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BLOGS! What a crazy name for the "NEWEST" Internet
marketing trend to hit the Internet.
HtmlBut, I like it. It makes this new form of communication kind of mysterious in a way, though, BLOGS have been around for quite some time and only recently have been recognized as a VERY valuable asset to Internet marketers.
Recently, I was visiting some Internet marketing related Forums and noticed many of the threads having similar "Subjects" saying... "What the heck are BLOGS?"
So, I did a little research and this is what I came up with since I was Very curious myself.
I think it's best that I clearly define to You exactly what a "BLOG" is so that as I go through this article with you, you'll have a clear picture in your head of what a Blog IS and so there won't be any confusion.
A "BLOG"(A.K.A. Web Log) by definition is:
A combination of online diary and/or guestbook. You sign up for a blogger account and then you enter the information You want on your Website. Then you can set it so that only you can place entries on it or so that anyone can. Then you can either keep a private journal or you can have a place where your readers can get together and place entries to each other or to you.
So... there you have it in a nut shell.
To simplify it even more let's just say BLOGS are a place to go and post your personal thoughts that you can share with your subscribers and/or readership and receive feedback.
Now, for the purpose of this article, now that you know the true definition of a "Blog", I'm going to share with you some reasons WHY they're becoming a widely recognized "POWER TOOL" for Internet marketers around the world.
So, with that said, lets go to Reason #1.
Reason #1. Great way to stay in touch with your subscribers.
Blogs are a great way to stay in touch with your subscribers and/or readership and builds regular readership Traffic to your little community where you can interact with them.
It also helps build rapport, which in turn, will help develop that TRUST in You, Your Products and/or Services that You recommend.
Reason #2. It's a great way to get "Feedback".
Blogs are a great way to get Feedback from your subscribers/customers simply because they have the ability to leave comments on each "Post" you make which will then help you find what it is they're looking for making YOU look like a "Hero" in there eye's and putting $Money$ in your pocket.
Reason #3. Can be managed by ONE individual.
Blogs require NO "HTML" experience, making it easy for ANYONE to get started.
Most "Blog" communities online use what is called a "WYSIWYG" HTML editor.
Did I lose you there with the "WYSIWYG" abbreviation. That simply stands for... "What You See Is What You Get".
It's one of the easiest HTML editors to use, making it easy for You to get started right away.
Reason #4. Your able to list your "Main" website details.
When you sign up for your Blogger account you're given an area to set-up your "Personal Profile" where your able to list your Main website and URL, plus, any other personal information you wish to share that will be displayed on your Blog.
Reason #5. A great way to publish "Information".
This is probably ONE of the Biggest benefits to Blogs because you have the ability to post informative information in the form of "Articles and/or Reviews" for your subscribers and/or readership which will make you look like an Expert on the subject and giving you INSTANT credibility in the eye's of your reader.
Reason #6. You get your own URL.
That's right, you get your own URL you can use in all your promotions and/or on your personal website if you have one.
This feature is great, especially for people just starting out and don't have there own website up and running yet.
----------------------------------------- Here's my Blog for you to take a look at.
It's called... The Internet Wonders Blog. http://theiwe.blogspot.com -----------------------------------------
Reason #7. Search Engines love them.
Search Engines love Blogs because they are so "Content Rich" and are always being updated on a Daily to Weekly basis.
When you compare a regular static website, which might be updated on a monthly basis, to a Blog, which is updated on a Daily to Weekly basis with NEW content, you'll gain favor with the search engines with your Blog.
The S.E. "Spiders" will then gladly stop by to munch down on whatever NEW content you posted and Index your website more often since that is what Search Engines love and are constantly looking for.
Reason #8. The ability to use RSS with Blogs.
A powerful feature about Blogs is the use of RSS(Really Simple Syndication) that allows you to Instantly send your Blog highlights to your readership upon publication which will keep your reader up to speed on your business and your Products and/or Services.
Not only that, RSS also gives your Blog more exposure to a wider audience of subscribers building a bigger readership in less time.
By simply adding an human element to your business through the use of a "Blog", IS a great way to build rapport and gain the trust of your subscribers and/or readership, which in turn, will turn them into buying "Customers".
Well, there you have it, "BLOGS! What They Are... And WHY They're Becoming A POWER TOOL For Internet Marketers".
