Retired Pay World

A Web log, aka a blog, acts as a conduit of information between your current and potential clients. Like a conversation, it is a big and forth exchange that allows you to share information and updates, involve your network with your business and a way to gather information. Blogging is a great market tool because it directs traffic to your Web site so potential clients can learn more about you. It isn’t hard and doesn’t have to take a great deal of time.

IF you already have a Web site, your webmaster or hosting company can probably add a blog feature for you. This article cannot address various software packages for blogging because there are too many, but whomever is managing your site should be able to easily add this for you. If you do not have a Web site or they cannot do this for you, you can use a free blogging site (we recommend Blogger, Wordpress or TypePad) and add a link from your Web site to your blog. These free companies vary on how much customization they offer so go with a simple blog template when choosing.

Blog posts are generally 200-600 words long and you should plan on adding no less than one per week. Many people blog daily and write about the topics that relate to their business, asking themselves always “what are my customers’ needs?” If you own a computer repair shop, topics might include all things technology related including how to maintain your computer. If you own an auto repair shop instead, you might write about automotive maintenance and do reviews of new models. Just be patient. You will build a following over time if you are consistent.

Be sure you link to other sites within your blog posts. The dry cleaner might link to club soda giant Schwepps, the restaurant to Gallo as appropriate in the site. Why is this important? When someone does a search for Schwepps or Gallo, your article is likely to pop up, driving traffic to your blog and thus, your Web site and you.

A key component with blogging successfully is to engage your audience. End posts with questions you’d like feedback on “what’s your favorite cell phone application?” to encourage them to comment. They may also interact with other readers creating a dynamic online community. This will help to increase traffic to your site.

A “blogroll” is a list of links to other sites you list on your blog. Make sure that these are blogs that your readers can relate to and that you enjoy yourself. By adding a blogroll, you increase traffic for other blogs which helps you build online relationships and goodwill. List products and services that you recommend in a separate link list as well.

Add images and videos. A graphically pleasing blog draws more repeat readers. You can get free or low cost (generally around $1.00 or less) images at several sites. Search “free and low-cost images” to find some of these vendors. Once you download your image you can store it off your hard drive at a site like Flickr or Photobucket and use the URL to add the image. Videos can be found online and will generally have an “embed” feature that gives you HTML code to allow you easily embed the video in your site. Use these judiciously. An article about raising capital lends itself to an image of money. An article about productivity might feature a video of your favorite motivational speaker.

Some of you simply lack confidence in your writing or you don’t have the time. Don’t fret over this. You can easily find your choice of professional writers to blog for you. Posts range from $5-15 each or less, especially if you purchase via a monthly package. Your “problogger” can not only handle the actually writing, but will usually be able to add images, video and field comments for you. Just be patient as your writer learns your “voice” and how you would deliver information.

Blogging is a must if you are trying to get your name “out there”. It can help get you noticed by improving traffic, helps you build relationships with others in your field and customers and also establishes you as an expert. Additionally, you provide a legitimate service to your readers. Blogging, which can be fun and easy, is an additional marketing tool you can add to your toolbox.