Blogging Through Blogs For Business

Remember when you were little and you had that really cool Barbie or Ninja Turtles diary? No? Okay, well pretend you do. A blog is exactly that, except that it's online and doesn't have any pictures of fictitious characters (unless you choose to add them of course).

A blog is a web log or web diary of your thoughts or opinions posted online. Blogs can be random rantings or very specific rantings about industry, trade or special interests.

To Blog Or Not To Blog?

One of the best things about online blogging is that it's extremely easy to set up. The software is easily (and freely) attainable from Google and Wordpress and it literally takes a click of a button.

Online blogging is even easier if you are passionate about what you are ranting about. Having passion about the topic is critical, as it is about the only thing that will make you get out of bed those few minutes earlier to upload a new post. Passion is also contagious. It doesn't matter if your online blogging is on nuts and bolts, because if you are passionate about it, it will come across in your work and your readers, whether they share your passion or not, will begin raving about nuts and bolts as well!

Online blogging for business is useful as it can humanise the brand and the company. Now that doesn't mean that you give your brand a blog (though there have been instances where company mascot blogs have been quite the hit). It means that your company's head honcho should consider taking up online blogging as a hobby. Not only will the company be so much more approachable for it, the head honcho may discover a new personal love.

The only catch about online blogging is that it's not for everyone. It requires serious commitment, particularly if you are blogging for business. Unfortunately, online blogging is not something you can delegate to someone else. Just as your teachers could tell when you copied someone else's assignments, your readers can distinguish when it's not your work, and insincerity is quite unacceptable.

Guest Blogging - Make It Count

To get the most out of your online blogging activities, expand your horizons and incorporate guest blogging. Guest blogging refers to commenting on other's blogs. If done properly, it is a highly effective albeit guerrilla means of attracting readers and traffic to your own blog and website.

The first thing to remember is that whatever you comment on, make sure you are better at it. Then, throw everything you've got into your comment - do not skimp on the ideas, opinions or evidence. Strong opinions with strong evidence make a strong impression.

Always give adequate information about yourself, such as your name and your business. Never hide behind an alias as this suggests a lack of confidence or that you have something to conceal.

Finally, give readers a call to action cue. Provide them with a link back to your spruced up blog or website.

By getting guest blogging right, you make it count in three ways. Firstly, you are getting your name out there and building your credibility and reputation in your industry and amongst your consumers. Secondly, you are optimizing your site through the creation of meaningful back-links to your blog and website. Thirdly, you are increasing traffic from unique sources that you may never have tapped otherwise. It really doesn't get much better than that.

Think you'll need a bit of help with online blogging? Go ahead and contact us. You can also download our eBook or register for a free online analysis report.