Now comes the hard part.
What do you write about?
In your very first entry, you should tell your customers and clients why you are starting a blog. The main reason, is to help further your business relationships, by injecting a bit of yourself into your writing.
Tell the readers who you are. Give them some background on yourself and your business. This is not the place to give your customers and clients the hard sell. In fact, the blog is more of a way for you to connect, with everyone with whom you do business, on a more personal level.
A business blog is not a "one step" sales tool. It is a longer term investment in yourself and everyone who reads your words. The benefits come later, but are so much more powerful.
Your readers become closer to you, and to your thoughts and ideas, creating a solid bond that is difficult to break. Your customers and clients will feel more a part of your business. As a result, they will evolve into more loyal and long term supporters.
As we discuss how a blog can help your business, keep in mind that we are looking to the long term. We are thinking of the lifetime value of a customer. The true value of a customer or client is over a longer period of time. That is the value of the blog in financial terms. Good long term customer relations translate into a more successful business.
A blog is not a short term quick fix.
It's a lot better than that!
