A blog, short for a Web log, is a useful tool for communicating with current and potential customers or clients. It is, when done well, a two-way conversation where you can gather information, share news and resources and engage your community with your business. It also drives traffic to your Web site so people can learn more about you and your business. Blogging does not need to be intimidating and there are a variety of ways to stay active without spending too much time.
You should already have a Web site for your business, so adding a blog won't be difficult for your web manager or hosting company. It is generally just an additional feature. While we can't do an overview of every software package that includes blog add-ons, whomever is managing your site for you should be able to do this without problems. If they cannot do this for you or you don't have a Web site, there are free blogging tools on the Internet. Blogger, Wordpress and Typepad are all user-friendly and you can simply have a link from your main site to the blog. The sites vary in how much you can customize a blog, so start off with a simple template.
Blog posts are generally 200-600 words long and you should plan on adding no less than one per week. Many people blog daily and write about the topics that relate to their business, asking themselves always "what are my customers' needs?" If you own a computer repair shop, topics might include all things technology related including how to maintain your computer. If you own an auto repair shop instead, you might write about automotive maintenance and do reviews of new models. Just be patient. You will build a following over time if you are consistent.
Linking to other sites within your blog posts is important. As a mechanic, you might link to major automotive sites. As a computer repair person, perhaps office supplies or computer manufacturers. This is important because every time someone does a search of an automotive company or computer company you have mentioned and linked to, the odds increase that your post will come up in the search. This increases traffic to your Web site and exposes more people to what you do.
A key component with blogging successfully is to engage your audience. End posts with questions you'd like feedback on "what's your favorite cell phone application?" to encourage them to comment. They may also interact with other readers creating a dynamic online community. This will help to increase traffic to your site.
A "blogroll" is a list of links to other sites you list on your blog. Make sure that these are blogs that your readers can relate to and that you enjoy yourself. By adding a blogroll, you increase traffic for other blogs which helps you build online relationships and goodwill. List products and services that you recommend in a separate link list as well.
To make your blog more dynamic and appealing, you are going to want to use graphics and video. This is easy to do and there are plenty of low cost or free images available to you. Start off by doing a search for "copyright free" images and you will be taken to individual images or image sites. Some of these sites offer video as well, or do a simple search for video and most will offer HTML code you can copy and paste into you blog. Be sure your videos and images fit the content of your blog post.
Some of you simply lack confidence in your writing or you don't have the time. Don't fret over this. You can easily find your choice of professional writers to blog for you. Posts range from $5-15 each or less, especially if you purchase via a monthly package. Your "problogger" can not only handle the actually writing, but will usually be able to add images, video and field comments for you. Just be patient as your writer learns your "voice" and how you would deliver information.
A blog can drive traffic to your site, help you build relationships with customers and industry leaders, establish you as an expert in your field and provide a real service to your clients. It is easy and can be fun to do without taking a substantial amount of time. Blogging is a "must-have" in your marketing toolbox!
You should already have a Web site for your business, so adding a blog won't be difficult for your web manager or hosting company. It is generally just an additional feature. While we can't do an overview of every software package that includes blog add-ons, whomever is managing your site for you should be able to do this without problems. If they cannot do this for you or you don't have a Web site, there are free blogging tools on the Internet. Blogger, Wordpress and Typepad are all user-friendly and you can simply have a link from your main site to the blog. The sites vary in how much you can customize a blog, so start off with a simple template.
Blog posts are generally 200-600 words long and you should plan on adding no less than one per week. Many people blog daily and write about the topics that relate to their business, asking themselves always "what are my customers' needs?" If you own a computer repair shop, topics might include all things technology related including how to maintain your computer. If you own an auto repair shop instead, you might write about automotive maintenance and do reviews of new models. Just be patient. You will build a following over time if you are consistent.
Linking to other sites within your blog posts is important. As a mechanic, you might link to major automotive sites. As a computer repair person, perhaps office supplies or computer manufacturers. This is important because every time someone does a search of an automotive company or computer company you have mentioned and linked to, the odds increase that your post will come up in the search. This increases traffic to your Web site and exposes more people to what you do.
A key component with blogging successfully is to engage your audience. End posts with questions you'd like feedback on "what's your favorite cell phone application?" to encourage them to comment. They may also interact with other readers creating a dynamic online community. This will help to increase traffic to your site.
A "blogroll" is a list of links to other sites you list on your blog. Make sure that these are blogs that your readers can relate to and that you enjoy yourself. By adding a blogroll, you increase traffic for other blogs which helps you build online relationships and goodwill. List products and services that you recommend in a separate link list as well.
To make your blog more dynamic and appealing, you are going to want to use graphics and video. This is easy to do and there are plenty of low cost or free images available to you. Start off by doing a search for "copyright free" images and you will be taken to individual images or image sites. Some of these sites offer video as well, or do a simple search for video and most will offer HTML code you can copy and paste into you blog. Be sure your videos and images fit the content of your blog post.
Some of you simply lack confidence in your writing or you don't have the time. Don't fret over this. You can easily find your choice of professional writers to blog for you. Posts range from $5-15 each or less, especially if you purchase via a monthly package. Your "problogger" can not only handle the actually writing, but will usually be able to add images, video and field comments for you. Just be patient as your writer learns your "voice" and how you would deliver information.
A blog can drive traffic to your site, help you build relationships with customers and industry leaders, establish you as an expert in your field and provide a real service to your clients. It is easy and can be fun to do without taking a substantial amount of time. Blogging is a "must-have" in your marketing toolbox!
About the Author:
With 30+ years consulting experience, Steven Schlagel provides training and coaching for startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners. Check his site for more articles to increase your success!
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