Questions & answers about blogs
Brian Herne Says:
October 11th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
What type of information constitutes a blog? More importantly is there any that dosen’t?
Where does a blog live on the web? My web site or someone elses?
Who owns a blogging site, some examples?
How is one classified as a blogger?
Answer:
A blog is like a personal journal that focuses on a certain theme or topic. It can be about absolutely anything. The only difference is that a blog is open to people on the Internet for comment and feedback. Our article on “Should a small business blog” contains examples of blogs that different types of businesses – big and small - run.
It is best that your blog focuses on a subject which you have a genuine interest or expertise and helps to leverage your industry knowledge. It will make writing content easier and of higher quality. There is nothing that cannot be ‘blogged’ about: gardening tips, travel diary, a blog on the best fishing locations in the world, advice on how to buy and sell properties, or even blogs of a more personal nature. That is, if you are happy enough to share your private thoughts to readers on the world wide web.
Typically, your business blog should be housed in a section on your website, separate from other product or business information. If you do not have the facilities to host a blog yourself there are many third party services which offer free blogging access for anyone. Sites such as Blogger and Wordpress are a good start. Just make sure you link to your website!
A blogger is ’someone (anyone) who writes or maintains a blog.’ Put simply, it is you!
Patricia Beatty Says:
October 11th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Brian’s comments typify mine. I’m an ‘oldie’ with very little experience with computers but willing to learn and try anything! It would be fantastic if I could start a ‘blog’, ’story’, ‘communication’ etc. on my website for the public to read and primarily be informed and educated from, which will then, hopefully, lead them to me! I really do like this idea!
So, do I just add another webpage to my website with an appropriate name for the public to click onto, add some informative chit-chat and a form for the public to fill in and comment? Then, regularly update this ‘informative chit-chat’? Is this how it will work? It sounds to me like a monthly article in a magazine but with none of the costly fees!
Please enlighten me and thank you for your education.
Sincerely,
Patricia Beatty
Answer:
You are on the right path Patricia! A blog can be used just like a monthly magazine, where you can post relevant information for your customers, giving them a great and valuable reason to regularly return to your site.
The articles you post on your blog should aim to be informative and useful, but also to evoke discussion within the readers which actively engages them in your environment. Much like we do here at www.successbox.com.au.
It is best to start up the blog in an easily accessable spot on your website. A common location is yourwebsite.com.au/blog. Simply install your chosen blogging software at this location and start posting. Not sure how to install the software? All Melbourne IT’s unix hosting plans now come with the ability to install blogs built through Wordpress.
Geoff Says:
October 5th, 2007 at 9:59 am
I second everything Nigel says.
“A tableless design with headlines such as H1s, H2s and so on.” I do not have a clue what you are talking about!
You should remember that not everyone running a company is under 30 years of age. If you wish to sell me something, you will have to do a better job than this.
Answer:
You’re right Geoff. This is too much tech-talk.
If you’re designing your website yourself, chances are, you are familiar with these terms. For the majority who call upon web designers to build or redesign their websites, make it clear that you want a website designed to draw search engines.