The term blogging is so common today — it's hard to imagine that just a few years ago it was the realm of personal musings on everything from pet hamsters to the latest movies.

Today, blogging has become a critical business marketing strategy. Businesses blog to market their products and services, to build a client following, and to keep their readers informed about the product, service, and industry news.


For business owners who haven't jumped into the blog phenomena, there’s bad news and good news.

The bad news is that if you haven't started blogging, you will have to play catch up. You may have lost online market share. It's true that those who start first online are the first to establish their brand. Instead of spending a fortune on launching and revamping local advertising campaigns, your competition has already gained considerable online exposure. In fact, your competitions' customers may not even know you're a competitor.


The good news is that blogs are simple and easy to create for even the most technology neophyte. You'll be playing catch up but it won't take you long to get in the game.


To fulfill your blog's objective, it must be updated regularly with new content. Also, unlike your website, which is all about you and your product, your blog is neither about you or your product. Or, at least it shouldn't blatantly promote your website. A blog is a place for you to get personal with your customers.

Think of your website as a formal restaurant. Think of your blog as a neighborhood cookout.


If you've created your blog to keep your customers in the loop about upcoming sales, your customers will be expecting sales notices. However, if your blog was created with the express purpose of building a relationship with your customers, your customers will look forward to warmer, more personal messages.


There are several services that you can take advantage of to build your blog. A few of them are free while others charge a small fee. Some of the blog-building services you can use include Six Apart's Type Pad, Google's Blogger (free),

WordPress (free) and Six Apart's Movable Type. In addition, Yahoo, Microsoft and AOL offer a variety of blogging service to their subscribers, for free.


Stop the excuses. Start blogging. It's never to late to get more customers, establish relationships, and provide quality customer care.

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