The best way to set yourself apart from your competitors is to become known as “the expert” in your subject. Traditionally this has meant writing a newspaper column or book, or having a regular show on TV or radio, but lately the web has become the most popular way to locate and share expert opinions.
Blogs have swept the business community and now play a fundamental part of a company’s marketing strategy.
A what?
A blog (web log) is a site that is updated regularly and features:
- News
- Commentary
- Articles
- Advice
The content takes the form of articles, usually arranged in reverse chronological order and may have the option for readers to leave comments.
Why have a Blog?
A business blog is a simple, cost-effective way to create a professional online presence. Having a business blog that provides good information for your customers while being timely and fun can add a new dimension to your website.
You can quickly and easily create a place on the web where people can find you, learn about you, and interact with you. You don’t need an IT staff or a degree in computer science to do it; if you can send an email or use a word processor, you can start using a blog.
It also creates an open conversation between you and your customers, colleagues, partners, prospects, and the media, about topics that are important to you. You might want to exchange ideas with other independent professionals in your area of expertise, or introduce people to the latest happenings in your industry. No matter what your purpose, a blog allows you to start the conversation and keep it going.
Boost your search rankings
Every time you create a post, your blog feeds your content directly to the search engines; the more often you post, the higher your search engine ranking will be, and the more likely it will be that people will discover your blog. If you want more credibility, more customers, or a larger audience, creating a blog is an ideal way to make it happen.
Develop trust
A blog is a content platform that allows you to fashion a consistent message over time to demonstrate that you are an expert in a particular field. This is tremendously valuable for independent professionals and businesses that are focusing on a particular market. A blog sends an implicit message of transparency and accountability, and builds trust in your customers, partners, and potential clients.
What do your customers think of you?
Blogs are increasingly important for businesses, because they create a forum in which customers can offer feedback, interact with each other, and obtain access to timely information. Consistent blog posts can be an indispensable tool for public relations, and can foster loyalty in clients, media and partners alike.
A blog is vital for a modern business
In summary, blogs are a powerful business tool for professionals and knowledge workers because they give you a chance to:
- Share your company’s expertise and knowledge
- Share company news
- Promote new products and services
- Promote future products and services
- Build additional web traffic
- Connect with potential customers
- Obtain feedback from the public
If you were to write your first blog post today, what would it be?
