Mike of Converstations has a series on business blogging that offers some great insight and information for those of you who are contemplating the idea of starting a blog and wondering what makes a blog different from other methods of marketing. It's simple, Mike says: A blog will "engage your customers and colleagues in a real-time, relevant dialogue that builds long-lasting relationships..."
Isn't that what business is about, building long-lasting relationships? I don't see a better way for you to engage in dialogue with your customers online. You would be missing out on a chance for the customer to get to know you and your business better. Mike mentions Tom of QAQnA, whose blog is read by prospective clients and customers on a regular basis. Yes, people do business with people they like and blogs are a way for people to find out what they like about you.
I'm not saying that you would be crazy not to start a blog, but you would be pretty darned close if you didn't. :)
Related Post:
Build A Rapport With Your Customers Through a Company Blog
It's informal, open to opinion and is usually sincere. Most importantly it is interactive and the content can be challenged, so it pays to be honest. Go ahead someone, challenge me.
It is a great format for feedback and great potential for creating a new level of efficent business models
i.e. http://www.smallbusinessinternetmarketingcenter.com/Product%20Review%20Center/reviews/bloging_review.htm
that are open to greater customer scrutiny but highly effrective and are proving to open doors for many startup endeavors.
Posted by: Tim Whelan | June 27, 2006 9:53 PM | Permalink to Comment