For business, that certainly is the question…..
I started this blog as somewhat of test. I had clients that would ask me about the benefits of blogs, and I do offer blog writing as one of my services, but beyond what I've read about the benefits of blogging I didn't really know that much about it. So, I started this blog to see first-hand just how time intensive this blogging was and of course for the marketing benefits for my own company. Today, I have a much greater understanding of what it takes to blog and these are some of the things I would have my clients consider before jumping into a blog.
To Blog:
Blogging, if done effectively, can increase your page rank.
Blogs attract links because the content is fresh and frequently updated.
Blogs can be added to your website and then linked to any page of your website.
Blogging gives you credibility in your market and can become a frequented how-to area for your customers.
Blogging can spur mentions in other online media (page rank and credibility).
Bloggers often provide links to other bloggers.
Blogging is fun.
Since the medium is more casual (and visual) it allows you more room for creativity outside normal business writing.
Not to Blog….
Blogging is time intensive.
To have the greatest benefit, you must blog frequently. Once a week is fine, but you probably won't become a "top blogger".
Blogging frequently means you must find new things to say on a regular basis. It is suggested that a minimum of three blog articles per week is best.
Blogging requires commitment.
If you want to keep readers coming to your site, you must be consistent in your postings.
Blogging requires a different voice.
Blog writing is so much different than any type of "business" writing and it requires finding a new voice.
Business blogging is different that personal blogging and one must keep in mind that is still a business communication tool, without being overly casual or overly promotional.
I would suggest that any company considering a blog should do one of two things: either hire a company to do the blogging for you, or hire someone who is assigned the blog as a number 1 priority. It's too easy for someone (ahem – me) to focus on the work of the day for the paying clients and push the blog to the wayside.
