What Corporate Businesses Need to Remember About Blogs and Blogging!
Posted by Marcus Cronate in Blogging Tips, Guests PostsFirst of all let’s remind ourselves of what exactly the term “Blog” is defined as:
Oh hang on; there isn’t really a worldwide definition of the term Blog. Instead there is a culmination of different versions. Wikipedia doesn’t even give a singular definition for this term, only that it is a derivative of the term “Web Log”. Quite fitting really, it does almost sound like a journal, or a place where you can insert your personal comments.
I think that this is the most important thing to remember about a Blog, the fact that it is a personal entry, a log in your journal that stores some information on what you have learnt or maybe something that you wish to share. There are no rules with how anyone runs their blogs, but more like unwritten guidelines. If you don’t follow these guidelines then you should probably call your “Blog” something else.
Those that run there own websites enjoy the opportunity to tell people about their own lives or to possibly give information to people that they may find useful. This blog actually works well in this way, maybe not quite so personal but it actually deals out information that readers could use or find interesting.
If you run a sales website and you incorporate a Blog, you must remember that this is a different part of your site entirely. Sales and retailing happens on the main site, please don’t keep trying to sell us stuff on your blog. What a massive disconnect, this isn’t the place that visitors come to, to find out that they can get a free pack of double A batteries free with a five thousand dollar laptop!
Use your blog as a way to connect with readers and a way to communicate with the general public. This is a place for readers to find out more about you and your business! It may be a good idea to market competitions here and to launch a new product with some special information about it, but don’t use it as a sales pitch.
A Blog is a called such for a reason, so that it can help you to get closer to your customers, and maybe encourage them to return! It’s a great way to talk about news which means you could even get some long tail search term click through’s. Overtimes you could even find yourself news worthy enough to appear in Google’s notorious Google News!
Don’t abuse your Blog, use it to give something that other can appreciate; it will work out in your favour down the line! I promise!
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Hi Marcus,
I’m fairly new to blogging, but I can tell you I have a strong businesses intent in doing so. I like the link-building aspect, especially with CommentLuv and KeywordLuv.
Blogs have evolved from personal journal format to a form of online community. The link-building and SMO potential is bound to attract plenty more businesses. Not a bad thing, but sure to ruffle the feathers of journal-style purists who hate to see commercialization of their once pristine blogosphere.
I get the feeling you come from the journal side of the fence.
I think business dudes like me have to tread lightly in posting comments. It’s not about me or my business, it’s about the post topic and the conversation around that.
In terms of a company blog – it could be pure sales or just partially. It could be almost anything.
WordPress will provide static pages and blog posts. The entire distinction between Blog and site is blurred. For example, I try to write personalize my web pages as much as possible because corporate-speak sucks anywhere it’s used.
So I guess I’m not really buying this blog-over-here and sell-over-there thing. It’s all communicating, connecting and influencing.
A good analogy is Richard Branson talking about work vs. play. He said, “I don’t think of work as work and play as play. It’s all living.”
Every business website I have now includes a blog. My favorite part is the interaction with the customers. To me, that’s my main objective and the most important.
Anthony recently posted..What A Camp Fire Can Teach An Entrepreneur
Twitter: Ileane
says:
Hi Marcus, you have done a good job on this post. Corporate blogs need to add some personality not just a sales pitch.
Ileane recently posted..Matt Mullenweg Discusses the Past- Present and Future of WordPress
Twitter: amabaie
says:
I love that you start off by “undefining” blog. In social media, way too many people are trying to tell everybody else “the right way” to blog, to use Twitter, to comment, etc. Yes, there are some social norms that develop, and yes, to a certain extent we must live up to audience expectations. But realkly that’s about it; beyond that, do whatever a) makes sense, b) suits your needs, C) you feel like.
Twitter: money_whisper
says:
A blog is a great tool to make yourself heard or to promote your business. But you have to really understand the true meaning of blogging and not to do it because everybody else does it.
from personal web log to professional and marketing tool helping online business succeed.
I believe in its role and function in online business…
thanks for sharing!
Jonas recently posted..WordPress SEO Advantages
Twitter: 1charlottehomes
says:
Hi Marcus,
Enjoyed the article. I think blogs are really important for every business. More importantly I like the blogs that don’t feel like a sales pitch. I like the blogs that are 85% personal and only 15% business. I think this make things more personal and as a result creates more loyal followers/customers.
Thanks again for read
TJ