Word of the year: Blog
According to Merriam-Webster, the most searched word on its Web sites in 2004 was "blog." The dictionary publisher defines the word as, "a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer."
The tiny online journal tool burst on to the scene during the 2004 election. Every would be writer with an opinion began a blog espousing their particular view of the world. As with any form of technology, improvements came in the form of RSS feeds and readers. No longer did I have to remember to visit Aunt Bea’s blog to get the latest apple pie recipe. As she updated her blog, the feed was sent to my reader, and I was notified of the latest and greatest from her kitchen.
This has the amazing potential of keeping you in touch with your audience, whether it be customers, colleagues or the world at large. You don’t have to hope they remember to visit your website. “Hello? Remember me? I am that website you loved two weeks ago?”
I would gather we are at the proverbial tipping point. Most early adaptors are aware of blogs, they’ve loaded them into their readers and moved on. Do they actually read them, well maybe? This wonderful tool hasn’t eliminated the need for stimulating content. My guess is that as more and more folks get comfortable with the concept, they will subscribe to their favorites. As with anything new and shiny, the will be a plethora to choose from. Make sure your content is relevant to your reader.
So should you as a small business blog? Of course! Will it bring you untold millions? Well, no not likely. But, you will have another vehicle to promote your business and you will be in touch with the latest trends on the Internet. And if you’re really smart, sign on to your competitor’s blog, and you’ll receive instant updates anytime they promote something new.
The tiny online journal tool burst on to the scene during the 2004 election. Every would be writer with an opinion began a blog espousing their particular view of the world. As with any form of technology, improvements came in the form of RSS feeds and readers. No longer did I have to remember to visit Aunt Bea’s blog to get the latest apple pie recipe. As she updated her blog, the feed was sent to my reader, and I was notified of the latest and greatest from her kitchen.
This has the amazing potential of keeping you in touch with your audience, whether it be customers, colleagues or the world at large. You don’t have to hope they remember to visit your website. “Hello? Remember me? I am that website you loved two weeks ago?”
I would gather we are at the proverbial tipping point. Most early adaptors are aware of blogs, they’ve loaded them into their readers and moved on. Do they actually read them, well maybe? This wonderful tool hasn’t eliminated the need for stimulating content. My guess is that as more and more folks get comfortable with the concept, they will subscribe to their favorites. As with anything new and shiny, the will be a plethora to choose from. Make sure your content is relevant to your reader.
So should you as a small business blog? Of course! Will it bring you untold millions? Well, no not likely. But, you will have another vehicle to promote your business and you will be in touch with the latest trends on the Internet. And if you’re really smart, sign on to your competitor’s blog, and you’ll receive instant updates anytime they promote something new.
posted by Mike Doherty at
1:25 PM
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