I have been blogging now for about 2 years. During that time I have made quite a bit of money from my online efforts. In fact, I have found that starting a blog is one of the easiest ways to make some extra cash.
In addition to that, however, I have found that blogging is a great way to communicate with my customers in my traditional business as well. In fact, in my industry (landscaping) I have found that my blogging efforts have put me light years ahead of my competition and, of course, made me more money.
Here are a few of the best reasons to start a blog for your traditional, offline business.
Communication From Me To Customers
Utilizing a blog with an RSS feed or email update allows customers to stay up on the trends of your business. In the landscape industry, for example, my customers subscribe updates and are emailed lawn care tips during the year. These tips are free, but serve to educate my customers on what to do during the year as the weather changes. As my customers are well informed, their lawns look better, and my service works better as well. It’s a “win-win” and it starts with communication through a blog.
Communication From Customers To Me
On the other side of the coin, my blog allows me to get messages from my customers that they otherwise would not be able to send to me. Let’s face it, your customers in any business will have questions or concerns throughout the year. But are they always going to pick up the phone and call? What if I am not there to pick up that call everytime because my business is small and not well staffed?
The blog allows my customers to comment, but in addition, I utilize complemetary Web 2.0 services like Twitter that update directly to my cell phone. The text message is a powerful play these days, and that all starts with communication through a blog.
Communication To Non-Customers
A blog allows non-customers or potential customers to see your true personality before making a buying decision. A blog should be an extension of your personality and will allow non-customers to feel as if they are hearing directly from the owner. Would you rather have your non-customers getting advice about a buying-decision directly from you and your blog, or from some an expensive billboard with limited wording that you rent by the month?
Communication To Employees
Not many business owners think of this, but having a password protected or private internal blog is a great way for a CEO to communicate with his front line. Once again, it offers your employees a way to get to know you on a personal level.
In addition, you can use the blog to communicate the latest on employee benefits like health insurance plans and health insurance quotes that are time sensitive. It’s not too late to start a blog like this one for the 2009 business year, especially if your employee Kentucky health insurance plans are changing.
These are just a few pieces of the puzzle when it comes to utilizing a blog for your business, and I hope many more of you will incorporate one into your mix for 2009.
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