This Blog
OK, so what is a blog?
A blog is a web site where the blogger engages in a conversation with readers So why should a company have a blog?
Because blogging is a way to communicate to your audience on a one-to-one level.
This can provide tremendously valuable information because no barriers exist to stop people expressing themselves.
What makes a blog different from a web site, message board, forum – or chat room?
A blog allows for easy, two-way interaction between the company, blogger and the audience. You can expect to find opinions, comments, trackbacks, a blogroll – but most importantly, a personality. Comments posted on a blog can and should have insights and opinions – in other words, things which you can’t find on a corporate web site or in a press release. Marketers beware! Marketing speak is not tolerated by the blogsphere, so adopt the right style.
What can blog do for my company that a web site can’t?
A blog presents the human face of the company and gives it a personality. You can use this site as a form of free research and to gain loyalty as it brings people closer to the company, making them feel included by becoming involved in commenting. A blog can increase awareness of the company through web links from other blogs and aggregators.
What’s the difference between a blog and a corporate blog?
A corporate blogger has the support of the company and will provide information to help accomplish the company’s goals.
Who should write the blog?
A company should not be made up of marketing speak! You want someone with a personality who can talk about your products and services in a style which flows and is an easy read. Each post should have someone’s name on it. There is no need for the blogger to be a known entity, by blogging regularly they will create their own persona and so become someone who the audience can relate to.
What happens if someone says something awful about my company?
In short, be prepared! Start a company blog in the knowledge that someone will say something at the least unflattering, and at the worst possibly damaging or darn right rude. But then you will also have people offering praise and heaping plaudits on you. The key is to use the feedback to your advantage. Treat the comments as those of your own (free) focus group, listen to what they say and use this information to give you the cutting edge.
Who’ll be blogging for us?
Well, look no further than Anthony and Stephen, both noted for their sharp wit, sense of humour and direct approach, they are both perfect for the job! With a keen interest in all things phs, both believe in telling it how it is! So, for lively debate with a slightly irreverent angle, look forward to their forthcoming contributions. Possibility with a tinge of trepidation…….