To Blog ….Or Not To Blog, That Is The Question!
ALL Captains from Bligh to Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise, kept their ship’s log.
Who over age 25 doesn’t remember – ‘Captain’s Log. Stardate 5843.7′ – where the reflections of the captain and documentary of new and strange encounters where recorded?
What Actually Is a Blog?
Today with the advent of the Web and resulting weblog (blog), blogging has become much more than documentary.
Today, there are an abundance of photo blogs, and there are even video blogs (vlogs) as well. Mobile blogging devices may well change the definition of blogging entirely by making it possible for bloggers to create new kinds of posts.
Another element of the Blogosphere that is starting to redefine blogging is the Corporate Blog, as more companies hire writers to keep blogs with the sole purpose of creating positive buzz about their brand and company.
The definition of blogging is something that is very much in flux, as the new technologies that appear every day redefine what a blog is, what a blog can be, and what a blog should do. For many years, blogs were defined as text-based websites that kept records of days, similar to a captain’s log on a sailing ship.
However, this started to change as the group of people who kept blogs became more diverse.
Could a Blog Help Your Business?
Blogging for business owners has a lot in common with all other types of blogging, but it has its own unique pitfalls and strengths.
The key to having a successful blog as a business owner is to have a clear objective and a well defined blue print for success which includes a plan for how often you will update and how to promote your blog and retain readers, whether you will include photographs or video, and other aspects of your blog, and then stick to it with the same kind of determination that you used when you built your company.
If all this is just a bit too much to take on, you may may also want to consider the option of a social media manager to assist you with the set up and maintenance of your blog and your social media presence.
Making your social media dance,
Follow us in Twitter —> Tim And Sole
Check out our FB Fan Page —> Tim & Sole’s Steps to Social Success
Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Hi Tim and Sole,
I love that you compared a blog with a ships log… I’ve often thought it would be fun to publish my ships log! It tells such an amazing story, I never keep it at just the bare facts, it’s like reading a diary I guess! The best bit is that as captain I filled in the log but I also made sure the crew did as well so the narrative is from more than one person…
I guess that’s why blogging for me is so natural!
Blogging for business is another thing altogether and I think it that case, experts at hand are very sensible!
Emma
Emma would like you to read…Help!
Hi Emma,
That is so cool that you actually have been able to write a real log as a captain of your very own ship! We read quite a bit of Capt. Bligh ship’s log and it was fascinating to see all the details of the story.
We do hope you publish yours as well. It would be a great way to “take” others with you in your travels.
You can certainly appreciate what it takes to blog and have a definite advantage! Thanks for your comment,
~Tim & Sole
Tim & Sole would like you to read…To Blog …Or Not To Blog- That Is The Question!
Hello Tim and Sole
Should not business blogging, be the reflections of the captain and documentary of new and strange encounters where recorded? When this is done from the heart of the business, people can come to really know who they are doing business with. In today’s sound bite type of marketing we don’t really know much about the business, except they tell us they are the best, lowest price and all the other things they think we want to hear.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City USA
Perry A Davis Jr would like you to read…What is the real reason people quit network marketing
You’re absolutely right, Perry. Thanks for your comment!
Very good blog post on blogging Sole and Tim. I had done one about a year ago that reflects what you have said. You can find it here: The Definition of Blogging
Sandi would like you to read…Leadership Exposed- Things You Thought You Knew
Thanks Sandi! Great minds think alike.
I love blogging and its definitely a great asset to any business.
Ruth would like you to read…How To Get Massive Exposure And MLM Blog Traffic With TribePro
You’re definitely right, Ruth!
Great post on how blogs are used for business Tim and Sole! Small business owners are even using blogs as e-commerce websites now – they show up on the search engines more quickly than the static html sites.
I love your blog banner, it’s very creative!
Have a terrific weekend, Julieanne
Julieanne van Zyl would like you to read…Easily create your own lead capture page templates
Hi Julianne!
Thanks for your comment and kind words!
Hey Tim & Sole,
Great to meet you. Great question. I believe the answer lies in understanding your business direction, vision, and goals very clearly as well as understanding your target customer. Once you have these defined, then it will be clear if you should be using a tool and technology like a blog to communicate and interact with your customers. I see too many people just start blogging because people think they have to be doing it and really no one is actually paying any attention to it.
Thanks for sharing with us all.
Keep your dreams alive!
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
The GREAT Edward!
The GREAT Edward would like you to read…Share Your DREAM Friday – With Special Guest Dreamer Jimmy Roos!
Thanks for your comment, Edward. You are absolutely right!
A blog is definitely in flux today! The lines between a blog and a website are becoming less and less, especially with sites like Google asking for updated content on such a regular basis. The fact is that you definitely need to have a clear plan. When I first started blogging, I had no clue how it would work. That is why I had to actually re-purpose my entire blog with a new strategy 6 months later.
