Blogs: Are They Important?

5 reasons why you should have a business blog.

 

We’ve all seen it. A business website with a “Blog” tab that reveals two posts written 18 months ago. Somewhere along the line, most business owners recognize they should have a blog. What they may not understand is why they should have a business blog. And therein lies the disconnect causing the syndrome of unused blogs.

A blog is simply a place for you to share information. Like your website’s personal newspaper. Business blogs are often informative and informational, serving as a place to share your thoughts and opinions about a matter.

Blogs have the potential to exponentially increase your business’ influence, reach, and growth. Here are 5 facts about why having a business blog is important:

1: Blogs are the hub of social media.

Yes, believe it or not, blogs technically fall under the category of a social media platform. Think of your blog as the center of your business’ social media universe, with all the other platforms (Facebook, Twitter, e-newsletters, Pinterest, etc.) all orbiting around it. The content you post on your blog becomes an excellent source of content for all the other platforms. Articles can be featured in your e-newsletter, and the topics give you something to talk about on Twitter. Pictures you use in your blog posts can be pinned to Pinterest. And all this sharing ultimately drives traffic back to your website.

2: A blog will increase your online exposure.

Blogs work wonders to help your website function the way it’s supposed to. Search engines look for websites that are updated frequently with relevant content. A stale website is viewed as having content that is potentially out of date or irrelevant. Sharing quality content on your website will start to have significant SEO benefits. It’s not an overnight process, but consistently posting strategic, keyword-rich blog articles will help search engines boost you up in the rankings, making it easier for more people to find your website.

3: Your blog can become a resource.

A blog is one way to give your brand a voice. By writing about topics related to your industry, you are able to leverage your expertise. It’s important to note that your blog is not the place to shamelessly self-promote all the time. You’ll be better off writing articles about topics that will genuinely help your target market. By offering help and expertise for free without asking for something in return, you begin to build trust and illustrate the value of your business’ products or services.

4: Blogging promotes interaction – online and offline.

Of course, the goal with every social media platform is engagement. You want to know your readers are interacting with what you’re sharing. On a blog, this happens primarily through comments. This online interaction can be an excellent tool for you to learn more about your target market. Another way to work online interaction in your favor is by spending time to read and comment on other blogs in your industry.

Blogging can create offline interaction through guest blogs. Reach out to your network and other thought leaders in your industry asking them to post a guest blog on your website. Include a link to their website, and most people are happy for the extra exposure. This can be an excellent open door to meet people you otherwise wouldn’t have a reason to approach.

5: By the numbers: a blog will increase your sales.

You have to go into blogging with your eyes wide open: it’s a “slow and steady wins the race” type of game. Overnight “tricks” don’t work, and often will backfire. But, consistently creating quality, strategic content for your blog will start paying dividends over time. Consider these facts:

• Companies with a business blog have 55% more website visitors.
• B2C companies with a blog generate 88% more leads than those without a blog.
• B2B companies that blog generate 67% more leads than companies without a blog.
• 70% of consumers say a blog has influenced a purchase.
• Blogs are the #1 most trusted social media source.
• 70% of consumers learn about a company through articles rather than ads.

Adding and maintaining a business blog on your website can offer your company some excellent benefits. Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, the important takeaway is to just do it and start blogging today. If you want help, we can create a plan that will map out exactly what you should post and when. Find out more about our blog plans and management here or contact us for more information.