to do. Once a blog is setup, users post weekly or daily updates. Originally, bloggers were encouraged to post once or more daily, but as this new medium continues to grow, experts believe that posting two to three times a week is sufficient.

The following are popular sites to begin your business blog:
-Blogspot (http://www.blogger.com)
-Wordpress (http://wordpress.org/)
-Typepad (http://www.typepad.com/)
-LiveJournal (http://www.livejournal.com/)

Now that you've created a blog, it's important to consistently post to it. It won't get much traffic or allow you to connect with customers if you're not posting at least twice a week. Always include a photograph or graphic if possible. Studies show that blogs with some type of graphic receive increased traffic compared to those blogs that do not.

Additional Blogging Tips:
-Link to other blogs or web sites that you enjoy.
-Always ask readers a question, or ask for input. Interaction is important.
-Posts don't need to be long, a paragraph will do. Announce a new product or service, or introduce a staff member.
-Offer blog-only specials, such as coupons and discounts. This will increase traffic to your blog and keep visitors coming back for more.

With your business blog setup and regular posts in place, it's vital to make sure your customers and the rest of the blogosphere know about your blog. The following are tips for increasing blog traffic:
-Add your blog address to your business card. Encourage customers who come to your store to check out your blog and leave feedback.
-Find other blogs centered on the topics that relate your business. Ask for a link exchange. A link exchange allows you to post their link on your blog and vice versa.
-Leave comments on other blogs. No need to blatantly self-promote, simply entering your information will provide readers with a link back to your blog.
-Submit your blog to blog directories, such as Blogarama (http://www.blogarama.com) and Blog Catalog (http://blogcatalog.com). Use this comprehensive blog directory listing to submit your blog.

Most of all, have fun with your blog. Let customers get to know who you are and what your business is about. Fill them in on new products and reward them for viewing your blog. Blogs can be a valuable, low-cost marketing tool that can make a big difference for your small business.

How to Create a Successful Blog

April 4, 2008


asdamd/photos/stylus/22103-ManComputer.jpg

In 2008, the blogosphere shows no signs of slowing down. According to Technorati, there are at least 112.8 million blogs, not including the 72.8 million blogs in China. It seems as though everyone - business owners and teens alike - are blogging.

So, why setup a blog for your small business?

Blogging can be an effective marketing tool that allows you to connect with customers in a unique way. In addition, when customers are able to connect with a company they tend to hold it in higher esteem, which, over time, creates brand loyalty. While it's an informal method of communicating, blogging is highly effective; allowing businesses to provide company information, increase Web site traffic and establish a connection with their customers.

Blogging is so popular that many small companies forgo maintaining an expensive Web site and simply operate a blog. It's a low-cost alternative and provides a Google searchable web presence.

Creating a blog is easy to do. Once a blog is setup, users post weekly or daily updates. Originally, bloggers were encouraged to post once or more daily, but as this new medium continues to grow, experts believe that posting two to three times a week is sufficient.

The following are popular sites to begin your business blog:
-Blogspot (http://www.blogger.com)
-Wordpress (http://wordpress.org/)
-Typepad (http://www.typepad.com/)
-LiveJournal (http://www.livejournal.com/)

Now that you've created a blog, it's important to consistently post to it. It won't get much traffic or allow you to connect with customers if you're not posting at least twice a week. Always include a photograph or graphic if possible. Studies show that blogs with some type of graphic receive increased traffic compared to those blogs that do not.

Additional Blogging Tips:
-Link to other blogs or web sites that you enjoy.
-Always ask readers a question, or ask for input. Interaction is important.
-Posts don't need to be long, a paragraph will do. Announce a new product or service, or introduce a staff member.
-Offer blog-only specials, such as coupons and discounts. This will increase traffic to your blog and keep visitors coming back for more.

With your business blog setup and regular posts in place, it's vital to make sure your customers and the rest of the blogosphere know about your blog. The following are tips for increasing blog traffic:
-Add your blog address to your business card. Encourage customers who come to your store to check out your blog and leave feedback.
-Find other blogs centered on the topics that relate your business. Ask for a link exchange. A link exchange allows you to post their link on your blog and vice versa.
-Leave comments on other blogs. No need to blatantly self-promote, simply entering your information will provide readers with a link back to your blog.
-Submit your blog to blog directories, such as Blogarama (http://www.blogarama.com) and Blog Catalog (http://blogcatalog.com). Use this comprehensive blog directory listing to submit your blog.

Most of all, have fun with your blog. Let customers get to know who you are and what your business is about. Fill them in on new products and reward them for viewing your blog. Blogs can be a valuable, low-cost marketing tool that can make a big difference for your small business.