Andy
Hey Andy,
I did that twice over myself… LOL. Now I feel confident in my purpose and what I like to blog about.
I have a feeling that there are a lot of bloggers out there who can relate.
-James
James Bennett | internet marketing coaching would like you to read…Laws and Regulations one should follow while initiating an internet home business
Andy and James,
Thanks for your sincerity here! This blog has the “bones” of our first blog which we completely deleted.
It does take some time to figure out what we want our blog to do… purpose & planning are a must!
Thanks for stopping by,
~Tim & Sole
Tim & Sole would like you to read…To Blog …Or Not To Blog- That Is The Question!
Hi Tim and Sole ~ If you would have asked me just a little over a year ago if I had a blog, you’d not only have gotten an earful of reasons what I thought about blogs and people who “wasted their time” with them. LOL! I had this attitude simply because I didn’t understand about how blogs had changed from a business view point…I was in the dark, misinformed, and believed that blogs were only for people who didn’t have anything better to do. Fast-forward a year, and I cannot imagine what my life would be like now, how much I would have missed out on if I had not created my blog!! Funny how things/attitude tends to change, huh?
Absolutely right about if you use your blog for your business, you definitely need to have a specific objective as to what your blog will be all about 
Christine
Christine Casey would like you to read…How to Find Motivation When You Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything…
Hi Christine,
Thanks for your sincerity! About a year and half ago we didn’t even know what a blog was… when we first heard of it we had to google it…lol…. and now we have our own!
It IS funny to see how things and attitudes change… never say never!
Thanks for your comment,
~Tim & Sole
Tim & Sole would like you to read…To Blog …Or Not To Blog- That Is The Question!
Hi Tim and Sole,
It’s funny, because the truth is, blogging is my business. Yes, there are products that I endorse and business partners that I support, but my business operations is centered around my blog. It is the central nervous system of my own social media presence.
I think you’ve made a very good point in that the definition of blogging is changing over time. Some people that don’t know anything about it do think that it’s a waste of time.
I think it’s one of the most interesting and important functions that a business owner could do to increase their brand awareness and create a great online presence.
Regards,
-James
James Bennett | internet marketing coaching would like you to read…Laws and Regulations one should follow while initiating an internet home business
Hi Tim and Sole,
A few years ago, one of my clients suggested that I ought to start blogging. At that time I thought, “What would I write about?” and “I don’t have time for that.” and “Anyway, who would read it and how would that be beneficial to me.”
Well, I have watched the world of blogging grow and expand and become a real source of income and building of solid relationships. As I write about what I know and believe, I am thrilled with the diverse comments and the insights I get into how I might be affecting others.
Thanks for the great post. Although not a boater, I loved the analogy.
Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone would like you to read…A Message from Men to Women
Your clients indeed had a great idea! And by know we all have come to realize there are endless topics to blog about in every niche.
Thanks for your comment, Erica!
For a long time blogging was considered to be something that you only did for your social life to let the world know about the things that you were very enthusiastic about. I think that probably still applies to a lot of people.
Unfortunately, the average business owner is not totally enthusiastic about what they do – O.K. I know that some are. In order to be useful blogs need to be maintained on a regular basis. Without that complete passion, it is difficult to keep posting new things. There are countless blogs I see that started off with the best intentions but fell by the wayside.
Trevor Barrett would like you to read…Emergency Money Saving Will Save A Lot Of Hassle
Regrettably there are many blogs started with the best of intentions only to be abandoned shortly after setting it up. It is a quite a bit of work to keep it updated, so, as you said, if you are not enthusiastic about what you do and want to share with others, then you’re very likely to quit.
Thanks for your comment!
This is the first time I’ve visited your blog, so I have to first say what a wonderful look you’ve created here!
It has been interesting to watch the evolution of blogging in recent years, especially since I’m now also an active participant. I do think more people would benefit from professional help. I’ve seen so many people dive in thinking it’s a quick process to just slap up a blog or website and find out the hard way there’s so much more work involved.
Marquita Herald would like you to read…How to Regain Your Self-Confidence
Hi Marquita!
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words!
We agree, not many people see how much work it’s involved until they put together (and start maintaining) their first blog.
Thanks for your comment!
Great analogy!
I think every business that has a website should consider either adding or even switching to a blog. Unlike a static website, a blog is a living, breathing, dynamic embodiment of the vision of the business! Not to mention that regular posting pushes you up the search engines and dramatically increases your visibility….and therefore increases business! Also, professional blogging has really become a way to create multiple streams of income all in one place. Very powerful, thanks for sharing, Tim & Sole!
Beth Allen would like you to read…The Power Living Pledge
Thanks for commenting, Beth! The benefits of having a blog keep adding up!
Hi Tim
what a good blog post.
I cant agree more what you say .
My point of view about a blog is that a blog is the heart of
your business today people just need to realize that if you
want to be online with your Business you need a good blog but also
how to get your blog in front of Google and people on social media.
