Indianapolis Confluence Corporate Blog Panel Wrap Up
Setting among the creme de la creme of corporate bloggers at Confluence was a great experience. I guess, in hindsight, that makes me a blogger of note -- maybe. You be the judge of that. I'll just keep writing.
From left to right: Chris Baggott, Rhoda Israelov, Erik Decker, Kyle Lacy, Doug Karr and Rodger Johnson.
The panel discussion revolved around several, corporate blogging how-to techniques:
- Planning your corporate blog.
- Starting a blog.
- Keeping the the content fresh.
- Enlisting contributors.
- Judging market reception and key performance indicators.
There were a few take away points every blogger should remember, especially executives who want to start blogging:
- Always write about what is passionate to you. We used a hot dog example. If you sell hot dogs, write about hot dogs. Write about everything hot dog, from the silliest costumer story about hot dogs to the latest news about hot dogs.
- Be transparent. Remember people buy from people. So the stronger your relationship with people, the more you're going to sell, and your blog will be more valuable.
- It's okay to repeat a story. The more times to repeat content the more chances you drive home your business's core messages.
- Add value to each blog post. Let me explain. That value can range from a feel-good story to information your costumer or client can use to make better decisions. One liquor store owner in Greenfield, Indiana posts recipes for high-end drinks using rare liqueurs.
- Blog around set key words that Internet users use to search for your company, products or service. When you do this, you strengthen SEO. You're blog will enhance your website's presense on the web, and vice versa.
- When you write, remember this: one message, one story, one entry. By writing with focus, you will get more accomplished. Your readers will appreciate that, and you'll build confidence in your own ability to write.
Blogging is quickly becoming as regular as email in business. Essentially, if you're e-mailing, you should be blogging. And I can help you.
