Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's a blog anyway?

A blog (short for “weblog”) is a website for which an individual – you – supplies the content. A blog is really an online journal in which each "entry," whether that be the 3 lines of text you wrote today, or an entire essay, is "posted" (jargon for clicking the submit button when your written text is ready to send to the Web). Bloggers are not programmers (that is, at least the vast majority are not). Instead they use simple-to-use web tools to type their text - or paste directly from their PC text editor, such as MicrosoftT Word. A blogger can easily include images in their blog too.

What do people blog about?

Your blog can provide commentary on your business or industry, or a specific subject, such as law, marketing, agriculture, health care, small business growth, or the arts. the list is endless. Let's face it: You know a lot about your business, probably more than most people. Okay, maybe you're too humble for that statement, but, you know you like to tell folks about it, don't you? How long is it going to take you before you are going to start blogging?

Why are businesses and professionals blogging?

"Blogs are changing the way businesses talk to their customers." Robert Scoble and Shel Israel recently wrote a book entitled, "Naked Conversations" totally dedicated to this very question. They call business blogs, "Word of mouth on steroids." [Visit Amazon.com and buy this book] You already know that traditional marketing and public relations campaigns are becoming more expensive and less effective every day. The mega-corps have sealed themselves off from their primary customers, outsourcing customer service to India and monopolizing the media in a way that prevents smaller players from communicating in the marketplace. Business blogging is changing all that - and with lightning speed. Obviously, your business vision requires that your customers be able to reach your company. A business blog, either integrated into your existing website, or one that complements your web site, brand and eZine is the answer.

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You've been told by some knowledgeable people that "blogs"
are a passing fad. Are they?

Do your customers trust you? They should. And, you know that the benefits of direct communication with your customers are too compelling to ignore. So, trust yourself. Everyday powerful interests in the media rail against the idea that business owners, professionals and ordinary people can speak to the world with the same force – and a lot of times with more credibility – than can they. It's easy to see why the media doesn't like blogs. Then there are the competing business interests: advertising agencies, public relations executives, big-time web maintenance firms - all interested in keeping your public communication dollars flowing unimpeded into their coffers. They may try to convince you otherwise; but, this ain't no “fad.” While you are sitting there reading this you begin to understand why you need to trust your own judgment and start your own business blog.

What tangible benefits flow to businesses and professionals that blog?

Well, let's look at external customers: How great would it be if you could stand before a huge assembly of all your customers and potential clients - like an Evangelist - and preach the gospel of your products, services or industry? Better yet, what if you were able to carry on an individual conversation with your most interested prospects at the very same time? A business blog is an amazing tool that allows you to push your message to the next level by expanding your business networking online and, in a comfortable and informal way, building a lasting appreciation for your business products or services.

Then there are your internal customers: Ever wonder how much better your company would operate if you had a better internal communication process? Think about how great would it be if good ideas could flow freely, uninterrupted by normal intimidation factors. How thankful would you be if you were warned about a poor business practice before your customers were effected? Many companies, Microsoft and General Motors among them, have introduced blogs for their employees that have completely revitalized their business culture for the better. What price would you pay for a technology that could save your company thousands, even millions? Blogging is just too cheap to overlook.

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What's the story on "Comments"?

"Comments" (many times with sensible restrictions) allow readers to respond to your post. This idea can be frightening for some. At first blush, no business person would want to receive "negative" comments from anyone, especially customers or, worse, employees. Yet, "comments," both good and bad are part of what makes a blog a "conversation." In fact, comments are perfect opportunities for you to create a positive experience and convert customers or potential customers into Evangelists - for you and your business! Rather than be panic-stricken over the notion that someone might post something negative about your brand or product, you are a savvy business marketer who welcomes the opportunity to respond positively in every situation and change perceptions for the better whenever the chance is there. Comments? No fear, just more opportunity.

So, what'll this cost me to set up?

Actually, blogs can be started for nothing - or for a few dollars per month. See Jordan Creek Web Design's page on Blog Packages for links to excellent free or low-cost blog solutions. On the other hand, most businesses want to insure that any blog they might initiate is professionally created and incorporates their business branding. How important would it be for your customers to be able to visit your company website and see your blog fully integrated into the site? BlogWhiz builds custom blog solutions for one business blogger, or say, a professional firm with multiple authors. Pick up the phone and call us today (515) 226-0203. The cost isn't painful while the ROI is magnificent.

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