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Blogging Basics for Business

 
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Blogging Basics for Business

  • A Blog is a “conversation on the web” with people who have something in common.
  • People subscribe to a blog using RSS (the channel).
  • RSS feeds create a channel to your favorite blogs to stay current on topics of importance and interest.
  • Blogs “posts” are organized in chronological order and by topic.
  • BusinessWeek May 2005 cover story: “Blogs - Catch Up or Catcha Later”
  • When, not if you should blog…Start by blogging on other blogs in your industry.
  • Observe, learn and participate in those blogs.  Get a feel for their personalities and the participants.
  • Study competitive blogs to observe what is being said.  Consider commenting on competitive blogs. 
  • Remember you are part of a community.  Be professional (don’t be a jerk).
  • Develop a strategy!  Know your objective(s) and measure results.
  • Blog types: industry trends/visionary, product (technical) blog, customer service, P.R. blog, etc.
  • Set up roles for people in your company in the blog and manage these roles: analytical, product (technical), P.R., controversy, executive/leadership.
  • Don’t shy away from comments on your  blog especially criticism.
  • Post comments frequently.
  • Respond to comments very quickly (within hours).
  • Remember that others are watching your blog conduct.
  • Respond to negative comments positively.  Thank them and explain your course of action.
  • Blogs are good for search engine optimization particularly when you give each blog post a title with a post-slug URL.
  • Add blog post-slug URLs to your site map.
  • Use social plug’ins to get your blog tagged and linked.
  • Submit your blog to Technorati and track it.
  • Track blog stats in your website stats/analytics.
  • Link to other blogs you like.  Don’t expect anything in return (but you may get links from other blog sites).
  • Embrace a blog with commitment - don’t start and stop a blog.
  • Business blogs take time - get over it.
  • Business blogs will pay dividends if implemented and managed well. 
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