What is this Blog thing I keep hearing about?

by Nicole Dean, owner www.ShowMomTheMoney.com

Whether you own your own website or have a Direct Sales Site, you can benefit from a Blog.

What is a Blog?

If you're new to blogs, you might be wondering what a blog is. It's basically a way to have an online diary or journal. BUT, the key is that you can also use it as a free website or as a way to spread the word about your business in a quick easy manner (and on your own schedule).

So, the next question is ..

Do You Need a Blog?

In all honesty, maybe you do or maybe you don't.

Do you enjoy writing about your business, or your field? If so, go for it.
Does writing make you miserable? If writing is a huge chore for you and you dread it, then I'd say either set up an audio blog or no blog at all for now. You can always add one later. Spend your time now focusing on building your traffic and site in other ways and let yourself off the hook.
Do you enjoy recording audio? If so, consider an audio blog.
Is the schedule of writing a newsletter making you batty and you just want to be able to jot down your thoughts when you have time? Then a blog might be a perfect alternative for you.

What would You put on a Blog?

A blog is an easy and free way to stand out from your competition, to develop a relationship with your clients, or to attract new customers.

Talk about your field. If you own a site about Dogs, then use your blog to talk about Dogs, give Dog tips and tell Dog jokes.
Give your reader Tips about what ever it is your product or service is
Special Product Ideas or ways to Use your Products
Ways your Service can Help, including free advice.
If you sell food, include recipes
Got a special going? Go ahead and announce it.

In my opinion, the same rules apply to blogs as apply to newsletters. If your blog is just a sales pitch, don't bother. If, on the other hand, you can provide useful or entertaining information for visitors and subscribers, then you can benefit from a blog.

Still Confused about Blogs?

To Blog or Not to Blog ... If you are wondering if a blog is right for your site promotion, check this out.

How do You Start a Blog?

Simply go to www.blogger.com and set up your blog account. It's as easy as that.

If you'd like to add audio, then set up an account at www.audioblogger.com AFTER you set up your Blogger account.

What about Pinging?

Now, I'm not a professional, but basically, you go to 'ping places' and tell them that there's new content on your blog. They will go out to all the blog places (how technical does that sound?!) and tell them that you have new info on your blog. I use and recommend the free service at www.pingomatic.com to ping your blog.

How do I set up a RSS Feed?

Easy Instructions to Set Up RSS Feed on your Blogger Blog

Confused? Here's help --

Start a Recipe Blog (Money-Making Blogs)

How to Start a Craft Blog (Money-Making Blogs)

Blogging Starter Pack – This covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about blogging in an easy-to-understand manner. (Free 10 minute video just for stopping by.)