We are now in the information age, the world is changing. Time is coming when any business that doesn’t have an online presence will fade away. You know what they say that change is constant, and the earlier you adapt it to it, the better for you and your business. In this post, I will discourse with you why your business needs a blog.
Now let me ask you, have you ever searched for a particular local business online, only to find listings on other people’s sites? It’s very hard to believe, but there are still quite a few brick and mortar businesses that haven’t created their online presence yet. Without a website, businesses have no presence online. But it’s not just about keeping up with all the other local businesses. There are huge profit and customer relationship benefits as well.
Why Your Business Needs a Blog
1. Constant visibility: Even though your business is offline, do you know that your customers are online too? This means that by only being visible when customers walk down the street or drive by, your business is invisible the rest of the time. Moreover people spend a huge amount of time online, whether it is on their computer, smart phone, laptop or tablet. They search for information online, not by driving down the street.
2. Easily Communicate with your Customers: A blog gives the business owner a venue for collecting email addresses, which in turn is a vehicle for communication. Most people still check their email regularly. Therefore, instead of spending money on print and media advertising, it’s much cheaper to send customers special offers and discounts via email. At the same time, email can be used to build a relationship with customers by offering other tips and advice. Just keep up with them and they will come to like and trust you.
3. Build Your Online Brand Awareness: Your blog is completely under your control, so businesses can use it to create and promote their brand image. Everything from the design of the site to the content and interaction that occurs builds the image that you want the world to see. You can use it as a kind of dynamic billboard which the whole world can see and interact with.
4. Demonstrate Social Proof: People make purchasing decisions based on recommendations more than any other factor. Which means that by including testimonials from other customers, businesses can offer the proof that prospective buyers need. Ratings and reviews are also another way to help people make purchasing decisions, though they are more difficult to control.
5. Go Global: As a local business, you have a very limited prospect and customer base. However, once a business goes online, the potential for more sales is only limited by the logistics of shipping. And international delivery rates are cheaper than ever, so that’s not an excuse! In fact, some websites, like Amazon, have made it feasible for even the smallest individual business owner to give the whole world access to their products.
Finally, I’m sure you’ve now seeing why your business needs a blog. While it’s certainly possible to survive purely as a local business, the potential to grow and prosper is far greater when you have a website also. It’s just a matter of being visible to customers and prospects in the place they spend much of their time, while opening up your business to a whole new market.
Every businesses today are going online, so why don’t you take this opportunity and improve your business now? It doesn’t matter what business or service you’re offering, there is a space for you on the internet.
Your turn:
What is your own take on this topic? Is there any other reason why your business needs a website that you think I didn’t include here? Please your opinions are very much welcomed.
Please I will also appreciate it if you can share this post with your loved ones.
Happy Thursday.
Photo Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net
Jaimie says
Content is king. And with the abundance of both free and inexpensive blogging platforms floating around the web (WordPress being one of the most popular), there’s no reason why your business can’t set up a blog and start connecting with customers in a matter of minutes.
Theodore Nwangene says
Welcome to my blog Jaimie,
I agree with you that there is no reason why a business owner cannot have a website these days. I really appreciate your visit here.
Thanks.
Siegfried says
totally agree, I think blog is great source of customers for any business!
Theodore Nwangene says
Thats very true Siegfried,
Thanks for the visit.
Adrienne says
Hey Theodore,
I ran into this late last year when I was trying to locate a contractor to come out and check my Mom’s foundation on her house. It’s so annoying when you’re trying to find someone to do the work and all the listing that come up are in a different city. These people had no online presence at all but that’s how people search for local businesses these days. If they want to compete with everyone else they need to be online.
Anytime I want information I head to the internet and I’ll pay much more attention to those who have a website and I can learn more. If I have to go out of my way to find information I more then likely will never do business with them.
That’s just my opinion and I know I’m not alone.
Good points you’ve made here. Spot on!
~Adrienne
Theodore Nwangene says
Hi Adrienne,
I see where you’re coming from. Now, imagine the type of customers those business owners will be missing.
I went to one company the other day and was telling them that they need a website for there business, the manager told me that its only a waste of money.
I didn’t believe that people still have that kind of mindset these days.
Thanks a lot Adrienne for sharing your own view with us.
