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Articles Copy writing articles Blogging 101
Articles Copy writing articles Blogging 101
| Blogging 101 |
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| Written by Steven Schlagel |
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A Web log, aka a blog, acts as a conduit of information between your current and potential clients. Like a conversation, it is a big and forth exchange that allows you to share information and updates, involve your network with your business and a way to gather information. Blogging is a great market tool because it directs traffic to your Web site so potential clients can learn more about you. It isn't hard and doesn't have to take a great deal of time. IF you already have a Web site, your webmaster or hosting company can probably add a blog feature for you. This article cannot address various software packages for blogging because there are too many, but whomever is managing your site should be able to easily add this for you. If you do not have a Web site or they cannot do this for you, you can use a free blogging site (we recommend Blogger, Wordpress or TypePad) and add a link from your Web site to your blog. These free companies vary on how much customization they offer so go with a simple blog template when choosing. Plan on posting to you blog no less than one time per week, but you can post daily or more if you want. Most blog posts are a few paragraphs, 200-600 words total. Blogging establishes you as an expert so write about what you know. If you are a hair salon owner, write about beauty trends. If you are an accountant, write about all things money: making it, saving it, investing it. But be consistent. Over time you will build a following if you keep putting out content that answers the question "what do my customers want to know?" 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. Do add a "blogroll" to your site. A blog roll is a list of other blogs you read. Reward others, even within your industry, who you enjoy reading. This builds relationships and goodwill, which may pay off later on. If you use a particular vendor that you are happy with, link to their site in your blog roll. You can also start a We Recommend list for others you respect and who have served you well. There are many ways to add images and video to your blog at little or no cost. Using graphics makes your blog more appealing and dynamic. Do an online search for free-images and you will be taken to various sites that offer a huge variety of images. You can also do searches for video, most of which will give you the easy-to-use HTML code to copy and paste into your blog. Use images and videos that make sense to the post and drive the message home. IF you cannot write or simply do not have the time, there are plenty of affordable "bloggers for hire" online. Blog posts run from $5-$15 each and you can sometimes get them even more affordably if you buy a monthly package. The "problogger" should be able to do everything we've mentioned above plus review and edit comments for you. To find a writer, go to Elance or GetaFreelancer.com. Be patient. It can take a writer a bit to understand your "voice" (casual, formal, playful, etc.) Blogging is a must if you are trying to get your name "out there". It can help get you noticed by improving traffic, helps you build relationships with others in your field and customers and also establishes you as an expert. Additionally, you provide a legitimate service to your readers. Blogging, which can be fun and easy, is an additional marketing tool you can add to your 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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