Think about it... Facebook and (especially) Twitter limit the number of characters you can use to get your message across. You can get the general idea out there with these sites, but how else are people going to get to know YOU as a business or organization? What do you stand for? What issues are important to you? No matter how hard you try and how succinct you are, you can't get that across in 140 or fewer characters!
Starting a blog really lets potential customers or supporters have an inside scoop about you and your priorities. You can also really get into the dirty details in a blog. While Facebook and Twitter allow you to generate interest in a product, idea, or cause, a blog article enables you to expand on that interest and provide relevant details.
Additionally, a blog is considered social media because it allows users to share your content with others, leave comments, and start a real discussion. It doesn't get much more social than that! These discussions can lead to valuable insight into what your customers or supporters need and want.
Getting started on a blog, however, can seem a difficult task. What do you write about? How do you get people to read it? What if people leave rude comments? Some people are reluctant to try blogging because they don't feel their writing skills are up to par. You don't have to be a Pulitzer Prize winner to write a blog... I have read many blogs that have awesome and inspiring ideas that could have been written better. That doesn't make what the person has to say any less valuable.
The first thing you do is read other blogs. Check out blogs for your specialty area and leave comments. I'm not just talking about "Hey, I agree!" types of comments. Leave insightful opinions. If you agree, say why you agree, but if you disagree with something, say so. Just be polite about it. Rational discourse is fine, but rudeness and name calling are not. As a general rule, the more you read, the more you will learn about blogging.
Next, make a list of topics. Write down anything that comes to mind, even if it seems insignificant. You know your field better than anyone, so think of issues and suggestions that go along with what you do. Once you have your list, highlight the five most important items. Chances are that those will be your first five posts. Your first post should just introduce you and your business, and then you'll expand on that in future posts. It's also good not to be pushy in your blog... it's not always the best place to be selling something. If people like what you have to say, they'll seek you out and show interest in your business.
Now, about those rude comments that people are afraid of receiving... if it's a complaint about something you said or your business, address it politely. People will respect that you can handle differing opinions, and they'll see that you know how to handle conflict. If someone has a problem with your customer service, for example, address the concern and move on. Potential customers like to see that you can take criticism and that pleasing the client is important to you. NEVER resort to name calling, even if the other person is rude. You don't want to stoop to that person's level. If something is unfounded, a prank, or uncalled for, delete it. You be the judge, and your gut will tell you which posts need to be deleted.
Honestly, I'm pretty new to the blogosphere myself, but I'm finding it to be a wonderful outlet to express what is important to me. Each blog post leaves me with a feeling of accomplishment, as though someone out there could be enriched by my writing my ideas.
Get those posts and ideas flowing! In the meantime, keep swimming along!
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