Hey, we understand completely. Writing a blog is a tremendous opportunity to get your name, and expertise, out into the digital marketplace. And if by chance you engage a few potential customers along the way, even better! You are going to make your own distinct imprint on the blogosphere starting today. Well … it all sounds fine and dandy until it is just you and a blank computer screen. It seems like it should be easy, but sometimes just getting started is the hardest part.

First, here are a few basic rules to follow:

• Never, never (did I say NEVER?) use your blog for shameless self-promotion. A blog is not a direct selling tool and this style will just turn people off.
• Write like you are enjoying yourself. No one wants to read mundane, boring copy that sounds like it came from a textbook. Have fun, share your personality with the reader. This is a conversation with a friend.
• Don’t write a novel. Be engaging, be interesting, but don’t go on and on about your topic.
• Everyone loves a comedian. Adding a little “funny” to your posts can go along way. Okay, maybe not “A nun, a blonde, and a chicken walk into a bar …” funny, but you get the gist. Make it fun for the reader too.

Second, even if you work for a business-to-business (B2B) company, you can really make an impact with your blog. I know sometimes it doesn’t feel as glamorous as the business-to-consumer world (oh to be Starbucks or Nike), but don’t give up hope. Here’s a great example from one of our very favorite people – and clients – Eric Le Blanc of Tyson Foods, Inc.:

http://tysondeliguy.blogspot.com/

Eric understands that he has to write in a casual manner and throws in lots of information that you just can’t get anywhere else. He has a ton of industry expertise and he shares it openly with lots of humor. Note: he actually named the blog, targeted to the Deli industry, “As the Rotisserie Turns” – bonus points for that!

So let’s wrap this post up. Go ahead, write a blog! Follow a few simple rules and you’ll be pleased with the results. Need some help getting it off the ground? Give us a shout. We’d love to help!