For blogs sake!!!

For blogs sake!! 

With all the hoo-ha about ‘blogging’ (web logging) and even ‘vlogging’ (video logging) is it any wonder that everyone is jumping on the bandwagon? But does that mean you should? As a small business owner, is it worth the bother?

In order to answer the above question, there are numerous factors that need to be considered before you blithely make the decision to join in all the fun. Like what, I hear you ask? It can’t be that hard, I hear others mutter. It’s just about writing something and slapping it on your website a few times a month, right? Nuh-uh, my friends, I’m afraid not.

Your first step is to become the researcher of the century in order to a) help you to decide whether it is in your best interest to start a business blog and b) to give you the direction needed to set it up.

Your research doesn’t have to stick strictly to business blogs, either. Mix it up a little and have a look at blogs about issues that are of personal interest to you. The aim is to have a look at style, language, layout and reader’s comments. A good place to start is the Bloggie awards site (http://2008.bloggies.com/), which has a good range of popular blogs that were nominated as the best of the bunch. Have a scout around and see which sites you like, what attracts you and why, and click on the provided links to other recommended blogs.

Once you have mapped out a blog style that you like, start writing material that you think your target audience will be interested in. Keep it professional but friendly and relevant to your business. The language should be simple and light, entertaining and original. Do not use it as a place for a self-indulgent rant – get a journal for that.

Try to remain positive even if you don’t feel it to ensure that your readers keep coming back for more. The main aim of a business blog is to invite your readers to get to know your personality, like what they read, forward it on to other people and therefore, hopefully, up your sales/request for services.

Your next research step is to have a browse at an article on Entrepreneur.com: (http://www.entrepreneur.com/technology/techtrendscolumnistpeteralexander/article175236.html). While it is just over 12 months old, it still gives a good and clear overview of what is involved in being a business blogger.

As is stated in the above article, making a commitment to your blog is a must. There is no point starting one, going full throttle for the first few weeks, then letting it slide in to ruin. This does not a good business image make! If you decide you only have time for one blog a week, that is great, but make sure you follow through. Maybe choose a day in the week and make that your blog day.

Starting up a blog is not as hard as it may sound, either. Have a look at www.blogger.com/start, an easy-to-use site powered by Google.com that doesn’t cost a thing. You just sign up, create an account, name your blog, choose a template and then, whoosh, you’re an official blogger!

So, if you feel like you have relevant information and opinions to express that will enhance your online business, then what are you waiting for? Run, sprint, skip, leap or somersault onto that bandwagon and get bloggin’.

Some helpful sites:

http://nett.com.au/technology/web/myspace-my-business/1974.html. (Naomi Hulbert, editor of Nett Magazine, advises about the dos and don’ts of social media and blogging)

http://www.skelliewag.org/

http://www.reasonsyouwillhateme.com/ (winner of the 2008 Bloggie Awards)