When you think of the key factors that have helped drive the success of the Web, you think of the development of HTML and other programming languages that allow people to build ever more sophisticated websites, and the rapid advancement of the Internet search engines that let people find them. And then there's blogs.
A blog (derived from the term "web log") is basically just an Internet business website -- with three key differences:
- It's extremely easy to add information to it. A blog is like an online journal, so you just log in, type what happened today, post it, and you're done!
- You can add a simple little feature that automatically tells a whole bunch of other websites that you've made an update to your blog -- every time you make a change.
- There is a comments system common to most blogs that allows bloggers to have conversations with their readers by allowing visitors to post their own comments or views on the topic of discussion.
And used correctly, a blog is a powerful -- and versatile! -- business tool. Use a blog to quickly start an Internet business... reach a wider audience... generate better search engine rankings... boost your revenue by showcasing new products... develop relationships with your audience through open communication... build a community of interested followers... humanize your business and let your potential customers feel comfortable buying from you... and establish yourself as a leading expert in your industry.
And starting a blog couldn't be easier. In the next five minutes or so, you'll see for yourself just how easy it is to create a blog using Google's free blogging tool, Blogger...- Step 1: Create a Blogger account -- Follow the instructions from the title screen to create your own account. Don't worry; Blogger makes the process extremely simple. You'll need to give your blog a name at this stage (you can change these details later).
- Step 2: Choose a template design -- Next, you'll need to choose a template from Blogger's selection. When it comes to the design of your blog, the layout should be easy to navigate, and the colors should be suitable for your subject matter. When you've become a more experienced blogger, you can create a blog with a customized template or use downloadable templates from sources like BlogSkins or Blogplates to help set your blog apart from others.
- Step 3: Write your first post -- Next you need content! In Blogger's "Posting" screen, you can compose and manage your posts. For a first post, it's a good idea to introduce yourself and explain what your blog is all about. Then press "Publish Post," and you have a blog! And that took... what, five minutes?
- Step 4: Add links -- You can also link to other blogs and encourage them to link back to you in return. Linking in this way is a great way to increase traffic to your blog. The key is to exchange links with blogs and websites that cater to your target audience -- but do NOT compete with your business. To add links to your blog, use the "Template" section in Blogger to edit your blog's template by adding and deleting links, changing your blog's colors, and so on.
Once you create your blog, the next step is to start adding content. But before writing that first post and launching your blog online, you need to determine what you want your blog to accomplish...
Do you want to use it to start an Internet business? Drive traffic to your existing sales website? Provide customer service or sales support tool incorporated into your existing website? Just keep your objective in mind as you create content for your blog. If your blog has a definite purpose from the start, and if you have a clear vision of what you want it to achieve, you'll find it much easier to come up with content and ensure that your blog stays focused.
Happy blogging!
About the Author: Derek Gehl, CEO of The Internet Marketing Center, helps Internet entrepreneurs create incomes of $100,000 to $2.5 MILLION or more per year. Get his proven strategies to quickly and easily start an Internet businesses today. |
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