A Renegade Cowgirl

According to Wikipedia, A Blog (a contraction of the term "Web log") is a Website usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.”

A "Blog" is like a website, but much easier to set up and maintain. It’s like a journal for people to write about their experiences; things taking place in their lives, or anything you’re passionate about. I’ve found it a great platform for pictures and a storyline…maybe from your childhood, a vacation, special event, or family. There are some really great Blogs out there, for business as well as socially.

Blogs are a fast and easy way to get the word out and reach a bigger audience. Blogs are more dynamic than websites as the content changes more often, giving search engines something new and unique to look at. The more unique content you publish, the higher your ranking will become on Google, Yahoo, and other search engines. Updating your Blog regularly increases your chances for visitors to find you.

A Blog can be the center of your business, especially if you are using other social networking sites. (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc) These other sites can be linked to your blog where you are building your reputation and relationships, plus your blog can have links to your main website or websites.

A Blog creates a network of connections where you can share information. It’s a way of marketing yourself and establishes your presence on the Internet, establishing you as an expert in your field.

You can use affiliates such as Amazon and eBay, or find other affiliates to join and offer their products, books, etc. You could write an e-book yourself and sell it here, maybe offer a ‘free report’ or newsletter. You can place a few of your hand made items here with links to your main website. You could talk about your MLM business in your blog, with a link to a lead capture page, or use your blog as a lead capture page by allowing people to sign up or email you with comments and questions. The ideas are endless!

A Blog is a way to launch and build a new business by continuing a conversation with potential clients. Over time, it will do much more than any of your other internet marketing methods. Some blogs have a minimal cost, some are even free! Many website hosting sites offer Blogs right with the website.

I’m using Squarespace for my Blog and find it to be very user friendly and inexpensive.

Happy Blogging!

Cher Marie