Blogging for Business
Starting a blog can bring a valuable boost to your business, whether you have an Online Business, or you have a traditional Local Business.
Blogging is no longer just the home for self indulgent ramblings, and online diaries. If done properly a blog can be a valuable tool to get your business listed with the search engines, and have your knowledge and expertise in your field noticed.
A blog is easy to setup and can be made look professional without too much effort. When blogging for business, steer clear of the free blog providers. Buy your own domain name and set up your blog with a reputable web hosting company ( I use Dreamhost ) for a professional looking blog.
If you have an existing business website, a blog can be added alongside on the same domain bringing visitors to your main site.
Post high quality, useful information about your industry or product on your blog. Most of your competitors will not do this, they are scared to give away “trade secrets”, or do not care about really helping their prospective clients. By giving more useful information and a better pre-sale service on your blog you confirm why your prospects should buy from you.
Post to your blog at least once a week, or more often if you can. 200 words plus should be enough for a post. Even better if you can add simple digital photos or short videos about your subject.
Add an “Opt-In” form to your blog, and offer your clients a free report, discount, or gift to sign up to your email list. One time clients will become repeat clients when they receive your friendly emailed newsletter, with useful hints and tips, news of special events, customized discounts and other reasons why they should buy again.
Search Google for other blogs and online forums in your industry. Read through looking for problems and questions that your potential clients may have. Post well thought out comments and solutions to these problems on the blog or forum. Most of these will allow you to put a link with the comment to your own blog. This will increase your reputation and bring clients to you who are ready to buy.
Dave Christie
Hi David
Just been looking at your blog. I Like the professional look and feel to it. I have just got my “Widlink Widget” sorted out so getting there slowly. Thanks for your tips. Hopefully we will be able to work together in the near future.
Best regards
Chris
Hi Dave,
Wow, with all these great posts about blogs, you’re going to set youself apart as a true blogging expert.
Thanks for the great information.
Best regards,
George Nieves
Hi Dave, good post. Great point about the length of your blog posts, anything longer than 300 words should be turned into an article really.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Dave, well said, great post. Thanks for the tips on blogging and having a website. Terry Conti