At CBNation (CEO Blog Nation), we live, breathe, sleep, and eat (Did we leave anything out?) blogs and we wanted to provide some overview information about blogs. The word Blog derives from the word web log, which is another word for an online journal. The phrase was coined as a word in December of 1997 by John Barger. A blog–or web log–is a website maintained by an individual with regular entries or posts that include commentary, thoughts, and ideas and may contain photos, graphics, audio or video. The posts are typically displayed in reverse chronological order. Among the most appealing attributes or features of the blog is that readers can interact with the author through comments.
Among the different types of blogs there are:
- Microblog – This is an easier and faster condensed post. The best example is Twitter.
- Qlogs – This is where readers can submit a query through a comment, submission form or e-mail.
- Vlog – This is where people can view videos in a blog format.
- Linklogs – These blogs only post links to other blogs.
- Tumblogs – Blogs that use shorter posts and are rich in media.
- Blawgs – Blog focusing on legal issues and information.
- Splog – This is a spamming blog.
- Blogosphere – All the blogs on the internet.
- Bloghood – This is blog located in a particular geographical area.
1) Why should you blog?
For entrepreneurs and business owners, blogs can be used to communicate with your target audience, build a brand and grow their business. Blogs can be used to prospect and market, but also can be used to position entrepreneurs and business owners as experts. Finally, the most vital use of blogs is to interact and communicate with an entrepreneur's target audience.
2) What can I use a blog for?
Blogs have numerous uses and can be maintained for personal or business use. Business blogs can be used for internal communication to employees or designed for use by the public. Blogs can also be leveraged for sales, marketing, branding, public relations, communication with customers and even prospecting. At its heart, a blog is a communication tool and is used to interact, inform and “speak” with a target audience.
3) What can I blog about?
Every individual can be an expert in his or her own particular industry. Here are a few ideas for what entrepreneurs and business owners can write about:
- Lists
- Product and book reviews
- Customer success stories
- Riff on the news
- Disagree with popular opinion
- Compile a link roundup
- Q & A
- Discuss trends and future plans
- Create an Infographic
- Cover an event
- Create a video or podcast
- Create a contest
- Profiles
- Behind the scenes (e.g. A day in the life)
- Have a debate
- Explain how you did something
- Publish market research
- How-to's and tips and tricks
- Make predictions
Example posts from CEO Blog Nation
- Videos: Doug Bend – Legal Tips for Entrepreneurs (via Teach A CEO)
- Book Review: Calling All Leaders: Book Review of The Three Commitments of Leadership (via Teach A CEO)
- Lists: 3 Things Entrepreneurial Lessons from King James (via Progreshion)
- Lists & Link Roundup: 8 Entrepreneurial Lessons from Jeremy Lin (via Progreshion)
4) What are some example blogs at CBNation?
CBNation is a community hub featuring niche blogs for entrepreneurs and business owners. Our featured blogs include:
- DMV CEO captures the essence of entrepreneurship in District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The DMV’s authority on entrepreneurship.
- Hearpreneur provides a medium for entrepreneurs and business owners to teach, inspire and lead through the telling of their stories. Hear from entrepreneurs who’ve done it.
- Rescue A CEO is a niche blog site that helps entrepreneurs get tasks and projects completed. Even heroes need help.
- Teach A CEO explores the pedantic side of entrepreneurship, helping entrepreneurs run and manage their ventures efficiently and effectively. Learn from entrepreneurs who’ve done it.
See the rest of our sites HERE.
5) What is the future of blogging?
Blogging is still important and has a bright future:
- Blogging is becoming intertwined with other forms of communication. In some ways it is the foundation of communication for entrepreneurs and business owners. While blogging is growing in general, it is also being used for to attract audiences and engage them on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.
- Blogging is becoming acceptable as a form of journalism. More people are using blogs as a legitimate form of media.
- More women are starting to blog. Last year it was 64% male and 36% female. This year there is a 5% increase in female bloggers. About 65% are from 18-44 years old.
- Corporation's are using blogging to build their brand. In order to reach their target audience, companies are reaching out to bloggers to establish and grow their brand. 43% of companies will have active blogs in 2012, up from 39% in 2011
- 13% of the blogosphere is characterized as entrepreneurs, or individuals blogging for a company or organization they own. 84% of these bloggers write primarily about the industry they work in, with 46% blogging about business and 40% about technology. 76% blog to share expertise; 70% blog to gain professional recognition; and 68% to attract new clients for their business.
6) How can I get started?
Check out our Blogging 101 page to find out how to get started and don't forget to signup for our free course.
More Information
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog, The Social Media Bible: Tactics, Tools & Strategies for Business Success (Second Edition) by Lon Safko, http://technorati.com/social-media/article/state-of-the-blogosphere-2011-introduction/ and http://www.nmincite.com.