Photo Credit: Koka Sexton
It’s been said time and time again by just about every social media guru out there. If you adopt ONE form of social media, start a company blog. By the time you roll Twitter, Facebook, FriendFeed, YouTube, Flickr and every other social media site into the mix, you’re left with very little time to actually focus on your core business. It’s understandable that many are hesitant to jump in, so why not just start by dipping a toe in the social media waters? (ie. starting a blog)
There are many valid points that make a strong case for launching your own company blog. Simply take a look at this entry from fuelyourblogging.com that touches on the core benefits of a blog, such as generating customer feedback, accessing free publicity, establishing a company personality, SEO, etc.
Clearly, corporate blogs are a lifeline between you and your clients. Really, it just boils down to whether you’re a good blogger candidate. Blogs take lots of nurturing and attention if they’re really going to be successful, so take a look below to see where you factor on the list:
You SHOULD launch a blog if:
- You want to drive traffic to your website
- You sell products/services
- You have a knowledgeable staff
- You can carve out 30 minutes at least three times a week
- You consider yourself a subject matter expert in any area
- You want to break down the barrier between you and your customers
- You have news to share and don’t want to rely on the media to tell others
- You can commit to keeping your blog fresh (at least three new entries per week)
- You’re comfortable writing, or have someone on staff who can take the writing lead
- You have access to several minds – all willing to provide content
- You’re can keep up with the industry pulse, meaning your entries will be relevant
You should NOT launch a blog if:
- You’re already stretched for time and have no one else to pick up the ball
- You tend to drop new hobbies/activities soon after starting
- You can’t even get your mom to read your writing…and she’s your biggest fan
- There’s not a heavy online component to your business (though unlikely…)
- You’ve never been much of a conversationalist, nor is anyone in your organization
- You’re likely to push blog writing to the bottom of your to-do list
Please keep in mind, this list only touches the surface, but most of the important factors have been captured. Feel free to add reasons you should or shouldn’t launch a blog in the comments below. And because this really is a community and we want to know what’s on your mind, feel free to post a link to your own corporate or personal blog in the comments below. Go on. Spread the link love.
