Have you considered launching a blog as a business marketing tool? There has certainly been a lot of media coverage lately on Web 2.0 and Blogging. I expect it to only grow in popularity and more and more savvy business owners will figure out the advantages and jump on board.

For now, here are SIX Benefits of Blogging….

1. A blog is easy and costs little to set up. In fact I’m even starting to see people launching their very first website using the blogging platform. Yes that’s possible, and there are many advantages not the least of which is that the blogging software that will run your website is FREE and it’s easy to work with.

2. A blog is easy to maintain. In recent times CMS’s have been all the rage. A CMS is a Content Management System which is a system built into your website to allow you to easily edit your own web pages. Well a Blog has built in CMS functionality so you can add pages, edit content and make loads of changes easily and quickly. Seriously, if you can use Microsoft Word you can edit your own Website/Blog these days.

3. Google loves Blogs. This is a definate selling point for blogs. I’ve been doing a little testing myself and in just 3 weeks I have 20 pages from my new blog already indexed on Google. The software behind the blog is Google friendly and with a few simple tweaks you can have a search engine optimised website instantly!

4. A blog provides a great platform to show off your expertise and build credibility. With many of the same advantages of an Email Newsletter, a Blog allows you to showcase your knowledge and expertise to your clients and prospects who visit your blog. If the content and information on your blog is helpful end interesting to your readers you will soon build a loyal following. Tied in with an Email Newsletter, this is relationship Marketing at it’s best. And it works.
5. A blog is a communication channel. Your clients and prospects can comment on the articles and posts on your website and therefore provide feedback and direction for you. It builds community and loyalty.

6. A blog develops with you. The template that displays your blog can be updated with small or large changes at anytime and you can continue to update your blog with content weekly or however often you like. You’re in control.

A blog is perfect for any entrepreneur or business owner who has a passion for what they do, is an expert in their field and wants to build a loyal community of prospects and clients.