Yesterday we addressed the question, “does my brand need a blog†and to the dismay of many readers the simple answer is yes. Yes, yes, yes, and we will say it one hundred times over. Blogging should be considered the most valuable tool in your content marketing arsenal, for many reasons. Just in case you still aren’t sure after yesterday’s post, here are ten more reasons why your business should be blogging.
- Blogging Keeps you Relevant – Mostly, your blog will show that you are an expert in your space. Regularly posting about the latest and greatest in your industry will prove that you are in the know and a trustworthy source. Additionally, this is your opportunity to show off and showcase your company/brand’s expertise.
- Attract Regular Visitors – Being relevant will keep your audience coming back for more information that they find valuable. Blogging can be used to provide solutions, inspire and help others, and deliver entertainment. Once you have determined your audience, in your content marketing strategy, your content can be targeted towards that audience which will keep them coming back for more.
- Blogging Builds Trust & Credibility – To keep your readers coming back, they need to trust that you are a valid source of information.Consistencies in your blog posts help build trust amongst your audience. If you are just starting out remember that accurate information and regular engagement can boost the trust level of your followers.
- Creates a Voice for Your Company – Not only does blogging give you a voice and platform; it’s an opportunity to give your brand a personality or breathe some life into your business. Your brand’s voice on your blog gives you the ability command authority and thrive in an online community.
-  Image Control & Reputation Management – your brand is everything, be present online when you need to set the record straight or when letting people know who you are as a company. Telling your story in a blog is an excellent way to communicate with your users online and ensure your fans of who you are.
- Interact with Readers and Fans – An informal blog, well maintained is an ideal method of communicating with your customers. Allow current and potential new users get to know your brand and learn about your products or services offered, your accomplishments, and the future direction of your company. Blog comments and open ended questions to users encourage your community to interact and build a relationship with your brand online.
- Images Can Be Incorporated – It’s no secret that images really add a wow-factor to anything online these days, and with the meteoric growth of Pinterest, adding images to your blog solely for image bookmarking purposes, will increase visitor counts almost instantly!
- Cost Effective Marketing Tool – Blogging can cost your brand almost nothing! If you are personally blogging for your brand or have your existing work force taking turns, this is essentially free marketing. If you are considering outsourcing this service, remember all the benefits of just one post (see 1-10).
- Free Market Research – Market research, not often discussed here, is an important tool for marketing. Blogging opens up conversations with your users, which allows you to ask questions, get feedback and deliver a truly better product or service.
- You Website Becomes Dynamic – Rather than the rare or infrequent content updates, a blog keeps new information on your site. New information will attract search engines and notify them that your site is one to track. Additionally this is just another reason to get your customers and fans coming back.
