Before You Write Your First Blog...

Compared to 30 years ago, business people nowadays have better edge in terms of marketing their products. Costs have been reduced, and there are more media and marketing initiatives available. The internet, most especially, became the biggest breakthrough in terms of marketing. It even offers free marketing options to choose from and it offers businessmen --- endless possibilities.

With this, marketers are presented with a vast range of potential market. However, having a very large market might be good but not if it is undefined; you need a niche to focus on. Marketers immediately pick up that it is critical to match their brands with customer interests. I call this Customer Mapping. With the internet, blogging has become the new, trendy way of reaching customers.

Nowadays, more and more businesses are delving into blogging as a business tool and they have recognized the fact that blogging is indeed a cheap, fast and effective way to influence or develop a market.

But before you even start doing it, here's what you need to know --- blogging could be frustrating because it is tedious. The good news is -- it is not impossible!

So, what if you decide to take the risks? How do you go about it? I have here 5 tenets that will help you ace in writing blogs:

1. Identify your consumers (niche), decide the purpose of your blog, and blog in a way that these same people will feel you and your business. There is nothing more important than to let your target audience know you and your company's core values.

2. Build a community of responsive consumers. Some relationships are built overnight but what's worth keeping is a consumer base that will actually buy your product! You might have a large network now but your networks do not necessarily effect to real relationships. Build your brand community and let them talk about your products. Ensure that they understand the value of your product. Conversations create better understanding. Customers who understand you and identify with you will most likely buy from you.

3. Get involved in the dialogue with your customers. This encourages two-way communication. As you get your customers talking, also answer their questions and most importantly, sound sincere when you do so. Writing a blog needs an investment of time and commitment. It takes a lot of time to set up, research and write a quality blog. So, you might need to hire someone who has got the time to do this for you.

4. Take into account their feedback. Act on it and if you can, exceed their expectations.

5. Make your blogs entertaining (without forgetting your company goals and the purpose of why your company is blogging). Build a personality in your blog that your readers will love and make blogging to you a habit. The more they like you, the more they will buy from you.

Putting in mind all of these five will help you kick off your first blog. Researchers and analysts have affirmed the power of blogging but are sad to admit that there are a lot more poorly written blogs than those with quality. A messed up blog doesn't deliver results. No wonder why others complain that their blogging marketing efforts are not paying off. My piece of advice is: "Don't fall into the same trap!"

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