One thing that all business owners large or small should be focusing on this year is connecting with prospects and customers; moving them into the sales and marketing funnel.  There are several ways that this can be accomplished, however one key way is by having a blog and using it to share information and connect with your target market.

A blog is really just a simple website that is typically updated frequently with what are called posts.  In most cases the posts on your blog are shown in reverse chronological order.  This allows the visitor to see your last post first.

A blog can be used in addition to your main website, instead of a main web site and your blog can even function together with your website.  A blog however should be updated frequently, once a week at minimum if possible, two to three times would be better.

A blog is very easy to use to share information quickly and typically this can be done without calling your web master or IT support.  This makes a blog a great cost effective tool to use to share information on upcoming specials or promotions, review new products, features customers and even address customer complaints.

There are several reasons that every business large or small should have a blog and use it in their marketing mix for connecting with prospects and customers and moving them through their sales and marketing funnel.  Here are just a few that you should consider:

• Search Engines Love Blogs

Google and other search engines love blogs.  Blogs offer what is called an RSS Feed and these feeds are typically picked up very quickly by search engines.  It is very possible to write a post on your blog in the morning and have it appear in the search engines by lunch time.

• Builds your Brand

Building a brand takes works and requires many pieces of marketing collateral, a blog being one of them.  Having a blog with your branding will allow you to be seen by others on a regular basis and your target market will begin to recognize who you are and what you offer.

• Establishes You or Your Business as an Expert

Having a blog where you provide up to date information on a topic or niche that you have experience in will help you become known as an expert in that area.  Once others begin to see you as an expert of subject matter expert on the topics you focus on you will develop a reputation and hopefully a following as an expert.

• Drives Traffic to Your Web Site

When a blog is used as an extension of your web site often readers of your blog will also check out your web site and see what products and services you offer for sale. To ensure that this happens always be sure to include a link to your web site from your blog.

• Builds Relationships with Prospects and Clients

Blogs and be opened up so that your readers and add comments to your posts.  Using a blog to share information, get feedback and then respond is a great way to build relationships with your readers who are your prospects and clients.

A blog is definitely a tool that you need to include in our marketing mix this year if you haven’t already.  Blogs are great cost effective tools to create exposure and connection with your prospects and customers.

If you are ready to include a Blog in your marketing mix and don’t know where to start SourceOne Technologies would be glad to help you establish your blog and other online marketing components.  Contact SourceOne Technologies today, your Online Marketing Consultant.