Comments on: Why Small Businesses should have a Business Blog

By: Angela

Angela — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:48:57 +0000

What about printed materials with your domain name on t-shirts, pens, calenders depends on your budget. I’ve visited a few websites that have brightly coloured posters in my local sandwich shops. (sorry if I’m preaching to the converted)

By: Alex Elderfield

Alex Elderfield — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:44:32 +0000

We are in the process of launching http://www.OpenYourDiary.com our Online Appointment Booking service for small business. We are looking at starting a blog, do you have any advice on getting it noticed?

rgds/alex

By: Mark White, Blog Consultant

Mark White, Blog Consultant — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:45:42 +0000

@Angela A word of advice – never approach it with the view that it’s a way of encouraging customers to complain. That’s not its purpose at all. It’s true they may complain but I would say they will be in a very small minority – mostly it’s a case of sharing information and them getting to know more about you. People do business with people – you’re letting me get to know you a bit better.

As for being an expert in blogging, again not an issue. You’re an expert in what you do and that’s what people are going to want to read about. Just write as you would talk to them either face to face or in an email and you’ll be fine.

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:21:07 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement. I’m no expert in blogging, but I agree with blogs been a great way of market research and a way of encouraging customers to complain so that you can make things better.

With web content I try to keep my content easy to read and backup what I’m saying with facts where I can. So I’m guessing blogging is not much different, perhaps only in writing style that’s all. My research will continue…

Graphics:
Just a little tip: if you’re starting out experimenting with graphics. Warmer colours attract, so if you’re running a promotion or trying to push a product try using shades of red and orange. Contrasted over cold backgrounds such as blue is even better.

By: Mark White, Blog Consultant

Mark White, Blog Consultant — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:50:43 +0000

@Angela – Difficult to say something original? Absolutely not! I have no doubt that there will be lots of questions that you are asked on a daily basis that people would be interested in hearing about. What about how to use web design in the current economic climate, advice for new people in the job market how to market themselves online, what a basic site needs to contain, how graphics influence buying decisions etc etc.

At the end of the day, just focus in on what your readers are going to be interested and write around that.

By: Angela

Angela — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 08:29:40 +0000

I’m just looking into blogging as a tool for my own business and as an ad on service to my customers.

I’m in web design so it’s going to be quite difficult to say something original.

I am getting my head around the fact that it’s got to be quality content that’s useful and valuable, much like webpage copy has to be.

By: Gavin Ingham

Gavin Ingham — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 22:32:43 +0000

My busines is heavily involved with sales and marketing for businesses from one man bands to multi-national corporates and I agree that everyone should have a blog and your reasons for having one are A1 correct.

The problems arise however when some people selling blogs position them as a quick and easy solution which they are not.

Like all areas of sales, marketing and positioning, being successful with a blog requires planning, skills and consistent action. It requires a sense of giving and a commitment to your cause.

By: Maggi

Maggi — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 08:50:45 +0000

Hi
very well said, here in India we are trying to make small business aware of blogging. Any hnts to make it success??

By: Better Business Blogging: Top posts in 2006 @ Better Business Blogging

Better Business Blogging: Top posts in 2006 @ Better Business Blogging — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:46:46 +0000

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By: Mark White

Mark White — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:31:54 +0000

Ragu,

Glad to hear that you are finding this to be of use to you. I hope that your own business information blog goes from strength to strength.

All the best.