The Importance of Blogging

CHAPTER 5: Blogs: Tapping Millions of Evangelists to Tell Your Story

1) Blogs generate instant feedback. -Blogs serve as a way to get your message out to the public and receive either a lack of response or a flurry of response. Either way, you're given an instant glimpse into the power of your idea or message. In a world of technology, we want, crave, and need feedback quickly! In a very competitive and fast-paced marketplace, being able to get information fast is crucial to success.
2) Blogs are often misperceived by people who don't read them. -Blogs vary drastically from traditional journalism. Journalism demands a fair and balanced viewpoint, where blogs allow people to express their own opinions directly. Trying to compare blogs to magazines and newspapers is like attempting to compare apples to oranges - they're just not the same. In the process of reading articles about blogs to get myself familiar with what makes a good blog, and this article struck me. Just like the point made in the book about the misperception of blogs, this article titled, "Improve Your Blog. Stop Writing for an Audience." describes why you shouldn't worry about expressing your own opinions in your blog.

3) The Four Uses of Blogs for Marketing and PR. -First, you must understand the unwritten rules of blogging. By becoming involved in the blogging world (start by reading blogs), you're surrounding yourself with valuable insight from marketplace. Secondly, by getting involved with other bloggers and adding your own voice to the conversation, you get your point of view and the message you want your audience to hear out there. Do you want others to monopolize giving YOUR message? I don't think so. Companies must make sure their voice is being heard in every medium possible. Thirdly, make yourself known to other bloggers. Lastly, when you start your own blog you can even more clearly shape those conversations with other bloggers. The Five Elements of Perfect Blog Post is an insightful article that outline necessities of getting an audience's attention and retaining it.
4) Reach People Around the World. -The debate over blogs or no blogs should focus on people and not technology. Blogs have proven in so many instances to be beneficial. Yet, that doesn't mean there isn't need for rules. Companies shouldn't stop their employees from blogging, but instead give them guidelines. By allowing people to express themselves through blogs, companies are encouraging interaction and two-way communication (the best form of communication for any company). Both of which are great for getting consumer involvement and helping build a brand reputation and name.
5) The Power of Blogs. -It's remarkable what people have done with blogs. For those who disregard blogs, they're missing out. Blogs hold the potential to help you and the company you work for build a reputation. I find this important because I hope blogging will help empower me!