The Small Business Blog As a Public Relations Tool

The Small Business Blog As a Public Relations Tool PDF

Why Blog?

If you are a small business owner, you can use a blog as an effective, inexpensive communications and public relations tool. A blog (a derivative of “Web log”) is a kind of personal newsletter or journal updated regularly on the Web. A business blog is a way for you to reach out to your customers, employees and stakeholders, and establish a personal connection with them. Think of a blog as an opportunity to influence public opinion and attitudes that may impact your organization for better or worse.

You may feel that you do not have the time or the technical skills to blog. Do not let these concerns stop you! Software companies such as Blogger.com and Typepad provide you with easy tools to get started blogging. If you are averse to using software, get a digital voice recorder and have your administrative staff take care of transcribing and posting the material to your blog. As long as the words and ideas are yours, you are blogging.

Like online discussion groups, promotions, events and user groups, a blog can facilitate the spread of buzz, or word of mouth marketing. If you are managing your company’s public relations efforts properly, you already respond to customers, show up at events, and take the concerns of user groups to heart. When you work to improve your product or service, a blog is another tool to reach out to your customers and give them the inside scoop about your efforts. Nothing sells like your own expertise, sincerity and enthusiasm.

Next: Top Five Ways To Use Your Blog as a Public Relations Tool