Blogs-What's the Big Deal Anyway?

Blogs-What's the Big Deal Anyway?
Copyright © Kelvin Wilson
http://www.kelwilson.com

Almost every article, program or guru that covers starting an online business usually say "start a blog" somewhere in their material. What is a blog anyway? Can it really help your business? And why does everyone seem to have one?

If you watch TV or go on the internet, you've no doubt heard about "blogs," "blogging," and "bloggers." The word blog is short for weblog. Weblogs can be anything from a person's online journal to a supplement to a website (like the one you are reading). Many news anchors and other journalists use blogs as a way to connect with their readers. It seems as if everyone from big celebrities to your next door neighbor have one. But are they really necessary for your online business?

I like to think of my blog as a personal extension of my website. On my website, you can find all kinds of information about ideas and programs designed to help you make money online. But it really doesn't say anything about me. You can't read on my website why I chose to promote work at home solutions or why I started an online business to begin with. But by reading my blog you can get to know me a bit better. I'm not some faceless guy in some basement somewhere putting up websites!

A blog allows its writers to express themselves a bit more openly than they would on their main website, if they are using it for a complement to their site. It is also a great place for promoting products because of the fact that many readers look to blogs to find new information. If a blogger already has a reader base, promoting products could be quite lucrative. It might even make more sense for them to promote their products or services on their blogs! And yes, there are people who do all of their online business from their blogs.

The versatility and accessibility of blogs have done a lot to increase their popularity. You can keep up with family and friends, share your views and opinions on topics, and even start your own business with one. I enjoy the fact that blogs are not only hi-tech, but "hi-touch" as well. Especially if you already have a website, adding a blog lends more credibility to your website. Because in most cases, it is much easier for your readers to give you feedback on your blog. And in addition to that, you can have other readers read that feedback as well, if you so choose. It can be as personal or professional as you want. The easiest way to start is through Blogger. From there you can change features, settings and even place AdSense ads for extra revenue. If you have the technical know how, you can also host your Blogger created blogs on your personal web space. Wordpress is another site where you can host your blog free of charge. It has more customization features for the technically gifted, which is why I don't know much about it! But at least give it a look. And the more I learn about blogging, the more comfortable I may feel with a platform like Wordpress.

Basically a blog is yet another amazing way for people to give themselves a voice on the internet. It can be used as a complement to an existing website, an informative alternative to a website, or a simple journal used to stay connected with others. So connect with the world! Blog away, my friends, blog away!