Blogging Basics

Social media has become a common phrase in the business and professional world though the roots of social media may have begun at a more literal social level. Websites like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn probably jump to mind when you think of social media, but the list is much longer and at the top of it is blogs. In its most basic definition, a blog is a tool that allows you to create and publish content that in turn allows site visitors to offer feedback. Statistics from e-Marketer show that in 2008, 45% of U.S. Internet users read blogs on a monthly basis. Their prediction is that by 2013, 58% of U.S. Internet users will be reading blogs on a monthly basis.

Blogs are an opportunity to communicate with your audience be it other businesses or consumers. By not blogging as a business, Google results in searches for which your company name ranks may be dominated by others who are blogging about you. Though you can certainly post comments on others’ blogs (and you should), there is much to be gained by maintaining a blog of your own.