What’s The Big Deal With Blogging?

Filed under: Internet Marketing Tips

As a business owner, you may have heard about the importance of a blog on your internet marketing campaign. But like many people, you may be wondering, “what is a blog, anyway?” It must be a common question, because if you search for an answer on Google you’ll receive over 2.6 million answers.

Online BlogThe word “blog” is short for “web log”. Originally, web logs were basically an online diary or journal in which the blogger would record the events of his day, his thoughts and opinions, and so on. That’s actually what Doogie Howser, MD, was doing at the end of each episode – making him one of the world’s first bloggers (fictionally, anyway).

Like most things, however, blogs have evolved. These days the word can refer to everything from an online diary, to news articles with an opinionated slant, to a section of a business’s website. The latter, of course, is the type of blogging that concerns you and your online marketing strategy.

For marketing purposes, your blog accomplishes several goals:

  • Share information that is interesting and relevant to your targeted demographic (client base).
  • Demonstrate your knowledge and expertise on these topics, which inspires confidence in your abilities.
  • Help you develop a relationship with your target audience.
  • May be SEO-optimized and include targeted key words in order to increase web traffic, and therefore your exposure.
  • Inspire your audience to share the content via social media, again increasing your exposure.
  • Provide your readers with enough helpful information that they stay on your website longer, leading to more referrals.

When creating the blog section for your website, remember the following guidelines for success:

  • Content should be original (no plagiarizing), and topics should be carefully selected to reflect the needs of your audience. Start by asking yourself what questions they may have that you can answer.
  • Blogs should be well-written and carry a friendly, yet professional tone. A business blog is not the place to write straight off the top of your head as you would in a diary. If you don’t consider yourself a talented writer, hiring a professional is always an option.
  • Organize your blog by creating several categories. This allows users to navigate easily and find topics that interest them. A financial advisor might include topics such as Social Security, Medicare, Lifestyle and Budgeting, and so on.
  • Share your blogs on social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
  • Use pictures. People like content that uses visuals.
  • Link to other websites, especially if you used them as sources for your information.
  • Don’t forget Search Engine Optimization – include keywords that your intended audience would use to search for information
  • Write a good meta description.
  • Choose blog titles that will entice your audience to click in and read the blog.

Possibly the greatest thing about blogs is that they can be whatever you want them to be. It may be helpful to think of your blog as a tool. Tools can be used in a variety of ways, because it’s what you hope to create with them that is important.

For more information about blogging or internet marketing strategies, contact Greg Preite of Online Profit Strategy at (951) 234-5943.