Blogging has always been around, but why the sudden push to “get it going”?

Just like journaling or passing notes in class, blogs are personal sentiments that have many benefits. Share your thoughts, post some questions, and get your audience involved in what’s going on in your world. That’s what blogging is all about. Social communities, networking and blogs are what’s in. Perfectionism in blogs is what’s out. Scary thought for all you A-typers out there!

Cut the drafts…just write. Blogging allows you to create a conversational feel between you and the other interested eyes. If a comfortable setting is created, more people will ‘befriend’ you, ‘link’ to you or just plain read (and quite possibly agree with) what you are putting out there for the world to see.

Afraid of meeting in person? No problem! Blogging makes it easy to state an opinion or debate a hot topic without that, my stomach is in knots because I don’t know what is going to be asked next feeling. Be All That You Can Be…behind your computer screen.

For those who are market savvy: Blogs are perfect for search engine optimization. Check out this post on SEOmoz.org – straightforward tactics and tips for blog writing. Like minded bloggers know the importance of links and want to link to you if you are credible in your industry. By posting frequent blog entries, you create a sense of authority and relevance. For the latest products, news or events – people will remember you and also refer to you for the most up to date information. Adding keywords and anchor text in your blog will enhance keyword relevancy, thus enhancing your site credibility. Blogs provide a plethora of fresh content – search engines relish this.

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but blogging also has it’s challenges. To make it work to your advantage, you must be committed. That daunting ‘c’ word. If creating a blog for SEO purposes, refrain from the Used Car Salesman approach. Instead, create a sense of fun and lightness on your blog. Keep it factual, updated and personal. No sweat, right?

We need to know if we can get top positions in a blog?? How (long) would you need to get good results in Google/Yahoo/MSN… Our blog has not been made yet, first I need to know if it is possible to get good positions…blog will be for hotels and online bookings. I will be awaiting your comments. Thank you & best regards from Spain!!

Hello – It is possible to get “top” positions for a blog, but it will not happen over night. There’s no time line on when you would be able to get results in a specific search engine, especially if it is a new site/blog. In Google it could take up to a year or longer to start being found. If you are dedicated and like blogging about the subject then you should do just fine. Blogging means a commitment. You should not just be focusing in on what position you are in, but are your readers enjoying your blog. Word of mouth can spread your site faster than a number one position in Google. Try joining other blog conversations related to your industry, create a feed, be proactive within your community.

Optimizing a blog is not that different than optimizing any web page. The Title tag is usually controlled by the actual title of your entry. Optimizing and capitalizing on a good title can go a long way. The body of the blog entry can be fortified with keyword rich content and interspersed with anchor text links. Use common sense, don’t spam, don’t write about jibberish, do your keyword research, link with other respectable blogs / websites, keep up with your entries and with time you will gain positions and readers.

By Tracy Sabattis

So you’ve been doing a lot of reading on Internet Marketing – forums, articles, Mannix Marketing’s newsletter! Everything you read is buzzing about the value of blogs. You decide you must have a blog. This will be the magic key to boosting your online relevancy, your traffic, your return on investment (ROI). Before you jump in – Ask yourself a few questions: (more…)