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Should I have a blog or a website?
Here's a diagram I like to use that shows the content depth vs. content generation frequency. As you can see, a blog typically has "meatier" content than Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, but not as in-depth as your website. And, the frequency at which you update your blog is higher than your website, but less than tweeting or posting to Facebook.
A website is like the cornerstone of your digital presence. It has the most complete content about your business. If someone was reading your Facebook business page and wanted to know more about your business, they won't find it on Facebook; they go to your website. Your website is also, well, "business-like."
A blog, on the other hand, let's you show a more personal side. A website may list your services, but a blog lets you exhibit your expertise through detailed descriptions, stories, and personal experiences. You don't want to be sales-y, but let your confidence shine through.
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Having a blog seems like a lot of work. Do I really have to write something every day?
No. Unless you really want to. And, then I would recommend keeping it short so you don't overwhelm your followers.
The most important things to remember about doing a blog are:
- Try to be regular: once a day, twice a week, or twice a month;
 schedule it into your business calendar. - Keep to a single topic: you're not writing a dissertation.
- Keep it succinct to a page or two: people are busy and don't need a rambling novella.
- Break it up visually with lists (bulleted or numbered), indentations, and images.
- Have someone proof it for you: misspellings, poor grammar and lack of attention to detail are annoying and show a lack of respect for your reader, not to mention driving down your credibility.
- It's ok to write about your dog, your relative, or your vacation, as long as it's relevant to the topic: in fact, readers are often pulled into an article more easily when there's something they can relate to on a personal level.
- Let yourself shine: you are the expert; you know this stuff.
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How do I get started?
Some blogs are the website. For example, an artist who likes to post to her blog regularly about her work, what she's working on, and where she's exhibiting her work may have a site that consists of About Me, My Work, and My Blog. Many blog platforms allow you to have an active blog and a few static pages.
Most businesses, however, want a more robust website which includes a link, button, or navigation tab to their blog. The blog could, in fact, be an entirely separate site, but customized to look like the website (colors, logo, etc.).
 Look for a blog platform that suits your objectives. If you're just looking to blog, you may not need something as robust as WordPress.
On the other hand, if you want to develop a website focused around the blog, WordPress may be your choice.
Most blog platforms are free, but beware of the amount of advertising they place on your blog. You may want to upgrade to get rid of the ads.
Most blog platforms also have a gallery of themes from which to choose the look and layout of your blog. Some are more customizeable than others.
It's hard to make a recommendation, so here are two sources of reviews for the top ten free blog platforms:
It's helpful to read through the comments to find out if the readers support the writer's review. You can find other reviews by Googling "free blog platforms."
Ask your web developer to help with making the connection between your website and your new blog. They may also be able to help with customizing your blog to match your website.
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What do I write about?
This is the easiest and the hardest step to take.
It's the easiest because you're the expert. You know your business.  You know your products and services. You know how your services compare to your competitors. You know why you're good at what you do. You know how to choose quality products. You know about pricing. You have personal values and commitments that help drive your business. There are reasons you like (love!) what you do. There are things you're passionate about.
It's the hardest step to take because of "self-talk": nobody's interested in that; who would read about something so trivial; they don't want to know my history; my passions are a personal thing.
Guess what? Readers are more engaged when you reach out to them on a personal level. I don't mean telling them what you had for breakfast or what your mood is today (thank you, Twitter!), unless it's relevant to your blog topic.
Sometimes it's easier for someone else to suggest topics for you to write about. Ask a couple of your friends. Ask your customers. What's going on in your industry? What questions do your customers often ask?
Finally, try taking off your business hat and look at it from the outside in. If you knew nothing or very little about it, what questions would you have or what would you like to know more about?
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Where can I find more information about blogging?
You can find more information about blogs and blogging in my blog. (Imagine that!) See a list of topics to the right. Happy blogging!
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Sincerely,
