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| Basic Blogging |
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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. 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. Be sure you link to other sites within your blog posts. The dry cleaner might link to club soda giant Schwepps, the restaurant to Gallo as appropriate in the site. Why is this important? When someone does a search for Schwepps or Gallo, your article is likely to pop up, driving traffic to your blog and thus, your Web site and you. Interact with readers. Ask questions in the blog like "how have you handled this?" or "what are your concerns about that?". This prompts them to engage in the discussion or comments section and helps push your statistics up as well as increase your Web traffic. When you add a "blogroll" to your site, you improve your online relationships and goodwill. A blogroll is a list of links to other blogs that are appropriate to your readers and which you recommend. Doing so provides an additional service to your customers and builds rapport with other leaders in your industry. 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. You may be frustrated by this article because you feel you cannot write or you do not have the time. Don't worry! There are plenty of affordable, professional writers available. Posts will run between $5-$15 each, or less, and you can purchase in a monthly package to drive down costs even further. Most "probloggers" can handle everything including adding images, tags and categories for you as well as review your comments. Go to freelancing sites like GetaFreelancer or Elance to shop for a writer. Prepare to communicate with them quite a bit in the beginning until they understand your "voice" (how you, personally, would present the information). 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 of consulting experience, Steven Schlagel offers training and coaching for startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners. Check his site for more articles to increase your success! |
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