How to Blog in ANY Industry

“Blog- A blog (an abridgment of the term web log) is a website, usually maintained by an individual, that has regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. “Blog” can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to web pages, including other blogs and media related to its topic.” (Source Wikipedia, June 4, 2008: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog)

Knowing this, how does a blog relate to your business? Surely, your business cannot profit from a blog or can it?

Blogs are conversational. The best blogs are the ones that relate to people and current events (holidays, politics), and then they relate everything back to your business. To write a good blog, you need to be able to: (1) write about your business, which I know you can do and (2) be able to see if it’s sunny outside. Can you do that? You bet you can!

Why do we use blogs on business websites? Because, blogs are an easy way for your clients, prospects, and vendors to get to know you and your company. Like we have said before, people are not buying your product, people are buying YOU. Blogs are a simple way to relate to your audience and keep them up-to-date with what’s happening with you and your industry.

When writing a blog, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. As I have said before, make entries conversational and keep them short. Nowadays, people have short attention spans and will not read long blogs. Keep entries between 100 and 300 words.

2. Watch out for industry jargon. Although you may know all of the elaborate industry terms, your audience probably doesn’t. So, make sure you write for your reader in order for them to understand you.

3. Make sure that there is always a link to your website at the end of your blog. If your blog is on your website, this strategy won’t be too effective. But, this is a necessary strategy if you have submitted your blog to a social blogging site (which I suggest check out www.digg.com, www.reddit.com, www.technorati.com and del.icio.us). When someone comes across your blog and likes what they see, they will follow you to your website.

4. Make sure to have an RSS (really simple syndication) feed attached to your blog. You can find this at www.feedburner.com. This will allow your clients, prospects, and vendors to sign up to receive e-mail updates instead of having to frequently check your website for the latest happenings. Also, this is a good strategy to attach to any articles and press releases that you post on your website.

Get out there and start blogging! It’s one of the simplest resources you can use to keep new, relevant content on your website. Best of all, it’s fast, easy, and will let your clients get to know you! As we always say: people don’t buy your product; people buy YOU!