Picture the teenage girl sharing her most intimate thoughts and desires in her diary and then keeping it hidden under lock and key. For many of us, this is the first image we first think of when we think about a journal.
Today, the Internet has allowed us to take this image of writing down our thoughts, desires, dreams and knowledge and has created a fantastic way for us to boost our business. Web logs, or “blogs” as they’re better known, have become a way to engage readers and educate potential customers of our businesses, whether big or small. Blogs are today’s “diaries”; just more of a marketing tool for business than a place to share your intimate thoughts.
No, blogs aren’t for everyone. But if you want to build an on-line reputation for your business they are perhaps the easiest marketing tool you can consider. Here are some reasons for you to consider adding a blog to your marketing arsenal. Blogs are high on my priority list as an effective marketing tool for your business and I include one in the marketing strategy plans for each and every one of my clients.
Reason #1 – Position yourself as an expert in an industry or field
I can’t say it enough…the key to building a successful business is to get your potential client to know, like and trust you. How better to do this then to show them what you know? When you use a blog to share your expertise through comments, articles, tips and resource links you build your credibility as the expert. People want to know that you know what you are talking about. They want concrete evidence that you can give them what they want and answer their questions about your area of expertise. A blog allows you to do this, it also sends a positive message about your credentials through the marketplace and more importantly gives your business a face and a personality.
Reason #2 – Improve your search engine rankings
Without getting “technical” search engines are looking for fresh content. Each time you provide fresh content on your website the search engines take notice and it helps with your website rankings. Also, remember that most people find your website by searching on one of the search engines and utilizing key words that are relevant to your service or product. When your blog uses these key words, leads are more likely to be directed to your web site.
Reason #3 – Engage Your Potential Customers
Having an avenue that your potential customers can reach out to you is a great resource for any business. Just think about the retail and hospitality industry, so many of them offer customer feedback surveys and there is a reason for that. They want to know what they are doing right and what they need to improve; it allows them to build a better business.
Just as important, blogs that solicit reader comments can provide a sense of immediacy with your customers. It becomes their source of feedback on what you’re doing right and what you need to improve. Ultimately this allows you to build a better business too and in turn will give you a source of testimonials to utilize in other marketing efforts.
In today’s marketplace, blogs are an avenue for business owners to “have a voice.” Oftentimes, these business owners can have just as much of a sway on public opinion in one single blog post as larger, more established media brands have in spending thousands of dollars on an advertising campaign.