For this issue, BusinessWest begins a new feature called, simply, ‘10 Points.’ As the name suggests, it provides 10 quick but important points about a given subject. Over the coming months, writers contributing to this space will touch on matters ranging from non-compete agreements to wills; from choosing a general contractor to writing a business plan. For this issue, the subject is blogging. If you would like to contribute to ‘10 Points,’ please submit your idea to obrien@businesswest.com
1. Blogging requires a serious time commitment. You must post at least once per week, every week. In other words, a neglected blog is worse than none at all.
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| 2. One of the fastest ways to get your blog noticed is by posting comments on other relevant blogs, with a link back to yours. |
| 3. The blogosphere is a community, so you should expect to be engaged by others. |
| 4. Two of the most popular blogging platforms are Google’s free Blogger and SixApart’s paid TypePad. You do get what you pay for in this instance. |
5. Popular blogs are often written in the first person. This is an opportunity to allow your readers, clients, and prospects to get to know you as a person. |
| 6. Your blog can drive traffic to your Web site and vice-versa. |
| 7. Search engines love blogs because the content is constantly fresh. |
| 8. Blogs without pictures are boring, so you should have access to photos and possess basic photo-editing skills. |
| 9. You must be a good writer. Although the tone may be casual, spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors will keep you from being taken seriously. |
| 10. In the blogosphere, it is perfectly acceptable to republish another blogger’s work as long as you credit them. No permission is required, but it’s nice to make a request just the same. |
 Christine Pilch is a partner with Grow My Company and a social-media networking strategist. She collaborates with professional service firms to get results through innovative positioning strategies: (413) 537-2474; growmyco.com; “Miracle Growth for Your Company.” |
