Coming from the UK (correct me I'm wrong!), blogs as big as they seem to be in the US, or maybe it's where I'm from?

Anyway, I notice a lot of you have blogs, can you tell me what the benefits of a blog is and what the difference is between your website and your blog? content wise etc......

I know it might seem dumb but I'm a complete novice in the blogging world and I'm curious to learn more, and to see if I'm missing out on something

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Kels

www.kellycairns.co.uk

Nothing dumb aobu thte question. I guarantee there are several other people wondering that just don't have the bollocks to ask.

I'd encourage you to go to About.com or Wikipedia or other site and look up 'blog.' It helps a person remember better if they have to find out their own information. But I'll give you a basic explanation.

A 'blog' (short for web log) was originally just a type of online diary. Over the years they have become popular for political or news commentaries and businesses. In the business world, blogs are used to expand upon business related topics. For example, an aquaintence of mine has a marketing company. He posts short comments and informational items related to marketing.

My professional blog focuses on topics of interest to my customers and association members. For example, my most recent post was how 'outsourcing' can be a benefit to small business. I have a post on remembering Maslow's Theory of Human Motivation during difficult economic times. Plus, I always try to do a good one on Administrative Professional's day.

I have attended seminars that say you should update your blog with new posts at least three times a week. I don't do that. I shoot for once per month, right now. But a blog has to be part of your overall marketing strategy.

I do have another blog where I post political commentaries or current event comments, but there is absolutely nothing there that links me back to my professional blog. I have pretty strong opinions on certain things and don't want to upset or intimidate my clients.

Just keep reading, you'll get the hang of it.

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

ahhh now I get it!!! thank you so much for your information.

I was aware that people blogged for personal reasons but wasn't aware of how it could be utilised for business.

Off for a browse at everyones blogs now! LOL

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Kels

www.kellycairns.co.uk

I'm curious and would love your input on if it is better to have a blog in our own name or in our business name? In finishing up my web site this week I plan to implement a blog also and hadn't thought of how the name should be? I will be posting business related topics and information...

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LoriLee
Executive Virtual Staffing
(web site to come in near future)

When a blog is linked to your overall business website, it helps to provide fresh content which is something that helps you with search engines finding you and ranking your website. At least that's how I understand it.

Also, when a blog is linked to your domain/website, then the person viewing it doesn't "leave" your site when going to your blog and can easily navigate back to your business site. If you have a blog that is not part of your business website/domain, then viewer ends up leaving your site, which should be avoided when possible. My blog doesn't have a separate name. It's just like another page in my site, i.e. www.jkvirtualoffice.com/blog

I have seen, however, several VA sites where the blog is separate and a link to the blog is provided on their main site.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

Most of the business blogs I follow have some form of the company name associated with it. For instance, the marketing company is Maple Creative. The blog name is Marketing Genius from Maple Creative. Another I follow is Mythology Marketing and the blog title is simply Mythology.

I would think that simply using your name would give the impression it is more of a personal blog. But, I've seen people make that work.

Whatever you choose to do, frequent, quality posts with quality links will help build your ranking. But having big ranking won't help if it isn't the base you are trying to reach.

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

A thank you to everyone who replied in regards to using my business name for my blog or personal name. My first instinct was it would be more beneficial to have it as part of my web site and with the business name. I really appreciate the feedback.

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LoriLee
Executive Virtual Staffing
(web site to come in near future)

Thank you Kelly for having the bollocks to ask the question! I now understand the benefits of having a blog linked to my website (not up yet). Off to draft the rest of my website and text for my blog!