Friday, February 2, 2007

To Blog or Not To Blog

If you have found this blog, then you are probably already familiar with the rapidly growing phenomenon of blogging. Originally perceived as a trivial outlet for gossipy teenagers and self-righteous activists, blogs are rapidly developing into so much more.

Blogging has taken over the internet under the guise of such popular names as MySpace and YouTube. Its intense popularity has skeptics taking another look at this form of social media and reevaluating it as a useful public relations tool.

Many benefits accompany blogging. The most obvious are the promotional benefits. Blogs are content specific and updated regularly, so they tend to develop a basis of loyal readers. Because of this, blogs are a great way for PR professionals to continually reach a targeted market.

Because blogs are constantly updated they are always fresh and new. Readers depend on the content of blogs for the trendiest and most updated information. Utilizing blogs as PR tool allows you to also be relevant, and up to date. Time is of the essence when it comes to dealing with the media and public relations, and blogging can provide PR professionals with that edge.

Furthermore, blogging allows for two way communication. Most blogs encourage input from readers and post their comments on the site. This valuable feedback is honest and real, directly from the public. The information is truthful and reliable with no politically correct editing of PR spins. This feedback provides access into the minds of consumers and helps businesses tailor to their market. It also provides a human element to the online community and can give a fresh face to businesses. In this sense, blogging allows for interaction between clients and businesses that could be utilized by PR professionals.

Furthermore, blogging platforms allow for the transfer of fresh information directly to a website, providing a continual supply of new material. Because of these regular additions of fresh keyword rich content to the site you gain favor with the search engines. Showing up on common searches are a great source for advertising and generating awareness. A smart PR professional knows this and recognizes blogging as a new advancement in public relations.

So, what originated as communication source of choice for cheeky teenagers and activists, blogging is now a legitimate PR tool. Blogging has great PR benefits. This form of social media has proven it has staying power and will continue to be a valuable tool in communications to businesses and ranting teenagers and extremists alike.

2 comments:

Michael said...

I liked how you talked about the possible cons of blogging instead of just the pros.

College Bloggers said...

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Note: avoid lengthy blocks of copy. Break it up and keep your writing tight, to the point. Briefly discuss ideas and refer readers to look more in depth by clicking on the links provided in your copy.