Facts

- By 2013, 17% of the US Internet population will be blogging
- 128 million people in the Us will be readding blogs on a monthly basis
- 38 million people in the US will be blogging

Benefits for your Business

- Blogging helps to provide useful information, tools and resources consistently on your site. Achieving more frequent search engine crawls.
- Interact and develop close relationships with your customers on the web.
- Develop an audience of e-mail and RSS subscribers.
- Helps you to attract more potential customers to your site.

Components of a Blog

1. Header. Helps to set the visual elements for your blog. They usually provide links to information for readers.
2. Sidebars. Gives readers information and encourages interaction. They also help to provide additional information to the readers.
3. Post. Your posts need to promote interactions and involvement. Make your content appealing to people.
4. Comments. A Blog gives your readers the opportunity to get involved and add value to your Blog.



Another thing to consider prior to posting your Blog is the layout. Use the layout (two-column, three-column, etc.) that better fits your needs. Be very careful on how you organize your information and what information you are going to post on your Blog.

Choosing a Blogging Platform

Things to consider before you choose one:

- Number of people that will be blogging
- Editing skill level, find a Blogging platform that is easy to use.
- Hosting
- Cost

Despite all the benefits that blogging provides to your business, there are three questions that you need to ask yourself before you make blogging part of your marketing strategy:

1. Do you have the time?
2. Do you have the people?
3. Are you going to commit to it from now on?

If you get a Blogger to do that job for you, these are some qualifications that you need to consider before entering into an independent contractor agreement:

- Blogger must be passionate about blogging and social media.
- Must be passionate about your products and services.
- Must have the skill to connect and help your customers.
- Must have the ability to deliver your message to your target audience.

Visit HISCEC's resources page to choose one of the blog platforms and hosting services that we recommend.