Blog is short for Web Log; the short term is now over a decade old (it was coined in 1999) and as such, I would argue that most people are familiar with it by now. The first blogs existed as html files or as logs of information but are now non-coders can have one up and running inside an hour: just add content!
With services like Blogger, Wordpress.com, and even Tumblr, it’s easy to set up a blog with no overhead and even integrate it with your existing website. If your website is built using a content management system (CMS) like Wordpress or Drupal, you have a built-in capacity for blogging ready to go.
Why should you blog? To build conversations; to engage with the reader; to share thoughts, information or knowledge. You should blog if you have something to say. Business blogs should be related to your business in some way -- this does not mean post after post of product promotions but rather value-added information or discussions. Don't start a blog "because everyone else has one" or because someone told you it was critical. It's not. A blog is a communication tool that, like all social media, requires regular care and feeding.
The best blogs keep it REAL:
- Regular content
- Try to publish regularly, aim for a set number of posts and if possible regular days (you can use scheduling to space out your posts if you want to write them all in one sitting or write a few ahead of regular publishing days).
- Engaged with readers
- (a) make it easy for readers to find you and comment; if you don’t have blog comments enabled (and you should), make sure you have an email address for contact. (b) reply to your readers! Even a simple “thanks for reading” lets the reader know that you are engaged and paying attention.
- Added value
- Infographics, free e-books, calendar pages, and other incentives keep readers coming back. Contests may work in some markets, too.
- Light mood
- Above all, keep it light and friendly! Readers will not come back if your blog is too often negative or angry (there are a few notable exceptions to this rule but they are few and far between).
This article is one of a series of The A to Z of Tech by Those DeWolfes Creative. Read the rest at ThoseDeWolfes.com.