Blogging for business: What your need to know to start, feed, and sustain your business blog.

2. Blog Readership Source: e-Marketer In 2008, 45% of the US internet population read blogs on a monthly basis. In 2013, 58% of the US internet population is projected to be reading blogs on a monthly basis.

3. In 2008, 13% of the US internet population created or maintained a blog. By 2013, 17% of the US internet population will be blogging . Source: e-Marketer, blogs updated at least once every 3 months Blog Creation

4. 128 million people in the US will be reading blogs on a monthly basis. 38 million people in the US will be blogging. Both stats reflect a 50% increase over current levels. By 2013… Source: e-Marketer

5. So, what IS a blog? A tool that allows you to quickly and easily create and publish new content. Allows readers to leave feedback on that content, as well as react to feedback from other readers.

6. Google loves blogs, which can be good, or bad Wal-Mart Blog Results Posts from other bloggers about Wal-Mart Blog

7. Components of a blog

8. Header Post Sidebar Comments

10. Why write about birthdays? What does that have to do with Graco?

11. Promotes Best Western but also helps travelers find good deals

12. Is this a post about carpet, or decorating?

13. Blog posts can serve as communication tool in crisis situations

14. Comments give readers a chance to leave feedback and interact

15. Notice how blogger and readers refer to each other by first names

16. Graco’s sidebar gives readers information and encourages interaction

17. Sidebar contains additional information that readers can find value in

18. The header sets visual tone for blog and has links to information for readers

19. Two column layout; Post column and sidebar

22. Two column layout; Sidebar and post column

23. Three column layout; Sidebar, post column, sidebar

24. Three Column Layout; Post Column, Sidebar, Sidebar

28. Your blog does not have an expiration date… … can you commit to it from now on? http://www.flickr.com/photos/indieman/

29. Pick bloggers that are happy and passionate Not people that would rather do something else… Not people that would rather be doing something else http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameronparkins Pick bloggers that are happy and passionate

31. Should your CEO blog?

32. A group blog is a very popular choice

34. Letting your evangelists blog for you can be a great idea

35. SmartTools: Blog Marketing

36. Mack Collier – Social Media Consultant Stay in touch with me here: Blog – http://www.theviralgarden.com Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/mackcollier Email – mack.collier@gmail.com