Blogging – an inexpensive way to attract traffic

Whats the most inexpensive way to create traffic to your web site?

A web log – commonly known as a Blog!

A blog is also a good field testing mechanism for potential markets, feeling out what your customers want or need in the niche you have chosen.

As you know creating on online presence can be a rather expensive exercise and you still cannot be sure that what you have built is servicing your customers needs.

The best way to know what your potential customer base wants? Ask them directly via your blog.

Traffic can be attracted in numerous ways, but most require you to have a website at least. Then of course you run into hosting costs, auto responder costs, product development, etc…

A blog is free and demonstrates your desire to engage your customer base. If you cannot attract customers to free information and tips you are able to provide them via a blog – what makes you think a website will be any different?

Now many believe in using PLR articles to develop their articles or blogs, but in reality the best way to engage people is – well, just laying out your thoughts as they come to you. Not only does this show you have a reasonable amount of talent in a particular field but often you can learn a thing or two from those who read your blog and respond.

I know that automation is a key part of an online business but when it comes to teaching people, they are all individuals and everyone has a different learning style. Responding to people who ask questions is key part of blogging, building credibility as well as showing a human face to those who show interest in your subject.

If you don’t like people you really don’t have much future in an online market – after all surely marketing is a process of selling to people.

I know blogging is nothing new, however it is the most inexpensive way to engage a potential customer base and by adding your website link (if you have one) to your blog, you can also increase your search engine ranking.

Try to teach people something you have personally found that works and never pitch to people, that is not the purpose of what you are trying to accomplish here. A good teacher is also a good learner and everyone has got something to teach as well as something to learn. I am yet to meet an exception to that rule….

Think about topics that interest your potential customer base. What turns you on? What would you like to know? After all it’s your blog – if you want to know something there are probably a thousand more folks that what an answer to exactly the same question.

Are there any rules that should be applied to your blog? Not really.

Be a little controversial – that’s always a good way of getting comments.

Ask questions of your readers.

What kind of subjects should blog about?

I am assuming here that you have already performed some sort of research after listing a number of subjects you are personally interested in and passionate about. Go niche, very niche after doing your research to identify the number of people interested, searching, on your favorite subjects – but that is another topic altogether.

Which reminds me of yet another blogging rule. Stick to the topic!

Think about all of the topics in your chosen niche that people would want to discuss. For example if your niche is growing tomatoes, best time plant, spraying or organic, types of tomatoes, staking plants, blah,blah,blah…

Check out the competition to see what they are talking about – the latest techniques, etc.

Remember to respond to queries and be human. Use humor if appropriate (death of a loved one might not be appropriate) and give some valuable information.

Blog consistently, and don’t give up. Once day or several times a week will be good. As your blog grows so will your audience and reputation.

Any comments would truly be appreciated and responded to – however spamming just to get back- links will not make it onto my blog.

Good blogging!

Doug Turner

MarketingWahoo.com