In fact, I don't even think of relationship marketing as marketing. Blogging goes far beyond the single dimension of marketing of products and services. I think of blogging as finding new friends.
As you post to your blog, and writing in your own unique voice, your readers get to know you as a person. They learn about you, your life, your interests, and also about your business. You provide your readers with interesting and informative content, and over time, your regular readers form a bond with you; and you with them.
Eventually, through the blog comments, e-mail conversations, telephone calls, and even meeting in person, your blog helps to build friendships. Many of these new friends become customers, while a few others become business associates and partners in other ventures. Some bloggers even get married.
When you start a blog, you should consider relationship building as one of your goals. When defining that relationship, it's important to consider more possibilities than simply adding more customers and clients. They are only one aspect of the blogging process.
Along with customers, consider the chance to meet new business associates and partners. Think in terms of networking with other like minded people. As you branch out in blogging, it becomes obvious that people who write blogs are some of the most generous and giving human beings anywhere. They will offer you help and guidance freely. Returning the favour, and helping them with their business needs, further cements the relationship. Often, as a result of business advice sharing, entire new businesses are created.
Blogging builds friendships. Even if a person never adds one customer or client from the blog (although you will), finding new friends is much more valuable. Good friends are rare, and to be treasured beyond gold. Blogging nurtures those friendships, even occasionally leading to marriage, for a few bloggers. Whether or not romance is in the cards, friendships definitely are a very regular blogging result.
I have made many new friends, as a direct result of blogging, I have also formed some business relationships and partnerships with other bloggers. Other blog writers have done so as well. You can too.
When you think of blogging as relationship building, think beyond the marketing aspect. Look to the human side of blogging and you will be very richly rewarded indeed.
