What Is All the Hoopla About Blogs?

Even though blogs are fast becoming the norm, there are still many who haven't taken the plunge. In fact, I recently met a gentleman by the name of Bill who was quite perplexed by the whole idea of needing a blog.

"What is all the hoopla about blogs? Seriously, I don't get it. A blog is just a website. What purpose does it really serve?" asked Bill.

Bill was right about one thing... blogs are just another form of a website. But blogs are also so much more than websites.

Blogs are fun. Blogs are personable. Blogs are viral. Blogs give back. Blogs keep you in touch with fans and potential editors and/or clients. And most importantly, blogs get picked up faster in the search engines.

A blog can serve many purposes; the key is to decide what your blog is going to do for you and your business and then set out to make your blog accomplish those goals.

Will it promote a product?
One gal I know writes 250 word blurbs related to a book she wrote, then links to what others are saying on that topic-one link per post-, ending with a four sentence pitch to buy her book.

Another gal I know posts a new painting every day, with a link to her eBay store while another gal I know posts helpful information on "art licensing" with a call to action to buy her book on the same subject.

I even know a gal who simply gives a 250 word blurb every day letting fans know what she's up to. She tells them where she'll be featured (t.v., radio, Internet, print), where she'll be teaching (workshops, seminars), what's in her new product line, and what she currently has up for sale (etsy, ebay, personal website).

Will it educate your readers?
My DM Speaks blog (thedabblingmum.blogspot.com) used to give back to the blogging community. I would answer questions often posed to me via email, forums, and chats.

Today it's a completely different kind of blog. Today, I use DM Speaks to both educate and entertain readers, while helping to promote indie musicians, book authors, up-and-coming artists, and small businesses. I share question and answer interviews, reviews, movie stills, and video clips.

Will it be a place to connect with fans?
Do you have a career that isn't reliant upon your constant pitching of a product of service? i.e. Are you a musician, actor, or writer who has a publicist to do all the grunt work? Then a more personal blog may be just what you need to connect with your fan. Just remember to be careful in what you share. Certain things should always remain private... and name dropping can become a bore real fast. Offer substance, be true to yourself and your fans, and your fan base will surely grow.

Will it lead to new business?
It can. I've met many people over the years who've been rewarded with writing assignments, licensing contracts, and sales because of their blogs.

A few years ago, I received two regular writing assignments because of a personal blog I had. One was a quarterly column in a parenting publication. The other was to edit the notes an editor took during interviews and turn them into readable articles.

And prior to that, I had received a temporary blogging gig to help a company build a following regarding a new product, and another gig to help company to jumpstart their blog, until the in-house person responsible for the blog could take over.

Blogging takes time to work, however. You must build a resource first, then you build relationships through your readers.

Alyice Edrich is a freelance writer and mixed media artist. Stop by http://alyiceedrich.net to learn how you can hire her for your next project or http://thedabblingmum.com/ to read her articles on crafting, parenting, home business, and writing.

By Alyice Edrich