Companies with an online presence or website are learning that blogging is essential for reaching their ultimate level of success online. Even with a website, it's important that businesses have a blog so that they can engage their target audience, attract new customers, establish credibility, and attract the attention of the search engines. Unlike a "static" website, a blog makes it possible for readers to get involved in the discussion, get the latest news about your product, service, or company, feel connected in a way. Ultimately, readers will enjoy feeling that they get a glimpse of the more personal side of your business.
What are the primary reasons every company should have a blog in 2013, in addition to a website?
Building rich content means more traffic, better search engine rankings. Search engines (particularly Google) love blogs because they are rich in informative, unique content. Using long-tail keywords gives you the opportunity to attract more traffic, including those who search using the lesser searched keyword phrases (long-tail) consisting of three, four, or even more keywords. Readers also love informative, engaging, or even entertaining content, meaning they will come back more often.
Engaging customers. Existing customers want to feel they have a personal connection with your company. They want to know you are interested in their needs and problems, and providing solutions. By providing compelling content on a frequent basis, your existing customers can stay connected with you. Update your customers on your latest new product/service, special deals, upcoming events. As an example, local Kansas City plumbers, Bob Hamilton Plumbing & HVAC, have done a great job with their blog. They write seasonal blogs one to two times every every.
Attracting new customers. Through a blog, you can show potential new customers how dedicated you are to providing solutions; your blog can also position you as an expert, something consumers feel is very important when they are considering spending their hard-earned money. Proving your credibility and experience helps build a level of trust that is important today, as consumers are internet savvy and know that not all companies online can be trusted.
Establishing credibility. Many companies have practically abandoned blogging, relying on social media to establish credibility. This is mistake, as blogging allows you to share more useful information about your business in a way that is more detailed - and your blog can also be beneficial in building long-term SEO value. Social media does help you connect with customers and promote interaction, but blogging makes it possible to promote trust, and emphasize your company's worth consistently.
Targeting specific geographies. Blogging makes it easier to target a specific geographic location, so that you attract those who are actually interested in what you have to offer; this is especially important if your business caters to a particular geographic area. Blog titles and posts can be optimized for specific cities so that potential customers find you.
SEO benefits for your website. There really is no more effective way to optimize your website's pages than through a blog. With blogging, it's possible to link to your home page and inner pages using keyword-rich text links, which can help all of your website's pages rank higher, rather than the home page only.
We haven't gotten too far along in 2013 yet, so there is still time to make this year the best so far for your website in terms of increased traffic, better brand awareness and sales! As far as blogging to enhance your overall web presence, we’ve only touched the surface of the benefits above. Be sure to make blogging one of your top priorities for 2013.
