Blogging has been around for years. Millions of people maintain blogs for their own interest, to educate others, and to make money via affiliate links and advertising programmes such as Google Adsense. But where does blogging fit into the world of business? Can a blog really help a small business increase brand awareness and reach new customers? Let’s find out.
An Effective Communication Tool
Blogs are one of the best ways to communicate and engage with your customers. Unlike web content, blogs can be a bit more informal in tone. You can offer helpful advice, post useful news updates and outline what marks your business as being different from your competitors. Posting top quality content will help you build a meaningful relationship with customers, associates, and other businesses in your niche.
A Voice of Authority
You can reach a lot of people via a blog, so if you have something important or useful to say, it’s the perfect platform. Writing blogs is a good way to establish yourself as the voice of authority in your niche. Do you have an opinion on a news story? Have you stumbled across an interesting research study you think people would like to hear more about? Discuss it on your blog – the more interesting and informative your blog posts are, the more likely people are to come back and read what else you have to say.
Brand Awareness
A blog represents you and your business. It is part of your business brand, so use it wisely. Building a brand is a very important part of establishing a successful business. Well-known brands are instantly recognisable – who doesn’t spot the golden yellow arches of McDonalds and feel hungry? Maintaining a blog will help drive traffic to your website and help you boost your online social media presence, which in turn will increase brand awareness. Some of these people might turn into customers, so it is worth putting some effort into writing a blog.
An Online Marketing Tool
Social media is a very powerful marketing tool and it is one of several link building services you should try, but its power is maximised when you create connections via a blog first. Customers are far more likely to interact with you on social media channels if they have ready your blog content and like what you have to say. So start writing interesting and informative blogs to earn their trust before you interact with them on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Increased Customer Engagement
A blog can increase levels of customer engagement. New and existing customers are more likely to do business with you if they view you as trustworthy. Offer them helpful tips and advice on your blog. This will encourage them to buy from you or contact you for more advice. The more customers engage with you via a blog, the more they will be excited about what you have to offer them.
Many small businesses view blogs as tedious and time consuming, but it doesn’t have to be the case! You can write blogs in advance and schedule them for future dates if you are busy, so you really have no excuse not to give it a go.