Why Business Blogs

BlogKing November 5th, 2006

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Q. What are blogs?
A. Weblogs, or blogs, are a way of publishing to the web one idea at a time. The web software is already hosted and all design, settings and actual entering your words(posting) is done right in the web browser. Similar to web-based email like Yahoo mail.

This simplifies the process of publishing, letting authors create posts easily, and makes it simple to link to related ideas on the web. Blogs make it easy to add content to your website thus allowing your words to retain a clear, spontaneous, personal voice.
The simplicity and immediacy of weblogs has made them extremely popular in a very short period of time, and they’re being used today by everyone from media outlets wanting to spread their message to ordinary citizens wanting to keep in touch with friends and family around the world.

Blogger: Tour - What’s a blog?

Q. Why would you want my consulting service?

A. I help businesses attract more customers and clients by generating positive public relations utilizing online media tools such as blogs, feeds and podcasts.

Problem: Difficulty standing out in crowded markets. Advertising to get people to know and appreciate your products and expertise is more expensive and less effective then in the past.
Solution: By writing a blog, you personalize your service and establish you expertise. Whereas a web site is good for telling static details of your business, a blog excels at fostering an ongoing conversation with customers and prospects.
How: Tell stories about your company, industry or unique viewpoint. By providing relevant news, trends and personal insights you become a expert source whose opinion is valued. Readers return often, develop trust and turn into clients.

According to Pew Internet & American Life Project as of November 2004, 27 percent of the 120 million adult Internet users in the U.S. read blogs. This means that by the end of 2004, approximately 32 million Americans were blog readers. So there is a growing audience for focused and timely information.

Sure, anybody can start a free blog at Blogger.com and type away. But if you aspire to made money directly from your blog or use it to promote your web site, physical storefront or professional services, a more planned approach is needed.

An effective blog is created through a sequence of optimal steps. Particularly important is using keyword popularity to narrow and focus your topic. Keeping in mind what the market is asking for will help you maximize traffic while still writing about a topic that really interests you.

Good content is just the first ingredient. Equally important is growing and leveraging your network ecosystem.

What organizations and people should you be linking to?
Blogs, feeds and podcasting are tools that facilitate conversation.
Conversations then foster your network ecosystem.

I know what you are thinking… "I see the value in having a blog, but I am overwhelmed with all the new concepts and don’t have time to learn by trial and error on my own."

Exactly.

That is what my consulting service is for. I am your sounding board and marketing coach.
I walk you through the steps and teach you just the details you need to know. I will do the arcane technical stuff for you, freeing you up to focus on the fun stuff: writing your blog. I have years of experience consulting with managers and sole proprietors and I teach at a pace you can absorb easily.

My promise is to keep you on track for success.

Q. How do I work with clients?

A. I offer a start up package called Attract More Clients Blog Coaching™.

For solo practioners this consists of four highly interactive tailored sessions of two hours each.

Demystifying blogs and clarifying your topic
Gaining confidence and ease in all aspects of posting
Getting distribution and being found
Building your network ecosystem and next steps

Between sessions you start writing posts and gaining confidence. By the end of four sessions your blog is ready to be promoted, you have the skills and motivation to keep it growing, and you have a strategic plan to guide you.