A blog is short for web log. It is a type of website or part of a website frequently updated with commentaries, news & events, educational material, videos and more. Readers can comment on posts and discuss post topics with other readers.
Having, and more importantly maintaining a blog, is an inexpensive marketing tool that has 3 major benefits:
- Search Engine Optimization
On the web, content is king! People are on the web to find information via text, video and graphics. The more valuable content you have on your blog related to your company field, the more text there is for search engines to find when spidering the web to pull search results. If you are writing about your niche, you will be using field-related, keyword rich text which will help search engines find your content.Search engines also love frequently updated websites. As highlighted in the definition above, a blog is meant to be updated regularly. Strive for at least 1 good post a week.
- Position Yourself As An Expert In Your Field
Show your readers why you are the best. Everyone has a website advertising that they have the best product/service. Step above your competition by outlining your expertise through informative articles that help your readers better understand your product/service. Not only do you have a quality product, but you have the knowledge and experience to back up the statement that you have a quality product. - Create Community
Blogs that post often and have quality content can attract a following of like-minded readers. With the ability to interact through comments, a blog can create a community of returning readers who want to engage in the content. Returning users allow you the ability to up-sell new products and services and continue to positively promote your brand.A blog does allow you the option to filter comments before you allow them to be posted to your blog. This is a great tool for blocking out spam comments or inappropriate copy from an immature user, but please do not use this filter as a means to cut out all controversy. You are trying to create a community. Even communities of like-minded users have varying opinions and experiences. Embrace the different minds in your community. If one of your readers comments about an issue with your product/service or does not agree with your post, publish their comment. Use it as a brand building, public relations opportunity. Address any product issues and respectively reply to any difference of opinion, or open it up to others in your community to join in the debate!
Great Blog Writing Resources:
- Pro Blogger: http://www.problogger.net
- Copy Blogger: http://www.copyblogger.com
- Business Logs: http://www.businesslogs.com
Contact Bigfork Web Development, Inc. to get more information about a blog or have a custom blog created for you.
Phone: 406.837.3334
Email: info@bigforkweb.com