Learn About Blogging

What it is:  A blog or ‘web log' is simply an easy way to publish content via the web.   Standard blogging technology allows for the serial publication of articles or ‘posts' which can be viewed by others online. 

A blog post might be an article, but could also be a list of links, a video, an image or series of images, any combination of these and/or whatever else the technology supports and the publisher chooses to post. 

Business blogs are typically published on a somewhat regular basis, daily or weekly, though this can vary. 

Key characteristics of blogs include the reverse chronological order of posts (newest posts appear first) and functionality that allows readers to add their own comments and observations to the posted material.  The former insures that regular blog readers are always greeted by the latest/most up-to-date information.  The latter is what brings the blog to life and truly separates blogging from pre-web methods of publishing, by allowing interactive communication between the blog publisher and the readership.

There are multiple reasons blogging has become an important part of internet marketing strategy for businesses today: 

1.)  Public Relations:  The interactive nature of blogging opens a valuable two-way line of communication between a business and its clients and prospects, for developing relationships and building trust. 

2.)  Market Research:  Blogs provide a platform for testing ideas, receiving feedback and identifying trends that can help shape product development and market strategy.

3.)  Brand Building:  Blogging provides an opportunity for a business to establish itself as an expert in the market, strengthen customer loyalty and build brand awareness.

4.)  Timely Communication:  Blogs provide a uniquely simple platform for adding fresh content to a website quickly and easily, without any related navigational restructuring, allowing for a new level of flexibility and speed in communicating important information and responding to activity in the marketplace.

5.)  Search Engine Optimization:  Blog pages can be optimized using standard SEO techniques to gain new visitors and attract organic links just like any other website pages, providing the opportunity to grow traffic and build overall website authority.