What is a blog?
A blog (comes from weblog) is a website consisting of entries (also called posts) that appear in reverse chronological order by day month and year with the most recent entry appearing first (similar in format to a diary or journal). Blogs typically include features such as comments and links to increase user interactivity. Blogs are created using specific publishing software. Blog writing style is usually informal. Blogs topics and be on anything you choose but most bloggers stick to a certain niche.
Top 7 Reasons why blogging & business go hand in hand:
1. You will able to add content in minutes
The best part about a blog is that it offers convenience as in the case of updating new content. What you need to do is simply log in to your administration panel & post and it will all be there for the world to see. Plus, it gives you the much-needed freedom from uploading FTP files to your static sites. It is of great help especially when you have just got the next big ‘thing’ on your mind!
2. It’s Free (or Low Cost)
Blogging is a boon for those on a shoe-string budget. It provides solution to the critical problem of influx of funds for the purpose of promotion. This can be easily done through a range of ways. You could either start your blog absolutely free at popular blogging sites such as blogger.com or wordpress.com or if your business name is available, you can use it as the blog’s URL (web address). As another option if you would like to purchase your business name’s domain, you can do so inexpensively from sites such as godaddy.com or register.com or if you want a self host your blog then you can go Host Gator for hosting services. Simply put, it’s as easy as 1-2-3!
3. It Makes You the Expert
A blog helps you post and let the world know about your expertise in your forte. This not only serves as an ice-breaker between you and your audience but also ensures that you most probably become a trusted name which makes them take your advice or suggestion with regard to a particular product or service seriously. An added advantage is the appreciation you receive for the instructions, to- do lists, tips & other articles.
4. Create a relationship with visitors to your website
First things first, in comparison to a static website, a blog is updated on a regular basis; it may so happen that you get repeat visitors provided you have good content. So, the chances of repeat customers multiply on blogs as against static websites. This gives a sense of belonging & attachment to the visitors & this furthers interaction with them through responding to the comments posted by them on your articles.
5. Improve your search engine rankings
Search engines like Yahoo! & Google are partial to blogs, the primary reason being their need for providing spanking new content to their varied customers. These search engines generally place blogs on a large scale due to their dynamic nature.
6. Make New Connections
Blogging makes networking easy. With easy and constant access to the internet, chances are huge that you get noticed on the circuit. This exposure might result in many people trying to make links with you. And, if you blog on a regular basis, the good news is you will get attention of other bloggers of your turf! These bloggers may end up being probable customers. Very precisely put, the exposure to new contacts is an opportunity in disguise!
7. Blogs will help you get links
Like it or not, social networking sites are selling like hot cakes! Create links on such sites and enjoy the added traffic to your blog. The more links you create, the better!
With all these benefits on offer, blogging is a sure-shot way to get gigantic exposure for your business; a very cost- effective one at that. Do we really need to stress more on why you should start blogging right away?
