Another vintage Tumblemoose post.  Two years old and still applies!

When I first heard the term “blog” I surmised that it had something to do with the internet and a log or journal.  It didn’t take but Google and a moment to discover Weblogs and what was to me, a whole new world.  I have to admit, I wasn’t taken with the idea too much.  It seemed to me that it was most likely a bunch of personal ranting and frivolity.

Fast forward a few years and ahhh, I’m so much older and wiser.  Well, older anyway.  I have discovered the blogosphere, and it is good.  Not all of it of course, but there are some golden needles in this haystack.

This morning I became inspired when I read a post on Hunter Nuttall that was full of great information about blog traffic.  I examined why it is that I have a blog on my business site and the post brought home why it is critically important to blog your business site.

So, here we go:

1. It puts a warm face on a cold computer monitor.  Guess what?  There’s a human hiding back there!  So much content is designed to be professional and cool, working to the lowest denominator.  We can’t be friendly!  That’s not professional.  Hogwash.  For the struggling entrepreneur, putting some personailty on the business site may be the deciding factor for a prospective client.  For the mega-corporate site, a regular blog can show the consumer that yes, there are humans working within the corporate structure.
2. A blog keeps the website fresh. If each time the consumer goes to a site there is a blog entry dated within the last day or so, they will be more likely to trust the content of the entire site as being updated and valid.  A trusting consumer is a purchasing consumer.
3. Blogging brings a degree of interactivity to your site. Most people browse the web for information – a passive activity.  Having a blog with a “leave a comment” section prompts a viewer to take action.  If a blog post has inspired the visitor in some way, their ability to leave a comment on the blog may spur them into other action – say, making a purchase.
4. A blog is a perfect means for delivering new information. Has something changed in your marketplace?  A blog can inform the consumer and makes an impression that this business is right on top of what is happening in their field.  This builds credibility.  Credibility builds loyalty and loyal viewers often turn into loyal buyers.
5. A blog posting can solicit feedback.  Some folks just need the right permission to give their thoughts about your business, products or website.  Post a blog asking for ideas and watch the comments roll in.  Implement some of the suggested changes and folks will know and remember the website.  And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?  Standing above the fray.  Making your place special and memorable.
6. Blog readers are often subscribers. Subscribers are folks telling you that they like what they see and they want more.  Give them more on a regular basis and they have a reason to come back, again and again.
7. Blogs are expected. These days, a lot of folks searching the web expect to see a blog section on a website.  If there isn’t one there, landing times may be measured in nano-seconds.
8. If a blog isn’t expected, give them one! Would you expect to see a blog at Wal-Mart?  Probably not.  If you went to the home page and saw a big ‘ol link to their blog would you check it out?  I probably would.  Geez, what would a major retailer have to blog about?  And in case any big-wig webmaster from Wal-Mart is paying attention, burying your blog link in the footer with a bunch of admin stuff is kinda ridiculous.  Put it right up front!  Put it on the top!
9. A good post will highlight a service offered and why the viewer needs it – now! Use a blog on your business to highlight a top ten list or how-to that pertains to a service you offer.  Again, credibility is established and this may result in to an action by the viewer.  Make no mistake.  Action is the key.  You want action.  You need action.  Write a motivated post to help your viewer make the next step.
10. A blog gets you on your website nearly every day. You need to know what is going on in your world.  Take a step back and look at your site how the world views it.  If you go through the trouble of building a website and then ignore it, you are setting you and your business down a path of destruction.  C’mon.  It’s your baby.  Feed it.  Love it.  Nurture it and it will grow up to be something to be proud of.

Also be sure to check out this great post at Blabweb: How Can a Blog Help Your Business?