Blogging Part 1

WHAT IS A BLOG?
As described by Wikpedia a blog is "a website where entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog".

A non-technical description could be described as a web journal, diary, commentary or news on a particular subject.

Regardless of the actual definition of blogs, or how they came about, the bottom line is that in todays business enviroment, a blog is as important as having a website.

WHO CAN USE A BLOG?
Anybody can create and use a blog, but for some businesses they are especially useful. For example how many of you receive e-mails that are 1-2 pages long regularly from individuals. Or perhaps you receive the daily, weekly or monthly newsletter via e-mail, with your e-mail address, as well as the other 500 e-mail addresses in the CC field of the e-mail.

Yes, these are the individuals that can greatly benefit from a blog, but there are many other businesses that can also benefit from a blog.

EXAMPLES OF COMPANIES/INDIVIDUALS USE OF BLOGS:

REALTORS:
As a realtor you are able to post up-to-date news and articals on the current trends or even daily or weekly mortgage rates. Imagine posting the monthly sales for a specific region on your blog, or use your blog to showcase your featured properties or even upcoming open houses.

ACTIVITY COMPANIES:
This specific field can make great use of a blog, especially during certain times of the year. For example if you run a whale watching trip, you would be able to post daily or weekly blogs on the activity of the whales, or even create a special blog just for the whales. Maybe you just want to announce some upcoming specials or discounts during certain times of the year.

RETAIL STORES:
Many retail companies have asked me about a blog, and I always tell them the same thing, used with a newsletter a blog is highly effective and a must for serious marketing. Retail giants have been using blogs to build their brand and get their message out. Blogs can be used to pre-launch specific product lines, or just make announcements such as, what tradeshows or conventions they will be attending or exhibiting.

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In closing a blog can be a major tool for any company, or a simple online journal of your own thoughts on any given subject.

::View part 2 of this artical, Setup and Cost

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