Posted on: Wednesday, September 1, 2004
Blog is easy way to help your business
Rhonda Abrams
Gannett News Service
I've finally entered the 21st century; I've created my own blog.
If you're the tech-savvy sort, you may already know about blogs. If not, blog is short for Web log, a sort of online journal. They're the hottest thing to hit the Internet since Anna Kournikova. But while personal blogs are popular, can you use a blog for your business?
Here's the good news about blogs: They're easy — and free — to create. Most are used for fun, as a means of personal expression or as a way for family and friends to communicate over the Web. Both the Bush and the Kerry campaigns have official blogs (www.georgewbush.com/blog and http://blog.johnkerry.com). A blog is basically a one-page Web site. While you can add links to your blog, it doesn't have a home page and other Web pages "under" the home page. Information is generally added in reverse chronological order. But you can easily upload photos or images and put titles or headlines to each post.
Since blogs are so easy to create, I thought we'd experiment with blogs in my company. I'm using mine to give readers more insight into my business and to share rants and raves that don't fit in my column. Check us out at www.planningshop.com/about/breakroom.asp. I've also been thinking of other ways a small business could use a blog:
• As a Web site. For a consultant, freelancer or very small business, a blog may be a free way to get a Web site fast. Just post your business description or resumé and give out the blog Web address to prospective clients or customers. You can have this up and running in less than a half-hour (15 minutes if you don't add photos). • To create a stronger personal connection with customers. Most of us in small companies have strong personal ties to our customers, but if you conduct business primarily on the Web or over the phone, a blog might be something to try. • To share images with clients. Many small businesses need to send or share photos, artwork, diagrams and such with clients. Some customers don't want to receive large graphics files as e-mail attachments. A blog lets you upload them to the Web.
So how do you start? Go to Blogger (www.blogger.com) or one of the other sites that enable you to set up a blog. Just follow the steps. If using Blogger, once you're in the "New Post" section, run your cursor over the icons to see how to add links, photos, or change text color or style.
Other hints:
• Tell people how to find your blog. It's highly unlikely that anyone will find your blog unless you give out the Web address. • Be careful what you post. Remember, blogs aren't private. Internet search engines and random surfers can find your postings. • Look professional. Use correct spelling, punctuation and capitalize. • Create a conversation with your customers. You can choose to allow readers to post comments. But remember, those comments become visible to other readers. • Use your own domain name. If you already have a Web site, you can post your blog on your own site and use your own Web address. • Add images. Photos and graphics make your blog more appealing and memorable. At the very least, add a personal photo. Blogger is owned by Google, which also owns Hello (www.hello.com); use the two together to upload photos. So please, join me in the 21st century and come visit my blog.
• To develop a following. If you are an expert in a specific field, it's possible your blog will develop a following of devoted readers. This is certainly true in technology, but it's possible if you've got expertise in any specific area, and you're willing to add new entries to your blog regularly.
Blogging tips
• Give out the Web address so people can find your blog.
• Be careful what you post. Blogs aren't private.
• Use correct spelling, punctuation and capitalization.
• If you allow readers to post comments, remember that those comments are visible to other readers.
• If you already have a Web site, you can post your blog on your own site and use your own Web address.
• Add photos and graphics.
