Business blogging - what’s all that about?
December 17, 2007
Blogging in general has been used for a while now by ordinary net users as an online diary. They’re quick to set up, easy to manage, and allow the blog-owner to publish their thoughts on any topic at any time. Anyone on the internet can then go and read them, and can often comment on entries made. This fosters a healthy dialogue between the publisher (the blogger) and the audience. They often help develop and extend like-minded communities because it’s usual for the blogger’s webpage to feature ‘links’ to other bloggers too.
Blogs have started to be used by business-owners, CEOs, MDs, marketers, etc as a communication tool that really works. It’s now fairly commonplace knowledge that the usual marketing ‘corporate-speak’ used so often in the printed medium doesn’t work online. Web users typically react positively to warm, real, honest, straight-talking communication, and appreciate the opportunity to interact and become involved themselves, in a way not traditionally seen – good quality content is king! (a cliche but true).
The effect is that the ‘corporate blogger’ is perceived as trustworthy and authoritative, and thus people are far more likely to want to buy from that business. This is in contrast to the hostile reaction given to typical marketing and corporate communication online. Blogging for business also positively benefits direct customer service, networking, branding, due to the direct dialogue set up between the business and its customers or peers.
Blogs help companies communicate directly with their customers. Standing out in front of your competitors is a trickier process than it once was. A flashy logo won’t win you customers – solid brand management and communication will. Solid communication is the platform upon which trust with your customers is built, effectively strengthening business relationships.
It’s easy, cheap and has added extra benefits, such as increasing search engine visibility for the company’s website. Also the content can be syndicated easily via RSS technology, effectively allowing you to syndicate and share your content with other sites.
bluestorm intends to phase in the use of blogs in this site. Key figures within the company have a range of expertise to position bluestorm as market leaders in the region, across an enviable range of disciplines.
