To blog or not to blog . . .

Are you a holdout like I was? Have you waded through too many blogs that veer off-topic and wander into “so what?” territory? Here’s why I finally jumped on the blog-wagon. I realized that, when done right, a blog is a win-win proposition. It gives customers what they need to make good buying decisions and provides the blogger with a supercharged communication and marketing tool.

When you have news or tips to share about your product or service, blogging is an easy, accessible way to get the word out. No need to wait for your next newsletter issue or save a batch of updates to pass off to your web master. Instead, write it up and presto, there it is, online for your customers and prospective buyers to see and act on within seconds. How’s that for instant gratification?

Here is a juicy fact. If you craft an information-rich website and update it often, it will climb higher in the Google rankings. So try the hassle-free way to get a boost in the search results – by linking your blog to your website. Every time you post an entry, you’re adding to the wealth of content on your site, telling the search engines, “hey, here’s something new,” and adding keywords that help you get found.

You’ll create deep customer loyalty when you offer valuable information and show you care by asking for feedback. Let’s face it, people want to be heard. And through your blog, you can provide a forum for your customers to respond to you and relate to each other.

OK, so blogging is good idea, but how will you ever find time to do it? Stay tuned, and we’ll cover at least three ways to produce great blog posts in less time.