9 Reasons Why You Need to Have a Business Blog

It really isn’t a question anymore.  You need to provide updated content online — whether that’s a blog or other content.  In case you’re still not sure you need a blog for your business, here are nine reasons why I think you do.

But don’t take my word for it.  What do you think?

1. SEO – Search engines look at how often you update your website when ranking it.  With Google’s recent algorithm changes this comes into play even more.  You may have the most perfectly SEO-site, but if you haven’t updated content recently, Google is going to penalize you.
2. Expertise – Potential customers want to learn more about you before they buy.  Blogs are a great way to show of your expertise.
3. Branding – Blogs give people a reason to keep coming back — thereby increasing your name recognition.
4. Freemium – People want something for free.  In this freemium online environment, people expect a little for free.  Providing useful information on a blog qualifies.
5. Personality – People buy from people.  Showing a bit of personality through blogging and other social media goes a long way towards showing the human side of your business.
6. Participation – Participate in the conversation.  No matter what industry you’re in, there’s certainly issues that are debated.  Blogging gives you the opportunity to give your own 2 cents and be seen as a thought-leader (or at least contributor).
7. Cost effective –  While blogging does takes resources — it does take some time to write posts (or record for audio or video posts) — but in the scheme of advertising channels, it’s very affordable.
8. Audience – Increase your reach (& audience & customer).  Blogging opens up your business to an international (or at least national) audience.  It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to reach more people.  Obviously you need to provide content that people want to read.
9. Listening – Open a venue for listening.  While blogging is mostly about providing content, it also can provide a platform for customers and industry colleagues to post their own ideas and comments.

What do you think?  What did I miss?

(photo by websuccessdiva)