Over the past few years, blogs have risen from an almost unknown “computer geek” secret to the “it” thing on the internet. It seems that almost everyone, from celebrities to your local junior high students has a blog.
While it is very common to find blogs as personal diaries, people that own product and service based businesses can absolutely profit from having a blog.
First and foremost, a business blog helps to build your web presence. In today’s society, having a strong web and social media presence is a key factor in your business success.
When a potential client is thinking about hiring you, there is a good chance that they will do a little investigation of you online. The potential client may go to Google and do a search on your name, just to see what comes up.
If they find a lot of links and positive feedback, including blog posts that include helpful information, they will feel more secure in hiring you.
Using your blog to showcase your knowledge in your chosen field will help you establish yourself as an expert. When people see you as an expert, they will automatically think of you when they need your product or service, and they will also refer others to you.
Now you’ll want to be sure your blog isn’t JUST useful information. Sprinkle marketing messages throughout your blog to draw people back to your business and what you have to offer.
You can communicate your knowledge in a variety of different ways. Of course, keeping your blog current and full of information your target market would appreciate is the main goal, but you can find ways to make it fun.
Example:
A life coach, for instance could hold a series on reducing stress, and each Monday they could post a relaxation technique. You can also include audio and video messages. This is a growing trend, as more and more people are getting video iPods.
How to Make Money With a Blog
In addition to using your blog as a way to build relationships and gain publicity, there are various ways to make money blogging online. Here are some options:
1. Promote Your Products or Services – The options are unlimited here when you have a product that can be demonstrated. Create videos demonstrating how to use your product, get video testimonials from real clients, host product giveaways, write useful posts relating to your services and it’s benefits that will be of interest to your customers and potential market.
Keep in mind, however, that your blog is a relationship builder. START the sales process there and don’t push too hard to sell directly. Once you give away the quality information your readers are looking for you can then build their trust for further sales.
2. Affiliate Sales – Another option is to join affiliate programs for products and services your target market would enjoy. When you join as an affiliate, you will be given special links that you can use on your blog; when one of your readers clicks on these links and purchases the product or service being advertised, you will earn a commission.
3. Advertising - When you sign up (at http://www.google.com/adsense), you will be given a small amount of HTML code to add to your blog; Google will read your blog content and display text ads your reader may find interesting. For example, a blog about golf may display ads for golf clubs. When one of your readers clicks on these ads, you will be paid a commission. You can also offer ads on your own throughout your site.
Your business blog can benefit you in many ways. It can help you earn income by raising the public’s awareness of your business and cementing yourself as an expert, and by applying the above suggestions, you can also begin to make money blogging online. This will give you an additional income stream, and more than likely, it will also help you create additional buzz around your business.
