Blogging has invaded every sphere of our modern life and businesses are not an exception. A growing number of businesses have realized the benefits of blogging and many have set up business blogs.
According wiktionary.org definition a blog is a website that allows users to reflect, share opinions, and discuss various topics in the form of an online journal while readers may leave comments. The term was originally weblog and was coined by John Barger in 1997.
Weblog boom took place in 1999 after a number of software developers and companies joined hands to simplify blogging by making blog software’s and tools easy to use and accessible to everyone. After 1999, blogs have continued to grow at an amazing pace fired by the growth of the internet. There’s a reported 200 million plus blogs on the internet currently.
Blogs are generally categorized into two types
Personal blogs – these are composed of personal diary, research links and opinion posts belonging to an individual.
Business blogs – these have gained popularity as effective tools for corporate communications to both employees and customers, they offer an excellent way to disseminate, communicate and share knowledge and information. Business blogs have quickly been adopted by the business community and are now used by companies and corporate organizations to build additional web traffic and to also reach and communicate with potential customers.
So what are some of the ways that blogging can benefit small businesses?
Blog software’s are simplified and easy to use; all that a person needs to do is sign-up, login and start sharing their thoughts with the world, connect to resources and publish your blog for the world to see. All this is accomplished at the push of a few buttons. Blog companies such as blogger.com, movable type and Typepad all provide user friendly blogging tools to get you on the way.
Blogging offers an affordable and alternative way to establish a web presence. Small business owners without the time to learn complex web authoring languages such as HTML and operating on a shoestring budget, they can simply set-up a blog and they’re available worldwide.
Blogs are also easier to update as opposed to web sites which require mastery of web design skills. Business blogs offer a small business a wonderful opportunity to share knowledge and expertise with a bigger audience. This is a powerful tool that can greatly benefit knowledge workers such as consultants and other professionals.
Below are business blogs examples
Research Buzz – this blog is an excellent tool for online researchers. As an information provider, Research Buzz offers advertising and special subscription of their informative newsletter.
Gizmodo – this is a weblog that talks about everything gadgets and tech gizmos, if you’re a gadget fanatic then you’ll definitely benefit from visiting this blog.
Just remember that blogs are not a replacement to websites, this is because blogs have limitations and do not offer the functionality of websites. Many blogs do not support Ecommerce solutions, regardless of this few drawbacks, blogging offers an incredible way to build a web presence.