Do I Have to Blog?

Blogs are tricky beasts. To be successful, they have to be wrapped in a nice, well written, informative package. A skill which not everyone possesses, especially when you have to consider if you’ve got your SEO right or if it is actually interesting to your audience, not just you. So is it worthwhile for businesses to blog, especially if you’re a small business?

I would always argue that yes, any company, whatever the size should have a blog. I get it, time is an issue. You have a lot on your plate! But blogs, as a sales tool can really help to promote you and your business. And if you need more convincing, here are five ways blogs can do just that.

1) Blogs help to drive traffic to your website

Your website is your greatest sales tool. With 77% of customers now completing online, driving people to your page is a must. Blogs are the perfect way for you to do just that. It’s sort of like fishing. If you put out many different hooks, with tasty treats on the end, the more likely you are to reaching your goal – catching a fish. It’s the same with blogs. You are putting out blog posts onto social media, which then catch a possible customer. What’s more, the more blogs you create with your keywords on them, the higher up you go in Google ranking. With the higher amount of domains, and more possibility of customers finding you, the higher are your chances of people completing on your website.

2) Supports Social Media

We already know that Social Media is important. However, creating content for Social can be a little tricky, and that’s where blogs come in. They not only drive people to your site, but also act as a tool to get customers to interact with you and share your message. Easy to manage, and a more interesting read for your customers, blogs are a higher quality post giving your customers a more detailed insite into you and your brand.

3) Humanizes Your Brand

Due to Social Media, 44% of customers contact companies directly on Social Media. It’s important therefore that your company is friendly and approachable. The best way to do this is give your customers a backstage pass with Social Media and your blog. By showcasing what you have been up to, and what you are interested in gives you an informal form of testimonial, as well as a free pass for your customers to be inspired by you and your brand.

4) Improves your Indistrial Authority

The best types of blogs answer common questios your customers may have. If you are constantly feeding your customers what they need, without them having to contact you, your standing will grow in their eyes. You become the trusted and well informed authority in your industry. What’s more, with customers now holding a lot of power in their buying process, by ensuring your website stands out in the customer’s mind, they would be more likely to convert with you, rather than your competition.

5) Improves Conversion Rates

Having a website isn’t the be all and end all. It is important that your website stays relevant and shows recent activity on it. Blogs are the easiest way to do this. They clearly and easily show what you have in, and what you have been up to. Such a simple act shows that you are upto date, and most importantly that you are still trading.