Advantages of Small Business Blogging
It is no secret that social media provides a low cost way to promote your business. Websites like Facebook and Twitter provide an outlet for small business owners to communicate with a large number of people for little expense. Blogs are another great way for small business owners to build a community around your business not only through the simple action of getting your information out there (things like location and contact information) but also as a way to help build a business image as part of a community.
In recent years, buy local campaigns have been sweeping the nation. Many businesses have seen up to a 10% increase in revenue in the past year alone from local first community movements. Starting and maintaining a social media presence is a great way to get into the movement as consumers search for local small businesses. Even more so, a blog is a great way to develop your business’s message and get your businesses mission statement known.
Anyone who has a blog can tell you that it is not easy to make money simply from writing posts and sharing a few pictures. Rather than trying to make the blog a business, the blog should be treated as a jumping ground to build an existing business. In the case of small business owners, a blog can provide an outlet to reach a target audience and build relationships with them. Blog posts can not only improve your website rank through the use of key words and embedded links, it can also help you communicate with people who have an interest in what you have to offer, whether it is a service, a product, or even just an idea.
The act of posting allows people to get to know your business over time in a way that feels like the natural way that good friendships are built. This inherently helps build trust. It is important to note that the focus of all social media campaigns should be just that, building trust between your small business and the target audience rather than selling. This can be done by participating in community activities, talking about causes related to your business, or even just talking about the work life of your employees. Research shows that most people need to consult at least 10 pieces of information before making a purchasing decision. Through a blog, you can provide that information.
More so than starting the social media campaign, be it on Facebook or by writing a blog, it is important to stay current. Checking and responding to people who contact you through social media outlets helps provide a sense of being listened to. Try to post at least once a week and respond and comment on posts from readers at least once a day.