If you do a search for "why you need a business blog" you'll get more than 5 billion results on Google. That’s a lot of whys.   

You’ll find articles like the “Top 50 Benefits of Blogging for Business”, “How You Can Get Started Blogging in Just 3000 Easy Steps”, and “How to Write Unique Social Media Posts 120 times per day.”

Okay. So I made those titles up but I'm sure that very similar articles exist out there somewhere. (If you’re looking for a good breakdown of the key benefits of blogging for business, I recommend you check out this article on HubSpot.)  

My point is, that by now, most businesses are at least somewhat aware of the fact that having a company blog can help them improve their online presence. But what does that really mean?

Building an online presence

Establishing yourself online isn't as simple as just throwing up a website and calling it a day. Sure, it's a presence. But it's not one that many people will take notice of.

You don't want your website to be Waldo in the enormous mega-fun-sized Where's Waldo poster that is the world-wide-web.

You want your website, your online presence, to be noticeable. To stand out. At least to the people that matter to you and your business, like your customers. And one of the best ways to get yourself noticed is by updating your website regularly with new content.

That’s where your blog comes in.

Every new blog post gives you the opportunity to promote your business and connect with more and more customers. A blog gives your business a voice and lets you reach people that may not have heard about your business otherwise. Get the word out about each new blog post you write through your social media accounts,  your email list or a newsletter. Preferably all three. Rinse and repeat, and eventually, you'l find yourself building up an audience. That's content marketing.

Content marketing is changing. Consumers are sick of the impersonal and aggressive advertising tactics of the past. Filters and blockers are getting better at reducing the noise and people are looking for rich content that helps them solve their problems or fulfill their desires. A 30 second ad can’t deliver that.

Having a blog gives you a platform to share your knowledge with the world. A place where you can provide the valuable answers and insights that your customers are searching for and at the same time, position yourself as a trusted go-to resource for when they’re looking for answers in the future.

But I don’t have anything to say

You’re an expert. You’re a professional. You’re a professional experty-expert in your field. And somewhere out there, someone is looking for your help. And that someone probably has questions. And all the people that they know probably have questions too. Questions that only an expert like you can answer.

The real reason you need a business blog is so that you can help people solve their problems and live better lives by using the fantastic products and/or services that you have to offer. The fact that it helps you build an audience, and your business, is gravy.

Before you get started

Before you start your business blog, take a moment to reflect on your goals and target audience. While the vast number of search results may indicate the importance of having a blog, it's crucial to understand what that means for your specific business.

Your goal is creating a noticeable, engaging, and helpful platform that stands out in the vast expanse of the internet. Your blog is a powerful tool in achieving this. It allows you to share your expertise, answer questions, and build a relationship with your audience.

Even if you feel you have nothing to say, remember that your unique knowledge can help people solve problems and enhance their lives through the products or services your business offers. Have you ever heard the saying, what is obvious to you is a revelation to others? Think about it, you're an expert in your own field, but not in every field, right? There will be some things that are obvious to you, and other little tidbits of information that you'd never even considered before.

So, before you embark on this journey, clarify your objectives, identify your audience, and understand the value your blog can bring to your online presence.

Need help coming up with ideas or content for your blog? Contact me today.