Conversations Are For Everyone

Who’s Reading Blogs?

• 43% of Gen Y (Ages 18-32) read blogs• 34% of Gen X (Ages 34-44) reads blogs• 26% of Younger Boomers (Ages 45-54) read blogs• 25% of Older Boomers (Ages 55-63) read blogs• 23% of the Silent Generation (Ages 64-72) read blogs• 15% of the GI Generation (ages 73+) are reading blogs

32 % of all online adults are reading blogs

Source:  Pew/Internet Pew Internet American Life Project

Blogging

Online Goal= Content Fueled Strategy• Listening to people talk.• Talking to people.• Sharing your ideas and experiences.

It’s Fundamental and Simple.

Steps to Blogging

• Read other blogs first.• Comment and become involved in those

conversations.• Create a mobile idea notepad.• Use a good editor that you can use to write, edit

and save your posts.• Concentrate on your headline.• Write your posts first, edit second.

Spread your words

• Advertise your blog posts offline.• Syndicate your blog posts online.• Talk to people about blogging.

WOM (Word of Mouth Marketing)

Blogging Fears

Hang-ups

Consistency

ContentCreativity

Defeatist Attitudes

Cures for the Blogging Blues I

• Create a reasonable calendar for blogging.• Stick to your calendar.• Remember that inspiration can come from anywhere at

anytime.

Cures for the Blogging Blues II

• Take a load off your plate. Invite guest bloggers.• Interview local businesses.• Consider other mediums besides writing:

– Vlogging– Podcasting– Photojournalism– Microblogging

Where should you blog?

Go Back to Your Goals.

• Are you blogging to consumers, professionals, or both?

• Do you want to increase your website rankings?• How comfortable do you feel with technology?

Blogging Options

• Wordpress.com• Wordpress.org• Blogger.com• Typepad.com• Activerain.com• Localism.com• Active Rain Outside Blogs

Blogging is a win/win

• Your readers will get good information.• You will be regarded as the local expert.• Your name/your brand will have a shelf life.• You will strengthen business relationships.

Exponential Opportunity

Blogging Jumpstart

Decide on a date within the next 2 weeks when you will:– Read blogs– Comment on blogs– Start Microblogging

Choose a date within the next 30 days when you will:– Research blogging platforms.– Choose a blogging platform.– Set a date within the next 60 days to begin blogging.