Not too long ago businesses of all sizes were encouraged to establish an Internet presence with websites.  If a business could not be found online, it really wasn’t a business.  Today, the same thing is being said about blogs.  In fact, some people are advocating blogs over traditional websites while others are including blogs on their websites.  Which is correct?  It’s a matter of preference.  One thing is for certain – if you are in business, you should have a blog.

Following are three reasons why organizations should seriously consider adding blogs to their marketing toolkit:

1. To build their brands
2. To establish itself as the expert in the industry
3. To have direct conversations with their audience

What do people think when they think of you or your business?  What do you want them to think? Your brand is your reputation.  It can be your business name, logo, tag line, jingle, or any other written or visual message that is associated with you or your business.  A blog can help build or maintain this brand by sharing consistent messages and conversations about your company.  It can also help with public relations activities which contribute to improved reputations and relationships.

Businesses can also become known experts in their industries through messages shared on blogs.  Chris Brogan and Mashable are sites I frequent to learn about social media and Web 2.0 tools.  Problogger and Copyblogger help me to develop content for my blogs that will attract and engage readers which will generate a consistent cash flow in the near future.

Lastly, blogs allow businesses to have informal, direct conversations with customers, prospects, employees and other stakeholders.  This not only allows for easy communications, it makes the company more transparent, which ultimately fosters relationships and builds trust. Google’s blog is one such site.  Not only are they sharing information about their products, they are speaking in a conversational, engaging tone that makes you want to know more about what’s happening with them.

The above three reasons are why businesses should have blogs.  Contact The Write Design Company at 877.570.5228 to help you get started blogging today.

What Is A Blog?

That is a question that I have been getting a lot lately, and I would like to clarify what a blog is.

Simply stated, a blog is an interactive website.  It allows you to engage your audience in conversation.  For businesses, this is usually your customers and employees.

Blogs are different from regular websites in the following ways:

1. Blogs are interactive. You have the ability to conversate directly with your audience.  A regular website only provides information, and little or no activity.

2. Information is uploaded instantly on  blogs, which allow for frequent updates. Updates on websites usually take longer because a specialist is performing that task.

3. You do not have to be a specialist to write blog posts. You just have to have good written communication and follow-up skills.

4. Blogs give your company a voice. An informal yet professional voice can be used for online conversations. This helps customers to feel comfortable when speaking with you.

5. You do not have to be a web designer or technology guru to set up a blog. In fact, many blog programs have everything you need, including tutorials to walk you through the entire process.

Now, you have a better idea of what a blog is.  If you still have questions or would like to get your blog started, call  The Write Design Company at 877.570.5228.

Readers of this blog will get writing tips as well as things going on in the social media world.  You are encouraged to jump in, ask questions, and get conversations started if you want.  We are completely open.

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