3 Reasons Your Business Should have a Blog

Small business owners usually have two reactions to blogging; they do not see the need and they are too busy.  I would counter that in today's world of competition, tight budgets (both business and personal), and open world markets a blog is a needed part of any business plan.

If you remember my previous post on creating a business plan, one of the uses for a well written plan guiding the business in growth activities. Blogging is one of those activities. It should have been part of your marketing plan. 

If it was not, here are three reasons you should reconsider using a blog to grow business

1. Increase customer trust and loyalty by blogging. 

Customers want to have faith that they can call you an expert in your field. Blogging about your business, services or products offered, and overall market condition puts you, the business owner, in the seat of the expert. Your current customers will be able to gain a better understanding of the market you are in, a better understanding of the values of your business, and a better understanding of you, the business owner.

When customers have confidence in your expertise they will be more loyal to call on your business when needed. The same can be said for those potential customers looking for a new service or product supplier. A blog allows you to showcase what your business brings to the table. This is an extension of your marketing plan; the place where you not only showcase your business, but also a place where you can develop a relationship with potential customers so that your business name pops up in their mind when they have a problem.

Your blog posts do not always have to be the written word. If you do better at speaking to a crowd than writing to a crowd, how-to videos or product videos are worth a try. This is the place for your business to shine, to stick out more than the competition. Do you have a common problem that customers should be able to fix at home, and it doesn't really provide you with a lot of profit? Make some how-to videos or posts about this process, show them how to solve their own problem and save your services for those that are profit generating and more helpful to the customer.

2. Increase web traffic to your site.  

We all know that having a website does not guarantee new customers. Add a page to your current website and house your blog there. Not only will you be able to build a relationship with your current customers, but potential customers will be brought up to speed on your expertise, other services and products your business offers.  

Take advantage of SEO to drive website views. A website is static. It doesn't change very often, if at all. The blog page, on the other hand will change on a regular basis. Maybe your business can have Monday tips, Wednesday deals, and  Friday fun day where you blog about something other than your business or services.

The idea is to bring current and potential customers to you. Make the blogging experience informational and fun. Gain traffic to your website and in turn increase your sales.

3. Blogging is a great way to network with others in your industry. 

Your blog will not only be read by your customer, but other small businesses in your industry will be reading it to. Every small business owner knows that being in a network of other business professionals  is a must. Use the internet to your advantage - allow others to connect with you.

Some of your posts can be showcasing other business owners in your city, in different industries, or even in other parts of the country. Your blog can be a way to share business ideas with other owners; using the comments section may be a great way to even solve some of your own business issues. How would you do this? Write a blog about a problem that you are trying to conquer, ask other's to put their suggestions in the comments section. You may even be able to use some of those comments for future blog posts. 

The point of blogging is not so much to add another activity to your day. The point of blogging is to connect with others including potential customers, current customers, and other business owners. This wide connection will increase website visits and ultimately sales.

Not sure where to start with blogging? I can help. Simply click on the Contact Me page and send me your information. There are several packages you can choose from, including one where I simply write the blog post, e-mail it to you, and you have the ability to post it when you wish. 

Don't allow excuses to hinder your business growth. Either start your blog today or call me today so that I can assist in getting your blog started. Today is the day to start.