And the answer is YES! Next time you visit your favourite websites have a look at where their ‘blog’ tab is. We’ve noticed that it is creeping further and further towards prime position on websites, and there’s a good reason why.
Blogging is one of the most valuable tools your business and you personally, have at your disposal.
What is a blog you may ask? To put it as simply as possible – Blog (a contraction on the words ‘web log’) is a discussion or informational type of website that is usually arranged in reverse chronological order, from the most recent ‘post’ (or entry) at the top of the main page to the older entries towards the bottom.
We love to blog at The Social Adviser and here are a few reasons (in no particular order) why we think you should too:
- It’s a simple and easy to use platform. It’s your direct communication channel to engage with a huge audience.
- A blog can literally create free PR. It’s like you have a PR company working solely for you, and it can create press for your business. You have the opportunity to share your expertise and to position yourself as a thought leader, an expert in your field.
- You’ll become more comfortable being known. Blogging introduces you to the world. It causes you to articulate the life you live and the unique viewpoint behind the decisions you make. Blogging creates a two way conversation by opening up your life to those who wouldn’t normally see it. It builds relationships, gives you a voice, and creates a space where you can tell your story.
- Having a blog is your number one SEO (search engine optimization) builder. A blog is the fuel to SEO’s fire; Google loves valuable content and will reward you handsomely for it.
- Your blog should be at the heart your content engagement strategy across all platforms. This means it’s perfect for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, emails, and your newsletter. Better yet, it’s a way for people who’ve seen what you’re writing so passionately about to easily share your thoughts on social media, which in turn leads them directly back to you, your blog or your website.
- You don’t need to be a professional web designer or have any graphic design skills to get started. There are plenty of great platforms out there (like WordPress) that make it really easy for you.
- Blogging is inspiring and makes you think. If you simply believe “you have nothing to say” remember that you already have numerous conversations with friends, colleagues and clients every day that you deem important or newsworthy, so why not just write them down.
- You meet new people. This can be through emails, comments on your posts or social media. The blogging community is really friendly and is cheering for you to succeed.
- It’s fun – blogging can be stimulating and energizing. It can help you stay ahead of the curve, on top of industry news and become a leader.
- You’ll become a better writer and more confident. We guarantee that you’ll get a rush when you receive positive feedback every time a reader posts a comment or shares what you’ve written on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
- It can be FREE! With an initial investment of zero dollars why not give it a shot.
So there you have it, our top 11 reasons on why we think you need to have a blog. Put simply, if you’re not blogging it’s time to get started or get left behind!
— Today’s article is by our ‘Godzilla of Getting Stuff Done’, Chloe Clelland —