Heres Why You Dont NEED a Blog

The word "blog" seems to be everywhere, and what an ugly word it is!

Short for "web log," a blog is a Web page made up of typically short, frequently updated postings that are listed chronologically. It's similar to an online journal. Different blog publishers have different types of content and objectives, just like e-zine publishers do. Content can vary greatly, but most blogs I see are used to share news about a certain business, project, person, or idea. I've also seen some with personal diaries, photos, mini-essays, and the like. Most blogs feature "here's what's on my mind" type entries written by only one person.

Are blogs the next big thing? Well, people seem to love talking about them. ("Do you have a blog? Have you blogged? Want to blog me?") They're popular, easy to update instantly, and you don't have to worry about sp^m filters eating you up.

Do you NEED a blog? Absolutely not. Blogs don't come close to the marketing power of an e-zine. They require your readers to come to YOU instead of your coming to them.

My friend John Reese has a great blog at MarketingSecrets.com, in which he reveals results to his online marketing tests and news about his programs. (I love his stuff.) He posts to his blog much more than he publishes his e-zine. He says it allows him to share thoughts, resources, ideas, and strategies more quickly and easily. (You can see what his blog looks like here.)

But honestly, I never think to go visit the blog, because I have to ... go visit it. Instead I faithfully read his e-zine that arrives right in my inbox.

You May Want to Start a Blog If...

• You'd like your website to rank higher in the search engines.



• You already have a large following of people who would like to keep up with your advice or programs more frequently than your e-zine allows.



• Your business is in a field whose information changes very frequently, such as on a daily basis (e.g. stock trading).



• You have project or personal matter you'd like to update everyone on at once. (For example, my friends who just had a baby post a blog with frequent updates on their little one's progress.)



• You have so much infomation to share about a certain topic so often that it just won't work in your e-zine.

Free Tool Helps You Get Started

If you'd like to start a blog, check out www.Blogger.com. It offers a Web-based tool that helps you publish to the Web instantly, whenever the urge strikes you.

Just don't expect me to come read your blog! : )

(c) 2003 Alexandria K. Brown

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," is author of the award-winning manual, "Boost Business With Your Own E-zine." To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://EzineQueenTutorial.com/

---

Stop Buying Email Lists

The saying "Quality, not Quantity" is applicable even to the... Read More

Reports of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated -- Email Marketing

Recently, there has been a lot written about email and... Read More

What Good Is An AutoResponder?

A term that confuses just about everyone is "autoresponder". When... Read More

The Innovative Ways To Use Your Autoresponder

If you have auto response system set up for following... Read More

Why Your Email Distribution List is Your Best Source of New Sales

Don't overlook your current customers. After all, they're the ones... Read More

Consumer Thinking and Email

In an article based on research done by emaillabs, MarketingSherpa... Read More

Are Your Emails Being Heard

Yes, the headline is spelled right. What if you had... Read More

Build Credibility With an Email Course

When you are an expert, you sometimes forget that others... Read More

Why You Need a Newsletter

If you're a small business owner you definitely need promotion.... Read More

Are Autoresponders An Important Asset To Your Business?

Autoresponders are an important asset to an Internet Marketer. When... Read More

5 Ways to Get Better Email Marketing Data Quality at Point of Collection

Adestra provide email marketing services to a host of UK... Read More

Email Marketing Best Practices

Now that we've explored the importance of sending permission-based email,... Read More

How Effective is Your Email? How Can You Tell?

Is your email getting to your list members? If so,... Read More

Email Etiquette IV

Further to my previous issues this subject continues - part... Read More

The Power Of Email Marketing

Have You Considered The Power Of Email MarketingOld vs. NewIf... Read More

14 Ways To Persuade Your Web Site Visitors To Give You Their Email Address

1. Ask visitors to subscribe to your e-zine. It's a... Read More

8 Quick, Hot Reasons You Should Offer an E-mail Course Today

1. E-mail courses are generally quick and easy to create.... Read More

Choose Your Email Marketing Software Wisely

Successful online business can't be led without email marketing. Many... Read More

Using Emotional Triggers in Ad Writing

Writing ads for either your own products or affiliate products... Read More

How to Structure an Email Follow Up Series

Marketers the world over use follow up autoresponders toincrease sales.... Read More

Internet Advertising: 20 Magical Ways To Convert Website Visitors to Subscribers

Do you publish an e-zine or newsletter? If you answer... Read More

Promote Your Web Business With Every Email You Send!

Website owners are always on the lookout for new ways... Read More

7 Autoresponder Marketing Strategies To Automate, Build and Grow Your Business

Did you know one of the most important tools in... Read More

Ways to Use Autoreponders To Increase Your Profits

When I was first introduced to an autoresponder I thought... Read More

Add Email To Your Marketing Mix

If you are serious about adding email to your marketing... Read More

Six Easy White-Listing Ways... Stop Losing Important Emails!

Are you dead sure about receiving of all the important... Read More

22 Simple But Highly Effective Methods To Ban E-mail Opt-In List

Here are 22 simple but highly effective methods to build... Read More

Save Time By Creating Email Signature Templates

If you're like me, there are certain types of email... Read More

How to Build Your List

Your list is your life. If you do not have... Read More

Just Write an Email

How did you sell your last product? Imagine that I... Read More

Viral Marketing Tips: Greeting Cards

When we speak about viral marketing, we are not talking... Read More

Email Scam Warnings

Most people online are very familiar with the Nigerian Email... Read More

Email Marketing 2005?Do?s & Don?ts

Email Marketing 2005?Do's & Don'ts1. Make sure all your email... Read More