How blogs can help your business

Most businesses have yet to get on the blog bandwagon. Many, in fact, wonder if it’s at all relevant to their business. However, blogs are a way of helping to get and maintain search engine rankings.

Search engines prefer new to old content and sites which are regularly updated and expanded tend to get better rankings. A blog is a quick way of doing this and adding new keyword content.

Another way of increasing your search engine rankings is through quality links to your site. If your content is interesting (and of course your blog can help this) people will link to you from their own blogs or articles on similar topics, adding to the inbound links. And if you link your own blog posts to relevant pages on your own website it can also help – and increase your traffic as well.

Blogging is another tool in your marketing kit. So, think about your business and your audience - what they would like to know more about, how best to present the information, then give it to them! This can include articles, tips, joining in forums, competitions and giveaways, latest information about changes to your business or the industry you’re involved in, videos, images and so on. You can make it seasonal and use it as a way to get words like spring cleaning your garden, a spring refresh of your décor and so on.

If you decide to start your own blog, remember it’s critical to update it regularly, at least a couple of times a week or even daily. Once people start visiting your blog, they will expect it to be current and relevant.

View the full article on the guide to blogging >>

If you need help with setting up a blog send us an email >

Interesting websites

St Kevins College An integrated secondary co-educational college in Oamaru with a long established tradition. Their website was redesigned to appeal to students, parents, staff and potential parents and students alike and in line with their brand. The professional, clean lines, simple navigation and clear menus makes information easy to find throughout the site.

Paving NZ A leading New Zealand paving company, Paving New Zealand's brief was to design an upmarket website which reflects it's brand and the nature of its product and business. The site also illustrates the wide range of paving available as well as a gallery of work. Search engine optimisation is an important aspect in this redevelopment.

Some brain work and interesting bits and pieces

Did you know?

• People spend about two weeks of their lives at traffic lights!
• American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad in first class.
• We know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the bottom of the ocean.
• Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.