I hope this article clearly answered the questions you once had about "Blogs" and the benefits of starting one of your own.
================================================ CBmall. The #1 Info-Product site on the NET! Visit Today=> http://www.internetwondersezine.com/cbmallsearch.htm -- Or if you want to get MORE 'Insider' marketing Secrets, visit Cory Threlfall's BLOG called... The Internet Wonders Blog at -- http://theiwe.blogspot.com or subscribe his Free newsletter at -- http://www.internetwondersezine.com Distributed By:www.webmasterinfoand content.com
Why You’re Not Blogging - And Why You Should Start Today
Copyright 2005 Tinu Abayomi Paul
Those of you who aren't ready to wade into the Blog pool are taking your time for several reasons, according to my informal interviews with people before and after they blog. Others start blogging and then abandon their projects too soon, unaware of the benefits.
Whatever your reason, you should get started now - or get back to blogging as the case may be. Here’s some motivating enlightenment that you may find surprising.
Reason # 1 that you aren't blogging - You don't realize how huge the benefits are, and how much they may outweigh any monetary or time costs involved.
I think number one may partly the fault of people like me, who have a foot in the marketing arena, and don't explain the idea in detail.
We tend to tell you how great blogging is, but we don't tell you why, or better yet, show you. Or we tell you how to get the best results with your blog, but don't tell you where to start. Let's talk about some of the basic facts.
If you've ever dreamed of going from getting 10 hits a month to getting a few dozen visitors a day from search engines, blogging can make it possible, if you do it right. The structure of a blog, and the fact that most of them automatically generate content feeds, also make them the best food for your friendly neighborhood search engine spider.
If you would like to have visitors come back to your site over and over again, until they buy, you may want to be a blogger. An informative blog that engages your audience shortens the sales cycle. It also creates a courtship period. They can subscribe to your thoughts, see if they like you, even get to know you a little.
People buy from people they like. I don’t remember who said it first, but I’ve learned that it’s the truth.
If your visitors don't feel like they are getting a personality vibe from you, they are often less likely to buy. Vibe = buy. Remember that, and that blogs make it easy for you to vibe.
If you'd like to create new targeted search engine pages for your site without needing to hand-code a new page, or fire up your HTML editor every time, you may enjoy blogging. You log in to your blog admin panel, type your thoughts, proofread, press publish.
Presto. You’re a blogger.
If you'd like free one-way links back to your site that contain your lucrative keywords, blogging helps with that too.
Even if you've made a mess of your SEO efforts, or been the unsuspecting victim of an algorithm change, as long as you aren't banned by a search engine, blogging can help bring you back into top results. Because they have a search engine friendly architecture, and can make use of your keywords automatically, without being gratuitous, they are an easy way to get into a search engine and stay in.
Reason #2 That you aren't blogging - You think it's hard and expensive.
Granted, especially if you're busy, or have a medium sized to large business, it may be in your best interest to hire one of the few consultants that works on these types of issues.
But if you're a small business owner or home business owner with an online element, you can get away with firing up a free blog and paying for an inexpensive custom template if you can't install one on your own. Most blog consultants will do all the keyword research, etc for you, so that all you'll have to do is log in and blog.
Many of the most common blog software systems are free or inexpensive, especially when weighed against the cost of only using paid methods to attract visitors.
Reason #3 That you aren't blogging - You don't think of yourself as a writer.
Not only can you get away with a few paragraphs, you don't have to write in professional-speak, or use industry jargon to blog. By nature, blogging is done in a casual, conversational tone.
And your blog posts don't have to be long article-type entries like mine are. I'm used to writing articles, and I'm just naturally verbose. My audience is used to my mini-brain dumps, just as your blog readers will likely be happy with, or adapt to, whatever your style is. Your audience will be thrilled with a few paragraphs every day, as long as they’re informative and consistent.
So take the plunge. Start blogging today. If you’re already a blogger and didn’t see the benefits the first time around, try making it a part of your routine - and have a little fun. Give it time to work for you.
You’ll be glad you did.
About the Author:
Tinu is a web site promotion specialist who writes about many different ways to get more visitors to your web site. If you want better search engine results, more visitors and return traffic she invites you to take a free eCourse on blogging at RescueYourBlog.com . Distributed By:http://www.webmasterinfoandcontent.com/