Blogs. Just a Fad?

[MSOMedia]

Many people are advising small businesses to use Blogs as a way of keeping people informed of their goings-on, and to ensure repeat visits to their website(s).

But are they just a fad? D'you see them fading? Maybe Wikki's the new way to go?

[Richard Conyard]

You really need a maybe answer there. Most blogs tend to start in a flurry of activity then slow down to little or nothing and will die away. A few though continue and grow, and will therefore remain.

[MSOMedia]

I like polemic arguments, that's why I haven't put a "maybe" option in. I'm just interested in the black/white aspect if you see my point.

I'm less optimistic on blogging I have to say. I think it'll manage another couple of years until something else comes along.

[clairemackaness]

Blogs are great for people like me who have an ongoing interest level in their product.

i.e my customers like to know when new paintings are put up or when i have exhibitions and if I sent out an e-mail every time something exciting happened they would get sick of me.

A blog means they can check in whenever they like and I can rant to my hearts content

[DarrenH]

Hi

I think a weblog properly managed could very well replace the e-zine.

In fact I'm considering dropping the whole newsletter concept on both my sites and encourage visitors to read the weblog and subscribe to the RSS feed or add my content to their My-Yahoo and My-MSN pages.

Just use the newsletter format for real urgent stuff that's a total must ready.

I also think weblogs are a more informal way of speaking to your visitors, just passing on information they might be interested in. I think a newsletter can often been seen as just a change to advertise.

Darren

[creospace]

Claire,

You can add that sort of content to your website without the need of a blog site, at least that way people would directly be visiting your site not a different one.

Regular changing dynamic content is the key to lots of hits and more sales you hope.

Gary

[clairemackaness]

Thanks Gary, I realised that last night as I am currently building a brand new site that I hope to launch tomorrow (If only I can find a shopping cart for dummies and one thats free).

I have done a page that looks just like a blog and it's all lovely and integrated.

I agree that its a good way for people to keep coming back and your not fourcing your waffle onto the world.

[Hayles]

Thank you Mark! :D

I have no idea whether blogs are a fad as I'm a newie to the net in general.

However, I've never thought of having one on my site but I think it could be great! We provide catering at many different functions each week eg weddings, parties, business launches, etc. I think many of our guests would love to be able to read a little bit about their event - through our eyes - on the site.

If the customer agreed, I could add a note on the guests menu cards telling them to check out our site after the party/event. Could offer the customer the space to say a few thank yous to their guests too.

I'll have to think this through properly but thank you very much!

Hayles

[WelshPixels]

If you pick the right Blog software a Blog can help your search engine rankings by quite a bit.

One of the things search engines looks for is fresh additional content and a Blog is a great way of doing this.

Take for instance take a solicitors web site. There is only so much content you can include (about us, our services, we are here etc etc) and there isn't much opportunity to introduce fresh content.

A Blog is a great way of introducing fresh content even if it could be classed as just "filler".

When you look for Blog software look for one that has search engine friendly URL's.

[The_JinJ]

I think theres too many rubbishy blogs about nothing interesting - if you can weed out the goods ones then it becomes a worthwhile read.
You either love them or hate them but I think the novelty will wear off for most when they get bored updating them :)