10 Reasons Why Your Business Should Blog

1. Simple. A blog is a simple, easy-to-use platform for connecting with and sharing timely and relevant information with customers. It’s your direct communication channel. You don’t have to be a professional designer either. Many blogging platforms like WordPress and Hubspot are people-friendly and don’t require advanced graphic skills.

2. SEO. Your blog fuels Search Engine Optimization. Search engines love valuable content and will reward you for it.

3. More customers. Sixty percent of businesses who blog acquire more customers, according to a HubSpot survey.

4. Voice. It gives your company a voice. A blog creates a place to talk about new products or services, comment on timely news topics or market trends, and share company initiatives beyond your website. It’s also the place to let your brand’s personality shine and show people what you’re all about.

5. Expertise. Writing a blog shares your expertise. How else will you position yourself as a subject area expert and thought leader?

6. Conversation. A blog creates a two-way conversation with customers, prospects and industry peers. It encourages interaction, comments and feedback. Make sure you reply to all comments!

7. Fun. Simply put, blogging can be fun. it can be energizing, stimulating, and something you look forward to. Blogging also makes you think about newsworthy topics, your industry, your customers and the world around you.

8. Building Block. A blog builds confidence, relationships and sales. Customers will look to you as a reliable resource for information on your industry; then come to you to buy.

9. Story Teller. You can tell your brand's story. A blog is a great place to offer more insight into your company, philosophy, employees, and ideas. Tell your customers why you’re in business and how you can help them.

10. Cost-Effective. Blogs are cost-effective marketing investments. Every post you publish is a long-term asset that helps build brand awareness and promote your expertise, products and services.

For more reasons on why your business should start a blog, check out this article.

How to Start a Blog in 4 Steps

"More people than ever are online. This explosion in growth means more potential readers for your blog. In short, there is no better time than today to start your blog." Starting a blog is simple and we are here to help! Follow the four easy steps below and you are on your way.

1. Choose a name for your blog. This might be the most time consuming part of the proces. Picking the right name is key to making sure the blog works well with your brand and what you want reader's to gain from the blog.

2. Pick a blog site. Sites such as Blogger and WordPress are very user friendly and free, but there are dozens of other sites to choose from.

3. Customize your blog design and layout. Many blog platforms have templates, but there are also features that allow you to completely customize the blog format.

4. Write your first blog post!

It's that easy! Blogs are a great way to showcase your brand's voice and allow a more creative outlet. Don't worry about posting everyday, but when you do post, make sure you share it across various platforms.

For more information on getting your blog started, check out this article.