Why Every Business Needs a Blog

It seems every day as I do my work for clients, I run into things to talk about on my blog. I recall a time when I though how can I possibly blog – I only have enough time in the day to do work for my clients and get them on the fast track.

Well think again!

I am now realizing that a blog really is an enjoyable way to get to connect with your clientele – to help those that possibly have lost their way and just need a little swift kick in the pants (only kidding)!.

Part of what makes my job so enjoyable is gladly sharing what I have learned through all my years in this business and seeing it make such a big difference to others. So this is a perfect venue for me!! And it should be for all of you who are serious about customer services and assisting with whatever is needed in your particular field.

So for those of you who tell me “I just can’t blog I don't have the time” strongly consider again - what better marketing tool is there?

I will bet you dollars to donuts that you will find that little extra time (when possibly a thought pops into your head, or a frustration takes hold) that you will post it on your blog, feeling great about it because you realize you are helping so many others…

Blogging is a really great way to let people know you are the expert in your field, or that you know your product – as well as care about helping them with a problem, they may have pertaining to your expertise.

I have actually gotten clients from all around the world through my blogs – they read the articles, comment and communicate with me about a problem they may be having and bam – we have a connection. They know I am not joking – I do know my stuff. And when they need my services, they hire me.

It is really amazing – I have had clients from Australia, England, Africa and they more than likely would not have hired me without knowing me through my blogs.

I find the biggest fear that my clients have expressed about blogging is they do not knowing what to write about – or they feel intimidated about their writing skills.

There are many ways to overcome that – I personally write my articles in a word document, and then I can edit them and spell check. This allows me to save the articles as well as to go back at a later date and proof read, to double check and make sure it reads well. It is like anything else the more you do it the easier it gets.

So next time you say – blogging is not for me, think again. You are missing a tremendous opportunity to connect with consumers who want what you have to offer.

Pamela Jacob – Artista Design

801-910-4825

Providing Creative Solutions & Amazing Results

Did you know?

I decided to do some house cleaning (on my computer) something that scares me to death simply because I know without a doubt I will throw something away that I need.

I don't know if you are like me, but I save 50 of the same thing in 20 different places just because I want to make sure it is safe…

Needless to say I have a lot of “junk” cluttering my computer…

While I was in the process of cleaning out my files, I ran across some notes I had taken while attending a seminar with a client. I thought I should share them with you.

Understanding the dynamics – of internet users – will really help enlighten you – it gives insight into what type of people buy on the internet – it will prevent you from becoming frustrated because you will know certain things are normal.

Last but not least it will show you why you should you should have your business on the internet and which direction to go.

Understanding Internet Users – learn from statistics…

Why should you have your business online?

Online retailers are acquiring new customers at a 15% annual rate versus 2% for brick and mortar stores. --Deloitte & Touche USA, November 2006

U.S. consumers are expected to increase their spending at online retail stores from $877 per consumer in 2005 to $1,512 per consumer by 2009. --eMarketer, May 2006

E-commerce is growing at a rate of roughly 25% per year even though the number of shoppers has remained about the same. --U.S. Department of Commerce/Gallup, March 2006

Why should your have a professional website?

75% of online shoppers say they would not return to a website that took longer than 4 seconds to load. --Akamai, November 2006

86% of internet shoppers will return to a website if they find that Website useful. This is why you need to have a website that is put together by a seasoned professional up to date and has information that is valuable to the visitor.

Why should you bother with a blog or email campaigns?

Consumers are 50% more likely to be influenced by blogs and e-mails than radio or TV advertising. --EPM Communications, April 2006

Roughly 30% of the total U.S. internet population visited blogs in the first quarter of 2005. --comScore, August 2005

Why should you use social networking sites?

45% of active web users visit social networking sites. --Nielsen/NetRatings, May 2006

And that was in 2006!

Did You know…

85% of home shoppers today use the internet to shop …

According to the National Association of Realtors 2007 profile of buyers & sellers:

The average age of people who access the internet and purchase the most (on-line) are between the ages of 25-55 – 84%.

64% of internet consumers have a household income of $ 50,000 - $ 124,999.

You may be surprised to learn only 2% - 5% of your website traffic actually completes the online registration/contact form… This is why you need to offer something of value, entice your visitors to sign up on your auto responder – this will build your database – and your database is gold!

The vast majority of people who surf the internet - call the office – visits in person or do nothing. Make sure you have a phone number and email visible - have everything on your contact page.

I hope these statistics give you pause for thought. It really clarified for me why it is so important to pay attention to detail and shy you need to have all the right things in place to get the results you want…

Make sure you have a marketing website – not just a pretty brochure or a website that ranks high on search engines but when a potential client clicks on the link they leave the page as fast as they find it.

You are shooting yourself in the foot is you don’t have all your ducks in a row. Translation: You don’t have the right website for your business.

Pamela Jacob - Artista Design For a free - no obligation consultation