Blogs and micro-blogs (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest etc.) are growing in popularity among business owners as a way to communicate with their customers, or to win new ones. More than 60% of all businesses now have a blog, and while most of them are between the ages of 25 and 44, one-third are over the age of 45. Blogging is easy to do with services such as Blogger and WordPress, and is typically free. You can include photos and videos in your blog for added impact. But, in case you need more convincing, here are five more reasons your business should be blogging.
1. Because Google said so. Well, sort of. Google values websites that have fresh content and there is no easier way to accomplish that than through blogging. If Google sees that your website is full of interesting, new and relevant content, then you will be rewarded in the search engine results lottery. If your website is static – if you never or rarely update the information – then you will likely see your search results position slide away.
2. Your customers are hungry for information about your product or service. Notice I did not say that they want to know about your company – they probably don’t. But they do want to know more about that new model of widget you are offering and how it compares with earlier versions. Or, perhaps your restaurant is offering a new special this month and several customers have asked for the recipe. Blogging is a quick and easy way to share information that your customers will value.
3. You can attract new customers. By publishing a blog, or a micro blog, you increase the chances that potential clients will find you when they are searching the internet. Having a nice catalog of articles that you have written about your industry means there are more chances for them to find you.
4. You can position yourself as an authority in your field. You are very well versed in your own business, but your customers probably are not. They will be looking for information from a trusted and reliable source – you. By writing interesting and fact-filled content on your blog you can establish yourself as the “go-to” resource for information about your industry.
5. It’s an easy way to build relationships. Micro-blogging in particular is a great way to nurture your relationship with your customers. Whether it is sharing photos of great ideas on Pinterest or tweeting the latest news in your industry, these services provide you with the opportunity to create and sustain conversations.
Kim Deppe is President of Deppe Communications, an outsource marketing firm located in the Jacksonville, FL area. Deppe Communications provides marketing consulting, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, public relations and advertising services to small and medium size businesses across the U.S. With over 25 years corporate executive marketing experience, Kim Deppe brings a unique combination of strategic marketing experience and online marketing know-how to her clients. For more information, visit www.DeppeCommunications.com, call 904.524.0170 or E-mail Kim@DeppeCommunications.com.