If you are reading this, you either, have no idea what blogging is, but know you should. Or, you know what blogging is, but don’t know how to use it. Don’t worry. I’m going to address both issues here. Blogging is one of the most effective social media strategies you can use to promote your business.
Just Words on a Page
First, let’s just get this out of the way. “Blog” is just short for “Web Log”. See, you’ve already learned something. Its purpose is typically used to inform, educate and entertain. For example, if you are a car dealer, your blogs may consist of DIY projects, like “How to Change Your Own Oil”, or “5 Ways to Prolong the Life of Your Car Battery”. Now, I know what the next questions you are probably going to ask are: “Why should I commit time to blogging?” and “How is a blog going to help me”?
Sticking with the car dealer example, let’s say that you wrote those blogs. Now what? Post it to your Facebook page, of course! If you don’t have a Facebook page for your business, stop reading here and call us immediately…you have some catching up to do. But of course, you are a modern business owner are well aware of the power of social media marketing. Fantastic! Post a link to the blog you just wrote on your Facebook fan page. One click and your fans are now reading your blog. Oh, did I mention that links to your website will be embedded in your blog? So, just by using this extremely simple example you’ve created original content and increased your SEO, you’ve engaged with a reader whom you’ve educated and shared information with and, ultimately, given them the opportunity to visit your website and use your services. With a consistently written blog, you are able to share potentially valuable information and demonstrate a valuable knowledge set to potential customers.
I Don’t Have Time For This…
Now don’t get too excited at the simplicity of a good social media marketing presence. This stuff takes a generous amount of time and consistency. It’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Plus, you have to remember that online marketing is as important as your traditional advertising, and should be treated as such. With traditional advertising, you don’t just sell the “Steak”, you sell the “SIZZLE”. Well, with a solid blog and Social Media representation you sell the “Steak” and the “SIZZLE”, but then you talk about “how it was prepared”, “what farm the meat came from” and probably end up following the rancher who raised the cow…you know, because he also has a blog called “Happy Cows Ranch”.
If you have any questions on how we can make a blog work in concert with your social media platforms, just contact us.