Thinking About Starting Blog?

You do not need a Blog to have a successful website. But creating a Blog will not hurt. But if you are not willing to dedicate lots of time and attention to your Blog, then a Blog can do more harm than good to your business.

Starting a Blog is just like, exactly like raising a child.
For example;

You have feed your Blog. (Write good content - everyday)

You have to change the diaper's.
(Remove crappy, spammy comments )

I can go on with the analogies forever, but I am sure you get the idea.

If you are not ready to make that kind of commitment, then you should reconsider. You do not need a blog to have a successful website; creating a blog will not hurt. But if you are not willing to dedicate lots of time and attention to your blog, then a blog can do more harm than good to your business.

How Do I Decide if Having A Blog is a Good Idea?

I started a Blog on Google Blogger in January 2005 and started it with the idea of helping to boost my website over search engines. I have long since abandoned that idea and an currently using my Blog to either occasionally post articles I have written (or) post articles written by others in case I want to go back and reference the material.

Note: I always post a back link to the original articles authored by other individuals. And if I post material to my Blog, I always post it to my website first, to be sure my website gets the 'crawl' or 'original reference credit'.

You Are Competing in a Crowded Market Place

Let's take a look at some different Blogging websites or subjects;

a. A lawyer blogging about malpractice, injury lawsuits
b. A real estate agent blogging about the real estate market
c. A doctor or dentist blogging about there practice.
d. A engineer or architect blogging about sustainable design.
c. A contractor blogging about home remodeling.
d. A life coach blogging about balancing work, life and success
e. A web designer blogging about search engine optimization.

Whew... I'm getting sleepy already. Don't get me wrong. All these professionals have something important to say; but throwing up a Blog on the World Wide Web is *NOT the right way to get the conversation started.

* I will address how these professionals might drive visitors to their Blog or Website later on in this article.

How Do I Get the Conversation Started?

If you are a lawyer, doctor, nurse, realtor, engineer, dentist, contractor, life coach, web designer or widget maker you most likely already have a some sort of email contact list. This is a good way to get the word out about your Blog.

You can use other online verticals such as Face Book, Four Squared, Twitter, Linked In and Google Plus to begin 'small drips' of information' or teaser copy while providing a link back to your Blog or Web site.

Do NOT do this in a way that looks like you are trolling for new business. The whole purpose is to get one or more people join you in the conversation.

Think of it this way. Your spouse has invited you to the office Christmas party. Do you start handing out your business cards at the front door?

Having a compelling subject to Blog about is also a good start:

a. Midget wrestlers
b. Anything about Death, Taxes, Religion, Sex or Politics. (depending)
c. Food, Fashion, Family, Fun
d. Wine Aficionados
e. Cigar Buffs
d. Pet Couture

In order to attract people to engage in an online conversation, you need to connect with those who are like minded or passionate.

Joining the Conversation

Another great way to get eyes-on your Blog or Website is to become a regular visitor to other popular websites or media sites.

I set time aside and visit websites that catch my attention.

I do this by going to Google News and quickly scanning the headlines under the Business and/or Technology sections. I usually find some article that peaks my interest written on CNN, Business Insider, Slashdot, Wall Street Journal, Tech Republic, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters, PC World and so on. And in most cases the news article will allow commenting.

So let's say you are a Realtor. A realtor can find literally dozens of news articles about Homes, Mortgages, Financing, Rates, Properties and so on posted online everyday.

Jump-in and join the conversation. Contribute or rant against the opinions and information.

Why?

All news worthy Blogs and news Web sites require you join or sign-up before allowing commenting. In most cases the sign-up requires; Name, Email and Website address. In some cases they even ask you to create a more in-depth profile.

Note: Many of these websites allow you to sign-in to comment using your login for Face book, Twitter, Google Plus, Digg, Tumblr and others. But take a moment to go ahead and join as a member on the main website if they provide a sign-up.

This is important since your profile becomes another link and reference point on the Internet for your reputation. It helps you to establish your online presence as an authority in the eyes of search engines and amongst users.

Becoming An Authority

Every posting you make over 3rd party websites serves to boost your reputation. At some point a person reading your post may be inclined to visit your profile if they are intrigued with your comments. And this will lead to a visit on your Website or Blog. Keep in mind that 'traffic' or human visits add the rank and authority of your Blog or Website.

What in the Heck are Those Like or Share Buttons
If you are only using a 3rd party site such as Face book or Twitter for your advertising or marketing, then by clicking on these buttons you are communicating with your friends and followers on these site. But clicking on these do nothing to garner traffic for Blogs or Web site you own.

Do I click these? Rarely.

At the end of the day, I strive to stay transparent on the Web.

I try to contribute to the conversation; online and in everyday life.
If I feel I have something important to say, then I say it.
If I do not have something to say, then I try to listen.
If I am angry, then I try to temper my comments with civility.

After all in real life most of us who have been around the block know the difference between valuable information, marketing baloney, ignorance, stupidity and people who are just plain mean-spirited.

It works the same way in the digital world.