What is a Blog Used For?
That might sound like a bit of a dull question. Trust me, it is not! When speaking with clients one of the questions that I get asked the most is “What is a blog used for?” In this post I will explain and also give some valuable tips that can help decide whether a blog would be the best fit for your online marketing strategy.
Back to the question: What is a blog used for?
A blog is a section of a website that is updated with relevant content on a regular basis, usually daily or weekly. There are many benefits to having a blog:
It’s low cost. A blog is a cheap way to get your message out on a regular basis. The main investment, and this should not be overlooked, is the time taken to create the content.
It lets your readers know who you are. Whether you are a large corporate, a small to medium sized business or a one man band working from your spare room, by having a blog you are humanizing your brand . Many websites are boring. They do not represent the colourful opinions and personalities of the entrepreneurs and business people behind them. Blogs allow those opinions and personalities to shine through.
It’s gives people a reason to return. Many people, your customers included have little to no interest in reading customer brochures or reading how the “breaking news” is, that you sponsored a local community marathon back in 1996. A blog allows you to inform your audience what is happening right now and more importantly how that will impact them.
It helps get top search engine rankings. Google controls who and what sites it decides to send its search engine traffic to. Think of it as a referral if you will. If your website is still talking about the marathon in 1996 then the search engine will see it is not relevant and as a result send traffic to a more relevant site, which is a site offering freshly updated and valuable content. Possibly your competitor.
It encourages community engagement. Blogs give the reader the opportunity to voice their opinion about the content that you have produced. It gives your audience a vehicle to ask questions about your services or even give feedback. These two way conversations act as social proof to others that your experience is valued.
You get to know your clients. We have already mentioned how by starting a blog you are giving your clients the opportunity to know you. However, the flip side to this is that you and your business get to learn more about your clients. Nobody knows more about the quality of your products and services, or the wants of your audience better than your audience themselves. This can come in incredibly useful when looking for feedback on new ideas, products or services that you may be looking to introduce.
Your content becomes an asset. The purpose of a blog is to aid marketing to a point where the content you deliver is targeted specifically to the wants and needs of your audience. Provide answers to their most commonly asked questions or provide advice to areas within your niche that your business is an expert on. This again highlights your expertise.
Stimulates social media engagement. At the heart of any on-line marketing strategy should be the content you produce. This as always can be generated on your blog. If the content is compelling, entertaining and provides incredible value then it will get shared. When your content begins to get shared throughout the social media channels then you will start to pick up extra readers and extra links from the search engines due to the social signals that the shared content prodces.
If you are serious about starting a blog, you take the time to invest in quality content and learn how to promote your blog strategically. Instead of asking the question, “What is a blog for?” You may find yourself asking the question, “Why didn’t I have a blog before? “
About
James Debono is a small business owner and Internet entrepreneur. James dedicates his time to helping other small business owners leverage the power of the Internet to drive business growth and positive change. Click here Join James Debono on Google+
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Thanks for the great explanation and also some valuable tips that can help decide whether a blog would be the best fit for a online marketing strategy. I learned a lot from these post.
Carmen recently posted..Trying To Get Pregnant Tips
Hi Carmen,
I am glad the post provided value to you.
Regards,
James
Hi James,
You are truly great, I know that most of us will found your post worthy… Thanks for sharing…. I do love to share this great post with my friends….
Jessa Kate recently posted..Traitement acné – Tout savoir
Hi Jessa,
Thanks for your comments.
Regards,
James
Hi James.. Blogging is fun especially when you really want what you are doing.. You can meet a lot of people and even earn some amount of money..
Kazzsandra recently posted..Gout Home Remedies
Hi Kazzsandra,
I agree, having a clear understanding of your Why? really helps!
Thanks,
James
Good point James … why didn’t I have my blog much earlier in my business life? A blog can truly become your ‘hub’ for creating your business visibility. Initially and after setting up your blog, it is always best to have a strategy and be consistent with communicating through your blog so that your audience will learn about your business.
These tips that you share here is a good checklist to refer to. I would also suggest that business owners always keep in mind the purpose and benefits of their business. That is what should be communicated which will encourage your readers to engage, comment and connect with you.
Lynn Brown recently posted..Bring Purpose and Visibility with Your LinkedIn Connections
A blog can truly become your ‘hub’ for creating your business visibility. Thanks for sharing..
Liz recently posted..Hcg diet reviews
Hi Liz,
You are right a blog is definitely a good hub for your online marketing strategy.
Regards,
James
A great blog is good for everybody. I think it is a venue for everybody to teach what they know. I always say that somebody has something to offer and blogging is a great way to do that.
Elena Anne recently posted..How to Boost your Metabolism
Hi Elena,
I certainly agree with you.
I think everybody has a huge amount of value to offer and blogging is definitely a great way to share that worth with others.
Thanks for visiting,
James
Initially and after setting up your blog, it is always best to have a strategy and be consistent with communicating through your blog so that your audience will learn about your business. Looking forward for more great article.
bambu recently posted..Low Carb Diets That Work
Hi Bambu,
Strategy and consistency with communication are vital to a successful blog.
Thanks,
James
You offered us so many interesting ideas and thoughts, that I have to think a little bit about this stuff. Generally saying, I agree with everything you mentioned about the use of blogs.
Thanks Becca for your comment.
I knew that businesses use blogs for their benefits, but apart from getting text benefits, I always wondered what are the other benefits and now I know, that content can turn visitors into customers!
Saksham Talwar recently posted..Gravity Forms Discount Code
I am glad the information was educational.
Hi James, you have an amazing website!!! I found great information here. Thank you for the job.
Maria M Triana recently posted..Potato Salad on the Rocks.
Hi Maria,
Thank you for the compliment and I am glad the information I have provided is beneficial to you.
Regards,
James