When people talk about being “Web 2.0” the mindset is simple:
interacting with your audience = engaging your audience

Blogging is a simple way to start that interaction with your audience in a format that more and more users of the Internet are comfortable with.

It also gives people more of an excuse to talk ABOUT you. 
If you are blogging, you are sharing content which can lead to others sharing YOUR content with others.

What are the benefits of blogging?

1. It’s Social - You can’t go through the day without hearing the term “social”. Well blogging IS social and people have definitely embraced the idea of reading blogs.
2. Blogs are Search Engine Friendly - The more content you share about yourself or your industry in your blog, the more opportunity you have for someone searching the web to find you.
3. Forces You to Stay Current - A blog shows people that you are in the game and making an effort to share fresh relevant content.
4. Get Connected – Blog content doesn’t always have to be original. A lot of great blogs refer to one another creating an even greater resource to your audience than you might do alone.

What are the challenges of having a blog?

1. Follow Through – Those posts are not going to write themselves.
2. Make it Interesting – You have to do more than just talk about yourself. Widen your topic selection. Remember, make it something THEY want to read, not what YOU want them to read.
3. Listening Helps Too – Part of having a blog is allowing people to comment on what you posted. Read the comments, take them in stride and Listen to what people are sharing back with you.

How To Begin:

1. Develop a schedule of content to share online
2. Designate specific participants to be the brand champion and assist in the interaction
3. Determine the roles between agency and client
4. Create strategy and rules of interaction
5. Create talking points for answering both positive and negative potential reactions
6. Start slowly in a narrow enough range that it is very manageable
7. Understand and abide by the ‘rules’ of social media. It is a conversation, dialogue, exchange with the audience that is about information sharing, trust and equality
8. Be a willing participant in the social aspect of social media
9. Use the platform to become an important source of information and influence
10. Keep expectations in check for the performance of social media and its immediate contribution to leads and sales

Related Posts:

• 10 Tricks To Increase Your Blog Traffic
• 12 Ways to Increase Your Blog Traffic
• 10 Tips For Launching Your Business Blog
• Guidelines For Commenting On Blogs
• Blog Article Writing Checklist

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