So everyone is doing it and if they’re not they’re talking about someone else they know who does, right?  I mean everyone knows someone who blogs nowadays.  Ok, while I might be exaggerating a bit on how big a deal it really is, I am not underestimating it’s importance.   Many professionals, work-at-home or not, have realized the importance of a blog.  Here are several ways you’ll benefit by having a blog.

 

• Exposure.  It not only gets the name of your business out there, it expands your customer base immeasurably.  I have made some invaluable contacts through my blog and have landed several new clients that way as well.  It’s also an excellent way to announce new products or services, it’s much more efficient than waiting to have a flyer printed up and mailed.  Flyers are still an excellent means of advertisement but a blog post will reach your customers instantly.

 

• Customer Service.  It’s also a great way to build customer relations.  Most customers love getting to know you on a personal level and they appreciate having “instant access” to you.  In the age of super-centers and automated lines it’s a wonderful thing to be able to speak with someone personally, even if it’s not as personal as a phone call, it’s the next best thing. 

 

• Practice.  If you’re in the writing business, as I am, it’s great practice!  I take on such a different voice when I’m writing a piece that I’m not worried about what an editor or client will think of.  My blog is my personal voice; my personal space where I can choose what and how to write whatever it is I want to write about. 

 

• Encouragement.  When you start a blog, you find your niche.  It may be your writing career or type of business, motherhood, hobby, etc and you get readers with the same interest(s).  Through your blog you connect with them based on common interests and after awhile you become like a support group for each other.  You receive critical advice as well as encouragement from them and you’d be surprised how important this type of support can be. 

 

If you’re interested in starting your own blog, check out different blog hosts such as wordpress, blogger or typepad.  See what features each has and the type of format you think you’ll be most comfortable using.  It’s a free service and is very easy to set up.  So what are you waiting for?

 

Tags: blog, business

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