Every Business Needs a Blog. Here are 3 Reasons Why.

Every business needs a blog. There, I said it. Whether you're trying to share your personality, provide a behind the scenes look, or chronicle your journey, blogging is a great way to do it.

But, when it comes to creating a successful blog, it's not quite as simple as the good, the bad, and the ugly. Breaking down blogs into those categories would be too simple.

It's not quite as simple as “hobby” versus “professional” blogger either. There are professional blogs that don't quite make it. There are hobby blogs that blow up and are wildly popular.

When I started my blog in 2012, I had no idea what I was doing. As I've mentioned before, I thought blogs were for 16-year-old girls who wanted to share about boy bands and boyfriends.

I was wrong.

Blogging is an awesome way to connect with your customers, friends, and your family. It's allowed me to grow a global brand, speak at conferences, and be a guest on podcasts with hosts in a dozen countries.

By creating my blog, I've met people I'd never had met otherwise and built wonderful friendships.

But why does every business need a blog? Why is it so important to sit behind a keyboard and write?

Let me explain.

3 Reasons Why Every Business Needs a Blog

1: Know, like and trust.

All things being equal, we buy from people we know, people we like, and people we trust. By blogging for your business, you allow both current and future customers to get to know you. Once they know you, they can start to like you. After they like you, they will start to trust you.

If you've been in business for any amount of time, you know it's easier (and cheaper) to keep a customer than it is to gain a new one. Besides the cost of time, a blog is essentially a free way to get new customers.

Don't hide your personality either. I hid my quirks and uniqueness for over a year, and it not only felt fake and forced, but it hindered the growth of my business as well.

Your personality is what will draw in new customers and bring you loyal, raving fans.

2. Behind the scenes.

We love behind the scenes tours. A few years ago, my mom, sister and I got to tour the Tabasco factory on McIlhenny island in Louisiana. Though I don't care for Tabasco as a spice, I found the peek behind the curtain incredibly interesting. I even liked the company more by seeing how they make their products.

You can get similar results by blogging about the process of creating, designing and building your products. Give people a look at your workflow, your creative processes, and how you get things done.

Another benefit to offering a behind the scenes look is that it engenders trust. Pulling back the curtain shows your readers, viewers, and customers that you've got nothing to hide.

3: Sharing your journey.

One of the biggest tragedies we have today is how much we discount the value of our own story (TWEET THAT).

We isolate ourselves from the people going through similar challenges and struggles.

Sharing your journey not only shows your clients you're human, but it helps you relate to them as well. You don't have to give away every secret or share every fear, but you should take people along for the ride.

Your story is what makes you unique. The founding principles are the driving forces behind your business. They're woven into the fabric of who you are, what you do, and how you do business. I can't think of a better way to connect with other people than by sharing the journey you're taking.

Why all this matters

A funny thing happened to me just a few weeks ago.

I started to notice several people coming to me with similar questions about building an online business. These people didn't know each other, but they were all in the same place.

As any good entrepreneur who sees a need in the marketplace would do, I created a solution. I started a private group mastermind to help entrepreneurs get their online businesses going.

Because I've built a brand people know, like, and trust, I didn't even have to sell my first members. I mentioned my project, and they said “yes” before knowing the schedule, the cost, or even who the other members would be.

My blog is where I share my struggles, my successes, and peeks behind my curtain. By doing sharing these things for two and a half years, I've built real connections and a following of raving fans.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not bragging. I was just as surprised by their willingness to agree to be in my mastermind as you are.

But my success with this mastermind validates everything you've just read. By doing what I've just shared with you, I've sold a product without doing any selling whatsoever.

So, why does every business need a blog?

Because a blog allows you to connect with your customers, human to human. Blogging allows you to establish your authority cost-effectively and enables you to build trust naturally.

Question: What benefits have you seen as a result of starting a blog?

 

Photo credit: rcade / Foter / CC BY-SA