Jump on the Blog-Wagon
In 1997 John Barger, an American blogger, coined the term 'weblog' to refer to the process of logging the web as he surfed various Web sites.
Later in 1999, Peter Merholz introduced the word 'blog' through a joke on the sidebar of his Web site where he posted the comment, "we blog.
" The concept of blogging had technically been around since 1994 when individuals kept a running log of their personal lives through online diaries.
However, the concept evolved in 1999 as blogging wasn't just about capturing a person's life or thoughts, but to connect their thoughts to news feeds or other sites on the Web.
Blogs now typically consist of text, art, photographs, sketches, videos, music and audio.
In 2004 blogging really took off and many individuals and organizations have found many ways to incorporate this fun new tool.
Blogs are used to entertain, update, inform, vent, establish, connect, share; the list can go on and on.
Since a blog can take many forms and serve many unique purposes, there is no one-size fits all approach to implementing this tool.
However, there are a couple standard steps to be aware of to gain the full benefits of this resource.
These steps are tailored for an organization's use and are most beneficial for organization's that are looking to increase their Web site traffic, exposure on the Web, customer involvement and to add more personality and individuality to their online presence.
First, build out a separate page on the organization's Web site that is solely dedicated to blogging.
Make sure that the blog is easy to find on the mainframe and that the page is designed to appeal to the reader and is clean and organized.
By making a strong, branded first-impression, the blog will engage readers to not only read the current posting, but to follow the new postings on a consistent basis, which should be a key goal in implementing a blog.
After a page has been built, develop the concept for the tone and topics of the postings.
Think through potential topics with a marketing mentality by asking the following questions: 1.
What topics are relevant to the industry I serve? 2.
What will potential customers want to know about my organization? 3.
What do current customers want to know about my organization? 4.
What am I experiencing in my industry or within my organization? 5.
How is my organization or industry changing or evolving? 6.
What are individuals saying about my organization or industry? 7.
What topics am I an expert in that I should share with the public? While many blogs carry a casual tone, it is important to remember that the blog is still representing your organization and should be centered on appropriate topics.
Do not overlook the importance of spell check, proper grammar and structurally sound content that flows seamlessly from one sentence to the next.
Engage readers by giving something back to them.
Give tips, ideas and insider information that is hard to find anywhere else.
This approach will really engage readers and will add that necessary element that gets the audience returning to the site on a consistent basis.
Find a way to make the blog interactive by allowing the readers to communicate with others, ask questions or to contact someone at the organization for more information.
Finally, practice consistency by committing to post new content a minimum of three times a week.
The consistent updates increase a Web site's placement on search engines and will keep readers visiting the site knowing that new information is routinely available.
Also involve as many team members as possible in writing for the blog because this will diversify the topics and establish an online personality for the organization.
Despite the age and popularity of blogs, many organizations are still perplexed and leery of implementing this tool.
When done effectively though, blogging can bring many benefits that include, an increase in Web site traffic, distinction from competing organizations, free outlet for obtaining new clients or customers and more.
Take a chance and jump on the blog-wagon to experience the multiple rewards of the blogging experience.
Later in 1999, Peter Merholz introduced the word 'blog' through a joke on the sidebar of his Web site where he posted the comment, "we blog.
" The concept of blogging had technically been around since 1994 when individuals kept a running log of their personal lives through online diaries.
However, the concept evolved in 1999 as blogging wasn't just about capturing a person's life or thoughts, but to connect their thoughts to news feeds or other sites on the Web.
Blogs now typically consist of text, art, photographs, sketches, videos, music and audio.
In 2004 blogging really took off and many individuals and organizations have found many ways to incorporate this fun new tool.
Blogs are used to entertain, update, inform, vent, establish, connect, share; the list can go on and on.
Since a blog can take many forms and serve many unique purposes, there is no one-size fits all approach to implementing this tool.
However, there are a couple standard steps to be aware of to gain the full benefits of this resource.
These steps are tailored for an organization's use and are most beneficial for organization's that are looking to increase their Web site traffic, exposure on the Web, customer involvement and to add more personality and individuality to their online presence.
First, build out a separate page on the organization's Web site that is solely dedicated to blogging.
Make sure that the blog is easy to find on the mainframe and that the page is designed to appeal to the reader and is clean and organized.
By making a strong, branded first-impression, the blog will engage readers to not only read the current posting, but to follow the new postings on a consistent basis, which should be a key goal in implementing a blog.
After a page has been built, develop the concept for the tone and topics of the postings.
Think through potential topics with a marketing mentality by asking the following questions: 1.
What topics are relevant to the industry I serve? 2.
What will potential customers want to know about my organization? 3.
What do current customers want to know about my organization? 4.
What am I experiencing in my industry or within my organization? 5.
How is my organization or industry changing or evolving? 6.
What are individuals saying about my organization or industry? 7.
What topics am I an expert in that I should share with the public? While many blogs carry a casual tone, it is important to remember that the blog is still representing your organization and should be centered on appropriate topics.
Do not overlook the importance of spell check, proper grammar and structurally sound content that flows seamlessly from one sentence to the next.
Engage readers by giving something back to them.
Give tips, ideas and insider information that is hard to find anywhere else.
This approach will really engage readers and will add that necessary element that gets the audience returning to the site on a consistent basis.
Find a way to make the blog interactive by allowing the readers to communicate with others, ask questions or to contact someone at the organization for more information.
Finally, practice consistency by committing to post new content a minimum of three times a week.
The consistent updates increase a Web site's placement on search engines and will keep readers visiting the site knowing that new information is routinely available.
Also involve as many team members as possible in writing for the blog because this will diversify the topics and establish an online personality for the organization.
Despite the age and popularity of blogs, many organizations are still perplexed and leery of implementing this tool.
When done effectively though, blogging can bring many benefits that include, an increase in Web site traffic, distinction from competing organizations, free outlet for obtaining new clients or customers and more.
Take a chance and jump on the blog-wagon to experience the multiple rewards of the blogging experience.
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