Enstine Muki says
Hey Theodore,
I don’t think there is any excuse for not having a website or a blog for your business these days. Like you discussed, they are a whole bunch of advantages attached to it.
While having a website is good, creating and actively maintaining a blog is better for any business.
Maybe your next post should be on ‘HOW’ to use a blog and grow ones business 😉
Theodore Nwangene says
Hi Enstine,
Maintain a blog is the main thing. Its not just about creating it, but being able to maintain it. Great point my man.
Thanks for coming.
Babanature says
Hello Theodore,
You really did kill the post. a well written and thought post. I wonder the business man that doesn’t have a blog!!! that business man belong in the ice age 🙂 Nice post, i can definitely relate to it. thanks
Theodore Nwangene says
You can say that again Babanature,
Most people still don’t understand the benefit of creating an online presence for there business.
I just hope there eyes will open soon.
Thanks for coming my man
Dan Black says
Great points! I think businesses can really capitalize on social media and a blog to build relationships with their customers or potential customers. It can have great potential and results in a huge return.
Theodore Nwangene says
I agree with you on that point Dan,
Social media is also a very good platform to publicize your business as well as having a blog.
Dan Black says
I agree. Both are important to use.
Theodore Nwangene says
Yea, thats correct
Harleena Singh says
Hi Theodore,
I totally agree with your reasons, and being a professional freelance writer and blogger too, a blog is one way to showcase my work and get more clients. I do have a website too that’s from where I get my regular flow of clients, but I blog and people can see that.
Besides that, it’s your social presence, the friends and new contacts you make, your reach, and your consistency – all are visible on your blog. So, no reason not to have one for anyone in today’s world. Even those who aren’t working, you never know when you might switch online for work, so no harm building your online reputation and portfolio through your blog, and if you have a voice – a blog would be the right place for you.
Thanks for sharing. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Theodore Nwangene says
You’ve simply said it all Harleena,
Having a blog is the most effective way to showcase your work and services just as you said. I know of many people today who skylocketed their products and services via their blog alone. Someone like Neil Petal of quick sprout, was able to take his two products Kissmetrics and Crazy egg to the next level.
Therefore, the benefits of blog to a business man cannot be over estimated indeed.
Thanks for coming.
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Sapna says
HI Thedore,
Great post!
As a freelance programmer I feel my blog has helped me in showcasing that I’m very much active on the internet, clients know that I’m not working behind the scenes.
For business houses blogs has helped in a 2 way communication between the company and the customers. Customers can raise their concerns and Companies can keep their customers updated about their new products and the applications.Clearly it is a great relationship building tool.
Thanks for this great share Theodore.
Sapna
Theodore Nwangene says
You’ve said it all Sapna,
I’m happy you also understand the impact a blog can create on a business. But its unfortunate that many others don’t know it. Thanks for coming Sapna,
Very happy to see you here again.
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Mary Stephenson says
Hi Theodore
Talking to a couple that run an automotive repair place. Their son set them up with a website and they never would have done it themselves. They didn’t think they needed one. They told me the majority of their customers come from Yelp referrals, so the internet has a huge impact on local businesses.
Great post on the subject.
Mary
Theodore Nwangene says
Thats exactly what we’re talking about here Mary,
I’m happy you’ve also heard it from someone else. Thanks for your input.
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Michael Belk says
Theodore, the saying is more relevant today any other time because change is the only constant you can count on.
You will be judged on how you react to those changes.
Theodore Nwangene says
That’s very correct Michael,
Happy to see you here again. Thanks for branching.
Damian Baltrip says
Good post!
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Theodore Nwangene says
Thanks Nevena.
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I. C. Daniel says
Hey Theodore,
I like your blog so I subscribed for more news.
I wonder why you have all image thumbs in pending? Check if you added featured image for every post, on the right side when you post an article might be that featured image.
Best regards from I. C. Daniel – Romania
Theodore Nwangene says
Thanks Daniel,
I sure know how to add that, its just I’m currently having some issues with my blog. It was hacked last week and since then, I’ve been working on it. The thumbnails will soon start showing. Thanks for the visit man.
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Theodore Nwangene says
Thanks Wilma
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Theodore Nwangene says
Yes dear,
My blog runs on the wordpress platform and you don’t necessary need any knowledge of HTML before you can create your own blog. Please, use your real name next time you wanna comment here.
Thanks
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