So you've heard the term "blog" and want to know what blogs are all about.  As with most social networking sites, the primary idea/s behind blogs are to educate and entertain your target market with relevant information, without selling them.  By educating your target market, you are in essence, providing a clear sales tool that will increase the trust factor with your site and brand.

Q:  WHAT IS A BLOG?

A:  A blog is a frequently updated online personal journal, diary, or article. It is a place to express yourself to the world. A place to share your thoughts and your passions.  For our purposes we'll say that a blog is your own Web site that you are going to update on an ongoing basis. Blog is a short form for the word "weblog" and the two words are used interchangeably.

TERMINOLOGY:  The blogger blogs in his blog!

Many derivatives of the word blog have been created. One who participates in the activities of maintaining a blog is known as a blogger and the activity of keeping a blog is known as blogging. 

Blog (noun) - a journal or diary that is on the Internet

Blogger (noun) - a person who keeps a blog

Blog (verb) - to write a blog - You are going to "blog" about your latest product release.

Blogging (verb) - the action of writing a blog - Blogging is exactly what you should begin doing.

WHO BLOGS?

Bloggers are everyday individuals such as you!  They consist of small businesses, fans, journalists, news companies, or even just individuals with a desire to share the world with their thoughts and feelings about any subject they desire!  As the web continues to expand, the number of bloggers out there is expanding at an exponential rate and so does the information they are providing (both relevant and irrelevant).

You don't need years of education in technology to become a blogger.  Customized blog sites are out there that will set you up with your very own blog in a matter of minutes.  You can start connecting with people who share similar interests, customers that you currently have, or potential customers that are looking to learn more about your business or industry.

Trust us, with a few clicks of the mouse and some thoughts, you will have a blog in a matter of minutes.  It's that easy!

WHY WOULD SOMEONE WANT TO BLOG?

Ultimately, each person wishes to express them self in some sort of passion. This is why journals and articles are kept throughout peoples' lives. The Internet has become a portal for individuals to express their thoughts and desires in an environment that they feel comfortable enough to give personal information about.

There are thousands of blogs out there that have no relevancy whatsoever to the greater good of the world.  Many people simply update their blog with what they had for lunch last or what shirt they decided to wear on a certain day.  But others have used their blogs to inform users of the latest and greatest in a specific industry.  Ex:  A tech blog scours the internet every day for the latest articles to come from the tech world then posts them on their own blog.  They are creating a portal that will bring together all the latest articles in the tech world, and web users will come to find this relevant information brought together in to one place.

HOW IS THIS RELEVANT FOR MY BUSINESS?

The new joke that is starting to come about is the term "blog" standing for Better Listing on Google.  Blogs can be very relevant for a small  business.  They allow a very relaxed atmosphere for you to educate your customers and potential customers on the benefits of your services and warning signs for other companies in the same industry.  Never bash your competitors.  You must sell your company in a "non-selling" way.  You do this by providing warning signs to look out for when looking for the service you provide.

Example:  "Shutter Company A"

Shutter Company A provides high-quality shutters, often using the best materials in the industry to provide the customer with shutters that will last far in to the future.  From the glue in the moldings, to the handyman craftmanship being used to smooth each piece of wood, Shutter Company A is by far the best shutter company in the industry.  But as most businesses are well aware, having the best quality doesn't always ensure the most market share!

Strategy

• Provide "consumer bewares" on their website
• Provide a menu item on the site to another blog site that Shutter Company A uses 
• In the blog, give industry articles on the latest tools, warning signs when buying shutters, and testimonials
• The goal is to educate the consumer on why Shutter Company A's high-quality shutters are worth the higher price than the competitor's
• In various articles, "Shutter Company A" discussed what it means to use high quality materials and how they will last years longer than the competitions.
• Provide a "Questions to Ask" article for web users to use when asking shutter companies questions.

Results

• Trust factor of Shutter Company A went way up
• Shutter Company A often heard from customers how nice it was to read the articles on their blog as they felt in the dark when buying shutters.
• President of Shutter Company A felt more of a connection with the market place, and began updating the company blog with relevant information weekly
• The President of Shutter Company A was able to answer questions on the spot on the website when users posted questions or comments.

We know, you don't have enough time, blogging doesn't work for your industry, or your too late to have any relevancy in the blog world.  If you have clients, customers, or a target market, then you better start making the time!