Note: We’re starting a special series today called Blogging Basics. Today’s post is from Rick Strater, Co-Creator of 12 Minute Marketing.
What Is ‘Ze ‘Ting You Call Blogging?
If you’re new to the online world, you might be asking yourself that very question. What is blogging?
It is, in simple terms, the use of a dynamic website to attract an audience and create a conversation. Now, while it all sounds very simple, the possibilities can be staggering.
A blog, by definition, is a website on which the latest additions appear first, with older entries moving down the list as new content pieces or “posts” are added. The content is arranged chronologically, as well as classified according to categories and tags for easy browsing.
Additionally, its structure allows comments from readers, encouraging interaction.
The comments structure allows you to create a conversation with your audience. The interaction plays a big role in the popularity of blogs in general, allowing you to partake in the conversation and answer questions along the way.
While a static website is usually built and left to be, barring the odd update, blogs are constantly updated, and are considered to be much more “alive”. Many people prefer to read fresh information, and as such try to find blogs that recently posted about their own unique topics of interest.
Originally, blogging was merely a means of sharing information and allowing conversation. In fact they were often referred to as “online diaries” and contained information more personal in nature.
While there are still some blogs that follow that old “feel” many blogs are no longer used as personal diaries. They are used for business, for branding, for growing authority within a niche, for teaching, motivating, and inspiring.
The Blogging Evolution
Blogs have since evolved into amazing platforms that can be constructed in such a way that it can drive your entire online business. Depending on the theme you use when setting up your blog, you can create sales letters, squeeze pages, add video, and even run a membership site.
The blogging platform also opens up unusual possibilities for promotion. There are a number of dedicated blog directories; there are blog carnivals and a number of blog communities. As such, becoming a blogger allows you to easily interact with other bloggers – many of which you will find to be quite willing to help you get off the ground and welcome you into the “blogger’s fold”.
Creating your own blog is about raising your own unique voice (sometimes even shouting if need be) – and attracting an audience who is eager to listen. It is about being an individual, and being able to express yourself as you please, while building a community of followers or fans who become regular readers and possibly customers and clients.
Another nifty thing about the blogging platform is that it allows you to link your blog to your social activities online, making it possible to spread the word instantly as you publish new information. This is excellent strategy for drawing your social following in and seducing them into becoming part of your regular blog readership.
Now.
Considering the fact that it’s possible to build an audience of returning visitors that you can engage in conversation, blogging offers potential that would never be possible with any conventional website.
And ironically, it is actually easier to run a blog than a website! Well, in some respects at any rate. That isn’t to say blogging is easy by any stretch of imagination.
Keep in mind blogging requires constant effort and commitment. While you can create a static website and leave it, a blog needs to be updated constantly, and you will have to be consistent in your efforts.
As a reward, however, you are likely to find a blog a very efficient tool in attracting traffic, building a business, and keeping your visitors engaged and clamoring for more.
So, who’s ready to blog?
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