Social medai is here to stay so why not use it for your Business blog.;-)
Regards
Theuns
Theuns would like you to read…By- Theuns
Thanks for your comment, Theuns. You are definitely right!
I promote the use of blogs avidly with the small businesses and solopreneurs that I work with. It acts as a central hub for all your online presence. Somewhere to send people to learn more about you and what you do. With the emergence of relationship marketing potential clients visiting your blog can get to know you before doing business with you and there is no limit on how many characters you can use. ‘long may it prosper’
Anne Perez would like you to read…The Money is in the List!
Aye Captain, t’is right.
Blogs have become an intrinsic part of our business and social life.
Everyone is blogging as it is a means to give an insight as to whom we are to our readers and potential customers rather than just a digital brochure which conventional websites of all were.
Thank you,
Keep the Smiles,
Stevie
Stevie Smith would like you to read…Depression After Break Up
When I look back on my blog’s “ship logs” it’s interesting to see the story that plays out. There are times of difficulty and times of success. Some days you’re covered in water; and some days you’re dry. It’s certainly a crazy adventure; this thing we call blogging.
Christian Hollingsworth would like you to read…Spring Cleaning For Your Blog
Hi Tim & Sole:
Blogging has definitely changed the world in so many ways. It has given us opportunities that we have never had before. It has allowed us to connect in ways that were never thought possible.
Kevin
Kevin Martineau would like you to read…7 awesome WordPress plugins
Hey Guys
Great post. I was torn in starting a blog as maybe others can relate, i wasn’t sure if i could find enough things to blog about on a weekly basis and although my blog is still in the construction face (nearing the end) I have found many resources to help with that, at least once a week I will come across something and figure this helped me or was of value I know someone else can benefit from it.
The other reason for a blog is if someone searches for you, its easier to not seem so mysterious to interested leads, prospects etc.
Who ever would have though Capt Kirk was the first one to blog…lol well kind of.
Hey CJ!
Finding content for their blog is something that we think keeps many from starting their own blog, but as you said there are many interesting things to blog about if you do a little bit of research, no matter what your niche is.
We are happy to be have something in common with Capt. Kirk
Thanks for stopping by!
Tim & Sole would like you to read…Is Your Business Code A Secret
Hey guys how are you?
Well for me it is definitely “To Blog”. What I love about the whole process is when you really figure out what your message is how you can really run with it.
I know I just made some changes because I felt the theme of my blog limited me. It would cause brand confusion to blog about some of the topics I wanted to with the theme that I had.
So I made some changes to the name of the blog and it’s tagline now it reflects what I really want it to be. Great post.
Steve
Steve Shoemaker would like you to read…Subliminal Messages The Path Of Least Resistance
Wow! Such a great post. As someone who creates blogs for other people and someone who is marketing his own blog, I must say I love this post. Blogs are critical to business success these days. Like you said it keeps your name and your site in front of customers. It builds customer loyalty and interest. Unlike conventional websites, you can update WordPress Blogs with text and images and pictures all on your own. No webmaster needed. I even have over 65 FREE Video Tutorials on how to do all this sutff! I love your banner too! Great job and great site!
Thanks,
Jupiter Jim
Jupiter Jim@Thesis Tutorial, Thesis Theme, WordPress Tutorial would like you to read…WordPress Tutorial: How to Create a “Better WordPress Google XML Sitemap” to improve blog SEO
I just want to add that blogging not only motivates your employees but it is also a great way to earn a sale. Whenever you blog, you can add a section about your products and discuss each one of them in detail. In this way, potential customer will most likely purchase your product since you have laid to them the importance of your product and how useful they are to them.
Its a pleasure to have you aboard the USS Enterprise (he he). Actually that is CSI Dreamers
I remember when BLOGS were only a way to share personal journals with everyone. There may have been professionals out there but not like today and I sure wasn’t in the game.
Its amazing how life threw me a curve ball in this blog game, and I hit it out of the ballpark!
Tim & Sole, It appears you receive little traffic but MANY comments. I’d like to know more about your strategies. Sole is in the CSI Dreamers Skype Group Tribe, hit me up there!
God bless,
Curt aka CBiz
Curt Bizelli would like you to read…What is a PR Plan and How do I Create a PR Plan for Effective Public Relations?
Your post is very interesting. According to my opinion I must say “To Blog”. There are many advantages of it. Like to read what others say.
Dnn Skin Designer would like you to read…Christine Appleby
With the recent changes in Google algorithms, blogs become more important if you want to jump at the top of Google search results. It is now almost mandatory for any website owner to have a blog so that Google can rank the website on the first page.
Great post Tim & Sole, it is a fact that in the 21st century we need to be using technology as a tool to communicate and interact with customers. A blog offers you so much more than a static website, as an up to the moment, living, breathing, embodiment of where your business is at in the now. If you have a clear objective and produce regular posts with clever search engine optimisation your business will definitely reap the benefit .