A couple of days ago we had a conversation on FriendFeed [hat tip Meryn Stol] about an "oh so 2004" argument that blogs are dead courtesy of Wired. My comment there expressed something that is being overlooked by the online community, because they have been online for so long.
Blogs are evolving, but they have a place. When well written and with a point to make (read value), they're what web sites would be if you flipped them - rapid, coherent, integrated publishing that people can pull and build upon.
While I don't write "intensive journalism" here, I believe there is value in the content I propose - and so do my readers. Blogs are hard to commit to, people want and need immediacy.
Marketing has many immediacy moments. The retail display by the cash register, the offer that comes with direct response, calls to action, FUD tactics (fear, uncertainty, doubt). They all capitalize on the fact that once you create an expectation, the gratification needs to follow.
The fact that many who have been online for a while are moving onto other tools does not discount the power that blogs can have on the rest coming and staying online to find content, ideas and other people. As well, those who are learning, researching, and publishing use blogs to make deeper connections with content and people. For example, there's a plan around the About You page here.
When written with a fluid voice, blogs can literally turn your content strategy around - and your results. Companies have not been online for years, and if they have it's been with programs or campaigns, or heavy and hard-to-navigate Web sites - not with listening and conversation outposts.
Do you have wonder why the term is, in fact, "post"?
A gift to you: I packaged the most linked, shared, and bookmarked post at Conversation Agent to-date because I believe that blogs are a valuable part of your communications mix, and observed that you believe that, too.
Get your free, portable version of why blog + 25 tips to make it work and learn what you need to know to get started. In exchange, if you found this content valuable, consider subscribing to this blog or recommending it to others.
The most important point, which is not in the eBook, is within your power - just start. You'll be glad you did. Thank you for reading.
Thank you so much for this. I hope to apply some of the tips to my blog and certainly appreciate your articles.
Posted by: Cougar Microbes | March 31, 2009 at 07:44 AM
Thanks as always Valeria. While I've got some time to kill out here in the vast wasteland of the unemployed, it's as good a time as any to get started with some regular content.
I just need to make sure I keep things consistent, relevant, and interesting!
Posted by: Brian DR1665 | March 31, 2009 at 01:49 PM
Valeria, I continue to receive great assistance from your blog. I will use much of what you have shared in the ebook.
Thanks again!
Posted by: Bruce Christensen | March 31, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Hi Valeria,
Thanks much for the e-book, what a valuable resource! While I do several of the things you talk about, there are also many that I can either begin to do, or do better. Great stuff!
I blog because it feels "right"...
Posted by: Lance | March 31, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Valeria,
As always a great post, it may be the final push I need to move forward online. I've appreciated a lot of your other posts too but have neglected to comment, my apologies.
You downplay your efforts with the comment regarding "intensive journalism". ConversationAgent is consistently top notch and your posts are always thorough and well structured. There aren't any "throw aways" or snippets in your listings.
That said; beyond the initial start-up and organization phase how much time should be allocated to the blog? Would it be fair to say a couple hours per post and several hours a week to tweek the site?
Thanks again and hope all is well.
Posted by: NWGuy | April 01, 2009 at 06:51 PM
@Cougar - thank you for stopping by.
@Brian - if I didn't convince you here, wait until you see my post on Twitter later this week :)
@Bruce - glad to be of service. You have been most generous in linking and sharing. And you come with considerable marketing experience yourself. Thank you for reading and participating so actively.
@Lance - good to hear from you. Hope things are well. It feels right, doesn't it?
@Bruce - I prefer to stay humble, there is so much I still need to learn. You are very kind. I spend about 30 hours a week working on ideas, researching, writing, and giving back to the community in the form of comments, sharing other people's content, and networking offline. Funny enough, offline these days means by email. I'm sure there's a post there. I have very high standards for my readers. You take the time to come over, I take the time to make sure it's worthwhile.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | April 02, 2009 at 12:09 AM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
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Thank you, Sarah. Much appreciated.
Posted by: Sarah | April 08, 2009 at 01:57 AM
Some of the bloggers who post primarily breaking news have moved to micro-blogging on Social Networking sites like Twitter and FriendFeed.
There is the immediacy of the latest news or changes and then there is the person seeking a solution to a pressing challenge.
Bloggers who create valuable resources that can be used for research and referenced repeatedly provide those solutions. My blog is one of those as is this one. Our type of blog is certainly not obsolete.
Posted by: InternetStrategist@GrowMap | April 13, 2009 at 02:25 PM